Yesterday was the day that many have been waiting for years. The Obama years have come to an end. Obama had Hope, but after the GOP started taking over, first in the House, then the Senate, he lost his conviction. In fact, the whole Democratic Party did. Republicans were unified. Democrats were wrong, they were right. Fight after fight proved successful. In my opinion, after the healthcare law was passed, GLBT rights were won, and other social liberal causes were becoming reality, the Democrats thought everything was right or heading in the right direction.
Democrats abandoned their core base, the blue collar workers and focused on liberal only social issues. Historically, Democrats were blue collar, Republicans were white collar. Bill Clinton Democrats focused more towards white collar and since then have consistently left the blue collar workers by the side of the road.
If you look back at our history, Democrats like to protest, Republicans like to vote. Remember Occupy Wall Street? That was supposed to be a movement. It wasn't. Democrats never capitalized on the angst at that time, not like the Tea Party Republicans. Barely any Democrats were elected because of this movement. The only two people that have risen as a part of this movement was Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Warren was the only newcomer while Sanders just cemented his stance already entrenched in his fight.
Democrats lacked the conviction. Status quo was ok. They still had a firewall, Obama, to tamp down any fire the Republicans could light. Then they pinned their hopes on Hillary. Hillary lacked conviction. Her campaign felt more like a coronation to the throne. She wanted it, wanted it badly, but lacked conviction. She did it for her, for her legacy, not because of a certain belief or fire in her that she needed to fight for. Bernie had it, still does, now more than ever.
Donald Trump didn't light the fire. It was already burning. He was just the gasoline many in this country needed. Bernie too was an accelerant, just the fire was smaller. Many times, in history, the pendulum swings from one party to another. In 2008, it was clearly a "Democrat"ic victory. Now in 2017, the pendulum hasn't been more Republican than I can remember. Most State Governments, and all of the Federal Government is under Republican rule.
After every election, I hear this phrase time and time again, that the party that won has a "mandate". That may be true, but drastic change will bring a backlash. People say they want change, but in fact, what they really want are for things to be tweaked. Big change, I fear causes pendulum changes. Don't believe me? If the Affordable Care Act wasn't passed, would we really be seeing a President Trump or a Tea Party? I think not.
Obama and the 2008 Democrats should have heeded the following much like the GOP should do today:
"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph - a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters and musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot, or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting." - General George Patton
All glory is fleeting. I, for one, am optimistic for this country. I make no qualms about being a Democrat. My ideals align with this party. We are at a precipice in this country. We can either stumble to the rocks below and see our demise or we take a leap of faith and have faith in where we are headed. I truly hope that President Trump is successful. I want him to succeed which in turn I country will succeed. I, for one, does not even want to think about impeaching him. Just for the sheer terror that a Pence Presidency could bring!
I think and I hope that the Democratic Party will be a Phoenix that rise from the ashes as a more inclusive party. I fear that the actions of the next couple years by the Republican Party will cement that assumption. Democrats, stop protesting and start actually taking action. If you want change, change it. The Republicans have showed us how to bring change. Replicate it if you feel passionate. If not, you have no one else to blame but yourself.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Monday, December 5, 2016
Why I doubt I will ever be a Republican
The biggest reason I just can't support most GOP candidates are the social issues that the fervent supporters have supported. I am a Christian, but my religious beliefs should not be willed upon others. Being against rights against any class of people in this country should not be a part of the Republican Party's platform. Kind of what goes hand-in-hand with the social issues are the economic policies. Defunding programs that are against their beliefs is against what our constitution states.
Some may say that being a Liberal Christian is incongruent. As a Christian we are supposed to spread the word of the Lord. Even when others don't agree, we need to be resolute on our beliefs. I think you can still do so, but not legislate that way. Our country was founded under the principles of religious freedom, not just Christian freedom. Like it our not, besides Christians, we have Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans, Pagans, Unitarian Universalists, just to name the major religions in our country.
I know abortion opponents are mostly the religious Conservatives, but the GOP party stance is vehemently against all forms of abortion. If you are so opposed to abortions, then where is your support of these kids if they weren't aborted. Why are you against food stamp, housing assistance, welfare, better foster care/adoption services, universal healthcare, etc? A single low-income woman gets pregnant. It is the most agonizing decision she must make. If she can't even afford supporting herself and must keep a baby, how can she survive if she can't abort? This stance isn't pro-life, it is pro-fetus. Christians are supposed to take care of the less fortunate. They certainly aren't doing their fair share through their churches. That is why our social net is in place.
Historically, trickle down economics, at best, has mixed results. This is the Reagonite Republicans want us to think that will save our economy. This is exactly what Trump is proposing. The thing is, it worked in the 80's, but Reagan also doubled our debt and ballooned our Defense budget. These cuts left a large disparity in low and middle income workers vs high wage earners. Tell me, are you better off than your parents were in the 80's? Chances are that the answer is no. This is a direct result of these trickle down policies. Sure there are exceptions, but I am not.
The other point about trickle down economics was when Reagan lowered tax rates, the top end was 70%. One Percenters were really getting screwed. He went from 70% down to 50% in his first 6 years. Then in '86 it went down to 28%. Of course freeing that much cash from the top would open more opportunities for others. As you can see, 42% increase in revenue for anyone would add more money to the economy. In contrast, today's highest rate is 39.6%. Would the 11.6% decrease have as much of an impact as 42%? Also, keep in mind, which no one that professes to be behind Reagan's tax policies is that he cut out a lot of loopholes, built a bigger IRS to combat tax fraud, and doubled his deficit.
I, for one, think a more broad supply side approach would work better. Everyone gets a cut, not just the people at the top and not just for investments most people don't have. Supply side allows more money in everyone's pocket, not just at the top. Listen, the one thing that I can agree with Trump though is the personal and corporate tax rates. Lower the taxes and cut loopholes out. Everyone contributes their fair share, including the President.
I am so not against our Military. It is amazing the sacrifices that people will do for their country. I didn't serve because of my eyes. It precluded me from doing anything I wanted to do in the military. That is my biggest regret, that I didn't serve. I didn't feel like folding parachutes on a carrier was something I wanted to do. So if you are a Vet, thank you. With that said, the GOP's stance on military spending is unfathomable to me.
Our country spends more in military spending then the next 13 nations combined! Dwight Eisenhower warned about the follies of our military industrial complex system. We have yet to heed his warning. For example, the M1 Abrams tank. The Army and Marines have 9000 of these tanks. Since 2011, they have told Congress that they don't need more, but in each budget, more and more tanks are being forced upon the Army because Congress wants to keep General Dynamics in business, not because we need more tanks. Seriously, if you don't believe me, look this up.
But then let's see how our Veterans are taken care of. I don't think the VA, as long as I can recall, has ever been in good shape. We should be ashamed on how we take care of them. This is a big bipartisan gripe. Both parties are guilty of this. Medical advancements have come a long way which is fabulous, but that leads us to a VA that doesn't have the ability to adapt. We don't just cut off a leg and give the Vet crutches or a wheel chair and send them on their way. These new advancements provide quality care like never before seen, but we can't provide to them what they need.
Let's move some of that military wasteful spending to the VA. This is one program that I see needs more money. It needs to be streamlined and have the ability to restructure itself. When we have the next VA controversy, and we will in a year or two, we will lob off the heads up top, the ones we can fire, but yet keep the same body. The VA needs to be able to hire and fire differently. Let it function like a not-for-profit health system instead of a god awful bureaucracy. Instead the GOP will continue to nickel and dime this system and not fix anything, then the next crisis occurs, will frown upon everyone and wonder why it can't be fixed. Vets if I am way off base here, please feel to call me out.
I don't believe in everything that liberals are for. The pendulum swings way to the left and right on ideological stances on both sides right now. Why is a Centrist Republican or Democrat such a nasty thing to be? If we had more of them in each party, our country would be a better place. I always thought, when push came to shove, the middle is where everyone can agree. Where truly is the middle now?
Our Constitution assure justice and equality for all, not just for some. You may not like the laws or the protections that some people like GLBT have or the religious freedoms others want like Muslims, but it is the country you signed up for. As a Liberal I will vote to fight for all, not just for some. Until the Republicans change course, that is why they won't have my vote.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Some may say that being a Liberal Christian is incongruent. As a Christian we are supposed to spread the word of the Lord. Even when others don't agree, we need to be resolute on our beliefs. I think you can still do so, but not legislate that way. Our country was founded under the principles of religious freedom, not just Christian freedom. Like it our not, besides Christians, we have Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, Atheists, Buddhists, Hindus, Wiccans, Pagans, Unitarian Universalists, just to name the major religions in our country.
I know abortion opponents are mostly the religious Conservatives, but the GOP party stance is vehemently against all forms of abortion. If you are so opposed to abortions, then where is your support of these kids if they weren't aborted. Why are you against food stamp, housing assistance, welfare, better foster care/adoption services, universal healthcare, etc? A single low-income woman gets pregnant. It is the most agonizing decision she must make. If she can't even afford supporting herself and must keep a baby, how can she survive if she can't abort? This stance isn't pro-life, it is pro-fetus. Christians are supposed to take care of the less fortunate. They certainly aren't doing their fair share through their churches. That is why our social net is in place.
Historically, trickle down economics, at best, has mixed results. This is the Reagonite Republicans want us to think that will save our economy. This is exactly what Trump is proposing. The thing is, it worked in the 80's, but Reagan also doubled our debt and ballooned our Defense budget. These cuts left a large disparity in low and middle income workers vs high wage earners. Tell me, are you better off than your parents were in the 80's? Chances are that the answer is no. This is a direct result of these trickle down policies. Sure there are exceptions, but I am not.
The other point about trickle down economics was when Reagan lowered tax rates, the top end was 70%. One Percenters were really getting screwed. He went from 70% down to 50% in his first 6 years. Then in '86 it went down to 28%. Of course freeing that much cash from the top would open more opportunities for others. As you can see, 42% increase in revenue for anyone would add more money to the economy. In contrast, today's highest rate is 39.6%. Would the 11.6% decrease have as much of an impact as 42%? Also, keep in mind, which no one that professes to be behind Reagan's tax policies is that he cut out a lot of loopholes, built a bigger IRS to combat tax fraud, and doubled his deficit.
I, for one, think a more broad supply side approach would work better. Everyone gets a cut, not just the people at the top and not just for investments most people don't have. Supply side allows more money in everyone's pocket, not just at the top. Listen, the one thing that I can agree with Trump though is the personal and corporate tax rates. Lower the taxes and cut loopholes out. Everyone contributes their fair share, including the President.
I am so not against our Military. It is amazing the sacrifices that people will do for their country. I didn't serve because of my eyes. It precluded me from doing anything I wanted to do in the military. That is my biggest regret, that I didn't serve. I didn't feel like folding parachutes on a carrier was something I wanted to do. So if you are a Vet, thank you. With that said, the GOP's stance on military spending is unfathomable to me.
Our country spends more in military spending then the next 13 nations combined! Dwight Eisenhower warned about the follies of our military industrial complex system. We have yet to heed his warning. For example, the M1 Abrams tank. The Army and Marines have 9000 of these tanks. Since 2011, they have told Congress that they don't need more, but in each budget, more and more tanks are being forced upon the Army because Congress wants to keep General Dynamics in business, not because we need more tanks. Seriously, if you don't believe me, look this up.
But then let's see how our Veterans are taken care of. I don't think the VA, as long as I can recall, has ever been in good shape. We should be ashamed on how we take care of them. This is a big bipartisan gripe. Both parties are guilty of this. Medical advancements have come a long way which is fabulous, but that leads us to a VA that doesn't have the ability to adapt. We don't just cut off a leg and give the Vet crutches or a wheel chair and send them on their way. These new advancements provide quality care like never before seen, but we can't provide to them what they need.
Let's move some of that military wasteful spending to the VA. This is one program that I see needs more money. It needs to be streamlined and have the ability to restructure itself. When we have the next VA controversy, and we will in a year or two, we will lob off the heads up top, the ones we can fire, but yet keep the same body. The VA needs to be able to hire and fire differently. Let it function like a not-for-profit health system instead of a god awful bureaucracy. Instead the GOP will continue to nickel and dime this system and not fix anything, then the next crisis occurs, will frown upon everyone and wonder why it can't be fixed. Vets if I am way off base here, please feel to call me out.
I don't believe in everything that liberals are for. The pendulum swings way to the left and right on ideological stances on both sides right now. Why is a Centrist Republican or Democrat such a nasty thing to be? If we had more of them in each party, our country would be a better place. I always thought, when push came to shove, the middle is where everyone can agree. Where truly is the middle now?
Our Constitution assure justice and equality for all, not just for some. You may not like the laws or the protections that some people like GLBT have or the religious freedoms others want like Muslims, but it is the country you signed up for. As a Liberal I will vote to fight for all, not just for some. Until the Republicans change course, that is why they won't have my vote.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Why I will always be a Liberal
For the most part, I have been quiet about this election. My stances have been well established on here throughout the years. This election has been truly brutal. It felt and still feels like a civil war took place. I will never apologize for my beliefs but I would like for you to understand why I take these stands. Maybe if more people opened up like this, we can truly understand each other so here goes.
First off, let's clarify this off the bat. Democrats don't want to take your guns, force you to believe in Gay marriage, think our government wants to give everything away to everyone for free, and believe all Trump supporters are racist.
Guns are a fundamental right in this country. The issue we have with guns is we want to stop the violence with guns. Restricting sales of guns to certain groups makes sense. I don't want someone that is restricted from getting on a plane to own a gun. Too many loopholes exist and too few stolen guns that then get used in crimes are used. Punishments by gun owners that "lose" these guns need. A background check needs to be done by everyone before they own a gun. If I have to have a license to drive a car, why can't this simple task be done for every gun exchanged?
I will always side on the side of equality and fairness. I am a white, straight male. I am privileged. I have opportunities afforded to me that no other class in this country has. That is not right. Anyone who is of color, non-heterosexual orientation, or non-Christian should have the exact same rights as me.
We, whites, have long claimed to people of color that they have the same rights. They don't. Granted, perhaps the "race" card, at times may be played once too often. But I don't live it. I am not Black or Middle Eastern. Since Trump was elected, racism has risen to the surface. We can't deny that. Anyone living in this country should not have to worry about looking over their shoulder, but they do now, more than ever. This is not right and the current President-elect is not doing anything to squash it. This really bothers me. "Make America Great Again" means to me "Make America White Again".
I understand that the main thrust of what got him elected was the economy. But if you aren't denouncing the blatant racism that comes with it, you are part of the problem as well. Are we truly this racist? That is a big part of why I am a liberal.
Gay marriage is the law of the land. You may not agree with it and that is fine, but you can't discriminate against it. Our country was created built upon freedom especially religious freedom. Look at our Founding Fathers' religious background. John Adams wrote :"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." That is the country that was created. Discriminating someone under the guise of religious beliefs is still discrimination. If you believe in Jesus, it is up to the sinner to repent, is it not? If you think being gay is a sin, isn't up to the sinner to address their sins. It is not up to you to judge, but God, right? That is why I am Liberal. I will vote for people that who feel the same way. Equal rights means equal for all, not the ones that are just Christian, straight and white.
Democrats biggest shortcoming right now are the economic issues. After the 80's, when the knees got kicked out of the unions, Democrats needed a new base to build upon. (Bill) Clinton Democrats forged alliances with Wall Street and thought globalization would create a broader prosperity to the working class. When in hindsight, it did just the opposite. My party needs to do some soul searching. Rank and file workers were the bread and butter of the party. The party needs to re-evaluate and turn towards appealing to this group again.
Now, more than ever, a larger portion of working aged people are on disability. That coal miner that can't pick up an chipping axe anymore or the tool and die worker that can't grip the tools are out there that can't get jobs and are forced to take disability because jobs that are easier (physically) are not available to them because they can't be retrained, nor do they want a minimum wage at Walmart as a greeter.
The fact is that the wealthy are getting richer and are keeping their wealth more than any other modern time. They are not investing it downward. Trickle down economics isn't working. Wages have been stagnant for a decade, but their wealth continues to grow. The disparity is mind blowing. I cringe when I hear the term "redistribution of wealth." What the real issue is that we truly need the people with money to invest in this country. We need them to create jobs, to create opportunities for all to move ahead. That isn't happening.
Tax laws need to be changed. I agree corporate tax rates are high, but at the same time many industries are on our welfare, sucking at the government teet. End those subsidies and the loopholes at the same time you lower the tax rates. Give them an incentive to stay here. Create a disincentive for them to move.
The main difference between the Dems and GOP is the Dems want to provide a safety net to those that need help. Republicans want to do the same, but for large corporations. GOP wants us to provide welfare to corporations which we do. I am not made that Trump didn't pay taxes. I am made that we have a system in place that enables that to occur. How can you not be made about that? How much did you pay in taxes last year?
The one thing I don't get is the GOP movement on voter fraud. Over the past 6 years, a movement (still wonder what billionaire has pushed this agenda) to combat voter fraud. There is no factual evidence of fraud taking place. Sure exceptions have always occurred, but fraud has never been a problem in modern elections. Why all of a sudden it is? I don't agree with my party that is very difficult to get a valid id, but at the same time why is there a solution to a problem that doesn't exist? They only conclusion I can rationally come to terms with is to make it harder for people to vote.
Democrats/ liberals fight for the little guy. That is why I am one and will always be one. We need an effective 2 part system. A ying/yang so to speak. The one provides the check and balance for the other. This country needs to get back to that instead of the "if your not for me, you are against me" mentality.
First off, let's clarify this off the bat. Democrats don't want to take your guns, force you to believe in Gay marriage, think our government wants to give everything away to everyone for free, and believe all Trump supporters are racist.
Guns are a fundamental right in this country. The issue we have with guns is we want to stop the violence with guns. Restricting sales of guns to certain groups makes sense. I don't want someone that is restricted from getting on a plane to own a gun. Too many loopholes exist and too few stolen guns that then get used in crimes are used. Punishments by gun owners that "lose" these guns need. A background check needs to be done by everyone before they own a gun. If I have to have a license to drive a car, why can't this simple task be done for every gun exchanged?
I will always side on the side of equality and fairness. I am a white, straight male. I am privileged. I have opportunities afforded to me that no other class in this country has. That is not right. Anyone who is of color, non-heterosexual orientation, or non-Christian should have the exact same rights as me.
We, whites, have long claimed to people of color that they have the same rights. They don't. Granted, perhaps the "race" card, at times may be played once too often. But I don't live it. I am not Black or Middle Eastern. Since Trump was elected, racism has risen to the surface. We can't deny that. Anyone living in this country should not have to worry about looking over their shoulder, but they do now, more than ever. This is not right and the current President-elect is not doing anything to squash it. This really bothers me. "Make America Great Again" means to me "Make America White Again".
I understand that the main thrust of what got him elected was the economy. But if you aren't denouncing the blatant racism that comes with it, you are part of the problem as well. Are we truly this racist? That is a big part of why I am a liberal.
Gay marriage is the law of the land. You may not agree with it and that is fine, but you can't discriminate against it. Our country was created built upon freedom especially religious freedom. Look at our Founding Fathers' religious background. John Adams wrote :"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." That is the country that was created. Discriminating someone under the guise of religious beliefs is still discrimination. If you believe in Jesus, it is up to the sinner to repent, is it not? If you think being gay is a sin, isn't up to the sinner to address their sins. It is not up to you to judge, but God, right? That is why I am Liberal. I will vote for people that who feel the same way. Equal rights means equal for all, not the ones that are just Christian, straight and white.
Democrats biggest shortcoming right now are the economic issues. After the 80's, when the knees got kicked out of the unions, Democrats needed a new base to build upon. (Bill) Clinton Democrats forged alliances with Wall Street and thought globalization would create a broader prosperity to the working class. When in hindsight, it did just the opposite. My party needs to do some soul searching. Rank and file workers were the bread and butter of the party. The party needs to re-evaluate and turn towards appealing to this group again.
Now, more than ever, a larger portion of working aged people are on disability. That coal miner that can't pick up an chipping axe anymore or the tool and die worker that can't grip the tools are out there that can't get jobs and are forced to take disability because jobs that are easier (physically) are not available to them because they can't be retrained, nor do they want a minimum wage at Walmart as a greeter.
The fact is that the wealthy are getting richer and are keeping their wealth more than any other modern time. They are not investing it downward. Trickle down economics isn't working. Wages have been stagnant for a decade, but their wealth continues to grow. The disparity is mind blowing. I cringe when I hear the term "redistribution of wealth." What the real issue is that we truly need the people with money to invest in this country. We need them to create jobs, to create opportunities for all to move ahead. That isn't happening.
Tax laws need to be changed. I agree corporate tax rates are high, but at the same time many industries are on our welfare, sucking at the government teet. End those subsidies and the loopholes at the same time you lower the tax rates. Give them an incentive to stay here. Create a disincentive for them to move.
The main difference between the Dems and GOP is the Dems want to provide a safety net to those that need help. Republicans want to do the same, but for large corporations. GOP wants us to provide welfare to corporations which we do. I am not made that Trump didn't pay taxes. I am made that we have a system in place that enables that to occur. How can you not be made about that? How much did you pay in taxes last year?
The one thing I don't get is the GOP movement on voter fraud. Over the past 6 years, a movement (still wonder what billionaire has pushed this agenda) to combat voter fraud. There is no factual evidence of fraud taking place. Sure exceptions have always occurred, but fraud has never been a problem in modern elections. Why all of a sudden it is? I don't agree with my party that is very difficult to get a valid id, but at the same time why is there a solution to a problem that doesn't exist? They only conclusion I can rationally come to terms with is to make it harder for people to vote.
Democrats/ liberals fight for the little guy. That is why I am one and will always be one. We need an effective 2 part system. A ying/yang so to speak. The one provides the check and balance for the other. This country needs to get back to that instead of the "if your not for me, you are against me" mentality.
Friday, May 27, 2016
TSA screwed
Fliers should be enraged! After 9/11, a tax was implemented on every airline ticket to pay for the TSA. It is supposed to be a self-funded program. An independent funding stream to pay for what ever needs arise. As air travel gets busier, the funding pot increases, when it slows down, the pot recedes. This give the TSA a way to maintain staff.
However, did you know, in 2014, Congress raised the fees AND diverted funds from this account to pay down debt? We need to be enraged. A seemingly independent system that is self-funded was once again dismantled by Congress to play short-term political gain. Darryl Issa is in fact now spinning this problem and pushing for TSA work to be independent contractors to save money. My God, wasn't this the reason 9/11 occurred? We left it up to contractors to screen and we had very limited resources put into security!
We all need to write our Congress and Senate lawmakers and restore the funding stream towards its original intent. Stop screwing the American people!
However, did you know, in 2014, Congress raised the fees AND diverted funds from this account to pay down debt? We need to be enraged. A seemingly independent system that is self-funded was once again dismantled by Congress to play short-term political gain. Darryl Issa is in fact now spinning this problem and pushing for TSA work to be independent contractors to save money. My God, wasn't this the reason 9/11 occurred? We left it up to contractors to screen and we had very limited resources put into security!
We all need to write our Congress and Senate lawmakers and restore the funding stream towards its original intent. Stop screwing the American people!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
President Trump?!
Being liberal on my views, I have looked at horror, disdain, and even a little amusement at the cannibalism of the current Republican party. In about 6 short years, the party has gone from the Reagan era to the Tea Party to implosion.
I make no qualms that Obama gave rise to the Tea Party. The non-partisan approach he passed and implemented the affordable care act created a political schism that I have never seen before. Along with the rise of the Tea Party, social media, so called liberal media, and Fox News created a 24/7 news cycle. We no longer would read about the days events the next day in our newspapers. No instead it was live streamed, to our pockets on our phones or on our computer screens while we worked. It is the Information Age to the Nth power.
This created an environment of deep scrutiny. Our politicians were able to raise their hands in disgust about a certain bill or movement taking place, but then were able to quietly work and negotiate with the opposing party. But because of the Tea Party's close scrutiny, if you didn't stand tall, you were against them. It was a race to be more Conservative and if you weren't we will find someone that can be. It became a "No" party. If the President wants this, no. If it raises taxes, no. If it doesn't slash spending, no. If they are for it, we are against it. The Democrats gave up and followed suit.
A truly functioning two party system allows compromises. Our dysfunctional government won't change unless compromises are allowed. Both sides are currently guilty of this. But the GOP has had their foot on the break for 6 years and hasn't even pumped it once.
So that leaves us with Trump. Trump IS the crazy uncle that you cringe to listen to at family events. Deep down inside, some of the things he says you agree with, but you just shake your head. He is the candidate that can truly bring about change. The change that I see that he wants to bring about isn't what we really want though.
I want, this country needs, a President that acts Presidential. I want someone that has the best interests of all the people, not just angry white Americans. I want someone that can work with both parties. Bridge the divide, instead of dynamiting the bridge. All Republicans look back at Reagan as the high water mark for the party. Well he was called the Great Communicator for a reason. He appealed to both parties. He brought people together. He wanted a United State.
After this election, both parties will need to reevaluate their stands. I have been shocked and amazed at our country and its politics. At first the Tea party obstructed everything. Then 2 years later, they couldn't change anything and we brought even more conservative politicians in. They now control both the House and the Senate. We must realize the only way we can unjam the lock is to vote more moderate politicians, not more Liberal or more Conservative, or whatever Trump is.
Trumps rise should not shock us. It is not a Conservative movement he is rising on, it is our insecurities. It is our fear of change. It is our wanting to bring things back to the way we were: a prosperous nation. First we need a government that functions.
We need to fix the roads and bridges we drive on. We need to have a fair school system that everyone, no matter what school they go to, has the same education. We need our government to run and efficiently. That doesn't mean to slash its budget. We need to invest in retraining our people that lose their jobs. We need to enhance the system of entrepreneurial programs.
Listen, our country will never, ever be the manufacturing powerhouse it once was. The world is now a truly global economy. We need to adapt to those realities. Lost manufacturing jobs never come back. But if we train our workforce to meet the other demands like healthcare, technology, and engineering, we will have a stronger nation.
Rhetoric, no matter how much it is something you want to here, is still rhetoric. That is what I see so many people latching on to Trump and is why it is a flawed reason in backing him. As a Liberal, my choices are limiting as well. It is a bitter pill to swallow that good politicians, on both sides were drowned out. I would have preferred it that Martin O'Malley should have been the Democratic nominee. In a General election, I would have voted for someone like Rubio, Kasich, or maybe even Bush instead of Hillary Clinton. I can not vote for Trump.
I make no qualms that Obama gave rise to the Tea Party. The non-partisan approach he passed and implemented the affordable care act created a political schism that I have never seen before. Along with the rise of the Tea Party, social media, so called liberal media, and Fox News created a 24/7 news cycle. We no longer would read about the days events the next day in our newspapers. No instead it was live streamed, to our pockets on our phones or on our computer screens while we worked. It is the Information Age to the Nth power.
This created an environment of deep scrutiny. Our politicians were able to raise their hands in disgust about a certain bill or movement taking place, but then were able to quietly work and negotiate with the opposing party. But because of the Tea Party's close scrutiny, if you didn't stand tall, you were against them. It was a race to be more Conservative and if you weren't we will find someone that can be. It became a "No" party. If the President wants this, no. If it raises taxes, no. If it doesn't slash spending, no. If they are for it, we are against it. The Democrats gave up and followed suit.
A truly functioning two party system allows compromises. Our dysfunctional government won't change unless compromises are allowed. Both sides are currently guilty of this. But the GOP has had their foot on the break for 6 years and hasn't even pumped it once.
So that leaves us with Trump. Trump IS the crazy uncle that you cringe to listen to at family events. Deep down inside, some of the things he says you agree with, but you just shake your head. He is the candidate that can truly bring about change. The change that I see that he wants to bring about isn't what we really want though.
I want, this country needs, a President that acts Presidential. I want someone that has the best interests of all the people, not just angry white Americans. I want someone that can work with both parties. Bridge the divide, instead of dynamiting the bridge. All Republicans look back at Reagan as the high water mark for the party. Well he was called the Great Communicator for a reason. He appealed to both parties. He brought people together. He wanted a United State.
After this election, both parties will need to reevaluate their stands. I have been shocked and amazed at our country and its politics. At first the Tea party obstructed everything. Then 2 years later, they couldn't change anything and we brought even more conservative politicians in. They now control both the House and the Senate. We must realize the only way we can unjam the lock is to vote more moderate politicians, not more Liberal or more Conservative, or whatever Trump is.
Trumps rise should not shock us. It is not a Conservative movement he is rising on, it is our insecurities. It is our fear of change. It is our wanting to bring things back to the way we were: a prosperous nation. First we need a government that functions.
We need to fix the roads and bridges we drive on. We need to have a fair school system that everyone, no matter what school they go to, has the same education. We need our government to run and efficiently. That doesn't mean to slash its budget. We need to invest in retraining our people that lose their jobs. We need to enhance the system of entrepreneurial programs.
Listen, our country will never, ever be the manufacturing powerhouse it once was. The world is now a truly global economy. We need to adapt to those realities. Lost manufacturing jobs never come back. But if we train our workforce to meet the other demands like healthcare, technology, and engineering, we will have a stronger nation.
Rhetoric, no matter how much it is something you want to here, is still rhetoric. That is what I see so many people latching on to Trump and is why it is a flawed reason in backing him. As a Liberal, my choices are limiting as well. It is a bitter pill to swallow that good politicians, on both sides were drowned out. I would have preferred it that Martin O'Malley should have been the Democratic nominee. In a General election, I would have voted for someone like Rubio, Kasich, or maybe even Bush instead of Hillary Clinton. I can not vote for Trump.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
I support
I support cops.
I support victims of cops.
Being a son of a hard working retired cop, I understand the
stress and danger that is inherit with the job. They put their lives on the
line for every single one of us. They protect and serve and keep our society
from becoming lawless. Like soldiers, they are unsung heroes. At the same time,
as with any group, there will always be a small percentage of people that
tarnish their profession. There are bad cops and that will never change. But
this is a small portion of these professionals. Painting them with a broad
stroke should never be done.
Statistically, crime is higher in poorer neighborhoods which
in most instances the majority population are comprised of people of color. Which in turn, crime rates are higher for people
of color. Being a cop in these neighborhoods, like it or not, will create a
bias in their attitudes. Nature and nurture will create this bias no matter who
you are. We know this is true about us.
This creates profiles/ stereotypes. In many instances
profiles and stereotypes are true. Many times they aren’t. The police officer
that can distinguish between the two are the better cops. Those that can’t have
a tendency to carry over that bias into their actions and jobs. If you are
innocent and are law abiding, you should never have to worry about the police.
However, because some police do use a broad stroke when they paint their stereotypes,
their actions can be abusive. When that happens, everyone can agree that the
police step over that line and should be held accountable for those actions.
It is sad that this country is still divided by race. It is
a shame we still need to be having this conversations. We have not come very
far when a Presidential candidate broad strokes a whole nationality as being
criminals and rapists. Rhetoric aside, as a country we need to look at
ourselves and really determine this is who we are. We need to see with are eyes
wide open and listen intently with our ears. Take action to remedy this. Not
pay lip service. We must love each other, not tear each other down.
Criminals that run and/or try to fight though, I have no
sympathy for if they get hurt or god-forbid die. If they weren’t doing the
crime, they wouldn’t need to run or fight. We as a country need to support our
police while still holding the bad police actors accountable. We can support both
efforts, not just one side or the other. Listen, see, maybe pray and act. Maybe
then we can be a country that can move forward.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Doomed to repeat
Ever since our country was formed by this constitution, this form that everyone holds so dearly, we have been a nation of hypocrisy. We want every man to be free. From the start that really only meant ones that were of White Anglo-Saxon descendant. Every generation, we have despised these new people that threaten our country. Except for maybe the Native Americans when Europeans came here, but that is for a different story, different time.
We enslaved Africans. We shunned the Chinese and practically enslaved them too. Up and down the generations. The Irish. The Italians. The Jews. The Japanese. In my time, Puerto Ricans and other Latin American descent.
If we claim to be a nation built upon Christian values, we don't we act like it? Love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Jesus, if you believe in him and his teachings, wanted us to take care of people that are worse off than ourselves. He wanted us to clothe and house the homeless. Feed the hungry. Show compassion and caring.
Millions of Syrians are homeless. I am not here to debate why they are today, but I am here to say they are homeless because their homes are gone, their livelihoods destroyed. In what was deemed and Arab Spring has become a Winter of dread. Not knowing where your next meal is coming from is just something we should never have to imagine. But some of these people have had to do that for years.
Bad people are going to pass themselves off as one of these people. The United Nations and the US Government, though it may not be perfect, has an extensive vetting process that takes 18-24 months to go through. The people that wrecked havoc in Paris just walked in, walked through Europe. Their porous borders allowed this to happen. That is not the US. It is a lot easier for one of these terrorists, like the one from Belgium, to get in a plane and come here to create terror than a refugee.
Let us be deliberative in our actions. You might say will what about all of the homeless in our country? Have you ever attempted to help remedy this, instead of forwarding Facebook vitriol? I have. It is not about giving a homeless Veteran a home. Many of them had one. It is beyond that. We have systems that can help our people. Volunteer to help with the homeless before you use that argument. Mental health issues prevent many homeless from being housed. Again, the mental health problem is an issue for another day.
If we are a Christian country, should we not take care of them, the Syrians. Shouldn't it be a moral and a spiritual obligation to help all that are in need? Think about this poem:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
This is the poem at the Statue of Liberty. The same poem that your ancestors may have seen sailing into New York. Let's not repeat our history once again. Let us take care of the people that need us the most. That is truly what makes our country great.
We enslaved Africans. We shunned the Chinese and practically enslaved them too. Up and down the generations. The Irish. The Italians. The Jews. The Japanese. In my time, Puerto Ricans and other Latin American descent.
If we claim to be a nation built upon Christian values, we don't we act like it? Love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Jesus, if you believe in him and his teachings, wanted us to take care of people that are worse off than ourselves. He wanted us to clothe and house the homeless. Feed the hungry. Show compassion and caring.
Millions of Syrians are homeless. I am not here to debate why they are today, but I am here to say they are homeless because their homes are gone, their livelihoods destroyed. In what was deemed and Arab Spring has become a Winter of dread. Not knowing where your next meal is coming from is just something we should never have to imagine. But some of these people have had to do that for years.
Bad people are going to pass themselves off as one of these people. The United Nations and the US Government, though it may not be perfect, has an extensive vetting process that takes 18-24 months to go through. The people that wrecked havoc in Paris just walked in, walked through Europe. Their porous borders allowed this to happen. That is not the US. It is a lot easier for one of these terrorists, like the one from Belgium, to get in a plane and come here to create terror than a refugee.
Let us be deliberative in our actions. You might say will what about all of the homeless in our country? Have you ever attempted to help remedy this, instead of forwarding Facebook vitriol? I have. It is not about giving a homeless Veteran a home. Many of them had one. It is beyond that. We have systems that can help our people. Volunteer to help with the homeless before you use that argument. Mental health issues prevent many homeless from being housed. Again, the mental health problem is an issue for another day.
If we are a Christian country, should we not take care of them, the Syrians. Shouldn't it be a moral and a spiritual obligation to help all that are in need? Think about this poem:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
This is the poem at the Statue of Liberty. The same poem that your ancestors may have seen sailing into New York. Let's not repeat our history once again. Let us take care of the people that need us the most. That is truly what makes our country great.
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