Tag: corruption

Opinion

Justice coming?

Believing in truth and justice is what keeps us hopeful. The American justice system is flawed but remains among the best on earth and makes our country possible. Dictators always attack truth and seek to control people by being the source of all hope. Trump took his best shot at becoming a dictator and so far has failed. The American justice system will soon have the opportunity to show that no one is above the law by putting Trump on trial, but it very late. Reports of corruption and criminality by Trump are legion and show that justice has not been equal for the wealthy. Let’s hope reform and awareness create a more equitable justice system.

Opinion

Waiting for the criminal justice system to work

When you observe continuous criminality and corruption it is much like observing a turd in a pool. Things are not the way they should be and each time you see it is distressing. Many people feel this way as we wait for the toilet to flush and Trump (and other corrupt Republicans) to be held accountable. America will not be what it should be until it demonstrates that no one is above the law. Support leaders who are respectful of all people, but most importantly US citizens, laws, and institutions. America is still a great country, but we face immediate peril that is an existential threat.

Opinion

Asymmetric warfare

The United States has been hit with several types of asymmetric warfare in recent years from Russia. Russia has meddled in our politics with varying effect in 2016 and 2020 (and likely other elections). Many knowledgeable people claim that the asymmetric attacks have included useful idiot American citizens acting in the interest of Russia (Giuliani and Trump are the most known names). Now Colonial Pipeline which supplies most of the fuel to the east coast has been hacked by a Russian criminal group that does not attack within their own country. What is the difference between a Russian criminal organization and their intelligence agencies? America is in the crosshairs of ongoing attacks that are enjoying increasing success. Educate yourself and demand that your representatives do not cooperate with any enemy attack, and hold Russia accountable for damage to our country and it’s interests.

Opinion

Lies as a power play

We live in a time where one of our two major parties (the Republicans) lie with astonishing regularity and are not called on it. Why is this happening? Lies are a play for power and when we don’t call people on obvious lies that involve our lives; we are either complicit or cowering. As you observe news and events notice who is saying what, and whether liars are held accountable. In our society we have people called journalists, but they usually do not look at trends or past events (which should be in their journals); they just ask questions and accept answers. Every astute observer of news knows that when a “Fox News journalist” asks questions it is a lot different than most other networks. We are used to observing complicit persons and organizations participate in a propaganda campaigns in what we often call our culture wars. Academics and observers of our society say that we are in a cold civil war that can turn hot at any time. America is better than our politics, but we do get the government that we deserve. Pay attention and act so that what Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature” are more powerful than the demons.

Opinion

Conmen looking for malevolent dupes

News reports that Donald Trump fundraises off of lying about the 2020 election and tricks donors into giving money weekly instead of a one-time gift is not surprising to most people. The stunning truth is the millions of people who continue to believe Trump and have respect for him. Americans are not forced to listen to, or watch, particular sources of information; they choose outlets providing lies and and deception fitting their view of the world. The view of the world that is against increasing the number of citizens who vote, against equal rights for women, against civil rights, against social mobility. A large number of Americans don’t believe in democracy or equality; they want to be entitled and able to lie about opportunity for all. Americans who want an America that lives up to the social contract that rewards work and discipline with dignity and respect must be ready to vote and provide resources for it. The struggle between good and evil is never won by sitting around and waiting for someone else to provide it to you. Vote, contact your representatives, and donate to causes you care about.

Opinion

America drifting apart

It has become a national defense issue that the citizens of our country cannot agree on basic facts. Putin and the Russians have been observed by the world dominating America under the Trump administration without any observed punishment. Other countries can see that Americans can easily be pitted against one another because some watch Fox and others watch NBC, ABC, etc. When you observe clear lies being spread by mass media boycott the sponsors and spread the word. The truth is the strength of America if we can figure out what it is, and not allow liars to divide us.

Opinion

Take Responsibility

Many Americans seem to be struggling with taking responsibility for a variety of issues from political leaders to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. When surveyed Americans tend to say they like their representatives, but don’t like the decisions the same politicians make. A sizable minority of people say they will not take the vaccine, but only offer vague reasons for not trusting it. Too many people are stuck in laziness leading to ignorance and a lemming-like follower mentality. Polls show the majority of people don’t want assault rifles in our society, but we still have them killing Americans on a regular basis. Someone recently joked that ‘we should quit fooling ourselves and leave the flag at half staff’. Republican voters poll as wanting more gun regulation, but their politicians are loyal to firearms companies and block restrictions on gun purchases. America looks increasingly like a nation in decline whose politics is more about greed and diminishing fellow citizen’s rights than solving real problems. The real issue is not lying low-life Republican politicians but the people who keep electing them while expecting a good outcome. This will not end well until we all take responsibility and act to bring about the world we say that we want. If we have another Trump or similar presidency I fear our country will decline noticeably and rapidly. The time for participation in our democracy and action to save it is now.

Opinion

America degenerates

After four years of Trump we are deep in the sewer as a country, but trying to climb out. Numerous Trump officials likely committed multiple acts of corruption or criminality and have yet to face official accountability. We have numerous Republicans in the US Congress who will not say that an American election was free and fair; even though they cannot prove cheating that would have made a difference. State legislatures want to make it harder to vote, but have no evidence of a need for fewer voters beyond protecting their party. Asian Americans feel targeted by their countrymen as do many other ethnic groups after Trump’s assault on truth and decency. I have heard several people in media and elsewhere speak of being ready to fight to protect themselves. America is at a crossroads. If our leaders and representatives do not act decisively; the degeneration Trump and his followers started will metastasize into civil war. The rising insanity and evil that is perpetrated by those who feel entitled to act with impunity must be met with truth, compassion, and justice. Putin wanted Trump for president because he felt he was a tool for American decline and self-destruction in all areas. Putin has won all of the early rounds but the fight is not over. Research our history and current reality from verified sources. Be ready to make the important decisions made by citizens in a republic.

Opinion

Biden administration has to move mountains

It appears the Biden administration has COVID in retreat after Trump refused to deal with it seriously. A new book says that Trump was totally fooled by the Chinese leadership and then became angry. He could not admit being tricked so kept lying to cover up and protect his fragile ego. Biden now has to deal with a range of issues that the previous administration ignored or just made worse. From climate to low social mobility and voting rights our country is in danger. Democrats have seen that Republicans are not dedicated to the US Constitution, but focused on power. Lies about the election, the need for masking, climate change, and massive corruption are major issues today. Lies flow too easily from too many Republicans. The old saying that ‘the first casualty of war is the truth’ rings true for today’s America. Joe Biden and the Democrats must continue to make significant progress against major real world threats. while preventing civil war and fighting for the soul of America.

Opinion

Do you have to prove Coup?

Trump telegraphed that he was going to use the threat of violence throughout his political career. Violence against protestors at his events, politicians who challenged him, anyone who dared to confront his criminal or corrupt behaviors. Trump lost the election and is too cowardly to face his own failure. Trump’s supporters are people with similar issues who believe that they are entitled to have their pathetic egos stroked no matter who is injured in the process. Everyone saw Trump set the stage for the assault on the US Capitol, and then send twisted fools who believe in him more than the US Constitution to attack it. The world, and America, must now watch the cowardice, and amoral lust for power by Republican senators play out; as they turn themselves into pretzels to rationalize an attempt to overthrow our republic. Watch the impeachment hearings and don’t forget who is a leader in our republic, and who wants Trump to get away with it so that they can improve his formula. Would-be tyrants are cowards who first suck up to those in power in the hope that one day they will have it. If you love our freedoms as Americans don’t forget those who will not protect our republic when it is under threat.