It's Good To Be King Part II

As you'll recall, I mentioned discussing politics and current events with a friend of mine recently. I had just posted an article and was doing research for my next articles. During our conversation, he suggested a topic---being King (or Queen) for a year. Whatever you decree becomes the law of the land, but it had to be practical. So, after considering the possibilities, I decided to give it a go. Besides, it sounded like fun and would me clarify my thoughts on some topics. As a disclaimer, none of my comments, either in this edition or in Part I, are set in stone. Situations change. Woe befall those who never evolve. People should continually educate themselves and be willing to change their opinions as the situation dictates. So, with that said, let's continue with "It's Good To Be King" Part II.

Next on my royal agenda would be to overhaul the tax system. Personally, I don't think the tax code should be any longer than short term paper. I think we need to institute either a consumption tax or a flat tax. Under the first option, you pay a tax on whatever you buy. If you buy only a little, you only pay a little; great for those on fixed or limited incomes. If you're a big spender, you'll pay more because you can obviously afford more. The second option would simply be a fixed tax that you'll pay regardless based on your gross income. Of course, certain items such as food, medicine are exempt along with income that's double the poverty rate.

No more NAFTA. No more TPP. No more secret trade agreements. We will focus on Fair Trade instead; one that protects our labor market from unfair foreign trade practices. If a foreign government underwrites a particular industry in order to undercut our market, it may be necessary to support that market domestically in order to protect domestic jobs. The next project I would embark on is to reduce US military presence overseas. Currently, we have over 1000 bases overseas (the actually number is publically unknown). In some cases, we are there to provide backup in case that nation is attack. In other cases, we are there as the defacto military force on behalf of that country (Japan comes to mind). I think that unless we're being compensated, we need to withdraw our military from any country where our national interests aren't directly impacted. Along with that, I think we should seek closer cooperation with Russia which would go a long way in reducing global tensions, plus both the US and Russia could work jointly on certain global issues militarily and economically. Besides, we alone have enough nukes that no matter what Russia or China do independently or jointly, we could literally blow the Earth into a cosmic dust cloud a 1000 times over. Not even cockroaches would survive.

I would take the savings and rebuild our infrastructure. Internally, our highways, roads, bridges, and transportation systems are as decrepit as the government in Washington. We need to refocus on a train system similar to Europe's or Japan's. We need trolleys and subways too. We need to update and secure our power and water stations, and yes, we need a serious commitment to solar and wind power too. We need to see ourselves as conservators of the Earth, not just for ourselves but for future generations. Besides, this would be great for our national unemployment. The jobs and contracts would be open to all US citizens and domestically owned companies; especially small businesses. Finally, there would be a minimum tax paid by all corporations. No more making billions, obtaining taxpayer paid loans,tax abatements, federal contracts, corporate officers making tens of millions of dollars, and paying nothing. As an aside, I would not tax savings accounts under $50,000 in order to encourage people to save. The US has the lowest savings rate of any industrialized nation. Additionally, this would make more money available to loan and would help keep interest rates low. While Social Security would be remain intact, individuals would be allow to invest up to 50% that amount themselves---with a signed "no-harm" agreement.

With respect to national healthcare, I do favor some form of minimum national healthcare. The fact is that some individuals simply can't afford healthcare on their own and small businesses can't afford to offer it, which is key in attracting and keeping qualified applicants. Therefore, I would support a single payer which offers a guaranteed minimum coverage with an option to buy additional insurance in the marketplace if you so desire. This makes it easier and cheaper to operate, help those unable to acquire insurance otherwise, and keep small businesses competitive in the employee marketplace. All federal employees, including elected officials, will be on the same plan. Lastly, members of Congress and the Presidency would not receive lifetime salaries. They would receive what any other federal employee receives for the same length of service. The Presidency will have the option of either using two Secret Service agents for a maximum of five years or hiring private security for the same costs.

Speaking of employment, non-citizens (aka illegal immigrants) should be deported. While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws, and those laws must and will be enforced. Anyone assisting these individuals violate US immigration laws will be fined, starting with the first offense. Repeat offenses will result in steeper fines and jail time. Employers will face suspension of their business license starting at 90 days. Repeated violations will extend to six month suspensions, one year suspensions, and finally, a permanent suspension. The company president and senior board officers will also face up to six months in jail. In addition, no federal business will be conducted with any company if these individuals serve as a corporate officer. Any religious or non-profit institution or business will face a loss of their tax exempt status and business license starting with 90 days and continuing along the same lines as the corporations. Anyone who wants to be here needs to have a work permit. Anyone who wants to stay here had best take the appropriate legal steps to do so. No individual here illegally will be allowed to use any taxpayer services. By the way, the forms will be in English. In addition, all illegal immigrants will be fingerprinted and photo scanned along with a DNA sample to aide in future detection (this would be especially useful for those who are members of criminal gangs or have a felony record). They would then be taken to the nearest embassy of origin and deposited there for deportation. The cost of processing the detainees would be deducted from any aid provided to that country, so there would be no need for a wall.

Continuing with the topic of immigrants, I'm not sure I would follow President Trump's travel ban, which seems to keep hitting legal roadblocks. Of course, the idea to restrict travel from nations with large pools of potential terrorists isn't bad. Nevertheless, I don't think I would impose an outright ban. I would, however, impose stricter security screening on individuals who come from certain countries with high incidents of terrorist and extremist activity, including nations like Saudi Arabia since that's where most of the 9/11 hijackers came from as well as Ben Laden. We should, however, allow individuals such as the Assyrian Christians, Yazidis, and Kurds, who are being aggressively persecuted by hate driven terrorists like ISIS or Al Qaeda, and prohibited by countries like Turkey and Syria from leaving, a preferred immigration status. In conjunction with this, I would employ a similar scanning procedure as used by the Israelis. They utilize a profile type visual scan and a relatively simply monitoring process. To date, the less evasive Israeli procedure has been highly successful everyplace it's been employed.

One more thing on this topic. In accepting immigrants, we need to take a look at culture and religion. While some will choke on the terms "racist" or "Islamophobia" or some other popular buzz word, we have to realize that some religions and cultures are simply not compatible with Western democratic values. When they demand a second or third class status for women, demand others refrain from flying an American flag, infringe on others (notably females) walking down the street or practicing their religion, so-called "honor" murders, saying the US Pledge of Allegiance, female genital mutilation, selling certain products, or even that we adapt to their religious laws and/or language, they're in the wrong place. If you come to this country, we will try to be tolerant. However, do not expect us to conform to your laws and traditions --- religious or otherwise. If you can't do that, don't bother coming.

With respect to the prison system, we have some serious work to do here. The US incarcerates more individuals than any other nation in the world. True, we have a lot of crime, especially in the inner cities. But we also have some outdated laws and some outdated notions about punishment. First, all first offenders of misdemeanors should not be housed with harden criminals. The emphasis here should be on getting these people back on track. Most flunked their way through the public education system, which also has to change. Nevertheless, remedial education to reach at least a 10th grade level should be required if they graduated or assistance with getting a GED if they didn't. Next, learning a productive trade like dry walling, painting, carpentry, etc., followed by a job assistance and mandatory counseling program which includes avoidance of drugs, writing resumes and developing interview skills. As for felons, if the crime is non-violent, they should be eligible for the same program after 1/3 to 1/2 of the time is served.

In addition, if they stay out of trouble for one year, all voting privileges should be restored (it should be automatically restored if they serve all their time and remain out of trouble for one year). For life sentences, violent offenders or repeat felons, they should have the option of entering a long term rehab program to learn a skill to be used within the prison and/or the opportunity to earn a GED and to take various continuing education courses. For those who fail this program or opt not to enroll, they should be used for state projects such as picking up waste, working on roadways, etc. All federal prisons should be as self-sustaining as possible, that includes growing their own vegetables, laundry, data entry, etc. I would, however, remove all gym equipment. The last we should want is felons having the time to beef up and become physically stronger than the guards. All prisoners should also receive "salt peter" or other medication to reduce any "anger issues" or other aggression. Lastly, as "King", the drug policy in this nation would need to be seriously overhauled. Certain drugs like marijuana should be decriminalized (and those convicted released), while alcohol, perhaps the worse drug of all, should receive a harsher penalty on par with hard drugs instead of a "wink and nod".

So, what about other issues? In area of foreign relations, as I alluded to above, the emphasis would be on Fair Trade. I think we should seek out commonalities with other countries and focus on ways to grow and expand that, provided it's a reciprocal! As for these whinny-ass countries like North Korea who've learned to survived by blackmailing the West, I say too bad. I wouldn't hesitate to call their bluff. Either they'll attack like they've been threatening to do ...and lose...so we'll be done with them once and for all, or they'll lose credibility and face being overthrown, so again, we'll be done with them (of course, we'll do our best to help the people). We will stop interfering in foreign affairs; specifically in overthrowing governments the ruling corporate Oligarchy dislikes. We will NOT jump through hoops to appease any religious or racial minority. This is America, learn to accept it or leave it. We don't own you anything for simply existing except the opportunity to make your way. If you have any questions, please refer to our instruction manual---the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Regarding gender matters, I don't really have a problem with same-sex marriages or unions; call it what you like. I also don't need it waved in my face all the time either. Some argue that "God", "Jesus", "Allah" or whoever disapproves, you should remember that it's unlikely these individuals believe your deity, and no one has the right to impose their religious or moral interpretations on anybody (that's the problem we're having with Islamic extremists remember?). Besides, love is love and if there's one thing there is a shortage of, that's it. I can't see any god having an problem with that can you? Now for transgender, "undefined" genders, "gender neutral", and so forth. You are born with either a dominate "Y" or "X" chromosome. That means that no matter how you "self-identify", you're biologically either a male or female. If you're male, use the men's room. If you're a female, use the women's room. A compromise would be use of gender neutral public restrooms or dressing rooms. They'd be easy enough to set up, and most place already have them. As for the Armed Forces, we have an all voluntary military. If you join, don't expect any special treatment. You will be treated just like everyone else, which is as it should be. If this "offends" you, then maybe you're not ready to go out in public yet.

Well, there you go. Now you know how my "royal" reign would play out. What would you do? In reality, little to none of it would ever come to pass. There are far too many special and vested interests to see any real change. Besides, power is never willingly surrendered. In our current Oligarchic system, the figureheads are replaced while those who actually control the power and wealth in this nation remain behind the curtains. Could things change? Without a doubt. If were any other way, the Oligarchy wouldn't be so desperate to divide and confuse us. They spend a great deal of time and money to pit us against each other; to divide us along every conceivable line possible. They've ensured that they control the elections; the media; and as much as possible, the public message. This last election showed just how flawed their system is. Their "chosen one" failed to be "crowned"; an usurper was elected instead. Now they will devote their efforts to discredit and delegitimize that individual and their administration as much as possible, and in doing so, to set the stage for a dramatic comeback fitting of any epic from the golden years of Hollywood. So, grab a box of popcorn and something to drink everyone. The prequel is starting. The Empire is about to strike back.




Another Opinion: It's Good To Be King Part I

The American Dream: A Reality Check

The American Dream. It was built on innovation, determination, ingenuity and a willingness to take calculated risks. It created the most economically successful nations in the history of the world. Our success also required freedom of thought and a balance between freedom of action and creating a balanced playing field whereby everyone was given the same opportunity to succeed, or to fail---and get up and try it again and again if necessary. We've battled not just foreign powers but the greed of some here at home which sought to corner markets and enslave us economically. We fought back, not just through legislation, but also by banding together to create unions and worker associations. In doing so, we created a nation of abundance and what powered our national success was the middle class. It was open to everyone, and it allowed every man and woman to climb the economic ladder as far as their drive would take them. Nowadays, that's no longer the case.

America is no longer the freest nation on earth. We're not even in the top ten (we rank 21st in the world. just behind Portugal and ahead of Spain) We're not the most economic successful nation either. We rank 12th. Education is considered perhaps the most important determent of a nation's future. How do we far compared? Well, we rank 36th overall out of 60 nations. Schools have gone from a place of acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking and socialization skills to glorifed babysitters, abusive, undisciplined and sometimes dangerous students, not to mention teachers having sex with students (given the ages of some of the students, it borders on pedophilia).

According to a recent Gallup Poll report, American confidence in our institutions remain at below historical lows, at 28% (only the military and small businesses remain above high with 72% and 67% respectively). Even in terms of leadership, America is falling behind. The US President has ranked first in the world for decades. However, over the past couple of years, we've dropped to second, behind Russia's Putin. This year, we dropped to third, behind Putin and Germany's Merkel. So what happened?

Well, it appears what happened was that the vehicle which droved and protected the working and middle classes, the unions, declined. Unions were essential to protecting worker rights; for ensuring they had safe jobs; for making it possible to buy homes and to save for "rainy days" as well as their children's education by striking for a livable wage as well as kept our children out of the labor force and in school. They kept us healthy by demanding that employers provided health care, and gave us time off to relax (by the way, Americans are ranked 37th in the world for overall health in case you're wondering). Yes, Labor did have it faults. There was corruption. There was greed, especially in the upper echelons where Labor presidents and staff earned as much as the corporate presidents and board members they were suppose to protect the workers from, and yet the employees still gained more than they lost.
These days, unions are about gone in private sector with about 6% unionized and basically survive only in the private labor market (comprising roughly 1/3 of all government employees), albeit much more clipped than in previous years. In addition, corporations began exporting jobs, especially production jobs, to undercut unions and above average paying jobs and take advantage of pennies on the hour workers with no benefits as well as child and prison labor and a no strike guarantee labor force; all while continuing to get taxpayer based subsidies and tax breaks.

About two years ago, there was an major academic study which confirmed what the public had understood for decades, that government no longer represented ordinary Americans. The heavily documented study confirmed that the government---legislative, judicial, executive and the supporting bureaucracy---primarily serve the interests of the top economic 1%, which included the major transnational corporations and banks. Most of us had intuitively known this for decades, but even for the doubters, the illusion was shattered when the Obama Regime bailed out Wall Street and several failing companies with taxpayer money despite the public outcry. The reason wasn't some economic catastrophe. It was old fashion greed plain and simple. An ongoing attempt to bilk customers out of billions and it failed. So, with pressure from the government's corporate overlords, Obama authorized billions of our money and yet no one went to jail. In fact, some of our money actually went to pay millions in bonuses for these crooks in their stripped three piece suits who should have been wearing stripes of a different kind.

This study went on to confirm that, thanks to corporate money, the business-government revolving door, the working and middle class have little or no impact in US policy---domestic or foreign, or in US laws. This was verified again when the not-so-supreme Supreme Court affirmed Citizens United which declared that corporations were, in fact, "people" and as such, entitled to the same rights as flesh and blood people were, with one key exception. The High Court also ruled that money equated to free speech, and while you and I are capped as to how much "free speech" we are allowed to contribute to political campaigns, these "Frankensteins" aren't restricted in what they can give. That means they can buy who they want out in the open.

At the time of this study, the top 1% controlled approximately 40% all wealth. Now, comes a second study, this time by the Pew Research Center and the news isn't good. As of 1971, 61% of Americans fell with the parameters which defined the middle class. Now, according to the study, less than 50% of Americans qualify as middle class while the number of poor or working poor has steadily risen to the current 20%, up from 16% in 1971. While no specific cause was mentioned, there were several contributing factors, among them NAFTA, CAFTA, and of course, the Citizens United misruling. The super secret Trans Pacific Agreement will no doubt makes matters worse as it comes into play. Meanwhile, while income levels for ordinary Americans rapidly decline, the pay for CEOs has risen 937% since 1973; some 300 times more the pay of the average employee. Is it any wonder that with the US making up just 5% of world's population, it has 46% of the world's wealthiest individuals? So, add to this rising prices from everything from food to clothing to rent (of which seniors comprise the largest bloc), as well as the wildly fluctuating fuel prices, electricity, water, sewage and garbage costs, and non-essentials such as cell phones and internet plans, and you have the makings of some serious economic trouble and political instability (and this doesn't even include the wars in the Middle East, illegal immigration, and terrorism. Good thing we have the "Patriot Act" and government surveillance, a perpetual push for gun confiscation, a ruling oligarchy and the militarization of the police huh?).

As if all this wasn't bad enough (and it is), there's some more news on the economic front. As I told you earlier, the 1% control not just the federal government and a significant amount of the wealth, a new study shows that globally, the top 1% controls just under 50% of all the world's wealth---48%, which wasn't supposed to happen until sometime in 2016. That equals around $218 trillion dollars (yes, trillion with a "T").

The report was made public by the Swiss investment bank, Credit Suisse. The report goes on to say that the top 10% owns 87.7% of the world's wealth, which leaves everyone else---90% of the world's population---a paltry 12.3%. Is it any wonder why there's been such a revised interest in democratic socialism and libertarianism? The report concluded by saying that by the end of the decade, the world's top 1% will control more wealth than the entire remaining 99%. Needless to say, this is not acceptable. So dear reader, I put it in your hands. What should we do?



Pew Research: The American Middle Class Is Losing Ground
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/09/the-american-middle-class-is-losing-ground/

America's Middle Class Is Getting Squeezed Out
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2015/12/10/the-middle-class-is-shrinking-and-the-rich-are-getting-richer-pew-report-says

Middle-class families, pillars of the American dream, are no longer a majority, study finds
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-fi-middle-class-erosion-20151209-story.html

Pew Study: Middle Class Declining, No Longer Majority
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/12/09/pew-study-middle-class-declining-no-longer-majority/

The Top 1% Now Owns 50% Of World's Wealth
http://anonhq.com/top-1-now-50-worlds-wealth/


US Confidence in Institutions Remain Below Historical Norms
http://www.gallup.com/poll/183593/confidence-institutions-below-historical-norms.aspx

It's a Matter of Priorities isn't it?

The nine murders in Charleston South Carolina prompted a national reaction, as we should expect it to. However, it turned out to be the wrong discussion. Instead of a public debate about the mentally ill and their access to guns or the dangers of political extremism (from either side), the corporate media dictated the topic by focusing on the completely irrelevant issue of the Confederate flag, which prompted South Carolina's Governor, Nikki Haley, to be the first to grovel at the feet of the "PC" crowd and show the world just how low she would bow by immediately removing the "Southern Cross" from the grounds of the state's capitol. The corporate media's control of the "discussion" caused several other jurisdictions to jump on the brown-nose bandwagon by offering up their politically correct but culturally corrupt solution to the non-existent Confederate flag issue.

In what is perhaps the most historically profane move, the Memphis City Council voted to dig up the remains of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife and remove their remains from a public cemetery. At this point, I don't know what they intend to do with their remains or even if they have permission from their descendants. Others locales are also considering removing the remains of the their dead Confederates as well. One has to wonder if ultimately they will dig up the remains of everyone who supported the "Lost Cause". Maybe this will extend to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and every one of the Founding Fathers who owned slaves (although, as we know, the Civil War was not fought over the issue of slavery, slavery is still incorrectly taught as the popular myth as to the origins of the War between the States).

For those states not planning on exhuming the Confederate dead, there are still plans on prohibiting the flying or displaying of the various Confederate flags at burial sites, on the graves of Confederate soldiers, or on national Civil War battlefields. The discussion extends to the removal of Confederate monuments and statues as well. In Frankfort Kentucky, the State Legislature is reviewing a proposal to remove the statue of native son and President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, from the basement level of the state capitol building (it had previously been removed from the Rotunda). Exactly what they intend to do with is up in the air. Perhaps it will be used for fill just as the ancient pharaohs did to the statues of their former rivals or those out of favor with the priesthood. I guess the Kentucky State Legislature will replace ole Jeff's statue will that of a basketball goal.

Recently, the Atlanta Georgia chapter of the NAACP demanded that the likenesses of Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, and Jefferson Davis be "sandblasted" off the mountain side at the Stone Mountain State Park. The state park also houses a Confederate Hall, with historical artifacts and documents. I presume that they expect it to be closed too. In all fairness, it should be noted that the "Southern Cross" will be "permitted" to fly at the exhibit, for now at least. Meanwhile, several large retailers, in an apparent case of tush-kissing and racial catering, have decided to stop carrying any items which contains anything bearing the Confederate flag or symbols of the Confederacy. One TV network has stopped showing reruns of "The Dukes of Hazard" because the famous orange Dodge bears the name "General Lee" and has a Confederate flag on its roof; this, despite of the fact that the show has proven to be very popular with audiences over the last 30 years, has received no previous racially oriented complaints over those same 30 years, and yet they will continue to broadcast shows which are racial or gender insensitive. Other networks still show movies or air comics with reverse racial discrimination themes and think nothing of it. Frankly, none of this bothers me. I'm smart enough to know that I can always turn the channel if I find the material offensive, but I still have to wonder why it's unacceptable for one group but not the other? If you're going to do for one, then you need to do the same for the others don't you think? All that's been accomplished, in my opinion, was to further divide Americans and rattle the cages of the race baiters, which is what I believe was the intent of the corporate media while Congress and the Supreme Court enacted laws without public discussion; almost "as if" it was done intentionally behind our backs while we were purposefully distracted.

What we're experiencing is a new form of governing by sleight-of-hand by Washington as it willfully ignores the Constitution. We are witnessing the intentional "whitewashing" or rewriting if you will, our collective history. That is the stuff we hear about in places like Mao's Communist China, Kim's North Korea, Stalinist Russia, and other nations under the rule of single party dictatorships. While we aren't---technically---a single party dictatorship, we are in fact a dual party oligarchy where we have two political parties working on behalf of a corporate elite while we are given the illusion of choice to make us feel like we actually have a say in the outcome
.
Currently, as you may have noticed, the corporate media has been trying to refocus our attention from the issue of Confederate symbolism to so-called "sanctuary cities" following the murder of Kathryn Steinle by Apolinar Altamirano, an illegal immigrant. This individual had been deported to Mexico numerous times but knowing our unenforced immigration laws (thank you President Obama and Eric Holder) admitted to settling in San Francisco because of its alleged "open arms" position towards illegals. I find it a little more than ironic that states can't decide about the Confederate flag yet they can decide about upholding federal immigration laws or not. In fact, when Arizona attempted to simply enforce immigration laws already on the books, as they are legally entitled to do, President Obama ordered then US Attorney General Eric Holder to file suit against Arizona and what was a first, allowed a foreign nation (Mexico) to interplead in the lawsuit! It seems we're seeing a simple game of "pick and choose".

The US currently has some 12 million (or more) illegal immigrants living here. There are some 200 "sanctuary cities" where many of these individuals settle, knowing full well that no attempts will be made to discover their identities or have them deported. Most of these individuals are good people. They're here to make a fair living; most, if not all, know they are in full violation of US immigration laws, but simply don't care. For some, it's better to take their chances here than return home. Many are taken advantage of by criminal employers who know their victims have nowhere to turn to. Some are homeless wonderers. Yet, to make matters worse, among these individuals, there are thousands upon thousands who are engaged in criminal activities---from gangs and drugs to rape and murder, just like what happened to Ms. Steinle on Pier 14 in San Francisco; murdered with a stolen law enforcement officer's handgun by a homeless illegal immigrant who had been deported countless timeless living in a city which doesn't care.

Now, why is our attention being diverted again, this time to "sanctuary cities", I don't know. What are they trying to cover-up or sneak through is anybody's guess. Perhaps it has something to do with the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) which secretly pasted Congress and essentially gave away---allegedly---our ability to formulate our own trade policies (I say "allegedly" because the public hasn't been given the contents of the agreement. However, it does allow the President, in direct violation of the Constitution, the ability to "fast track" trade treaties. That authority--- treaties---belonged to Congress). Then again, it could be Secretary of State John Kerry's deal with Iran in which the Iranians "promise" not to develop any nukes or enrich any weapons grade uranium in exchange to a multi-billion dollar bribe paid for by the American Taxpayers and released frozen Iranian assets. It doesn't prohibit them from outsourcing of course, but then again, who is going to stop them? The United Nations? Stomp their feet and count to three? Of course, there could be---and likely is---something else altogether.

We need to be ever more watchful and outspoken than ever before. While we were watching our games and reality shows, or playing video games, or Tweeting, or taking "selfies", our democratic republic was stolen from us; in truth, we willingly gave it away. We are now---officially---an oligarchy where government serves the needs of the very rich and key trans-national, mostly financial, defense, and oil, corporations. This is not "our" government any longer folks. Certainly not the government of our Founding Fathers. True, we are still allowed the illusion of deciding between two political parties, but I assure the outcome has long before been decided. The role of mainstream media---TV, radio, print, and Internet---is controlled by just six companies by the way, is to entertain, distract, mislead, and subtly manipulate what we think in order to keep us docile. That's all. That means keeping it dumbed down and focused away from what really matters. Feed us preprocessed and regurgitated "news" in small easy to swallow sounds bites.

Schools are more about babysitting instead of educating. The curriculum has been dumbed down to produce barely functional young adults. In many cases, not even that. Don't believe me? Ask your parents or grandparents what they were taught in school. Better yet, pick up a primer from the 1930's or '40's and take a look (and remember, they didn't use computers or calculators). As Henry Ford once said (to paraphrase), he didn't want an educated work force. He wanted only those trainable enough to do a job. No advanced critical thinking skills required! The US loses out to second and even third tier nations on academic tests year after year. Most of the time we don't even make it into the top 1/3. In some areas, we're at or near the bottom. Why?

I think the answer is pretty simple. An educated populace is a dangerous populace. Our Founding Fathers even told us so. It's one which will routinely question it's leaders and expect serious answers. It will demand governmental responsibility. It would set and expect to reach certain social goals, like reducing crime, hunger, homeless, pollution, and social injustices, regardless of the obstacles. It would demand corporate accountability. An educated populace won't be satisfied with taking the easy way out or accepting Pablum for news. It certainly wouldn't accept sleight-of-hand governing or diversionary issues like the Confederate flag, and there would be no "kicking the can down the road". An educated population would have never let our democratic republic slip away.

So, I put it to you again, what are you going to do? Vote for the same snake oil salesmen? Voting for an "outsider" promising "reform"? Folks, there's nothing left to "reform". Accept the same old repackaged "choices" Washington allows you to pick from? Continue to be diverted from what's really happening by watching the same corporate news outlets but expecting the truth? Or will you allow yourself, your family, your children and their children to be economic serfs; slaves without chains, but slaves nevertheless? Maybe you will even let them get chipped just like cattle. I can't wait to see your answers.


Obama's silence on Kathryn Steinle killing is deafening
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/obamas-silence-on-kathryn-steinle-killing-is-deafening/2015/07/13/06f5730e-2959-11e5-a5ea-cf74396e59ec_story.html

S.F. 'sanctuary' policy violates common sense: Our view
http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2015/07/15/immigration-sanctuary-shooting-steinle-lopez-sanchez-editorials-debates/30100967/

Nuke deals helps Qasem Soleimani
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/14/nuke-deal-helps-qasem-soleimani-the-top-iranian-general-with-american-blood-on-his-hands.html

While Sheeple Lose Their Minds The TTP Is Passed
https://www.dollarvigilante.com/blog/2015/06/25/while-sheeple-lose-their-minds-the-tpp-is-passed.html