Category: Political

The greatest threat to American Democracy is angry, right wing, white men. They are no longer just angry but also mad and acting upon their frustration and fear. Anger is a state of mind.  An emotion we choose. It is a weakness; one we accept, give in to and act upon. Mad is an out-of-control reaction.

They are angry because they no longer hold a place of superiority. Angry their inherited privilege is being slowly eroded. Angry that women, LGBQT, racial, and religious minorities are being recognized and treated as equals, rather than subservient members of society. Gnashing their teeth about how things have changed as they look through the narrow distorted rearview mirror of American history. Angry they must share power, jobs, and educational opportunities. Incensed their children are exposed to Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American History months. And angry about the rise of alternate religions and cultures, fearing the loss of prestige in Christianity and lashing out against others, especially those of Islamic and Jewish faith.

Anger now manifested in acts of mad rage. PRRI 2021 American Values Survey: 30% Republicans and 26% white evangelical protestants believe: ‘True American patriots may have to resort to violence if that’s what it takes to save the country.’ We’ve gone from ‘What Would Jesus Do’, to ‘What Keeps Us In Power’.  They are yelling and threating local elected officials from school boards to city/county councils.  They are armed and staging protests inside state legislative buildings. Wondering through the halls brazenly attempting to bully and intimidate law makers. They dominated the January 6^th insurrection and invasion of our Nation’s Capital. Their madness has spilled into the streets as they carry torches through Charleston, ramming crowds with cars, and white nationalist marching on the Lincoln Memorial.  School shootings are almost the sole domain of white men with almost 70% of mass shootings by white males (Statistica 2021). 

They have been consumed by the power of the mob and can no longer think as individuals.  What was once their greatest asset has been self-surrendered out of anger. They are a threat to our democracy because they think and act with the emotion of a mob because mobs have no intelligence.

Terrified their dominate position of power is so sufficiently eroded they will never be able to recover without threating, bullying, and restricting the voting rights of others. Their anger is the fuel of those who want to manipulate and stay in power. ‘We’re (GOP) not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business (power) for the long term’ (Sen L. Graham R-SC, 2012). They have been targeted, prodded and are now the willing gullible patsies of conspiracy theories and any charlatans claiming they will protect, defend, and restore their predominance in society. The lack of interest in the truth and honesty is shocking as their leaders unabashedly lie and twist the truth.

Democracy requires all voices to be heard. Not just those brandishing guns and yelling. The Truth is an amalgamation of everyone’s perspectives. Truth is forged by the relentless pounding of facts between the unyielding anvil of history and the merciless, endless swings of the hammer of investigation. There must be a thirst for honesty and integrity in a democracy. In 1787 John Adams wrote; ‘,…if the common people in America lose their integrity, they will soon set up tyrants of their own’.  Tyrants only protect you if it benefits them, and not a second longer. As of now there seems to be no appetite for the truth. These are America’s radicalized jihadists and zealots and are a clear threat to democracy. They are on the wrong side of history, just as the Nazi brownshirts were.  Let me just ask; what would we collectively say if these acts were perpetrated by Black Muslims?  #NeverFeartheDream

The inconvenient truth is we will live with COVID-19 and its many devilish variants for the rest of our lives.  As the nation approaches 80% with at least one dose, the kids can now get the vaccine, and a pill may be soon available.  Maybe it’s time for a less polarizing discussion of COVID-19, the vaccine, and the mandates.

Government has multiple roles which at times of crisis are likely juxtapose and in conflict.  On one hand they are responsible for setting and enforcing policies which protect the population in total.  On the other they are the ardent protector of civil and individual liberties.  Private citizens are also faced with similar conflicts.  In a civil society we try to support and aid those most needy in our community while we also are passionate about our individual rights.  We might be willing to, temporarily, yield our rights to help those in need.

The obligation to protect the general public and those most needy versus the rights of individuals to choose clouds the issues surrounding the pandemic.  We, within reason, reluctantly support the social distancing and masks.  We generally support the vaccine and its distribution.  However, the imposition of government dictated mandates, to many, crosses the line of individual rights.  Is it at all possible for both positions to be reasonably satisfied?  Maybe, but the discussion needs to be open and without rancor.

What would be so wrong with both camps stepping back from the line of confrontation and agree on some common goals.  Such as, individual rights must be respected and acknowledging there must be individual accountability.  The government has the obligation of promoting and defending the greater public welfare by what means necessary, until the crisis is abated.

Therefore, indue consideration, let business set their own standards and policies.  Let the government, at all levels, as a major employer, set its policies as it deems necessary and stay out of the private sector decisions. Each company, government included, might consider a decision tree approach to this issue and let the employees decide their own fate.  Corporate policy should be to require vaccination but allow for an alternative.  Employees who are vaccinated are within compliance of the highest standard.  Employees who decide not to be vaccinated should be required to have a weekly test, at their cost, and their insurance rates should be increased commensurate with their probability of elevated medical costs.  There shouldn’t be any reason why the taxpayers, or fellow employees, should be paying for, or subsidizing, any testing of those who choose this path.  Their rights their responsibility, their accountability.  The third branch of the tree is, if the employee chooses not to be vaccinated or tested then they should be terminated.  Again, their choice, their accountability.  In addition, companies should be allowed to require proof of vaccination or proof of negative test, as well as masks for entry, if they so choose.  If a company wants to exclude those with masks or those vaccinated that’s alright as well, it’s their shop.  Furthermore, those who knowingly expose others should be held accountable.

Each of us are responsible for ourselves and must be respectful of others.  Yet, your rights, and evaluation of risk, should not place others and their families at risks which they deem unacceptable.  We must live with this for the rest of our lives; but we don’t have to make it so darn hard.  #NeverFeartheDream

Good immigration and asylum policy is hard.  There are many perspectives, so much misinformation and racism, and so much at risk.  These United States were founded on the spirit of immigration, the worlds melting pot.  We have swung between open borders to closed, and back again, repeatedly like the swing of a pendulum.  To help slow this process, States should create a ‘State Resident’ status to assist immigrants toward their U.S. citizenship while recognizing the value these individuals bring to the State.

Under a ‘State Resident’ classification all, non-U.S. citizen, immigrants in the State, would be recognized as legitimate citizens of the State.  They would be required to follow all applicable laws, be required to have valid driver’s licenses, pay all appropriate taxes, participate in State medical insurance programs, pay into a State’s version of Social Security, and vote in local and state elections.  They would have equal standing, as well as responsibilities and obligations, as any other resident of the State.  With one clear exception, if convicted of any local, State, or Federal laws, would result deportation hearing and a real probability of being imprisoned and/or deported.  After five years of State Citizenship the State would act as a sponsor and advocate for their federal citizenship application.

The immigrants in our States need and deserve a clear path to U.S. Citizenship.  They need ways and means to provide for their families without fear of retaliation based on their status, the fear of family separation, or the fear of prosecution only because of their immigration status.  These are people we see every day.  These are hardworking, industrious, humble people willing to do the jobs most of us of privilege would not want to do.  These are people who do not want to be a burden on society, to the contrary.  They want to be integrated into the community and make it better. 

Every country needs a strong, secure border to ensure its sovereignty and protect its national interests.  Every country needs a strong, consistent, immigration policy and a means for those trying to save their families from tyranny, gangs, and genocide to seek and secure asylum.  These are not mutually exclusive.  States, counties, and cities which are establishing sanctuary status and policies work against the spirit of an integrated immigration and asylum program.  The problem is we, as a country, do not have a consistent, integrated, coordinated immigration and asylum program.

This is where States can lead the way and create a bridge to fill the gap and capture the benefit immigrants bring to our state.  It will take bold leadership and a strong commitment to help these people in need.  Are we as a State ready to support a State policy on State Citizenship?  Maybe, maybe not; but if we do not the problems and conflict with wavering federal programs will continue.

And who am I?  I’m a guy who grew up on the border.  A guy who has worked in the cotton fields with immigrants, both legal and transient.  A guy who has watched men leave their hoes and race to jump a train heading east in search for better jobs and a better life so they can send money back to their families.  Their plight is real and so is their contribution to the State.  Let’s recognize them and make them Citizens of the State and help them become Citizen of the Nation.  #NeverFeartheDream

Today’s political theater is replicating a bad football game.  Every time there is an apparent fumble both teams pile on and scrum for the ball, all the while everyone else stands around clueless pointing in the opposite directions.  Countless replays are broadcast to no avail. The refs dive in and must figure out who has made the recovery.  Just like several states in our last election.  Everyone claims victory and the clueless point in their direction making things up along the way.  The judges have leaned in and called the winner.  Coaches have objected to the call and again more video replays confirm the refs and judges call.

Every score reviewed and confirmed. The game is over.  The final score posted for everyone to see and yet the teams refuse to leave. They choose to swarm the field and continue the fight.  The refs avoid the mayhem and let the coaches try to bring about resolution.

The people have voted, all the votes counted, the courts have ruled on the challenges, the electoral college has voted; and now, like the Tulsa-Mississippi State bowl game, a new fight is about to commence. 

It is time to move on and let the winners celebrate a hard-fought victory and respect their challengers.  It is good that the stands were empty, or the brawl would have been worse.  Let us press the leadership to keep the crowds out of the political brawl and celebrate our long stand tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.  #NeverFeartheDream

What an interesting America we currently live in.  An America where a hoax virus has infected over eight million citizens, killed over 220,000 and adding to the score over 700 a day.  An America where ‘the truth isn’t the truth’ (R. Giuliani 8/18) and the President cannot bring himself to denounce racism, white supremacy, or the radical conspiracy theory of ‘Q’.  An America where the killing of unarmed, and subdued, black citizens is called justified and police unions defend their right of ‘qualified immunity’.  An America where white supremacists are filmed driving through otherwise civil demonstrations brandishing loaded firearms and shooting paintballs at the demonstrators.  And we then wonder why the gatherings become violent and result in death and destruction.  And now, an America where the death of the alleged shooter of a MAGA leader in Oregon, during a counter demonstration, by U.S. Marshals is called ‘retribution’ by the President (Trump 9/20).  We have degraded into tribal warfare.  So here we are, a member of the MAGA tribe is injured therefore we must retaliate; we must have retribution.

What ever happened to the America which stood on the rule of law and which the basis of a democracy was founded on the open exchange of ideas and the power of the electorate?  And why, has America collectively lost its sense of humor?

Retribution, retaliation, and revenge are actions which will result in an inequal and opposite reaction.  Hitler authorized Nazi troops to enact retribution on towns and villages for the killing of single Nazi officers, e.g. Lidice Massacre (Czechoslovakia, 7/42).  Italy’s Mussolini used the same tactics to quell unrest and ‘dissidents’.  Post WWII the reverse retribution on Nazi sympathizers and to Mussolini himself was swift and brutal.  Retribution is a sword which cuts deep both ways.  Sometimes it just takes a while, but the resulting backswing can be vicious.

Can we, as a country and as individuals, pause for just a moment and take stock of where we are and where we are going?  The strength of this country is its people, their diversity, courage, and independence.  Not all things are not right with America.  Unfortunately, we no longer want to discuss them, find consensus, and together chart a path forward.  We act as if when someone is ‘wrong’ they have personally wronged us; maybe, just maybe we think too highly of ourselves and our opinions.

Maybe former Sec. R. Perry (11/19) was correct when he pronounced Trump was God’s ‘chosen one’ to be President.  Maybe the Almighty has become weary of us not treating each other with respect, fairness, and equality.  Maybe we needed a polarizing catalyst to force the facade to be violently ripped back for us to see our hypocrisy, laid bare before us and the world.  Although painful and uncomfortable, maybe we can stop and regroup as a country to rectify the now glaring issues in-front of us.  Maybe the extremist, in every tribe, can be controlled by the majority of those within who are now disenfranchised and forgotten.  Maybe those moderates can reach across tribe lines and find common ground and cast off the paradigm of extremism.  Maybe, just maybe, this country’s best days are ahead of us.  Maybe, but only if we stand together against those who see the path forward as their path and no other.  #NeverFearTheDream

Our country proudly sings, brags, and pontificates on being the Land of the Free, and our foundation upon Liberty.  However, our stance on Equality is revoltingly absent from anything we cherish.  The concept of citizen equality is all but missing from the documents which founded the country.  It is not mentioned in the Bill of Rights, the Pledge of Allegiance, or the National Anthem.  It is only once mentioned in the Constitution and in the Declaration of Independence.  The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees Equal Protection and the Declaration of Independence erroneously postulates ‘all men are created equal’; which we inherently know is not true.  Perhaps, just perhaps, if the concept of citizen Equality were so important it would be more prominently mentioned.  Perhaps, just perhaps, the Equal Rights Amendment would have been ratified soon after Congressional authorization in 1972. 

This country used to pride itself on being the Great Experiment, The Great Melting Pot.  The Statue of Liberty used to proudly symbolize a young county’s eagerness to embrace peoples from all countries, ethnicities, and religions.  To some, The Great Melting Pot only works if only the thick rich white cream is allowed to rise to the surface and keep the other ingredients stifled underneath.  The cauldron has been stirred only a few times.  The Civil War churned it well, and then forced settling by Jim Crow laws regained the majorities chosen equilibrium.  Women’s suffrage and the Voting Rights Act (1964) thinned and diluted the integrity of the thick white cream.  The Equal Rights Amendment of 1972 tried to stir the pot, but to really no avail.  And today, to the horror of the thinning white cream plurality, the cauldron is again being stirred by those, across the country, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.  This will be an uphill struggle.  Denial of inequality is a clear form of bias and racism and racism is deeply rooted in our culture making equality an after, after, thought in our conscious.  There is some hope, in 2018 the Southern Baptist Convention formally renounced its 1845 foundations of supporting slavery: only 153 years after the end of the Civil War.

The concept of Equality has two aspects:  Treatment and Opportunity.  Until those who feel there is no inequality begin to think, maybe, just maybe those who live with inequality might have a voice which should be heard; simple equal treatment will not happen.  Without equal treatment, equal opportunity will never happen.  Without equal treatment and opportunity, the country will never achieve its greatest potential gained through a homogenous blend of the skills, talents, and wisdom of all our citizens.  We instinctively know people are not equal; but they should be treated equally and have an equal opportunity to achieve their aspirations.

Perhaps, just perhaps,  Article 1 of the Equal Rights Amendment should read “All Citizens of the United States Women shall have equal rights in the United States and every place subject to it’s jurisdiction.  Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex without exception or clarification.”  I sadly ponder how long, if ever, such a change would be passed by Congress and ratified by the States.  If after thirty-eight years we cannot ratify an amendment requiring sexual equality what are the odds of one requiring equal treatment for all of us?  We must stand tall, grab your biggest spoon, and vigorously stir the pot.  #NeverFearTheDream