Understanding What Divides Us and Why

 

A recent national poll of just under seven million respondents showed that 35% of Americans identify as Conservatives. 25% as Liberals while a whopping 45%  said they were Moderates. It appears that Americans, as a whole, don't like what either of the two corporate owned parties are peddling. 

Of course, no doubt, that almost every elected politician in Washington who sees this poll would automatically claim to be a "moderate" if that meant hanging on to their office. They change positions faster than a chameleon walking on plaid!

RepresentUs, a nonpartisan advocacy group, published an interesting survey which showed how Americans ranked themselves based on their political views. According to the survey, there are nine distinct groups. 10% are flag and faith conservatives (Proud Boys, Oath Keepers, etc). 7% are dyed-in-the-wool conservatives. 11% are populist right wingers (Tea Party, etc). 12% lean conservative. 15% are "stressed sideliners" or nonpartisans. 10% lean liberal. 16% are dyed-in-the-wool Democrats. 13% are Establishment Liberals. Finally, 6% are extreme or "progressive" Left Wing (Antifa, etc).

So, you can see that even by this breakdown, 37% are moderates (and, although the survey didn't indicate, likely Independent since Independents tend to lean conservative on some issues and liberal on others). Meanwhile, 35% are Left Wing while 28% are Right Wing.

I guess it's not surprising that the majority of Americans consider themselves to be moderate. Moderates, and their willingness to see both sides of an issue is what has historically moved this nation forward.  We've never really been a nation of extremism until relatively recently. Then again, both parties, in their collective race to the bottom, have virtually purged their membership of moderates.

The only time you see either party come anywhere near the middle is during the general election, and that's just to appeal to the "Great Middle" and get their vote. After which, both sides gravitate back to the outer edges of reality and to the extremists on either side.  So, who is the "middle" anyway?

Traditionally, the middle was what governed this nation. In recent history it's been individuals like Truman, Eisenhower, Rockefeller, and John Kennedy.  Today, it's the Independents, the largest voting bloc in country. As of the end of October 2021, Independents made up 44% of registered voters while Republicans and Democrats were basically tied at 26% each according to a Gallup poll.

I think Independents see both parties for what they are---two flea infested wings of the same old corporate vulture. That's why they've jettisoned their malignant dogmas. While each party likes to finger point at the other, both are responsible for the shape America is in, including the corruption, cronyism, and increasingly extremist behavior. Both sides have sold out the Republic and transformed us into a neo-fascist Corporatocracy.  They have created a surveillance state which is one crisis away from becoming a police state.

 Corporate lobbyists are responsible for writing the overwhelming majority of legislation, and then shepherding it through the various Byzantine maze of committees and subcommittees, greasing palms and adding self serving amendments along the way. They fund campaigns, party coffers, and line the pockets of those willing to go along with the status quo. They control our foreign and domestic policies just as they control the media and use it as their propaganda arm. We can't keep going on like this.

They create and exploit divisions among the citizenry. The more we're divided, the easier we are to control and manipulate while they pull the puppet strings. And all that "infighting" you see on television? That's one corporate interest group competing with another. Anything positive we get out of it, the crumbs, is purely happenstance.  Of course, they put on a show when election times rolls around to make it look like they're doing something and it's "the other guy's fault", but that's all it really is, a show.

Given what both parties have done to us and our country, is it any wonder that the overall Congressional approval rate, as of the end of October, was just 21%? In practically every other country, politicians would be packing their bags and heading for the nearest airport out with that kind of approval rating.

The good news I suppose is that the rating is up from 18% a few weeks earlier. Nevertheless, Congress has been maintaining pathetically low levels for decades. But, in their defense, while we've been giving them low approval ratings, they've been giving us low performance ratings in return!

According to the same poll, the approval rating for Democrats was just 33%, but don't gloat Republicans. Yours was just 5%. As for "Sleepy Joe" Biden, his approval rating tanked to 38%.  His Vice President, Kamala Harris, didn't do much better. Her approval rating was 27.8%. As an aside, 44% of Independents disapprove of Biden's job.

 Also, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi's approval rating was 38%, though 72% of Democrats like her while McConnell's approval rating was just 30% of which 62% of Republicans like the job he's doing.  It's worth noting that while the majority of America's support the infrastructure bill (61%) before Biden, only a quarter of them think it will benefit them in any meaningful way.

All this makes me wonder why we've allowed it to continue. You know, despite these embarrassing approval ratings, we still elect well over 90% of them! Even the old Soviet Politburo didn't have that rate of reelection! It seems to me that the ones we should be upset the most with isn't Congress or whoever is the president. It's us for continuing to reelect this den of thieves.

Did you know that, according to another RepresentUs survey, that despite their lackluster approval ratings, 45 member of Congress still violated the Stock Act of 2021, including Senator Diane Feinstein, Senator Rand Paul, Representative Dan Crenshaw, and Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz? The act was to prevent insider trading by members of the House and Senate.

 By the way, you should remember Debbie. She was fired in 2016 for helping Hillary to rig the Democrat Primary against Senator Bernie Sanders. But no worries. She was hired the next day to work directly on Hillary's failed presidential campaign, and how she's in Congress. Amazing how they land on their feet isn't it?

Here's a little factoid for you to consider. For the 535 members of Congress, there are 11,524 lobbyists representing corporations and none that represent average Americans. Of that 11,524 lobbyists, Big Pharma has approximately 1,350 of them (roughly 3 per Congressman), and they're not bashful about spending money. This year alone they've spent $263 million on Congress.

While 83% of Americans favor federally negotiated drug prices, Big Pharma doesn't. Since 2003, it has spent over $3.8 billion dollars to make sure it doesn't happen, and you know how many bills have been passed to regulate drug prices? Zero. Nada. Goose egg. But then again, as I've said, it's the lobbyists who write the bills, so what do you expect?

Here's another factoid for you. Consider it a bonus. Of all the industrialized nations in the world, we have the highest incarceration rate of any of them. As of 2019, there was 2.1 million people behind bars. That's more than China, Russia, Cuba, India, Mexico, Rwanda, or any of the Muslim nations like Iran, Turkistan, or Pakistan.

If states were ranked as countries, 25 states have a higher percentage of prisoners that the first country on the list, which so happens to be the U.S.. The state with the higher incarceration percentage is Louisiana, followed by Mississippi and Oklahoma. Kentucky is seventh. We have to go another ten more states before we get to the next country, El Salvador!  Why is this? Why should one of the "freest" nations on earth have the highest incarceration rate on the planet? 

For the fifth straight year, the United States has been ranked as "flawed democracy", which is just one step above a failed democracy. We are currently ranked 25th in the world of freest countries, and we've continued to drop regardless of who is president or which corporate party has the majority in Congress.

By all other measures, such as quality of life, longevity, happiness, healthcare, education, and so on, we're consistently ranked, at best, toward the bottom of the top tier or in the second tier. Surely we can't keep going on like this.

It reminds me of the Ancient Roman Republic which, despite having the most powerful military in the world, was rapidly decay internally due to corruption, a powerful political and economic oligarchy, invading tribes, a deteriorating infrastructure, as well as economic instability, rising taxes and public debt (it also sounds a lot like Weimar Germany in the 1920's, just prior to the rise of the Nazis).

Something tells me that living under a new Caesar or Fuehrer won't be a lot of fun, especially given the level of technology, hereto unseen in history of Mankind, and the fact that we're already a surveillance state in place; just one crisis (real or manufactured) away from a police state.  All you need to do is look around...or down at your Smartphone or up at your computer screen.

Let's not forget, they already have a propaganda wing in the form of the media, which has been actively attempting to control, divide, and manipulate us for decades now. It will take tremendous personal fortitude to see through the manufactured BS; more than it did in Fascist Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, or Soviet era Russia, Hungary, Poland, East Germany, or modern China and North Korea.

Americans, though, are a unique breed. Most of us are not just the descendants of immigrants. We're mostly the descendents of misfits who simply didn't fit in with the established status quo. We wanted to do better. We wanted to believe what we wanted. We wanted our own land or our own business. We wanted to say and read and think what we wanted. We wanted to exist with as little government interference as possible (today that would include corporate interference too).

Even those who came here against their will, having been kidnapped or captured and sold by their own people are a helluva lot better off than the best of those they left behind. America is still the first choice for those seeking a better life (though it's not exactly as billed). The main problem is that they don't want to do it legally or they think they're entitled to an automatic pass for some reason. So claim that "no one is illegal", which is true, but their actions may be. That's why we have laws. 

Nevertheless, there's still much we can do to reclaim our country and restore the Republic. As I've often pointed out in my articles, we can still reverse our decline into some sort of modern servitude to the Corporate state which will affect all of us regardless of political registration, ideology, gender or orientation, religion (or lack thereof), where we live or went to school, or the color of our skin.

Those are manufactured divisions anyway whose sole purpose is to keep us fighting each other while the ruling Oligarchy grows like a cancer and becomes stronger while the media continues to tell us what to think, who to hate, or who to blame for whatever make believe slight they conjure up.

The truth is that we alone are responsible for what to think or believe. We alone are responsible for our decisions, good or bad. We control the means to achieve our success. There's no one to blame but us for our failures without need of their readymade excuses and scapegoats. We have the right to live where we want (assuming we can afford it) no matter what we look like, believe, or love.

At the same time, we have the right as human beings to associate with whomever we want without fear of some artificial construct (aka "political correctness"). That goes for what we say, read, or watch too. We owe no one an apology or "reparations" for the past anymore than we can guarantee the future. We only have the here and now to determine our actions.  

We owe no dogma our loyalty. Dogmas, political or otherwise, only create barriers and differences. The only loyalty we owe is to Truth, Honesty, and to ourselves. As the great Hebrew sage, Hillel, once famously said, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor", to which I would add my own quote "what divides us makes society and ourselves vulnerable and weak  while what unites us makes us stronger as a society and as individuals".  Perhaps we're finally waking up to what's hateful to ourselves and others.

 

Congress Approval Lowest in 2021 as Democrats Turn Negative

Gloomy landscape for Democrats in midterms as Biden's approval rating drops to 38% in USAToday/Suffolk poll

U.S. Congressional Leaders Unpopular on the Balance

 

Making It Respectable To Hate America

Since Trump, hating all things American has become the latest "cause-celeb" . Not even during the turbulent 50's, 60's, and 70's has the hatred of America been so visceral; so palpable. None of this would be possible without the support and encouragement of the media, and that means without the accomplice of the six corporations which own the 96%+ of all media, promulgating their own agendas.  

Today, athletes kneel during the national anthem or otherwise disrespecting the anthem which has filtered down from pro sports to high school and Pop Warner. They, in turn, get upset with fans when we boo and jeer them or boycott the games.  It's not necessarily because we disagree with their politics, but rather for forcing us to indirectly participate in their protest.

Games are played for our enjoyment and paid for with our dollars, which also pays their multi-million dollar salaries. We didn't buy an overpriced tickets or tune in for a political event. We're there to watch a sporting event and to be entertained. That's what sports ultimately are---entertainment. If they want to express themselves politically, do it on their own time, not ours. How about off season?

Actors and athletes spout off their opinions on topics they have little or any real understanding of. Nevertheless, the media treats it as gospel. Millennials and Gen Z often mimic what they see without considering the full effect of an issue. That's what happens when you live in a bubble. It's not to say there aren't a few who actually take the time to research the topic they want to talk about first., but those individuals are rare and far between.

Lately, we've starting hearing form a small group of athletes and mediocre celebrities demanding that the flag and National Anthem be changed because both represent slavery. It takes a pretty misinformed mind to make the leap from the National Anthem, which was written at the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, to slavery.  

As for the flag, in what way does it have any connection with slavery? The stars represent the states. The symbol of the star was chosen since it represents the heavens and divine protection. The 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. The red symbolizes the bloodshed by those who fought for this country. The white stands for purity and truth, while the blue represents justice.  Maybe they should step out of their echo chambers. Better yet, read a book or take a history class.  

The media calls protests which involve looting, arson, assaults, and wanton destruction of property "peaceful" and "organized" when it done by BLM or Antifa which are  anything but! Meanwhile, they call the protest of the Capitol on January 6th an "insurrection" or "attempted coup" without having the vaguest idea what an insurrection or coup attempt would look like simply because these were individuals on the Right who supported Trump. 

Personalities in Congress, ran away like a bunch of scared mice, only later claiming they were there, willing to "stand and fight" when in reality they were hiding behind locked doors and quivering under their desks like frightened rabbits. Meanwhile, AOC tells the media how afraid she was when, in fact, she was blocks away in a very safe and secure location.

To make matters worse, we're giving individuals who are blatantly racist air time and acting as if this is perfectly acceptable in the name of political correctness. They talk about "systematic white racism" and "white privilege" as if such nonsense actually exists. I'm not aware of any privilege. I've worked my butt off all my life. I paid for college by serving in the military (and ended up a disabled vet for my efforts). I've worked two jobs and made a lot of sacrifices to get where I wanted to be. I can say too,  that my race, and perhaps gender, likely cost me a job.

Everyone I know, regardless of their race or other identifier, put in the effort to get where they are in life. Now, perhaps, there are those at the upper tier of the economic spectrum getting some sort of systematic privilege, but I doubt it's because of their race and has more to do with good old fashion cronyism and class privilege., not to mention writing the laws which benefit them and those like them.

I don't hear anyone discussing how other groups, be it Hispanics or Asians, who've come to America, often with literally nothing but the clothes on their back, unfamiliar with the language, customs, or culture, and within a few years are relatively successful. 

Why is that? Is it because culturally they put a premium on education? Is it because of their work ethic; that they'll take any job and put in the hours? Is it because, for them, being on the public dole is seen as a social stigma? That's what most of our ancestors who came here did.  Instead, I hear about "repartitions" based on what happened to someone else almost two hundred years ago. 

What if there was some sort of financial reparations and if fails as did the "War on Poverty" of the 1960's? Then what? Who will be blamed? Without a strong desire to succeed, which first requires an educational foundation and a strong work ethic, few, if any, will see their economic standing substantially improve. Hope without effort will only lead to failure, and ultimately to despair and anger. 

To make matters scarier, some are now calling whites "parasites", a "disease" equivalent with a plague which automatically discriminates against non-whites, or an infestation which needs to be eliminated.  In addition, they are "demanding" that assets, like houses, cars, property, etc  be turned over to waiting black families when they die. These are the same terms that the Nazis used in talking about the Jews, and we all know how that turned out! They are also reflective of what's happened in places like South Africa or Zimbabwe. This is not the America anyone should want. 

Now, let's be honest for a moment.  Much of what I'm saying is what most of you wish you could say. I know it. You know it. So, why am I saying it? The answer is because we need an honest and open national conversation not just about race, gender, or social class, but what is expected of us as a society.

Although the intentions were good, I think America lost track of what it was all about starting in the 1960's, when we created legislation designed to lift the poorest among us out of poverty but instead broke up families; forcing males away from the families they created. We encouraged individuals not to work by providing them with more incentives to remain on public handouts than to work. In effect, we removed many of the opportunities they had to move up the social ladder.

As a society, we allowed a subculture to develop out of this which discouraged education; where "being smart" was the equivalent of "acting white"  which often resulted in ridicule, being ostracized, or assaulted.  This same sub-culture also gave them an economic way out--through drugs and crime where, in the worst case scenario, they would go to prison where, again, the system would take care of them, not to mention living off the social safety net which was intended to be temporary.

 While we need a social safety net, it must be aimed at providing a helping hand up, not becoming a lifestyle choice. Education is the key to success, but so is a stable family unit. That means legislation which promotes rebuilding the family unit; to make it economically worthwhile to remain together. It doesn't take a village. It takes a mom and dad committed to making it work and raising their kids right.

We need to stop giving these so-called celebrities and athletes more credit than their due. Hollywood is a fantasy land. They make a living playing make believe. I'm sure some are actually intelligent and informed; some, but far from all. They also live in world where they are paid millions. Very few would be willing to practice what they preach to the rest of us.  The same argument can be made for athletes.

Both groups can have a greater impact by giving some of their millions to specific charities as well as doing commercials or special appearances...but on their own time, not ours. Movies, TV, music, and even sports are entertainment businesses. We are there to be entertained, not lectured, especially on our own dollar.

There is nothing wrong with any media or organization catering to a specific group. It's called marketing. However, to tell one group that not only can they not do the same thing, but that they have to "share" with other groups who are afforded exclusivity is wrong. If there's a Miss Asian America, a Miss Native America, Miss Black America, or a Miss Latina (and there are), plus an all inclusive Miss America, but not a Miss European America, isn't that too discrimination? Then again, why should we have a "beauty" pageant at all? Isn't that a form of sexual exploitation? 

If there are magazines like Jet or Ebony aimed at black readers, then why not all racial or ethnic groups without exception? Same goes with movie and music genres or networks and radio stations. If there can be a BET or Telemundo network, why not a WET? If there can be professional and fraternal associations which cater to one group or another based on race (and there are many), then why are whites excluded? Should groups like these even exist? 

If there are scholarships or grants based on race or other demographics, then why not all races and demographics? For that matter, maybe scholarships and grants should be exclusively based on need and academic performance.  The same applies to academic majors.Why are there Hispanic, African, Feminist, and gay majors but not a European/white major? There aren't any professional or civic associations based on my race or orientation, yet there are such associations dedicated exclusively to other groups. Personally, I would eliminate most of these qualifications across the board, but that's not "PC". In fact, none of this is. 

If there is Black Heritage Month (February), Asian Pacific Heritage Month (May), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15--Oct 15), an Arab American Heritage Month (April), or Gay Pride Month (June), why isn't there a European Heritage Month? Or Traditional American Family Month? If you allow for one, shouldn't you allow for all? Isn't that what we mean when we say "equality"?

As an aside, white males are an official minority in this country according to the Census Bureau. Within the next ten years, America will no longer have a majority race society. It will be virtually equal between Hispanics and whites followed by blacks and Asians (Asians will outpace blacks in some areas and may, within the next 25 years, surpass them altogether). So, if we're going for equality under the law, then it has to apply to everyone, not just one group or another even if one is no longer a majority.

The crux of our racial and other manufactured problems, as I see it, are this. We've permitted ourselves (perhaps unwittingly) to be divided, be it racially, class, gender, religious, political, or sexual orientation. We've allowed government to take away our self-respect and responsibility for our own successes or failures---"You didn't build that" (Obama). That has created universal resentment; a sense of "us vs. them" mentality. 

That will ultimately create a balkanized America, which, for the Oligarchs now in control, will make it that much easier to dominate and manipulate us until we're nothing but puppets. We must stop defining ourselves as hyphenated Americans and simply as Americans. A slight against one America should be a slight against all Americans. 

We cannot and must not pigeonhole ourselves based on all these artificial divisions which are tearing this nation apart. Meanwhile, though it may sound cliché, the Golden Rule---"so unto others as you would have them do unto you"---is still a pretty good guide to living together don't you think?

Kneeling during the anthem? Americans opinions have shiftedover the years, polls show

Zimbabwe's white farmers: Who will pay compensation?

The growing fight in South Africa over land and identity

Zimbabwe asks exiled white farmers to return home meets withskepticism

Political Correctness, Cancel Culture, and Useful Idiots

Everyone knows the National Anthem right?  It seems that when we get to the last line, you know---"Home of the Free and Land of the Brave"---we tend to sing that part just a little louder; with just a bit more pride. After all, this is America and we're the freest country on earth aren't we?  Well, that's not necessarily the case. In fact, we may be among the least free in the West.

According to one recent survey, the Human Freedom Index Report, which looked at 162 countries, the freest countries on earth are Netherlands, followed by the "socialist democracies" of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. In terms of economic freedom, Hong Kong and Singapore are the highest. For overall freedom (economic, personal, political, etc), we have to look to New Zealand, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia.  

Even when considering the largest "democracy", the title goes to India.  In fact, the U.S. doesn't even make it into the top tier for any of these categories.  When it came to our ranking under overall freedom, we were ranked 15th in the world; tied with the former Soviet republic of Estonia (we are just behind the UK and just ahead of Iceland and Norway).

For personal freedom, the U.S. was ranked a pitiful 26th. How does the survey define personal freedom? Security, rule of law, freedom of religion, speech and assembly, and movement.  We were 5th in terms of economic freedom, which includes the size of the government, the legal and political system, regulation, free trade, and fiscal responsibility.

In terms of human freedom, we were ranked  15th. Human freedom includes personal and economic freedom, as well as other factors such as access to impartial information (ie: news), gender/identity discrimination, availability of affordable housing, jobs, debt, and so forth. 

It's worth nothing that when it comes to government, the United States is rated as a "flawed democracy", which is a polite way of saying that it's not quite a failed democracy, but it's quickly headed that way. As readers of Another Opinion already know, America is no longer a democratic (or Constitutional) Republic. Instead, we've morphed into a Corporatocracy, which is a merger of big business and government (a "Corporatocracy" may be viewed as a fascist or neo-fascist state).

Our particular form of Corporatocracy is aptly described as being "managed" by a relatively small handful of super wealthy elites collectively known as Oligarchs. Who says money can't buy happiness? And most importantly, it's not a zero-sum form of management of "either/or".  Both the Democrats and Republican parties are equally guilty because both parties (and their politicians) are literally and figuratively owned by corporate money (thanks largely to Citizens United and a out of touch Supreme Court).

The ruling elite also controls the media, which includes TV programming, movies, radio, newspapers, cable and satellite, video games, and so forth. Anyone who doesn't believe that they try to manipulate what we read, hear, or watch, has already succumbed to the message of compliance. The ancient Roman Oligarchy under the Caesars discovered that if they could keep the populace distracted, their bellies full, and everybody generally safe, they could do whatever they wanted. Such was the notion of "Bread and Circuses". Various authoritarian governments ever since have applied this approach, although some have included the use of fear (or terror) as a weapon.

Fear and intimidation have proven to be highly effective in keeping the population in line, including any would-be "troublemakers", especially those who wanted to avoid public ridicule, censorship, social stigma, loss of their job, possible fines, jail time, or "accidents" like Karen Silkwood and Steven Luke,  or simply "disappear" as they did in General Pinochet's  Chile or Mao's China.

We haven't quite ventured that far here in the U.S....yet. However, don't entirely rule it out. Very few of history's authoritarian governments started off by shooting people. Typically, they started by trying to humiliate individuals and groups, cut off their connection to the masses such as shutting down newspapers and radio stations, beating them up, conducting covert and overt surveillance (to inspire fear), burning books, boycotting, denying employment or entry into schools, and so on. It has rarely begun with mass roundups or executions.

In America, those who control social media have used economic bullying to force "non-compliant" sites and servers to toe the line while engaging in not just censorship of those who use their platforms, but also subtly encouraging mass bullying to attack  anyone who doesn't follow the desired message. They present only one side of a story, while ignoring, downplaying, or mocking the other side.

 In some cases, they block or "blacklist" individuals who oppose their agenda. They also "shadow block" individuals or groups on social media by restricting their viewership unbeknownst to the publisher (I have and continue to be the victim of both forms of this kind of censorship) and demonetize their sites. Worse, they attempt to deny others the opportunity to publicly speak, even when they've been invited to do so. They've also attacked individuals and institutions who extend these invitations to speak.

Collectively, this type of behavior is referred to as "Cancel Culture". It's nothing less than a form of censorship masquerading as "social justice" or "diversity" under the broader banner of "political correctness", which Orwell called "Good think" in his book "1984".  Cancel Culture pretends to encourage equality while promoting a type of reverse racism designed to stimulate a new kind of economic/social conflict by replacing class with race as found in traditional Marxism or Fascism.

An interesting poll recently found that 77% of Conservatives have been so conditioned by this "Good think" of Cancel Culture as to be afraid to speak up publically on issues of race, social equality, or even politics out of fear of being attacked, but it goes further than that.

According to a report by the Cato Institute, 62% of individuals---regardless of party---self-censor themselves out of fear that their opinions would trigger an attack of some sort. 32% said that expressing their opinion on certain political or social issues could get them fired from work (as an aside, this also included Independents). ow

 

However, the same poll indicated that 58% of liberals felt they could say whatever they wanted without any fear whatsoever of a backlash.

We've already seen instances where, in lieu of mass book burnings, books removed from libraries, school curriculums, or academic debate stymied if it veers from the desired outcome. We've witnessed cultural icons such as the cartoon character "Pepe Le Pew", and those created by Dr. Seuss, Mark Twain among others removed for being "socially insensitive". Others are sure to follow. Meanwhile, books which promote a non-traditional lifestyles are peddled to children far too young to being remotely concerned with the content of such material.

People are being intimidated into supporting causes they disagree with or simply don't care about. Corporations are conducting "sensitivity" or "diversity" training in which some participants are being told to "stop acting white" or "renounce their white privilege". A few have reported having been asked to write imaginary apology letters to minorities, asking "forgiveness" for past transgressions, be it their own or that of their ancestors. Again, supposedly in the name of "social justice".

There's no question that injustices have taken place; some recent and some in the past. But this attempt to rewrite history by suppressing positive events while playing up, exaggerating or even lying about others doesn't do society any favors. Demanding "equality" while in reality promoting reverse racial, religious, sexual orientation discrimination will do this country far more harm than good.

At the same time, promoting economically one group over another in order to end some perceived  imbalance will only hurt society. The most qualified individual should always be sought out and hired. They should also be paid a fair and livable wage based on the requirements of the job irrespective of their gender, age, orientation, race, religion, or any other factor.  America should promote equal opportunities, not manufactured equal outcomes.

The current wave of political correctness and its illegitimate offspring---Cancel Culture---seeks to silence Americans. It attempts to control and limit discussions about society, and in doing so, hampers our ability to solve the real problems facing us. It wants to rule by fear. We cannot let the ruling Oligarchy and its minions dictate the parameters of the national discussion, nor can we allow them to control the language of that conversation.

Many of those who participate in this Cancel Culture believe they are working toward some form of Marxism. They believe they are bringing us closer to "socialism", as if Wall Street, the mega banks, energy companies, or defense industry will suddenly throw in the towel and accept a government takeover (Marxism means no private ownership of property or business). They are, to use Lenin's term, "useful idiots". They've been duped. They are making it easier for the Oligarchs to disappear the freedoms we cherish, albeit under the false premise of "social justice".

The goal of Corporatocracy is the creation of the permanent Corporate State, a merger of big business and government, where everyone is equal...in their misery.  The Corporate State doesn't care what your political ideology is, or your race, religion, gender, or orientation. It only cares about your compliance. Your opportunities are based on your usefulness to the Corporate State.  Once you're no longer a productive and profitable cog in their machine, you're replaced without a moment's hesitation.

We cannot let this happen. We must speak the truth, and we must do it loudly despite all attempts to silence us. We must accept that, for now, our Republic is gone. The only way to get it back is aggressive reform. We need term limits. We need to end partisan gerrymandering. We need rank choice voting. We need to end Citizens United. We need to stop partisan voting. We need to elect the best we can find, not the least of the worse. Electing the lesser evil is still electing evil. We need to demand voter referendums and ballot initiatives. We need to vote on all taxes, fees, rate changes, and salary increases.

We also need to work with other countries as equals, but we need to seek fair trade. We need government transparency. We need to end defacto monopolies. We need unions. Like them or hate them, they helped create and sustain the Middle Class. We must get back to basics in education. We are continually coming in the bottom half when it comes to math and sciences, not to mention history.

We need to teach students to think critically. We need to restore quality in education and stop dumbing it down. We need discipline in the classroom. We need to stop passing students who failed to grasp the basic concepts of the grade level just because it will hurt their feelings. Students must pass a comprehensive HS test before being allowed to graduate. The emphasis in high school must be on academics, not sports. Not everyone is going to the NBA or NFL.

We need to bring back Civics and trade schools if we seriously want to compete globally. College isn't for everyone and not every job requires a college degree. Trades schools produce skilled "ready-to-work" employees. The trades pay well, provide good benefits, and are low debt.  Speaking of degrees, colleges should require students to major in programs where there is a demand for that degree. The only thing that goes with some majors like minority or gender studies (besides outrageous student debt) is "do you want fries with that?".

There are just a few of the things we can do. The situation isn't hopeless. There is hope. But we will have to fight for it. Power and control are never surrendered willingly. I think this country is worth it. So did a lot of brave men and women who came before us. Do you?

 

The United States of Oligarchy

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Dr. Seuss Books Deemed Offensive Will Be Delisted From eBay

 

 

The NFL and Racism: Changing The Tune and Paying the Piper

The NFL has, for the last two years, done little to prohibit players from kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem. A sign of disrespect by most Americans. The result was more than just fans booing but a dramatic drop in game day attendance, team merchandise sales, and a huge loss in TV viewership. The solution for the networks was to stop showing the National Anthem in the hopes that viewers would return. The results have been mixed with the NFL, the teams, and the networks losing billions while long time fans have found life outside of football and other professional sports.

Now, on the heels of the COVID-19 virus which has already cost professional sports multi-billions of dollars, the NFL has decided to cut their proverbial wrists. They've decided to play a so-called "black national anthem" at the start of every Week One game; preceding our National Anthem. They are encouraging everyone---players, coaches, owners, and fans---to stand for the black national anthem, while kneeling for America's National Anthem. The lunacy is mind-blowing. This move will cost them huge swaths of fans, some forever, and more revenue than they can imagine.

Meanwhile, just to drive home the point of how out of touch many of these individuals have become, from the players and coaches, to the owners, player's union, to the President of the NFL, Roger Goodell, let's consider this. There are now mounting "demands" that some of the teams change their name and logo (and not just the Washington Redskins) which they claim are demeaning.

The majority of those complaining include groups on the Left who've started applying pressure not just on the NFL leadership or the owners, but on corporate sponsors like Nike, PepsiCo, and FedEx, making the "Redskins" name change solely a financial based decision and based on the opinion of Native Americans.

Polls conducted of Native Americans found that many weren't "offended" by the Washington "Redskin" team name or logo. Some felt it was intended to honor Native Americans. As an aside, it was a Native America who designed the logo. In 1971, Walter "Blackie" Wetzel, a member of the Blackfoot Tribe, came up with the logo, which his grandson, Lance, said brought a sense of Native pride. Wetzel grew up on the Blackfoot Reservation in Montana, and eventually became president of the National Congress of American Indians.

Lance went on to say that not only was his family upset by the change, so were members of the Blackfoot Nation and other tribes. He added that over the years the team brought in tribal singers and dancers, and incorporated Native American imagery onto team merchandize and advertising, which helped the tribe. Another classic example of Native Americans getting the short end of the stick...again?

So what do you do when you're dead wrong? Simply, you keep trying to get the result you want. So far that hasn't happened. I'm sure that at some point it will. They may eventually get the results they want or find some individual to use as their "proof". Maybe they'll interest Elizabeth Warren. I hear she has between 1/32 and 1/1024 Cherokee ancestry.

That just seems to be the way things are today doesn't it? Ignore what the people while continuing to push your agenda in a media echo chamber until everyone either tires of it and gives in or until someone else comes along with another issue who is louder than you are. Everyone (well, most everyone) these days is scared of being called some name like "racist", "privileged" or whatever. We can't seem to even agree to disagree and go with our lives. So, if we're to play this absurdity all the way out, what do you think we'd end up with? Let's consider some possibilities shall we, beginning with the NFL?

Okay, we have to face the face the owners of the Washington Redskins are caving to BLM and a minority of others and will change the team name and logo. A few suggestions I've seen are the "Red Tails" after the Tuskegee airmen's 99th Fighter Squadron of World War II. Some have recommended "Warriors" which provides a slight nod to Native Americans. Some more "creative" suggestions have included the Washington "Wussies" or "Grovelers", not to mention a few more colorful examples!

Of course, if the "Redskins" nickname is offensive, then we need to consider other team names like the Kansas City "Chiefs" (the term "Chief" is seen as being derogatory unless aptly deserved. Much like calling a black man "boy"), the Buffalo Bills (Buffalo Bill is now labeled a "racist"). The Dallas "Cowboys", Houston "Texans", and San Francisco "49ers" are all obvious. Their nicknames are references to groups who participated in the stealing of Native American land, so they have to go.

We have the "Raiders", "Vikings", and "Buccaneers" which could infer plunder and pillage, and of course, the slave trade which pirates of all sorts actively engaged in. Naturally we can't forget the New England "Patriots" which is blatant reference to old rich slave owning white men. If any go, it has to be that one! Green Bay's nickname, the "Packers" was for Acme Packing Company (formerly the Indian Packing Company), a meat processing business in Green Bay, Wisconsin. That might be offensive to vegans.

The Pittsburgh "Steelers", formerly the "Pirates", changed their name as a nod to the steel industry, then a major regional employer. They many want to rethink that one. After all, steel production creates a lot of air and water pollution, not to mention land destruction through ore mining. The pollution it puts out includes ammonia, cyanide, and naphthalene; all of which are highly toxic and cancer causing. I can see environmentalists getting bent out of shape if they realized the connection.

Most of the remaining nicknames pertain to animals, such as dolphins, eagles, and tigers. It would be a stretch, but a good argument could be made by some zealot that the images encourage the eradication of these animals through fishing, hunting, or captivity. Of course, it could be argued too that the use of these nicknames and symbols bring awareness to their plight. So, I'll leave these alone.

Nevertheless, out of the 32 professional NFL football teams, at least ten need to change their team nicknames and logos. After all, if a name and logo designed by a Native American and seen as a source of pride for Native Americans is seen as "offensive" by a small minority of rich individuals who aren't Native Americans, then there's no reason these other names and logos should be left intact is there?

While we're at it, let's look at professional baseball. The most obvious are the Cleveland "Indians" and Atlanta "Braves". No brainer. They're right up there with the "Redskins" and "Chiefs". They have to go. The San Diego "Padres" and Los Angeles "Angels" (not to mention the New Orleans "Saints") nicknames are offensive to atheists and agnostics (or not). They've need to go. The Texas "Rangers" are named after obvious wild west racist police officers. The San Antonio "Spurs" are, once more, about cowboys and land theft from Native Americans. The Milwaukee "Brewers" name was due to the German immigrants and breweries which sprung up in the region. So, because of Hitler, the Nazis, and all, that name has to be changed too.

The New York "Yankees" gotta go. These New England sailors were known for hunting whales, seals, and dolphins and for shipping slaves (that is, before 1808 when it was outlawed). Same argument for the Seattle "Mariners" and Los Angeles "Clippers". The "Clippers" also transported miners, settlers and cargo from the West Coast up to Native American Alaska and to Asia (mainly China), and returned with a lot of Chinese passengers, so that may need to be looked at.

The Pittsburgh "Pirates" fall into the same category as the "Vikings" and "Raiders" mentioned earlier. Some names which I'm sure the Left won't object to are the Los Angeles "Dodgers", Cincinnati "Reds" or Boston "Red Socks". As for the rest, they're a hodgepodge of animal, geographic, and random names which are open to interpretation.

Although I'm not a professional basketball fan (or a fan of college sports in general), a few team nicknames come to mind for immediate change. First is the Boston "Celtics" with its little leprechaun mascot. An insult to Irish everywhere, though it may not count since the Irish are historically white and thus automatically "racist". However, in their defense, many were sold as slaves by the British and Arabs. They were also the first indentured servants in America starting in 1607 at Jamestown.

The Philadelphia "76ers" is a reference to the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence, which was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. Again, old rich white men; many of whom owned slaves. This falls into the "no brainer" category as well. The Washington "Wizards", Orlando "Magic" and the Washington "Mystics" of the WNBA are obviously encouraging witchcraft and Satan worship. No need to say more.

The Golden State "Warriors" seem to be a positive wink at Native Americans. About the only ones who might object to that nickname are peace loving groups like Antifa. The Utah "Jazz" is kind of iffy. It could be considered an appropriation of black music, and thus culture, or it could be viewed as a recognition of it. Either way, a portion of all team sales needs to go to a fund for alleged "reparations" post haste.

As for the remaining team nicknames, most seem pretty harmless; names like "Knicks", "Nets", and "Thunder". But like anything, they can be made into something they're not and never were intended to be, much like the Washington "Redskins" nickname.

None of the names used by these professional sports teams were ever intended to offend or otherwise injury anyone or any group in anyway. More often than not, they were intended to celebrate those whom their teams were named after. Be it hard working blue collar men and women in the food processing or steel industries, or the courage and bravery of Native Americans, or sense of adventure and toughness of seafaring mariners, the Irish or Vikings.

The Native Americans didn't ask for Washington's owners to change anything. It was mostly a small group of overpaid loudmouth individuals. Lastly, but no less importantly, the playing of any anthem before that of the Star Spangled Banner---a song dedicated to the unity of every man, woman, and child in this country irrespective of their race, religion, origin, ethnic group, gender or any other factor---is a slap in the face of the American People and everything good this nation represents.

It's more deeply an insult to all those millions of men and women of all races who gave their lives for this country along with all my fellow disabled veterans. It disrespects the first responders of this country of all races, genders, orientation, and religion who come to our aid without regard to any other factor except our need. They put themselves in harm's way for our protection. Yes, there are a few "bad apples", but show me a group where there aren't. Nevertheless, the good far outweighs the bad. For this, you put nothing before it and you show your respect by standing for it.





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Wokism Erases Native American Who Designed the Redskins Logo



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Indentured Servitude in British America

My Christmas (Political) Wish List

Well, it's just about Christmas time again. Besides shopping for Christmas trees, lights, and inflatable Santa, snowmen, reindeer, the ever popular Grinch, and maxing out credit cards, it's also the time when children (and some adults) start compiling their "wish list" of things they'd like to find under the tree or in their stockings. So, in keeping with the spirit of the season, I thought I would post my own little "Christmas Wish List" (political version of course).

Let's start with term limits. I would like to see term limits across the board. Politicians who spend an entire lifetime, 20 or 30 (or longer) years is far too long. Sure, seniority brings certain perks, but our Founding Fathers never intended on creating a political class similar to those they opposed in England. For the most part, political offices were to be temporary; a term or two and then back home. That way, we have a continuous flow of fresh ideas and a closer connection to the people. It would also cut down on the level of corruption. Instead, we've created a nearly separate political class which has little or even no relationship with the people they're supposed to represent.

Today's politics is largely the domain of the wealthy (which is why Congress is called the "Millionaire's Club"). Ordinary citizens can't afford to run for higher office, at least not without connections to the wealthy corporations or their lobbyists. As a result, America has morphed from a Constitutional or democratic Republic into an Oligarchy ruled by plutocrats and/or their corporations. We now have two sets of laws, one for the wealthy and well connected and the other for the rest of us. We see it all the time. Individuals who commit serious crimes (like lying to Congress, gun smuggling, bribery, or committing treason) who should be set off to prison for the rest of their lives, either get a pass or slap on the wrist. If it was us, we'd never be heard from again!

I think twelve years is fair enough. That's three terms for the House of Representatives, two terms for the Senate, and three terms for the President. Appointed judges too need to serve no more than twelve years, even the Supreme Court. The reason is that judges, like everyone else, lose their connection with the people and the mood of the country. They come to think of themselves as omnipotent mini-kings in their courtrooms. "Citizens United" is a great example of the justices not understanding the nuances of politics and how money plays such a key role. Citizens United essentially created "Frankensteins" by declaring that corporations had not just the same rights as flesh and blood people, but actually greater rights when it came to donating money to candidates and political funds while limiting us (money was equated with "free speech" except that corporations have a greater amount of "free speech" than we do. The result was basically muting our collective voice and freezing us out.

Another item on my Christmas Wish List is an end to gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is when politicians (or their political party) divvy up districts to ensure that their candidate or party remains in power. That's why you see strange looking districts. It's design, like Citizens United, is to keep out competition and pesky reformers. Instead, districts should be allowed to follow natural or traditional boundaries regardless of the political makeup. This would also force any elected representative to equally represent their constituents instead of just those who are members of their party. Redistricting should be handed over to a non-partisan institution or university. Citizen input should be encouraged, but politicians and special interests groups need to stand back.

Next, is restricting the influence of lobbyists and corporations. It's not uncommon today to see lobbyists help write legislation, and then use their financial influence to "recommend" passage to other legislators. We even see bad pieces of legislation tucked into other bills as they try to sneak them through without the public knowing. They also ensure that certain elected officials or selected candidates are well financed, either through direct contributions or through so-called "Leadership funds" which are essentially slush funds. As everyone knows nowadays, America is an Oligarchy. The wealthy elites call the shots. The major disagreements that we hear about are over the crumbs, which can be touted back home as "victories". Even parliamentary procedures have been corrupted to hide who truly voted for what or when.

What is actually needed is real campaign finance reform whereby corporations can't donate anything; where they returned to the legalistic world of artificial entities. Lobbyists should be limited to simply providing information, which must then be publicly disclosed as to its intent and who it benefits. Of course, that means legalistic mistakes like "Citizens United" need to be overturned. It means that transparency must be the rule, not the exception in Washington and elsewhere.

While I'm on the topic, I would like to see legislatures do away with special interest caucuses, such as the Democratic Party and Republican caucuses along with their "party whips" who ensure that party members toe the line and vote according to the way their leadership wants them too. I believe that regardless of your political party, once you're elected, you should resign from your party and with your oath of office include a provision to represent all of the people in your district or state. Political partisanship belongs to bygone days, like political "endorsements" by newspapers. Your sole interest is to represent everyone irrespective of party. Elected representatives should be free to vote the way their constitutes would want, not what partisan leadership dictates. Ad hoc coalitions should be the rule instead of partisan based committee assignments.

Along the same lines, politicians, especially in Washington, should not be allowed to keep their six figure salaries for life, while going on to other political jobs to earn even more (the majority end up as lobbyists or high priced law firms). Once your term is up, so is your taxpayer based paycheck. Elected officials also should be required to have the same insurance as the rest of us. Gone should be their private gyms, saunas, first class plane seats, and so forth. Security, after their tenure in office, should be provided for up to four years, after which it's on them to foot the bill. Pay raises should be on the ballot. It's our money, so we should decide. At the state and local level, I think this should apply to taxes, fees, as well as salaries (even rate increases for water, sewer, and electricity by public owned utilities should be voted on by the public, along with library, property, and school taxes). Lastly, the same laws which apply to us should equally apply to them.

Moving on with my Wish List, we need to put an end to illegal immigration once and for all. This continual in pouring of individuals into this country negatively affect our national security, strains our social safety net, and hurts our economy by affecting more supply than demand at the lower end of economic spectrum. This drives down wages and reduces (or eliminates) benefits. Churches and religious groups seem to act like our immigration laws don't apply to them, while hiding behind their tax exempt status. Businesses, particularly agricultural (including horse racing, restaurants, and construction) blatantly ignore immigration laws when they have access to Real ID to verify their status. If you want them here, fine. Sponsor them and help them get a Green Card. Meanwhile, those who sponsor, aid, or hire illegal immigrants should be stiff fines and jail time including suspension of their business licenses or tax exempt status beginning with their first offense. Anyone who does business with the government should have those contracts suspended the first time and cancelled for repeat violations. Board members, presidents including HR and/or anyone else involved with hiring as well as any priests, pastors or other involved with non-profits agencies, should face a fine with jail time for repeat offenses. No exceptions. No excuses.

While we're at it, enough with these so-called "sanctuary" cities or states. They are openly disobeying federal laws. Therefore, they should immediately lose all federal dollars. Let them support these individuals on their own taxpayer's backs. We also need to take steps to prohibit illegals from obtaining driver's licenses or voting, including holding the election clerk personally responsible, which should include a fine and jail time. Sounds serious? Well, this is a serious crime and it needs to be dealt with seriously. Lastly, we need to make English the official language of the United States. Language is the fabric which binds a nation together. When you have multiple languages and cultures, a nation can lose some of its unity. When you're a country like the US, which is home to practically every religion, race, and ethnic group in the world, we need that kind of adhesion that a single official language would bring.

Because I am an Independent, I'm somewhat put out by the fact that Indies and third parties aren't afforded the same ballot access as are the two corporate owned parties, the Democrats and Republicans (Indies are the largest political bloc in the US with over 44%. Democrats and Republicans are in the low to mid 20% ranges). Indies and third parties are often required to have ten times the number of signatures needed to get on a ballot than do their Republican or Democratic opponent. That's wrong. That's denying equal ballot access. So, I'd like to see equal registration requirements for everyone wanting to run for office. If a Democrat or Republican needs only two or three signatures to file for office, then so should an Indie or third party candidate!

Along the same lines, Indies and third party candidates should be given the same opportunity to appear in debates or receive media coverage as their corporate owned opponents. Nowadays, Indies and third party candidates are treated as sideshow attractions, or ignored altogether. The Presidential debates, which used to be sponsored by the National Organization of Women (NOW) were replaced in 1987 by a joint Democrat/Republican "Commission on Presidential Debates" in order to keep out challengers following Ross Perot's showing back in the 1980's (which embarrassed both parties). Americans deserve to hear equally from everyone seeking office and to be able to make up our own minds. Instead, we're told that we have "free elections" while our choices are limited to pre-approved partisan candidates, leaving us with nothing but the illusion of choice. Speaking of election reforms, citizen initiated referendums should be not be prohibited. There are a few backward states that try to keep citizen initiatives off the ballot either altogether or require that they be run through the legislature, essentially getting their approval. Instead, they need to be reviewed for their legality and then, assuming there are enough signatures on the petition, placed on ballot for the voters to decide.

We also need to end the debate on additional gun control, especially restricting or eliminating gun ownership. Our Founding Fathers included the 2nd Amendment, not because they liked to hunt or target shoot, but to ensure that the citizens of this country didn't have to face a tyrannical government like what existed in Europe; where the population was basically disarmed and denied the means of fighting back. The 2nd Amendment was intended to be our "insurance policy" in the event that America devolved into some sort of dictatorship...or Oligarchy.

Many will argue that even the registration of our guns is violation of the 2nd Amendments intent, certainly attempts to restrict a gun based solely on its design or magazine capacity is stepping too far. By taking guns away from ordinary citizens, the majority of whom own them for self-protection, is inviting criminals in. Besides, do you really think that criminals are going to suddenly turn in their guns? Criminals are basically cowards and opportunists. They will act when they believe their chances of getting hurt (or killed) or getting caught are the least. That may mean attacking those who appear the weakest or most vulnerable, or by robbing a business or home when there is either no one there or where they are least likely to be armed.

Personally, I can see the justification in not owning armor piercing shells, heavy (50 cal) machine guns or bazookas, but that's my choice. I don't know what someone would want with any of these, but that's not my business either. I can see where someone should have to pass a gun class and demonstrate they understand the basic rules of handling a gun, have adequate shooting skills, and can keep a weapon in proper working order. That benefits everyone concerned. Along those same lines, I can see requiring background checks to keep guns out of the hands of individuals with criminal records or mental problems. Granted it won't stop it. If you want a weapon bad enough, you'll get one, especially if you're up to no good.

Also on my Christmas List is this. I'm tired of everything being so "offensive". It needs to stop. Not everything is "homophobic", "Islamophobic", "racial", or whatever else. If you are constantly getting "offended" by what someone says or does, then perhaps it's not them, it's you. In fact, I think these terms are so overused they no longer have any real meaning anymore, which is a shame since it devalues the claims of those who are actually be discriminated against. As an aside, let's make it clear, there are only two genders. You're a male or female. You either possess a "Y" chromosome or an "X" chromosome. Whatever you want to pretend to be is on you, and that in no way requires that I or anyone else play along. That's just part of accepting the realities of the real world.

Personally, I couldn't begin to care less about anyone's gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or whatever else. You treat me with respect, and I'll do the same. However, do not try to impose those beliefs or attitudes on me or deny me the same opportunity to speak. Free Speech is vital for any free society, just as is the obligation to conduct a civil discourse. I really don't care if you're black, Asian, Muslim, or gay. If that makes you happy, so be it, it's your life but you need to accept how others live their life too. Secondly, nobody owes you anything, not even respect---that's earned by giving it. You want help, you've got to be willing to give help. You want a favor, you better be willing to do a favor. From my perspective, if you treat people the way you want to be treated, you'll do ok in this world.

Lastly, the issue of medical Marijuana. It needs to be legalized without any further foot dragging, period. The only reason it's not legal already is because some wealthy folks and businesses stand to lose some money. Once they figure out how to make a profit on it, it will magically be legalized, which is plain wrong. People can and do benefit from Marijuana and they shouldn't be penalized over profit. Pot was first made illegal following Prohibition, when many people turned to the plant in lieu of alcohol. After the ban on liquor was lifted, distilleries were afraid that people wouldn't go back to drinking, so through some unscrupulous backroom "wheeling and dealing" along with misleading or outright lies through print and film, the federal government made the growing and cultivation of Marijuana illegal. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry got in on the ban and continues to make billions of dollars in profits off of opioids and other drugs which cause serious side affects; side affects which Marijuana doesn't have. It's long past time that we end the prohibition on Marijuana.

So, there you have my Christmas Wish List. There were other issues I could have touched on, like the "War on Terrorism", inflated government contracts, ending the worn out "the Russians did it" narrative, reduction of US military bases, education or prison reform, rebuilding our infrastructure, or converting the tax code to a flat or a consumption tax, but that would be too long. Nevertheless, let me know what you think. Are there any issues you disagree with or would add to your own political wish list? Drop me a line here at A/O and let me know!

Veterans Day and Why it Should be Special

A repost from November 10, 2018

82 million. That's the number, give or take a few hundred thousand here or there. 82 million. Written out, it's just an eight and a two followed by six zeros. A really big number, but not overly impressive in a day and age where we talk about a Gross National Product (GDP) of $20.3 trillion dollars, or a national debt of $21.6 trillion dollars or a national revenue of $3.6 trillion dollars. But those are financial numbers; figures so large that it's hard for the average American to wrap their head around. However, the 82 million I mentioned, while smaller, is perhaps an even more significant number than the national debt or rate of unemployment or interest or whatever else.

So, just what is this 82 million that makes it so special? Simply this. It represents the number of American military personnel who've died in the defense of this country. It represents individual lives lost do to war and the anticipation of war. It represents individuals dreams, hopes, and aspirations lost forever. It represents lost smiles, laughter, and conversations. It represents lost potentials; potentials which could have created jobs, make new discoveries, or cured diseases. The 82 million also represents the lost of fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, wives, and daughters, not to mention aunts and uncles. Its represents a lot of lonely days, nights, months, and years, and doesn't even begin to cover the number of tears shed for each one of those lives. The sad or perhaps profound thing about that number is that it's only an approximation; a "best guess" since it doesn't cover those who suffered daily for years from the injuries suffered in war, either physically or mentally; individuals who died as a result of diseases, chemicals, or unsuccessful surgeries. It also doesn't include the disabled who, while alive, continue to suffer their entire life for service to this country.

Yes, it's true that they receive a modest amount of monetary compensation and somewhat reasonable medical care (varying greatly from medical facility to medical facility). In fact, thousands die annually just for waiting for medical care. A 2005 Veterans Affairs report from the Inspector General estimated that some 300,000 veterans died while waiting for medical care. At a single VA facility in Los Angeles, 100 former servicemen and women died while awaiting treatment...in 2017. That was 43% of those on the waiting list.

Auditors found that 82% of veterans waited a month or longer for an appointment, with the average wait time being three months. Given the ages and health condition of many of these veterans, that's simply longer than they have (almost 50% of all veterans are 75 or older). Worse is that incorrect or fraudulent record keeping have kept some veterans from seeking medical care from civilian doctors or treatment centers.

In the United States we have approximately 130,000 and 200,000 homeless veterans existing in the streets on any given night. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, that represents in the area one quarter of all homeless individuals. While veterans comprise just of 1/3 of the total US population, homeless veterans comprise 43% of all homelessness. That figure doesn't cover those who are able to obtain short term temporary shelter. To make matters worse, the Veterans Administration predicts that at least 400,000 veterans will experience homelessness during the years.

Ninety seven percent of homeless veterans are men. 46% are 45 years of age or older with 41% being between the ages of 30 and 50. While just 3% of homeless veterans are women, they are more likely to be married and to suffer from some sort of mental illness. 46% are white males while 45% are black or Hispanic. 47% are Vietnam Era veterans; 15% are pre-Vietnam while 17% are post-Vietnam. 67% served three or more years in the military while 89% earned a Honorable Discharge. 85% have a high school diploma or GED compared to just 56% of the general population. Lastly, and more tellingly, 76% of all homeless veterans suffer from drug, alcohol, and/or mental illness; of these, many are unable to get or keep the help they need as a result. 18% of all adult suicides are a veteran.

In terms of general demographics, there are approximately 18.5 million veterans in the US today with three states, California, Texas, and Florida have over one million veterans each. 1.6 million of these are women. 6.7 million are Vietnam War veterans. 78% of all veterans are white, white 11.6% are black. 6.1% are Hispanic and 1.6% are Asian. 0.7% are Native American with the remainder being some other race. There are 4 million service connected disabled veterans (including yours truly).

Veterans Day grew out of Armistice Day which marked the end of World War One. Of the 4,743,826 Americans who served in that war, none are alive today. Of the 16 million US service personnel who served in World War II, only 496,000 remain (they are all in their 80's or older), and we're losing around 348 every day. Let that sink in for a minute or two. Those young men and women you see in those documentaries are all in their 80's and 90's. They were the "Greatest Generation" in every sense of the word, and yet we're losing them at a rate of just over 14 "heroes" (in my opinion) an hour...every single day.

Let's look at another interesting figure for a moment. There has been a few politicians of late calling for or encouraging violence while blaming the other side for not being "civil". The result has been a serious increase in acts of violence and intolerance of differing opinions. In some cases, there have been threats of physical harm (or death), acts of vandalism, mass shootings, and so forth. In short, the US is starting to look like the era just preceding the Civil War. In fact, historians and political scientists will tell you that American is more broadly and more deeply divided at any time since the late 1850's. We are being divided at every possible point while politicians and various faux groups are fanning the flames (thank you Citizens United). Do we really want that; another Civil War? I don't think so.

A lot of Americans don't realize that the Civil War (1861-1865) was the bloodiest war that the US has ever fought. The Korean war cost 36,516 American lives. The Vietnam War took 58,209. WWI claimed 116,516 souls, while WWII resulted in the deaths of 405,399 American servicemen and women. Yet, the American Civil War, which ended over 153 years ago, still holds the record with 620,000 died, not including those who died of disease or injury later, and we are still feeling ramifications from that war all these years later. We're suddenly seeing the destruction or defacing of monuments and memorials, the removal (and prohibition) of Confederate flags and symbols, as well as the dropping of mascots and changing of school names, streets, and the rewriting of American history all in the name of political correctness.

Why, after all these decades and all these generations is this happening? It wasn't an issue at the end of the war when feelings were running high. It wasn't an issue during Reconstruction. It wasn't an issue when the 13th Amendment was enacted. It wasn't an issue during the Spanish-American War, World War One, World War Two, the Korean War, or even Vietnam. It wasn't an issue during the Civil Rights Era, with the Freedom Riders or any of the great Civil Rights leaders, during the Watts riot or the Chicago Police Riot of 1969. It wasn't an issue during the latter 1960's or 1970's either. It wasn't even an issue during the mid 1970's and forced busing. In fact, by the late 1970's race relations were actually pretty decent overall.

The point, of course, is that these calls for violence, intolerance, restrictions on free speech (not everyone's, just certain groups and individuals), protests, vandalism, all organized and paid for by shadowy political organizations, the media, and various politicians, have the potential to ignite a war which would surpass the Civil War. Do we really want that? So far, the ideological Right and Center have been very quite while the far Left has been on "hate-fest". These are mostly naive young adults who are full of themselves and determined to impose their views and ideas on everyone else, even if it means various forms of domestic terrorism, all dressed in their black hoodies and hiding behind masks. Aren't they just the cutest?

The corporate owned media seems intent on encouraging them while downplaying or ignoring their actions. That doesn't mean the Right gets off scot-free. They too have been engaged in name calling like accusing the Left of trying to impose "socialism" or Communism which is utter nonsense. As anyone who's bothered to read a history book knows, "socialism" and Communism both prohibit Capitalism, with the rich usually murdered. Now, what do you think the chances of Wallstreet folding are? What do you think the chances of America's ruling financial elite suddenly and willingly giving up their wealth, the power, or their control are? Yeah, see my point?

At the same time, the Left likes to call President Trump "Hitler" or anyone on the Right (or whom they disagree with) for that matter a "Nazi", which is just as silly. They also accuse anyone they disagree with as being a "Fascist", yet they are the ones engaging in Brownshirt behavior. However, even if it were slightly true, then they wouldn't be any one of them not in prison, in a concentration camp, or simply stood up against a wall an shot. In short, they wouldn't be afforded the opportunity to peacefully protest or verbally attack anyone.

America is, as you know by now, an Oligarchy whose ruling elite are a small percentage of very wealthy individuals and corporations. Their goal is control pure and simple. They already control business, the media, the government, both political parties and their politicians. They use the US military as their personal enforcers to ensure governments and groups fully "cooperate" and that everyone remains on the Petrodollar which keeps the US economy afloat. What they need from us is chaos. They need to divide us every way possible and to create a situation to bad that we demand the government "do something", and trust me they will, but not in the way you hope or expect.

In truth, we are in a new war. Not quite a Marxist "class" war, or a race war. It's not a gender war, or one of religion, a war to subvert our laws, or even of "American" vs. "non-American". It's a war to fictionalize us at every step; to break our moors from family, Faith, community, ancestral, regional and even national pride until we have no one left to turn to but the State. The State will provide for us, protect us, educate us, nurture us, and even bury us. All is requires is our obedience and submission. To put it another way, the Left wing of the ruling Oligarchy wants to impose a softer and kinder form of Fascism with us becoming their serfs. The Right wing of the ruling Oligarchy wants to impose a more restrictive form of Fascism with us becoming their serfs. See the difference?

The war were engaged in now, whether we acknowledge it or not, is for the present and future of America; whether we return to a Constitutional Republic or continue down the road to some form of Fascism (for comparison, read up on the late Roman Republic). 82 million Americans gave their lives for our freedom. Countless others have given their minds and bodies. Many more struggle through their own private hell. We should honor them on more than just one or two days a year. We owe them this country and our freedom for all they've done. Don't let a handful of greedy individuals, politicians, and special interest groups take it away from them...or us.



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