Posted in Political

Eulogy for the Once Grand Ole Party

Posted on by simplebender

The Party of Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Regan, Bush, Goldwater, and McCain has now ceased to exist as they would recognize. The Party of the moral majority has lost not only its moral compass but also its moral fiber to withstand internal radicalization. A Party which professes the legitimacy of the Big Lie, promotes rioters as patriots, and sponsors voter suppression rather than voter outreach as the means to win elections. A Party which condemns independence of individuals and solicits funds to help pay the legal fees of the corrupt. And which now, declares violence and vandalism as “legitimate political discourse”. A stance which will probably come back to haunt them.

A Party which now supports, condones, and defends violence over dialog to resolve differences. A position which might be the first steps in justifying clashes and civil violence in the future. A Party which once proudly proclaimed and encouraged more voices leads to better policy and decision-making now censures independent thought and supports the rule of the mob. A Party now firmly barnacled to the rectum of a self-proclaimed demigod who cares more about revenge and retaliation than the wellbeing of the country.

The Party which once proudly bore the banner of global leadership and defense of democracy is now the Party of isolation and censorship. The Party which once was the stalworth against authoritarian communist governments now supports them over fledgling democracies. A Party which openly supports book banning, suppression of ideas and free speech, and whose members openly threaten local elected officials and school boards. It’s little wonder they call storming the Capital a “legitimate political discourse”. Clearly if you out yell and threaten people you are having legitimate discourse. It is now a Party whose members cause losses to others while deriving no gain, and even incur losses, for themselves. A Party disconnected from normal decorum and reality. Making history by being on the wrong side of history

The center pole of Regan’s ‘big tent’ has been kicked down and now the Party believes the only way to win elections is to suppress voting rather than have winning, long term policy proposals. It is now a Party controlled by the ‘retro-gressives’, those far right of ‘regressive’, who only want to styme progress and return to the sanctity of their past. A Party whose vocal members have become intoxicated by fear and anger and control by the voice of the mob.

A Party whose leaders were once the best and brightest with bold ideas and ideals now tremble and lack the moral fortitude to standup for themselves and the historic principles of the Party. Trembling in fear of retribution and pandering to the mob to retain their power rather than expressing what they know are truths. It is far easier to continue to tell a lie rather than face the rath of those consumed by the lie. These are the times when a lie is not a lie if a person has the audacity to keep asserting the lie is true to a gullible audience.

We now witnessing the agonizing death of the Republican Party and earnestly hope it doesn’t take the country down as well.   #NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Political

Democracy’s Greatest Threat: Angry White Men

Posted on by simplebender

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 6th 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

Posted in Political

Let Businesses Manage COVID Policy

Posted on by simplebender

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

Posted in Communication

Censorship Kills….Be respectful, listen and learn

Posted on by simplebender

Censorship kills…. freedom, liberty, democracy, ideas, dialog, and souls.  We pride ourselves in our First Amendment Rights, yet often fail to recognize, as we shout down others, they too have those same rights.  Ironically, real cancel culture isn’t asking questions to probe for the truth.  It is the obstruction and restriction of asking those questions.  Censoring by yelling down those who have a different opinion.  Censorship, in the hands of the critical race, is a uniquely powerful form of cancel culture.

The Truth is an amalgamation of everyone’s perspectives of facts.  Truth, the real whole 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.

And History; History isn’t supposed to tell you what you want to hear.  History is supposed to be challenging.  True history is unearthed by wrestling with and confronting difficult topics.  Not shying away from uncovering what is uncomfortable but embracing the opportunity to really know.

Like looking at a diamond, each facet gives a unique view, each is right from the perspective of the viewer but not from any other.  Only by taking time and expending the energy to focus and look at each facet and merging their images can we see the whole Truth the Full History.  But we don’t have the time or patience to do the hard work, to do what’s right.  It’s just easier to yell someone down, ban a book, and censor authors, artists, activists, and ideas.  People aren’t wrong just because they disagree with you.

Most people, and news outlets, don’t intentionally lie.  Most just knowingly highlight their ‘facts’ without mention of, and may be intentionally ignoring, the ‘facts’ of others.  Most don’t purposefully lie; but some do, and you must be informed to know the truth.  (Yes, Biden won; No, the election wasn’t rigged; Yes, the climate is changing; No, COVID isn’t a hoax; and Yes, Black Lives DO Matter.)

Rarely is it a matter of you being right or them being wrong.  It’s about finding and exploiting the areas in which we agree and being respectful where we disagree.  We live in what should be a civil society.  As such, diversity breeds disagreement as much as it does agreement.  None of us own the whole truth just our little part of it.

America has been a world model for many things.  A shining beacon of freedom and representative government to some.  A sought-after sanctuary for the oppressed.  Juxtapose this with our Jim Crow, citizenship and miscegenation laws being used as the basis for Nazi Germany’s antisemitic and racist Nuremberg Laws. (Hitler’s American Model, J.Q. Whitman).  History is messy and we are viewed from all angles.  Great nations and people don’t take, overthrow, or seduce for control.  They subdue and control their voice and lead by example.

You see, it isn’t treasonous to challenge the accepted view of history or the truth.  In fact, it’s essential.  Healthy societies like, healthy ecosystems, are diverse and contrasting not uniform and inbreed.  We should be embracing the hard messy chore of unearthing our full history and the truth.  We are destined to repeat ‘history’ because we refuse to fully understand the whole history.  We only have ‘our’ history without regard to ‘their’ history, which won’t play out well in the long run.  #NeverFeartheDream

Posted in Philosophy

Critical Thinking and Theory are needed now more than ever

Posted on by simplebender

Today, more than ever we need to practice Critical Thinking and the principles of Critical Theory.  We are bombarded by partisan media, politics, and opinions.  We face both sides of the ‘Big Lie’, ‘Stop the Steal’, and unabashedly biased ‘journalism’ and editorials.  Without a structured, normalized, approach toward analysis we are destined to wallow in unverified, unchallenged fantasies which can then become the structure of our society, institutions, and legal systems.

Critical thinking and theory do not profess any bias toward outcome, rather they focus us on a questioning process and let the outcome evolve and crystallize more with ever probing questions.  We must never just accept, but rather presume something is wrong, something can be improved, and/or be more holistically truthful.  Process and practices which encourage us to make explicit self-examination, and which are more concerned with preventing the loss of truth rather than being afraid of the resulting outcome are good for individuals, institutions, and societies in general.  Critical Thinking and Theory typically has three aspects: 1) presume something is wrong and identify what, 2) identify the aspects, or actors, which can be and/or need to be changed, and 3) establish norms for routine criticism and analysis. The only way to determine if our institutional knowledge are institutional myths is to critically challenge, probe, and analyze every aspect, on a continuous basis.  If it proves false, then let facts prevail. If it withstands the scrutiny either the challenge needs to be changed or the facts are firm.  Therefore, Critical Thinking and Theory are the anthesis of cancel culture.

As to Critical Race Theory.  Let’s agree; racism isn’t biological.  We are not born racists.  It is learned.  Therefore, racism must be a normal feature of our social fabric.  Woven into our education, public policy, and legal structure.  If so, then our responsibility as a society, as members of a civil order, is to critically ask ourselves, what needs to be changed in those institutions, and legal framework to eradicate systematic racism.  Consider how much fuller and richer our accepted history would be if it were written including all perspectives including those of race, religion, and gender.  Imagine how our legal system could be improved, presuming institutional racism could be recognized and removed.

If you are unwilling to accept the pretext of institutional racism and sexism, ask yourself why it took over a hundred years after the end of the Civil War for the Civil Rights Act to be passed and the Supreme Court to recognize the legitimacy of mixed marriages.  Ask yourself why the Civil Rights Act was even necessary.  Why were Jim Crow Laws passed and brutally enforced? Why, the Equal Rights Amendment hasn’t passed? And why are the Boards of Corporations essential devoid of minorities and women?

Those amongst us who refuse to challenge the social norms and status quo will forever be the pawns of those who want to manipulate the uninformed with disinformation, biased partisan partial perspectives, and conspiracy theories. Ironically, those claiming cancel culture are the ones who have tried for centuries to cancel and ignore the historical perspectives of others.  All of us, to some degree, are racist and sexist; our social culture made us what we are.  Maybe we should be engaging in Critical Gender and Critical Religion Theory as well.  

And who am I?  I’m an engineer, trained to question everything, challenge the status quo, and continually search for a better way to make things, systems, and processes work.  Trained never to accept anything at face value regardless of who propagated the thought or policy.  The one who practiced the art of Critical Thinking and Theory as an engineer and executive in the private and public sectors to advance engineering, as well as corporate and public policy.

#NeverFearthe Dream #CRT #CriticalRaceTheory #woke #cancelculture

Posted in Philosophy

Fifteenth and First, Celebrate Both

Posted on by simplebender

Fifteen years ago, on Father’s Day, June 19th, a soft-spoken, conservative, stoic, son of Georgia, member of the Band of Brothers 101St Airborne, and my Dad past away, losing his battle with cancer.  And today we also celebrate the first anniversary of Juneteenth, as a recognized National Holiday.

I think my Dad would be very happy with how these are now forever tied together.  You see, he and his twin sister were orphaned very early and were raised by various aunts and uncles in and around Atlanta.  His life was not easy, but it was so very full.  He lost half his fingers and fractured his back parachuting into combat in WWII but never missed a chance play baseball with me and my brother.  He was always there for us, no matter what, no matter when, no matter where.

He was careful with his words and by being so he quietly taught many valuable lessons.  You knew, when he said something, it was worth listening to.  He said, ‘treat everyone with respect until they prove otherwise.’ and ‘never let your handicaps define you’ These were not just words with him.  He lived them and taught them by example.

So today, we celebrate the life he led, the lessons he taught, and the power of respect as we recognize, and welcome the celebration of, Juneteenth.  Too long in coming but with us now forever and rightfully so.   #NeverFeartheDream, #Juneteenth, #respect

Posted in Philosophy

What have we become; what are we afraid of?

Posted on by simplebender

We have witnessed and experienced a lot in the last year, as individuals and as a country.  However, the capitulation and implosion of the Republican party maybe the most shocking.  The Grand Ole Party which once championed global influence based on principles and global trade has become a Group of Patsies wallowing in self-delusion, fearful of shining the light of truth, and idolatry.  The party, in my lifetime, faced down the tyranny of Soviet Russia now embraces its own form of tyranny, race-based caste system, and isolation.  It is now a party which advocates hiding behind walls rather than tearing walls down.

The party, which once proudly advocated for fact-based decision making, is now advocating hiding from the investigation of the January 6th insurrection.  Burying their collective head in the sand trying to make believe it did not happen.  That a mob; flying the flags of a corrupt defeated dictatorship, the flag of racism and slavery, and those of idol worship; did not attack the Capital, did not assault Capital Police and the foundations of our Constitution.  Nope, didn’t happen.  It is fake news and was a group of peaceful, law abiding citizens exercising their freedom of speech and having a ‘tour of the Capital’.  Denial does not mean it did not happen.  Denial does mean it will happen again.  How many members of Congress will stand up for the Constitution and this country and try to determine what happened on the days before and after January 6th.  And how many will prove they are panderers and patsies only vying for votes from those who are too afraid to seek truth.

What are we afraid of?  As we consciously and unconsciously practice our unique form of race-based caste system.  What are we afraid of?  Are we afraid of losing some of our race-based privileges?  Are we afraid of equal rights, equal treatment, and equal access?  Are we afraid, that on any given level playing field, we can no longer compete?  That maybe, just maybe there are those who are better who have never had a chance to show just how good they are?  If we consider ourselves a team; TEAM USA is failing.  It is failing to play the best the players or even to let them try-out for the team.  We must look forward and recognize everyone has more talents and more to offer.  Exclusion based on race, gender, creed, orientation, nationality, education, or anything else succeeds in maintaining a false based caste system and inhibits all of us from moving forward toward greater goals.  It succeeds in allowing those who strive to see us fail drive wedges of misinformation into the fabric of our nation.

The principles of fiscal discipline, personal responsibility and accountability, global leadership and trade, and social compassion have been cast aside.  Cast aside for denial, scapegoating, isolation, and radical racial divide.  The Republican Party I was a part of for more than half a century has been displaced by a cult, worshiping a demigod in the hopes of maintaining a failing direction and whose leaders care more about being re-elected than taking a stand for the principles of the country.  The Party was bigger than one person and now is as small, and as shallow, as one.  The party, whose leaders, once stood in defiance of tyrants and dictators now embrace them rather than standing for freedom, truth, and democracy.  The idea of ‘truth will set you free’ can only come to reality if we actually seek the truth. 

#NeverFeartheDream #GOP #Jan6 #BigLie

Posted in Political

State Citizenship…a Needed Bridge for Immigration

Posted on by simplebender

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

Posted in Philosophy

Sudden Death Brings Life into Focus

Posted on by simplebender

The pandemic has forced us to witness a lot of death and the pain the survivors experience.  But it’s the sudden deaths which really bring life into focus.  The treasure of a loved one suddenly and tragically ripped from our lives.  The last hug in the morning replaced with tears in the evening.  The sudden loss with no time to prepare, as if you can really ever prepare for such a loss.

This week a close friend suffered such an unimaginable loss when her husband was killed in a rogue avalanche in Alaska.  A trained and experienced mountaineer whose life was taken in the blink of an eye. 

And now, she and her daughters must cope with the unexpected loss of the man they loved and adored.  Tom Devine will be missed by many but mostly by his family.

The country has tied itself into ridiculous knots over too many petty issues of politics, lies, innuendos, and unwarranted slanderous comments.  The sudden death of a friend puts all this into stark perspective.  Life is too short.  Celebrate our differences.  Embrace your family and friends, as well as their ideas. 

Life is precious and death, especially sudden death, brings it into focus if you are willing to look. 

#NeverFeartheDream  #Tom Devine

Posted in Political

Flags of Insurrection….

Posted on by simplebender

Reflect for a moment on the flags and banners shown proudly flying in the hollowed halls of our Nation’s Capital during the insurrection and attempted coup.  We all saw the flag of the Confederacy, ‘Trump 2020’, ‘Jesus 2020’, the flag of South Vietnam, the flag of Christianity, and ‘Q’.  At best, only one of those may have some contribution in ever ‘Making America Great Again’.  What was represented were failed, defeated, and debunked causes, and corrupt regimes.  The banners of a cult not the banners of a proud representative republic.  So, as we watch the collapse of a once grand old party let us hope we aren’t also witnessing the rise of an unrestrained cult.  A cult without moral guiderails or a grand vision, just corruption and power. 

To those who follow this blog; thank you…to those who have stumbled upon it, please consider following….And please share with a friend or two……

Stay well.

#NeverFeartheDream, #BigLie, #Jan6