Opinion

The search for Equality in America

Joe Biden’s election to the presidency and how people voted is telling. More than 72 million people voted for Trump despite 4 years of watching his corruption, incompetence, racism, and lying. People of color claim they want systemic inequality removed and a chance to develop wealth. I define equality as an equal chance to be successful with dignity and respect for everyone. No one discusses the other side’s view of our society; Republicans say they do not want universal healthcare or other equalizing policies, and do not recognize unequal treatment based on race or ethnicity. The question for America is; are we committed to liberty and justice for all, or will enough Americans buy into an authoritarian style government as long as it preserves white supremacy? 77 million plus citizens voted to continue the American experiment and strive toward a more perfect union. We have not resolved the question of our future course as a nation yet, but the Biden administration will be significant in predicting our future.

Opinion

The thin line between hope and disaster

To re-state the quote from Jesus in the Bible “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”. America barely passed a test of our knowledge of the truth in the last election. A man who lies regularly and was identified by many generals, doctors, scientists, journalists, and politicians as a threat to democracy was asked to continue as the president by over 70 million Americans. Fortunately over 75 million Americans knew what the cost of freedom was; knowing the truth and voting based on that knowledge. Many who voted for more Trump had rationalizations; a good economy, democrats were socialists, Joe Biden voted for a Crime Bill. Many minds were blind or minimized the daily truth of lies and attempts to overthrow our constitutional republic. The nearness of disaster in 2020 demands the implementation of policy aimed at making truth more abundant in our country. The next authoritarian personality will likely be accompanied by a more skilled political mind, and be a larger threat. Trump is not gone yet and he is trying to overturn the elections, so we are not out of the woods yet. Stay vigilant and urge your representatives to pass legislation to strengthen our republic.

Opinion

Moving forward

People my age are hearing the great Ray Charles singing Georgia On My Mind, the The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP), or Viva Las Vegas as the returns come in bringing a hoped for end to the Trump presidency. Many people believe that we will start to deal with COVID19, climate change, healthcare, and race relations in rational fashion. Trump made it a point to make everything about himself and stir chaos while seeming to get away with everything he could as we were distracted. Two months are left on the current administration. Every citizen must keep eyes peeled for corruption, criminality, and debasement of the republic as the Trump regime packs up to leave. God willing the end is near for this administration, but the damage they can do is not over. Make sure that you retain your power and research to vote in every election! Thank you to the voters who recognized the malignant threat of Trump mania and participated in this election! Hope followed by actions can move mountains!

Opinion

So much left to do

After participating in the elections, very voter should feel good about their concern for their world, country, and community. Voting is a very important tool in creating the world we would like to see, but it is not the only tool that we have. As citizens and people who care we should advocate for our values and hopes for a better future. We can use our influence with friends and family, we can contribute our time to causes and groups, and we can give resources to further the policies or movements we want to succeed. There was not a wave in any direction in this election, and there is a lot of work to do on justice, climate change, and healthcare to name a few. COVID-19 is raging in our country and we must continue to protect ourselves and others. If Joe Biden wins the presidency he will need a lot of help to get anything done. Consider getting the Five Calls app to contact your legislators and advocate for bills you want enacted into law. Every citizen who cares should vow to find ways to stay informed and involved in building a better future while continuing to protect our republic. Develop a plan to support your values while staying safe and focused.

Opinion

Warriors not Worriers

Time has almost expired for everyone who recognizes the threat of Trump, to confront your concern with a plan. Scientist say that some are born with a genetic predisposition to worry, but these worriers can change by modifying their behavior. Making a plan and working that plan when confronted by fear or anxiety can change a worrier into a warrior. Warriors are not just those who go off to fight in war, they are people who use their minds and determination to overcome adversity or challenge. People like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fanny Lou Hamer, Gandhi, John Lewis and others are examples of those who did not use violence, but their minds and abilities to turn fear or despair into hope. We see examples of warriors today in people like Stacey Abrams, Lebron James, and Alicia Garza. Become a warrior for truth and justice; as John Lewis said make “Good Trouble” and stand up when you see wrong. The election of 2020 is just the first step in a long road to save humanity and the environment that makes our civilization possible. Everyday citizens will have to get engaged and stay that way with the determination to not just be bystanders. If you have not already voted, plan your vote and be prepared for resistance, but do not give up on your rights or your voice.

Opinion

The vote for the future

There has been a lot of information shared about the election of 2020. Many people feel that politics does not change anything, but I feel their numbers are falling. Trump and the COVID pandemic have shown rational people that leadership matters, but a large number of people seem to base their choice on a few specifics like abortion, judges, and immigration. It is interesting that these specifics involve controlling other people. I think that Trump voters want a world where they feel entitled and advantaged over other people. Trump provides these people with constant attacks and others to hate; he even encourages mistreatment of certain groups while maintaining deniability with claims he is not serious. The issue that lies below all the talk from Trump is the corrosion of the rule of law, science, and decency. Trump pushes the idea of the law as a tool for some against others who are not part of the group. Trump’s practices represent an end to the ideas that are central to the ideals United States Constitution. The election of 2020 is pivotal to not just the United States but the future of mankind as dictators and authoritarian regimes appear to be on the rise. Democracy and human rights used to be supported by the United States but this is in decline under Trump. The American citizen is the last bulwark against a wave of selfishness, corruption, and degeneration. Research and vote because as the saying goes “Eternal Vigilance is the price of liberty”.

Opinion

Multiple crises and no leadership

Americans are facing multiple crises due to COVID19 and the cascade of issues that stems from a failure of leadership. We have been asked in the past ‘Who do you want to have a beer with?” to choose a leader. The question was always disingenuous because it asked people to feel comfortable at a level that disregarded the capacity to manage something as complex as the executive branch of the US government. It used to be said by politicians such as John F. Kennedy that you could not trust someone who did not drink. Donald Trump doesn’t drink, but too many Americans chose him because they felt he was a change. Now we exist in an absurd time where people at home and abroad are shocked at the incompetence of an America that has no rational answers for anything. We have a president that adversaries want to see victorious because he strengthens their goal of being dominant in the world as American influence collapses. We do not lead or trend in the right direction on climate change, response to COVID, race relations, or anything important. America faces a defining choice in the election of 2020. Make sure you research and vote your values in this and every election!

Opinion

Stacking the Courts for what?

Mitch McConnell and the Republican senate have worked hard to load the Supreme Court with conservative judges. Almost everyone is aware of the anti-abortion stance that has been used to select potential nominees to the Supreme Court. But what other beliefs about the law do the Federalist Society selections for the court get screened for? Every serious voter and citizen should research the Federalist Society and it’s beliefs about private citizens versus police, business, government, etc. Trump has selected a third of the Supreme Court and the US Senate has tolerated his craziness so that he could do it. We will soon begin to find out what a 6-3 conservative court means for the citizens of the United States and how long the court will remain stacked. Conservatives voted for 40 years to bring about the result that we have now (with a little help from lying Mitch McConnell and Republican senators); progressives may have to consistently focus for the same amount of time to rebalance the courts. Research and vote in 2020 and every year.

Opinion

Struggling to breath, now and later?

Selfish Americans love Trump. 45 feeds their ego either through short-term stock market gains, or perceived social status as hatred of minorities is mainstreamed. The world can go to hell and selfish Americans don’t care as long as they get what they want. The administration sells illusions of toughness while allowing COVID-19 to run rampant and kill as it sees fit. Trump does not own it all because he sends mixed messages; some in the administration say wear a mask while others don’t wear one and say it is not a big deal. America has one of the worst governments for handling COVID-19 and our death toll continues to be the horrific. Trump has a similar strategy for Climate Change; just speak from both sides of the mouth and fight or ignore science. Americans are dying from the virus struggling to breathe and the president does not seem to care. In coming years Climate Catastrophe will cause difficulty surviving if we continue to dither as Trump does today. The price of the current administration is devastation for America now and later. Research and vote this year, and every vote like your life depends on it; it does.

Opinion

Frightening Politicization

America’s top intelligence official and the Director of the FBI spoke to the American people tonight about attempts by Iran and Russia to influence our elections. The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) who is a former Republican congressman (known for being ethically challenged) claimed that Iran wanted to hurt Trump but gave no evidence. I have no doubt that foreign powers want to damage America by using the elections, but they get a lot of help from the current president. A president who lies all the time, has asked for foreign help in the 2016 election, and encourages domestic terrorists to stand back and standby is a challenge to trust. DNI Ratcliffe as the messenger providing an interpretation of intentions leaves another weakness in the American defense apparatus. America’s major strength has been truth; whether it is the search for truth through science, or the ability to rally people to the truth of human dignity and justice. Trump’s desperation to avoid accountability and continue his crime spree are the main threat to the dream of America. It is sad that he has us to the point of being immediately doubtful of people in positions of leadership in our defense. Research and vote in 2020 and every election to save our republic!