Category: Political

Posted in Political

Scapegoat Politics: Clear Sign of Shallow Policy

Posted on by simplebender

Scapegoat politics is a clear sign there is no positive, problem-solving agenda associated with the candidate or party. It is a simple means of distraction and diversion. Propagation of blame, fear, hate, and misinformation. Casting blame is an insidious, malicious, and effective way to avoid confronting today’s real systemic problems. Politicians, leaders, candidates, and people in general who practice it aren’t worthy of our support. They are either afraid to confront critical issues or don’t have any idea how to address them, without risking the rath of their cult like followers. Simply, they follow the practice of:  if you can’t solve it find someone to blame and be relentless in the accusations.

Scapegoating isn’t new. It’s been hyper-weaponized courtesy of the many mass media venues. Hitler had the Jews. He had no idea how to solve Germany’s hyperinflation and the crumbling living standards. But he had the Jews to blame for all of it. Syria’s Assad and Turkey’s Erdogan both have the Kurds, poor Kurds, to blame all their domestic calamities upon. They have suffered brutal consequences as a result.

Domestically, we are no different and our critical issues receive scant lip service. The Conservatives deride wokeness, China, and liberal ‘fake news’. Progressives blame ills on police unions, the 1%ers, and corporate greed. Florida’s Governor vilifies the LGBTQ’s and immigrants. The past executive energized hate toward the immigrants, even though he himself is one generation away. And today, he is scapegoating the DOJ while narcissistically playing the victim while fleecing his flock. Whining about unsupported claims of the past to shield to deflect against his own actions, indictments, and convictions.

You cannot solve problems by blaming others. It demonstrates a leadership devoid of forward thought, problem-solving, and critical thinking. We need to identify and address the real problems. We should seriously confront and address systematic, institutionalized, racism. Where’s the action toward eliminating mass shooting and gun violence? All the ‘thoughts and prayers’, shallowly offered, are falling on deaf and dead ears. Addiction and death related to illicit fentanyl and prescription opioids is killing us. Where is the hard look at why so many of our neighbors are addicted and abusing drugs? Rather than focus on the problem, it is easier to blame and demonize southern immigrants. Forget the fact most of them are escaping violence and terror and only a scant few are smugglers.

The scapegoat du jour is the LGBTQ community. Attacking a group because they aren’t like you and you don’t understand them. Blaming and viciously attacking them on embellished accusations of child grooming and abuse. If legislators really want to address this issue, they could start by focusing on the authoritarian leadership of the Catholic and Southern Baptists. These have a long well documented history of child molestation and abuse. This would require extreme courage and risk of losing political power. So, don’t expect anything but more Gay Bashing and book banning. It’s so much easier and politically safe.

Political failure and shallow policy making can be measured by increasing authoritarianism, and scapegoating. Used to mobilize the uninformed and easily manipulated. Stop blaming and start addressing critical issues. Take responsibility, be accountable, and confront serious issues sans scapegoating. Those political figures who won’t stop blaming others and using them as diversions don’t deserve our support; none of them. #NeverFearTheDream

Posted in Political

Two Who Took Secrets: Tale of Two Indictments

Posted on by simplebender

It’s not whether there is a best or worst of times when it comes to indictments, especially recent espionage cases. But now we have two indictments for the same crimes against the state in a matter of a few months. Don’t make this about who they are, make it about what they’ve done and whom they’ve harmed.

In one we have a socially immature government employee who had access to, and allegedly took, confidential national documents. He took them because he wanted to bolster his ego and status within his circle of supporters. He needs to feel important. He shows off his trophies and brags about how important they are and by implication how important he is.

In the second case, ironically, we have almost an identical situation. A former government employee with larger delusional ego issues. He too took secret material for his personal use, to show off his trophies and brag. He too needs to feel important.

In the first, the perpetrator was apprehended by armed FBI agents and SWAT. He was immediately incarcerated, without bail, even before being indicted. The conservative right wing was appalled at how long it took the DOJ to apprehend the accused and of course there shouldn’t be any bail. He was clearly a threat to the country by showing off his trophies.

By contrast, in a clear demonstration of DOJ bias, the search warrant for the second was actioned while the suspect was out of town to avoid any embarrassing situation. It took well on six to eight months for the second to be indicted all the while being free and available to the press. In even another example of DOJ bias, this suspect wasn’t incarcerated even after indictment. The first indicted on six charges, the second on only thirty-seven. One is free, the other is not, guess which.

The conservative right wing screaming about a two-tier system, and they are correct. If the second had been named Smith, what are the odds of such preferential treatment. Both cases will be heard by a jury, that’s how our system of justice works. It will be interesting to see if there is any subtle jury tampering or judicial prejudice by and for the second. He is the only one who is free, speaking volumes, with the means to accomplish acquittal by influence. And yes, if you take national secrets, you should be prosecuted; no matter who you are. These are demure men striving for attention. Keep it about what they’ve done, not who they are or want to be. Through it all, sadly, the country loses. #NeverFearTheDream

Posted in Political

In our changing society, some who feel like victims are not victims

Posted on by simplebender

Things you never had are the subject of your dreams. Things you choose to let go of are soon forgotten. But those things taken from you; those are the things you miss the most.

Imagine for a moment how intense the loss must be when you believe everything you and your forefathers had worked for was taken from you. Taken away by the vote and choice of the electorate; your neighbors. Slowly, piece by piece, your rights and opportunities taken and distributed to others. Your world slowly dismantled. You would be frustrated. You would be angry. But know, anger is an exhibit of weakness and lack of self-control not strength and composure.

For these disgruntled neighbors the perceived loss is more complicated and to them very real. Complicated because now ‘their’ rights and privileges are diluted. Those rights are enjoyed by others. Others who never had them before but should have. It is now a conflict. Those who have lost try in vain to recollect and those who now have refusing to return what they now enjoy. It’s women refusing to yield control over their own bodies and health. It’s minorities refusing to yield voting rights, employment, and education opportunities. It’s those who celebrate a different sexual orientation refusing to be demonized, scapegoated, and losing medical rights and acceptance. And why should any of them not defend the rights and privileges they have.

For a moment, consider those who have ‘lost’ are not radical or racially motivated. They are those who feel they are truly victims. Victims of a changing society in which they no longer reign supreme. Their racial, religious, and gender privileges all in the past. A group who passionately wants the country to return to a time when their existence and influence hadn’t been marginalized and brought into balance with others. An America where racial and religious minorities and women could be teased, harassed, and scapegoated with impunity. The sooner these new ‘victims’ recognize they aren’t victims and what they ‘lost’ cannot be reclaimed the sooner they can accept the current state of society. They can recognize and maybe accept they remain valuable assets, just like everyone else. No better and no worse, every step closer to equal. The sooner they do, all of us will start healing.

I understand the difference between the two; I’ve been visually impaired most of my life and don’t know the difference. I’ve been hearing impaired for the last twenty years and I know what I’ve lost. Listening to a flock of singing birds, with my hearing aids, I recognize how much I’ve missed the subtle sounds of nature. Hearing what I can, only because of augmentation, reminds me of all the sounds taken away from me. I mourn my loss but absorbed what I can as best I can. I appreciate the moments I have rather than wallowing in pity over what I’ve lost.

Societies and cultures move forward, they change and evolve. The path isn’t always smooth, and change can be hard. Especially hard to accept if you feel what you’ve lost was taken from you. But you can’t take it away from others just because you want it back.  #NeverFearTheDream

Posted in Political

‘The Ultimate Cancel Act’ (Florida SB 1248): Beware of Unintended Consequences

Posted on by simplebender

Florida SB 1248 was filed and now referred to five committees. The current bill calls for the termination of any political party which ‘previously advocated for, or been in support of, slavery or involuntary servitude.’

What happens, presuming it passes and in the next session the Christian National Party (CNP) combines with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The SBC was founded in 1845 to support the cause of slavery and gave it ‘biblical’ credibility. It took 173 years before the SBC softened its position. In keeping with SB 1248 the CNP and the SBC could be on a termination list.

What happens if the statue is amended to include non-political organizations. Would the Sons and Daughters of the Confederacy be at risk of termination? What about the monuments, statutes, and memorials which they sponsored, or which glorify the Confederacy? Wouldn’t they too be at risk?

What if in the preparation of statue regulations, or amendments, companies which benefited from Jim Crow Laws were included? The list of those whose founders supported or benefited from slavery or involuntary servitude could be extensive.

And as to involuntary servitude; what if the recent interpretation, by several Federal Judges, that forced continued pregnancy is in fact ‘involuntary servitude’ is upheld? Wouldn’t every anti-abortion organization and even churches be on the ever expanding list of organizations required to be terminated?

Good legislation is hard to craft and administer. Even the best risk their original intent being misinterpreted, modified, altered, or amended. But partisan legislation, passed in the heat of the moment or whimsically is ripe for abuse. Good legislation has a dual role. First, to support a positive change in society while simultaneously protecting the rights of all affected. All legislation has some degree of unintended consequences. This piece of partisan legislation is ripe for abuse, now and in the future. Let’s be careful what we ask for in all legislation and be ready for the inevitable unintended consequences.

#NeverFearTheDream

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Posted in Political

Sleep walking into a New Axis World Coalition

Posted on by simplebender

The news in front of our eyes is dominated by the summer heat, drought, and now monsoons. Rivaled by the constant drip, drip, drip drama of citizen trump, and the news the Ukrainian’s continue to stymie the mighty Russian Paper Bear.

These are critically important events, well maybe not the citizen trump stuff. Lest we forget to raise our heads and look around we may very well be sleep walking into a New Axis World Coalition. Russia and China are forming tighter bonds which isn’t unexpected. However, Russia is now linking arms with the other terrorist states of North Korea, Syria, and Iran. North Korea has reportedly offered 100,000 ‘volunteers’ to fight in Ukraine. Syria is now demanding all U.S. troops out of the country. Iran is attacking U.S. forces and supporting terrorist forces in the Middle East and beyond. And then there’s Turkey, just playing the authoritarian transactional leadership game getting what they can from either Russia or NATO.

The consequence of these new, robust, and overt, coalitions will impact our lives for the foreseeable future. Given the predicament Russia is in, China’s long term expansionist plan, and the radicalized position of the other three states of terror the U.S., NATO, and the rest of the non-aligned world should be ready for almost anything at any time. It’s reasonable to foresee a nuclear North Korea, Syria and Iran curtesy of Russia, just ‘to balance’ the global power structure.

These are interesting times. Here’s hoping the world’s structural stupidity and self-absorbed nature doesn’t accelerate and exacerbate the situations.

Stay safe, Stay well

#NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Political

Can our Democracy survive divided?

Posted on by simplebender

As we celebrate the country’s birth are we witness to its demise? Democracies haven’t historically been conquered but have fallen by implosion. Our divided country is amid concurrent and sequential civil wars. Can the great divides be breached? Does anyone really want to try? We have blindly marched down polarizing paths of ideology. With every step moving further apart and less tolerant. Every step closer to tribalism. The Democrats are fighting between the Progressives and the Traditionalist. The Republicans are clearly in a civil war between the MAGA/TEA (aka MAGAT) and their centralists (aka RINO). The Southern Baptists are infighting between those supporting MAGATs, and intragroups who have called them out as ‘political whores’. This on top of their schism associated with sex offenders, groomers, their defenders and those horrified and abused.

Extreme ideology is more rigid and focused on retaining power and less about compromise. We listen only to those who believe as we do. A country which once prided itself on the art of compromise, compassion, and dialog has become an angry cesspool of intolerance. And the Supreme Court upending abortion rights has thrown fuel on an incendiary scene.

In this civil war, public meetings are now yelling forums. Elected officials and volunteers have been threatened and harassed. Protestors keep vigils outside of private homes and threaten assignation. We have been seduced by leaders who will propagate lies, spin the details, and publicly seek revenge upon those who counter their propaganda. They have not only lost their moral fiber but have also lost their moral compass. A civil war of words, of ideals, and of principles has been corrupted and weaponized. The truth twisted my knaves’ setting traps for fools, believed by the ill and uniformed.

The hate speech and now the drumbeat of religious violence have reached a crescendo. The first physical skirmishes of the civil war they spawned have taken place. We now have two forms of civil wars, a war of words and one of escalating open conflict. Intolerant racial groups plan and execute violence on other races. Intolerant organizations and legislators plan and wage siege on minority groups. Not because they are bad people but because they are a minority and are simply different. A scourge on the country, or so are told. And so, the means justifies the actions. We have been whipped into a frenzy. We have breached the halls of Congress and violently attacked the very standard of our Democracy. We have rioted in the street and the factions are violently collided at an increasing rate.

The extremists are getting what they have wanted; an excuse to ‘burn it down’. It isn’t about building together anymore. It is about isolating, excluding, and forcing an agenda, regardless of impact. Commonality, civility, compassion have been replaced with tribalism, hate speech, vulgarity, and violence. The implosion of our democracy has started; but it can be stopped. Those who have tried to tear her down have to be held accountable. We must be a country where no one is above the law. The consequences of placing anyone above the law, in the long term, is worse than the threat of potential conflict. We already face the conflict. There is a difference between free speech and hate speech. One results in communal growth along common lines and the latter yields visceral threats and physical conflict. It’s ours to choose. Democracy isn’t just a word. This Democracy is bigger than each of us because it is all of us. But these civil wars can be the beginning of the end. If we let them. #NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Political

SCOTUS: Just Calling Strikes and Balls

Posted on by simplebender

The recent SCOTUS rulings could, or should, maybe teach us one thing. The Justices aren’t concerned with public opinion or consequences of their rulings. They are, self-proclaimed, ‘Originalists’ and are therefore simply calling strikes and balls. Is it in the Constitution or not? If not explicitly in the Constitution, or in Federal legislation, then it’s out.

It is really simple; just like the baseball umpire calls inside or outside the strike zone. The umpire doesn’t pause to consider consequences of the call. Is a full count and the pick is a ball with runner advancing; are the bases loaded? Is the home team ahead or behind with bases loaded? How many outs in the inning? Will a strike call end the inning or the game? Will the fans agree with the call, or get irate?

Nope, doesn’t happen. The umpire calls it without consideration of the unending scenarios which might play out. And so it is with the SCOTUS, or so it seems. It also appears historic precedent is immaterial. And common practice and national acceptance isn’t going to be considered. It’s simple; in the Constitution or not; make the call. Protected by explicit federal law, yes or no; make the call.

Are the ‘rights’ you think you have protected explicitly in the Constitution or Federal statutes; or are they inferred by implication and interpretations? If not explicitly or by statute, they may not be your ‘rights’ for long. So, ponder for a moment; marriage isn’t in the Constitution. Not just same sex, or interracial, just simply marriage. The right to ‘own’ a firearm isn’t explicitly protected. The right to ‘keep and bear Arms’ is; but not ‘own’. Maybe the Founders considered a ‘regulated militia’ as citizens to whom the government issued weapons. Not for their ownership but for them to keep and be prepared to use. If the government has the authority to distribute, they also have the inverse, of collection and control. Oh, and just for fun, those ‘Arms’ aren’t defined. So, is it the ‘Arms’ of the day or ‘Arms’ of today? What else is out there, the right to medical care, nope; the right to own a home, nope; voting rights, well maybe sorta; but the list will likely just keep growing.

The ‘interpretist’ of SCOTUS past have been displaced. Ok, new umpires, new rules. Defining and protecting historic rights is now, as it should be, the obligation of the state and federal legislators. In this world of robust gerrymandering, visceral rancor, and open violence it doesn’t seem likely there will be any compromises coming anytime soon. The irony is all this could have been avoided if federal legislators had codified all this over the last fifty years.

Remember, SCOTUS is not obliged to consider consequences, even if they should. However, the further SCOTUS veers away from public opinion the more they lose credibility, not authority unfortunately, just credibility. Consequences and public policy are the roles of legislators, not judges. It’s just strikes and balls. #NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Political

Decide and vote by asking the hard questions

Posted on by simplebender

The primaries are almost over. The November ballots are almost set. Now the independent and non-affiliated voters get a chance to express their preferences. There’s only one thing worse than a non-voter; an uninformed voter. Take your time, study the issues, ask the candidates the hard questions and don’t accept the cheap throw away rhetoric.

Free speech: Ask what is the difference between protesting discrimination in a park versus storming the Capital and are both really ‘legitimate political discourse’? Ask what part of book banning is acceptable in defense of free speech? And ask how voting restrictions fits within promoting free speech?

Critical race or replacement theory: Ask if schools should teach unvarnished history or nostalgia. One is what really happened, the full story, and the other a fantasy with selective facts in order not disturb our fragile feelings. If they choose real history, they are likely critical thinkers, if not maybe they should be replaced, especially if they are an incumbent.

Pro-life or pro-choice: Ask, if they profess pro-life, what government infant/childcare, adoption programs, and medical subsidy programs for the fetal deformed are they proposing? If there aren’t any, they really aren’t problem solvers. To the contrary. They are simply pandering for right wing votes without consideration of consequences.

Immigration: Ask if they support immigration policies which promote legal entry and paths to citizenship or blind isolationism? Recognizing this is a country of immigrants and some are only a generation or two from their fore parents coming here.

Climate change: Ask if they have considered the socio-economic impacts of both continued development and dependence of fossil fuel as well as renewable energy? Have them articulate the impacts and their mitigation plans.

Federal Transfer Spending: Ask them what their plan is to control federal transfer spending, which is now more than 70% of the federal budget. Ask them between these federal transfer programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Student Assistance, Civil Service retirement, Veteran’s compensation, supplemental nutrition assistance program, and Hospital and medical care for veterans would they cut and why?

Rule of Law: Ask them if anyone is above the law and if so, why? Ask if they support justice inequality if it reduces crime? Ask if they support law enforcement ‘qualified immunity’ and then ask how they intend to hold rogue police and departments accountable? And really press when you ask them what their plan is to stop mass shootings and let’s hope it’s more than an elevator speech on mental health. Ask why we can ban alcohol sales to those under 21 but not gun sales? Ask, how many innocent children must lay down their lives to protect twenty-seven words?

However, before you ask any of these questions; maybe, you should ask them of yourself. Don’t be skittish. Ask yourself the hard questions. Challenge everything you’ve thought you always knew. Challenge yourself to articulate the opposing positions. Engage in dialog with people and groups who espouse contrary positions. Study and read. Venture out and absorb media news which opposes your norm.

Please don’t get your guidance from your religious leader or your drinking buddy. Be independent. Please don’t be a single-issue voter. Reach out to the League of Women Voters and study the Voter Information Guide.

There is only one thing worse than a nonvoter and that’s an uninformed voter. A voter who votes based on ignorance. This Republic was based on the electorate to be knowledgeable, inquisitive, and challenging. Ask the hard questions and if you don’t know; don’t vote your ignorance. If your candidate didn’t win, you get a do-over. Be open to the idea the best candidate may be from the ‘other’ party. #NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Political

Old Glory and Her Companions

Posted on by simplebender

Recently, I’ve spent some time driving through several urban and rural parts of America and something struck me. I noticed a lot of American flags flying. Some were crisp, clean, and clearly new. Some were tattered and worn. Some were damaged by smoke and flames from forest fires, yet they survived. I saw the red strip as well as the blue strip.  Most waved majestically, stars aloft. A very few flew resolutely upside-down declaring distress. The flag of the Republic fluttering in the breeze silently representing all of us regardless of our political position. You see the flag doesn’t know or care what you believe. It simply waves, the light dancing off the symbolic colors and independent, yet clustered, stars.

What struck me the most was the flags which joined Old Glory. Those are the flags which might just tell the real story of belief and maybe disbelief. I saw the State’s flag symbolically flying subserviently. I saw the flag remembering those Missing In Action (MIA) and the sacrifice they and their families have made and solemnly wished them well. I saw crisp, new, clean Ukrainian flags the bright yellow and blue sending a strong message and wished them peace and strength. I saw the Rainbow flag. I saw the Gadsden flag and pondered if the those flying it knew its history and that of the Continental Marines which it represented. I saw flags of the failed Confederacy and of South Vietnam and wondered.

But the grouping which was most gripping was a tri-pole flying an inverted, half-staffed, American in the center, a ‘Brandon’ flag to the left and a Russian flag to the right. As I passed, I was glad those responsible for the display had the right and freedom to do so. And yet wondered about those flying the MIA and/or the Ukraine flags and the messages each cluster was sending.

Maybe the few inverted flags were the most symbolically honest. Maybe we are a divided country in distress. Division only benefits our detractors and enemies. Maybe we should disarm our polarized positions and recognize, despite ourselves, we are stronger together than apart. Let’s not let them win.

#NeverFearthe Dream

Posted in Current Events, Philosophy, Political

The Taproot of Racism Runs Deep…Don’t remain silent

Posted on by simplebender

In a Nation founded on the premise of White dominance, it is little wonder overt and covert racism runs rampant. This, unfortunately, is manifested so profoundly in our schools. This should be an embarrassment to and a lesson for every one of us. We and our children weren’t born racists. Racism is taught. We taught them, as our parents taught us. And our social, financial, legal, and educational systems support those incendiary teachings. To be clear, we are all racists, to some degree or another.

There are only a few types of racists. Those who are flagrant and overt and those who are silent and covert. Both racists, but one more troublesome than the other. I am less incensed by those who are flagrant racists and homophobes than I am with those who sit silently by and let the chastisement and harassment continue. The first is a group who are hardened and feel aggrieved by any minority advancement and want only to turn the pages of history back. The other stands idly by giving support and approval by their silence. It’s said a stupid person is the most dangerous type of person. However, a strong case can be made for a knowing person who remains silent in the face of abuse and harassment is much more dangerous and perpetuates the offense.

To the students and youth of the Nation. You represent our future. You have access to information your parents and grandparents never had, can’t understand, or arrogantly choose to ignore. Listen, observe, critique, and analyze everything you have been, and will be, taught. Don’t rely on anything, or anyone, without critically assessing all sides of the issue. Determine for yourselves what is right, just, and fair and then continue to viscously challenge your own conclusions. Above all else, take your school and community back. Don’t be silent. Silence is tacit support and approval. Let your voice be heard. Call out and be intolerant of racial and gender slurs and harassment the second they happen. Support and befriend those who are targets. Be intolerant to this abuse as you would any abuse. Use the tools uniquely at your disposal. Utilize social media, in your school paper, and your school clubs and organizations to support the victims and take the power away from the perpetrators. Express your disapproval of teachers and administrators who fail to act. Expect more accountability. Have the moral compass and moral fiber to do what’s right to break the chain of abuse. Don’t ever be satisfied with the status quo because it is inherently and systematically racist.

To my white brothers and sisters, I’ll be as blunt as possible. We are a product and beneficiary of the Nation’s Anglo centric beliefs and social systems. We have never experienced racial intolerance to the extent those of any color have and probably never will. To be very clear, we are not the victim of racial discrimination, no matter how much affirmative action. We, collectively, have not suffered or experienced racial stress. No matter how personally affronted and insulted you might be with the slightest form of racial ridicule you feel it is dwarfed by that which minorities have and are experiencing every day and have experienced since the formation of the Nation. It is systemic and toxic and holding back this country’s ability to reach new heights and achievements. And for god’s sake, stop looking and hoping for the next ‘Great White Hope’ because she/he might be an LGBTQ of any color.

#NeverFeartheDream

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