Category: Opinion

Cultural, political, and philosophical ideas

Opinion

Will Republicans have the courage to save themselves from Trump?

The evidence of Trump being a criminal and potentially a useful idiot for Putin’s Russia continues to mount. The question is whether the Republican Party has the character and courage to break away from him before he does more damage to America. It does not look like there is any bravery or freedom left in the Republican Party. They have bet their souls on tribalism and idiocy winning the day. Ultimately American citizens will pass the verdict on Trump and the Republicans, or they won’t. There is no escape from the truth. American Republicans can creat a powerful version of reality, but they cannot work with evil intent to successfully steal reality. Don’t vote for comfortable lies and hatred. Research, act, and vote to create a positive future for America and the world.

Opinion

Build Back Better package could be a start

President Biden and the Democrats in Congress have a whittled down plan, but they must get it passed and then gather voters to support a 2nd plan in the 2022 midterm elections. Universal Pre-K is a big deal. Support for working class families to get healthcare is a big deal. Climate Crisis is accelerating and we must begin to make major changes immediately. These are just some elements of the Build Back Better framework that are more than we have now and are reasons for hope. I believe in hope not because I am a Democrat, but because it is more appealing than despair and provides fuel for action. Things are happening now even though corruption and dishonesty are apparent from politicians important to the process. Tell everyone you know who cares about the future to stay in the fight (gather the facts for decisions to act, and vote your values).

Opinion

Darkest before the dawn?

The saying that it is darkest before the dawn is hopefully true. We are living in a time of pessimism with good reason. Climate crisis, threats of authoritarianism, COVID and pandemics are a few examples of threats to our way of life. I think we have to stay hopeful and act to minimize the worst extinct of ourselves and others. It is hard to be positive at a time where the evidence says to prepare for the worst. Prepare for increasing threats to liberty and life, but work and hope for the better days ahead.

Opinion

Increase the pressure

Democrats in the congress and executive branch need to increase the urgency of getting the facts behind the attempted overthrow of the 2020 election. Criminals who openly defy congress (some after receiving pardons from Trump) should not be allowed to continue plotting with, and inspiring others to overthrow our republic. People like Steve Bannon should be compelled to tell the truth and accept accountability for their attack on the will of American citizens. When we vote for our leaders we convey the authority and power of our nation on them; not to convicts, conmen, and thugs who think they can impose their will through threats. Research, act, and vote to protect democracy and decency. Vote and act against Republicans until they support democracy.

Opinion

Is Don Winslow right about Joe Manchin?

Don Winslow’s video on Twitter titled “#Joe Manchin Senator for Sale” makes a lot of claims (with evidence) that Joe Manchin is playing the people of West Virginia and America for suckers. Senators who do not represent their constituents, or care about them, are nothing new. Many people claim the same is true with Senator Sinema in Arizona. The telling issue about Don Winslow’s video is the string of devastating facts laid out to support his claim. Is Joe Manchin a millionaire off of a family coal business that is paid by large carbon companies? Is the money from carbon companies the reason he opposes a clean energy grid that would save lives and strengthen America? The litany of charges backed by data against Joe Manchin is frightening because it shows the level of corrupt influence in our government. Trump’s cabinet was notorious for corrupt behavior. Is there justice for all in our country? Why do people at the upper levels of Congress (or Trump and his cabinet) behave in corrupt fashion and rarely held accountable? Research the issues and express your citizenship rights; demand the justice system hold everyone to the same standards of accountability.

Opinion

Fight the Idiocracy

Donald Trump, QAnnon, Anti-vaxxers, Birthers, Replacement theorist, KKK, Nazis etc. are some of the names of people who hate the world and threaten those who want to maintain decency. The indecent are on the prowl and supported by the Republican Party with help from Fox News and other far right media. The slow motion continuing coup started by Trump must be confronted for all of the lies and absurdities it is based on. Our problem is that the confrontation must be citizen powered because the haters are so energized and emboldened. The haters are broken and indecent people no doubt, but they will not stop until they meet a sturdy reality that does not play their game. Shame will not be enough; evil-doers and haters will require consequences to go back under rocks or into closets. I am hopeful that good people will emerge to win the future, but we must all show up and act to create a positive world.

Opinion

COVID’s grip weakening?

Good news continues to come out about COVID treatments and vaccination rates, but we still have a group of vaccine deniers who could create a new round of pandemic for winter. Most Americans see the need to follow the science of vaccination, and lookout for other people by masking up; but some show the human conditions of misery and ignorance. The deniers lie to themselves and anyone who will listen. What do the deniers want; and what do most Americans want? The majority of us have to be clear and forceful in backing policies based on science if we want normalcy to return and stay. We cannot become tolerant of ignorance and lies masquerading as reasonable ideas. Research, act, and vote for a better future in America.

Opinion

Climate anxiety

Many people suffer from the sinking feeling that the weather is getting worse and nothing can be done. We can do something about climate anxiety. Actively research, vote, and work to make even small changes to improve the future of our climate. We are in a climate emergency, but that only tells us to act now or face societal collapse eventually. As President Obama said “choose hope over fear” and get busy.

Opinion

A time to make choices

People living today need to know what they believe in and why. If you have not taken the time to develop a philosophy or belief system about life and your role in it; take the time to get it done. Average citizens will need to make decisions about the direction and survival of our society in the coming months and years. You will be targeted by a lot of information designed to confuse or overwhelm with the goal of influencing your decision making. Prepare yourself by examining who you want to be, what you believe in, who you are, and what you want the future to look like. Be honest with yourself, seek the truth, and act to be proud of who you are.

Opinion

Keep your spirits up!

We live in very interesting times that challenge our outlook towards the world around us. Heavy issues at all levels surround our lives and threaten to overwhelm us. The stakes of today’s issues are existential and substantial; which is why everyone must first be mindful and take care of our selves. We cannot be of service to our society or others if we are not coming from a good place. The future is uncertain with many threats currently unresolved. Keep yourself prepared and engaged in making yourself, your community, your country, and the world better.