Tag: Voting Rights

Opinion

Mass Media is betraying America

Have you noticed how many times you watch the news and you get a lot of perceptions and feelings about an issue, but not details that are important? Why are there so many lies swirling around but no truth? Is the truth unaccessible or are media outlets not interested in you having the major facts to make a decision? I hear a lot of talk about voting rights bills, but rarely any facts about what is in the bills. Why don’t we start with the facts of the bills and then ask politicians (who work for us) what is their opinion and vote on the bills? Mass media outlets are so involved in the politics of the major events of our times because they have their own angle: access to decision-makers, and ownership’s interests in outcomes. Every story about voting rights should begin with what the major pieces of the bills are; but we never hear that because that might sway us one way or the other. It is clear that citizens or viewers are not the bottom line; it is the interests of the elites. America is dying a slow death because truth and facts are relegated to the sidelines. Ask your favorite network or channel to display the major facts about bills, acts, proposals, and any events they cover; if they get something wrong or leave it out they can always update and revise. What our media is doing is dumbing down content to the point where consumers have no idea what is in their interest, and lies make as much sense as facts.

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.

Opinion

Is the attack on Critical Race Theory really about handing off white supremacy to the next generation?

It has been said that the attack by Republicans and the right wing is really about blinding any analysis of systemic racism and white supremacist structures. Republicans lie and say that Critical Race Theory (CRT) is being taught in K-12 schools not to stop it from happening, but to demonize an analytical approach to understanding structural racism. If you make questioning evil a bad thing, then bad actors can continue the journey to hell unobstructed. Historians and academics are routinely warning us that we are on the road to authoritarianism because of the fascist playbook right wing politicians are using today. The right is increasingly desperate to limit democracy and intelligent discourse on the issues of the day. The goal of current Republicans is power; not improvement, or liberty and justice for all. Control the truth, control history, control the future. Research, act, and vote to preserve the American republic because white supremacy leads to authoritarianism.

Opinion

2022 and 2024 elections are about white fragility/supremacy (same thing)

Upcoming elections are really about white supremacy. Why is this the situation we are in? Republicans continue to lie and support the Big Lie to gain power and provide fascist sympathizers with an excuse if they cannot face the truth. Evidence: 1) Republicans refuse to hold Trump or his insurrectionists accountable for January 6, or an ongoing attack on the Rule of Law and the US Constitution. 2) Republicans claim that Critical Race Theory is taking over the schools as a racist trope to stage attacks on factual history (George Orwell said “who controls the past controls the future”) in the education system. 3) Republicans undermine the right to vote, ease of voting, and the primacy of the vote (if Republicans don’t win they seek the right to overturn or replace the election results). 4) Republicans consistently support welfare and government support for the rich while blocking any investments in working American citizens. The list of authoritarian and anti-democratic acts and behaviors by Republicans could continue, but the most important thing is for Americans to act and vote to stop the creeping disaster that is the Republican Party today.

Opinion

Darkest before the dawn?

The saying that it is darkest before the dawn is hopefully true. We are living in a time of pessimism with good reason. Climate crisis, threats of authoritarianism, COVID and pandemics are a few examples of threats to our way of life. I think we have to stay hopeful and act to minimize the worst extinct of ourselves and others. It is hard to be positive at a time where the evidence says to prepare for the worst. Prepare for increasing threats to liberty and life, but work and hope for the better days ahead.

Opinion

Republican war of Democracy

We are living in a time that demands every citizen take a stand to protect their rights. Republican lies and treachery are creating a bad situation for all of us regardless of social class. Research the January 6 insurrection and the continued destructive lies being told by Republicans for the next attack on our country. Russian oligarchs with Putin control Russia, and it appears more oligarchs desire a similar arrangement here. Act and vote to make sure we the people maintain control of America.

Opinion

Has America lost it’s way?

Many are wondering if America has lost it’s way in the middle of COVID, insurrection, attacks on women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights, and Climate Crisis. American media focuses on Afghanistan while American rights are under assault and citizen’s health consistently threatened. It is hard to understand what Republicans want for America besides fascism and white supremacy, while the republic is threatened with many institutions seemingly oblivious. President Biden will not be able to build a better future for America by himself, as other politicians play a political game that is based on the past rather than the future. Contact your representatives and tell them to quit playing games and plotting for their individual success over American prosperity. Krysten Sinema, Joe Manchin, and other politicians (Republican and Democrat) must be held accountable for their actions. Act, vote, and work to get America working for a brighter future.

Opinion

Women in Afghanistan? What about women in Texas?

The American Taliban has struck in Texas. Not only are masks to fight COVID a bad idea, but there should be a bounty on anyone helping a woman seeking an abortion for any reason. Grandpa rapes his 13 year old granddaughter; it doesn’t matter – don’t you dare help her. The American Taliban is not about decency, or logic, or anything but power. Selling your soul to feel good about yourself is nothing new, but we are living in a time where running away, or avoiding reality is not rational. Whether it is killing children with COVID, not allowing people to vote, denying healthcare, or trying to overthrow elections; Republicans represent a threat to democracy and decency. The evil is growing and there is no escaping what is taking place. Research and act to hold Republicans and Trumps accountable.