Tag: civil rights

Opinion

America 4 sale?

The stories of our times include dark money allowed in our politics by a Supreme Court with many members appearing to be corrupted by the same phenomena. Money magically appears to pay bills for judicial relatives, supply large paychecks for spouses, purchase languishing real estate. America is in the lonely position among democracies of believing that money equals speech, but we take it a step further in not even wanting to know who is speaking, Dark money can come from inside and outside of our country and we will never know if the source wishes us good or ill. Americans increasingly do not trust institutions; mass media, social media, politicians, banks, etc. We are a country unmoored from the truth as corruption, and pursuit of money over civic duty dominate. We spend a lot of time talking about politicians who are symptoms rather than systems assaulting good citizenship. Americans are more ignorant, confused, and angry than ever due to institutional failures from public schools to news networks. Take a stand and act to hold organizations and individuals with power accountable. Use your rights to create a tide of righteousness that brings truth, hope, and justice.

Opinion

Is America flirting with fascism, or are the idiots taking over?

Jesus effectively told us ‘we will know the truth and the truth will set us free‘, but Republicans like Ron DeSantis and Glen Youngkin don’t want instruction in history based on truth. Why not? The Republican governors say that truthful history will hurt young white people’s feelings, but they say nothing about the feelings of African-American children. Truth and history are not about feelings; they help us to be strong and intelligent people. The same Republicans worried about feelings also attack people they call “Woke”, but they do not explain what they mean by this. Do they want American citizens to be “Sleep”, and if so why? Fascist do whatever they can to achieve power. The classic move of fascists is to pit people against each other while lying and claiming to be victims; their intent is to victimize others. The Republican leaders pushing fascism claim to be for freedom, but the only freedom they are concerned with is their own to abuse, harass, and threaten the other. Americans must be ready to choose in upcoming elections between dignity and respect for all, or power for some at the expense of others. The fascist Putin has been quoted as saying that he will “do anything for his friends and for his enemies the law.” Fascist in America will sell a similar message of law and order in the streets, but the crime wave will be in the halls of power. Research and act to preserve our republic.

Opinion

Climate Crash and our politics

We live in important times that will either inspire our progeny or seal their doom. The Republicans deny elections, the climate crisis, the January 6 insurrection, Women’s rights to choose, and the truth; but they still have enough support to perhaps win the house and/or the senate. Americans seem to be confused or avoiding the horrible truth of our times. The desire for, and belief in strongmen signals a cowardice or child-like desire for a protector from thinking about the issues. Vladimir Putin has proven that giving power to one person is not a solution but creates more problems and disaster. I am hopeful that our country has enough people of character to make the best decisions about our leaders and our future. The eternal battle that continues today remains: It is a battle between those who want something for nothing versus those willing to work together for success. Between those who believe in themselves versus those who don’t. Insecurity can appear as racism, anti-semitism, nativism, or sexism, etc. but it is really about true confidence. Don’t let the cowardly Republicans fool you; desiring a strong man is not about strength. Research, communicate, and vote for a better future.

Opinion

Dictatorships and Oligarchies are crooked and lousy

The Ukrainian offensive against the Russians (in a war that should have never been started in the first place) proves an old point all over again. Authoritarian governments are terrible ways to run any country. Corruption and lies in authoritarian governments destroy the interests of the people and lead to death and destruction. Biblically it was termed “without a vision the people perish”; but we see groups of people conspiring to create authoritarian movements in our country today. Republicans surround Trump and lie to keep him in power and relevant. The question is what do they think will happen when such a broken person has power? Voting in our near future (possibly as long as several elections) will be an exercise in purging those who love authoritarians out of government power. Republicans have allowed their party to be turned into a clear threat to democracy. Research the issues and vote like your life depends on it. Climate change has to be addressed in the near future (just like women’s rights, voting rights, and many other issues). The time for games and foolishness is over or humanity will face dire consequences.

Opinion

Texas Fabulist

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has been lying about the school shootings in Uvalde from the beginning. He initially talked about the shooter using a handgun and we later found out he had no handgun. Abbott continued to lie about school resource officers and other events because he wanted to shift the narrative away from an eighteen year old murder buying assault rifles legally after his birthday. Abbott clearly understands his liability in the death of 21 people and he does not want the citizens of Texas to think about the policies he pursues. I am sure that Abbott enjoys the support of some Texans who feel that he is delivering what they want; but I hope that most people actually love life more than they favor bullying and harassment to return to the 1950s. The human brain is not fully formed until after the mid 20s. People who want assault weapons in their lives between the ages of 18 to 25 can join the military, reserves, or national guard. Research and support candidates who are in favor of sensible gun laws that reduce the death toll in America.

Opinion

Pro-Life?

America has a problem. We love to destroy one another. We take issues and divide ourselves over them with a lot of lies thrown in to rationalize our positions; meanwhile reality tells us to stop lying. Deaths due to cigarette smoking continued for years while politicians and corporations lied. Pollution and Climate Crisis kill thousands in America and we still avoid the truth about the depth of knowingly caused destruction. QAnon and White Supremacist lie in a systemic way to point the heavily armed mentally ill at minorities or people they don’t like. Republicans claim to be pro-life but don’t support health care for all, or gun control to stop mentally ill 18 year olds with assault rifles. America is big into death and personal destruction. It is said that courtesy is the lubricant of society, but the “Pro Life” party uses personal attack on any who disagree with them. The January 6 coup attempt should have been enough. The children murdered in Uvalde, Texas are an atrocity that happens because we value the ability to kill and destroy more than the lives of children.

Opinion

Warriors against Evil

A core characteristic of evil is the belief that what one person desires is more important than what others want. Putin and his followers in Russia believe that what they want matters more than what the people of Ukraine want. Ukrainian refugees who abuse persons of color also attempting to escape war are guilty of exhibiting the same characteristic. I am not saying the evil acts are the same. I want to point out and clarify that evil can easily exist in any human being. The way that we can fight evil is to be clear about what it is. Rabbi Hillel described the Old Testament as telling us to ‘treat others as we would wish to be treated’; but modern life is full of examples and prompts that lead us to diminish others to maximize ourselves. Prompts for evil can be subtle or overt; a real estate commercial with testimonials from customers who all happen to NOT be Black or Asian people (are they too different or not transact real estate?), A presidential candidate telling police to handle suspects roughly, a political party denying accountability for criminal behavior while constantly lying and then saying “both sides do it”, state legislatures reducing the rights of women to control their bodies. Jesus told us “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. Liars attack decency and reality because they want to set up a world that puts them at the top of a hierarchy with EVERYONE else diminished. Do not buy the fascist idea that your group or tribe will be elevated over others, ultimately liars play everyone else for pawns in their delusional pursuit of power. Real power comes from controlling ourselves, not stealing it from others. Demand the truth and hold liars who damage reality to undermine others and aggrandize themselves accountable. Having a decent world depends on us being warriors against evil in all of it’s forms.

Opinion

American priorities

The John Lewis Voting Advancement Bill and the Freedom to Vote Bill are critical to the strengthening of the American republic. The more Americans who vote based on factual information will translate into better leadership and American success. The Republican wall to minimize voting and the Manchin/Sinema resistance to change cabal are problems that may lead to catastrophe. Opposing making it easier to cast a thoughtful vote while eliminating dark money, political gerrymandering, and Election Day lying is corrupt. If you are an American voter you have a long and short term strategy to minimize the threat to our future. In the short-term you can contact your representatives and the two Senators while contributing to Democratic campaigns. In the long-term you can support Democrats until Republicans start telling the truth and acting to support a stronger future for the American republic. People of good will must act with alacrity and energy to stave off violence and insanity in our streets.

Opinion

Crunch time for democracy in America

We are entering a critical period in the story of America. We cannot undo what has already been done to bring us to this point, but we can act to avoid doom for our republic. Call, email, text, or write to your representatives to vote for the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Fighting to make voting easier for American citizens is the best way to stop delusional authoritarians from destroying the country. When dark money is taken out of our elections and gerrymandered districts no longer allow politicians to select their voters; we will be stronger. Access to the truth, voter education and high citizen participation are critical for a strong democracy; we are trending in the wrong direction. Today’s Republican Party lies so often because they have propaganda networks that will echo what they say without challenge. Talking points that attack the truth and science are running rampant in our country. Before it is too late we must all remember the famous words of Senator Hiram Johnson; “The first casualty of war is the truth.” Who and what will be next in a struggle that January 6, 2021 only made clear?

Opinion

Do not get tired

We live in a time of liars and criminals attempting to determine reality and the future for America. Many of us thought that the forces of this sort of evil were defeated in World War II, but that is not the case. Accountability for people who have committed crimes and been pardoned by the 45th president, or others involved in the ongoing coup attempts seems too slow. If you are an American who has traditionally been Republican ask yourself are you a patriot, or a party member first. If you are independent ask yourself who is seeking accountability for people who attempted the overthrow the will of the people in the last election. If you are a Democrat keep contacting your representatives to push for justice and a better America through voting rights bills and the Build Back Better Act. If you are a decent person who dreams of a better world do all of the above, and be prepared to act against evil attempting to take over your country.