Category: Opinion

Cultural, political, and philosophical ideas

Opinion

Mueller time is satisfying

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller testified today in front of two committees of the US House of Representatives. Mr. Mueller was dignified and non-partisan in his approach. As citizens we have received a lot of information that is important, but not exciting. Voters will ultimately need to decide if they are okay with political candidates working with foreign governments to win office, and pretending like there was no foreign interference. As Benjamin Franklin is reported to have said when asked what form of government we had after the constitutional convention; “A republic, if you can keep it.” I hope our representatives are brave enough to do what is necessary to protect the republic, but if they are not it is up to the citizens.

Opinion

Iranian War – No Thanks

I hope that we are not in a shooting war with Iran. The United States military forces are the best in the world. Th United States has had our military engaged in fighting for almost 20 years straight. If any country can handle two decades of continuous war it is the United States with the finest military in the history of the world. The men and women who serve in our military deserve excellent leadership that does not create chaos that only the military can sort out. We had a treaty with the Iranians (and several other partner nations) over nuclear weapons production; but the current US administration chose to pull out and renew economic sanctions. The economic sanctions have put the Iranians in a desperate situation. Let’s all hope desperation does not lead to foolish actions and war.

Opinion

Heat Wave

Everyone should be on the lookout for an upcoming month that is not the warmest ever recorded. Hope springs eternal, and we need to stay cool while praying for better climate policy. Continue to do everything you can, and support efforts to promote human-friendly climate. Hope is not a strategy, but it does keep us moving forward.

Opinion

Why is Trump so divisive?

Why is Donald Trump always seeking to divide Americans? If he were an agent of Russia he would have to work hard to do much better than what he has done. He undermines our law enforcement and intelligence agencies. He attacks the courts and congress with lies regularly. The divide and distract strategy is likely born of a desperate need to maintain support in the light of increasing legal/political problems facing Trump. When will there be accountability for Trump that causes him to consider the country above his own interest?

Opinion, Words to ponder

Is the Statue of Liberty still a symbol of America?

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” is the first verse at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. Apparently we are shutting the door to being the shining city on a hill, and becoming the torture garden for any who dare to come here seeking asylum. There are many who say that we have lost our way, and have become a pillar of selfishness on a planet that we have pushed to the limit of being able to support our species. We do little to lead the world in addressing the climate problem we have helped to create, and we allow our country to become the land of the cruel.

Opinion, Words to ponder

2020 will be a pivotal election

The elections of 2020 at all levels of government will be pivotal to the future of our species. Will the promise of America be maintained, and the growth of freedom worldwide continue to grow? Everyone aged 8 and over in the USA will have an important role in answering that question. I plan to spread the word about the importance of our learning, thinking, and voting in every way that I can. I have heard a lot about the greatest generation and I believe they earned that reputation. I hope today’s Americans live up to our potential, and honor the sacrifice of our ancestors by making fear secondary to hope.

Opinion

When will we take climate chaos seriously?

There have been several recent storms that have demonstrated climate chaos. One hundred and five hundred year storms taking place year after year, and weather records for heat and precipitation being broken consistently in recent years. What will it take for citizens to demand action from our government? It has become clear that we will not get affirmative action in the United States if our vote is not consistently in favor of realists, and believers of science when it comes to climate. Our government is not the problem it is a symptom of an unengaged population. Let’s hope that Mother Nature does not have to break our figurative jaw to convince us to take action now.

Opinion

Jeffrey Epstein and justice

America is still out there, and criminals still must be concerned about justice… no matter how much money they have. The story of Jeffrey Epstein and the US District Attorney’s office in Miami led by Alex Acosta is appalling. Hiding facts from a judge and victims of a crime is evidence of guilt. When you hide facts from victims and the judge in crimes involving the abuse of children it is damning. I wonder how much longer Mr. Acosta will be Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary – a job that deals with monitoring and policing sex trafficking in the USA. Let’s hope America’s children are not left with their protection in question.

Opinion, Words to ponder

Celebrating America’s Birthday

The more you know about the history of the USA, and humanity as a whole; the more grateful you become. Our country is the greatest in history in terms of wealth and power, but more so in terms of ideals and aspirations. Lately we have become hobbled in our pursuit of our potential because of increasing ignorance, tribalism, and small thinking. I am hopeful that the USA will emerge from this period triumphant and true to the highest ideals of mankind. I believe we have come this far by being number one in embracing truth. We must continue to pursue freedom by knowing the truth as A wise man advised. Happy Birthday America!

Opinion

Is 45 okay with foreign help in elections?

Is the current president okay with the idea of foreigners providing him with support in his election efforts? It appears that he is. The president typically is okay with anything that helps him, but a threat to his interests of any kind should be locked up. The president should represent the best of America and it’s aspirations. I hope the day is rapidly approaching when our president is a thoughtful and conscientious person.