Tag: Politics

Opinions on political events, trends, policy

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

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

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

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.

Opinion

Is the current President creating an illegal immigration crisis?

The president claims that his threats provoked a deal with Mexico to protect our southern border. News reports are saying that the bulk of the deal was done several months ago, and that the final deal was pretty much what Mexico wanted before all the threats. The issue is we want America to be the threatening neighbor that creates problems and then backs down claiming victory? President Obama’s administration reportedly had illegal immigration down to a 40-year low. Illegal immigration is reported to be up massively since Trump has taken office. It is said that smugglers are telling desperate people that they need to cross now before it is too late – leading to the current immigration crisis.

Opinion

What is the situation in Central America?

We have been hearing a lot of news about people from certain countries in Central America wanting to come to the United States. I have recently heard two versions of the reason for a surge of immigration to our border. First that climate change is creating shortages of food and jobs pushing people to migrate to opportunity in the USA. The second is that the New Mexican president welcomed people to transit through his country on the way to the USA with easy visas (according to a possible political rival and member of the previous Mexican government). Because how those who defend our borders and society are treating these immigrants; we need to know what are the real reasons for this recent wave of immigration. I think most Americans would prefer that we help people have decent lives in their own countries; first here in the USA, and down in Central America, instead of cruelty and chaos at the border.

Opinion

Senator Warren has a plan

The 2020 election will have a massive impact on the future of our country and the world. Will we remain a republic, will we fight tyranny, will working people get a fair chance, will we lead the effort to keep the earth human friendly? Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is a fighter and has some thought provoking plans to lead the USA to a better day. She knows that she cannot do it alone. People power is required for real change – there are no messiahs, and dark money (extra votes for the unidentifiable power elites of various countries) must be eliminated from our politics.