Is America "Turning Socialist" or Could It Something Else?

In today's world of information overload, we are constantly receiving conflicting talking points, be it dealing with some product (which tastes better, gets your clothes whiter, or makes you lose weight and look buff without really trying). It's probably worse when it come to politics or the economy, which are so interlaced that they're really one in the same, that we don't know what or who to believe.

Some want you to believe that America is headed down the path to socialism (or Marxism or Communism), while others will tell you we're falling under the influence of fascism or some modern construct of it just as the media will try to convince you that racism is rampant and everywhere; lurking just around the next corner.

Who to believe? Of course, it all depends on what agenda these groups are pushing, but whatever they claim the problem is, you can bet that someone else is to blame and they have a solution that requires nothing more complicated than your credit card number.

The ones who tell you we're headed down the road to some form of socialist dystopia are typically on the political Right, and the further to the Right they are the worse they make it seem. Meanwhile, those on the Left will tell you just the opposite. They'll say that America is shifting to the Right and pretty soon we'll see hobnail jackbooted goons goose stepping down the street.  Of course, both sides will point their finger at the other and yell "Nazi!" since they're the catch-all for everything vile and evil.

So, what's the truth? In fact, is there a single "truth" anymore or has everything become so distorted that reality has merged into a murky illusion? Our national heroes have proven to be all too mortal and flawed.  Third rate piss ant dictators and sexually repressed religious fanatics routinely threaten us without fear. We no longer know what we stand for. Captain America's shield has turned to rust and Wonder Woman is turning tricks on the corner to buy her next fix. How the mighty has fallen.

They say that truth does a soul good, so let's be truthful with each other. Is America really becoming socialist like some claim or are turning fascist as others say? Well, first off, they aren't the same. Socialism (including democratic socialism), along with Marxism, and Communism, are on the Left side of the political spectrum. Fascism and its first cousin, Nazism, are on the Right.

Under Communism, there is no private ownership of capital. That means no corporations. No "mom and pop" stores. No private property. No private ownership of almost anything. Everyone works for the state because the state owns everything. You exist solely to serve it. Everyone is educated by the state. The state strictly controls the economy and money supply, which functions on a five or ten year plan.

There is a single "official" political party, though in theory, both the state and the party are to gradually fade away over time. In a few cases, small political parties might be allowed to exist, but they have no impact. They control the media and everything that's comes out of it, at least as it pertains to the government, the economy, and the party. Any active opposition is strictly forbidden.

In "democratic socialist" countries like Scandinavia, there is a limited form of socialism. Private ownership of businesses and property are encouraged, however, they are highly taxed, as are wages. The average personal tax rate is 48.75% (Sweden and Norway have a flat tax). The much of the revenue goes to public services like subsidized housing, healthcare, education or to infrastructure support. While their corporate tax rate is lower than America's, they have a mandatory minimal rate that all corporations pay. We don't. Here, many large corporations, like FedEx or Nike, pay little or nothing.

These countries are typically ranked at the top when it comes to general health (which emphasizes preventive care), longevity, happiness, quality of education. They have mandatory "mental health" leave in addition to liberal vacation time. They encourage physical fitness, have generous paid maternity leave for mothers and fathers and provide for child and elder care. Part time work is encouraged.

Their education systems are top notch, especially in math and science. In addition, they tend to have strong unions with excellent benefits, a large number of employee owned co-ops. They also tend to have very liberal laws when it comes to certain recreational drugs (especially  marijuana).

Politically, they have proportional or parliamentary style governments, so all parties are represented. The average voter turnout is 82.5%.  In the United States it's averages 60%; often lower, 40% during midterm elections. In terms of freedom of the press, the Scandinavian countries all rank at or near the top while the U.S. has dropped from a high of 20th in 2010 to 47th in 2016.

Here in America, we need to remember that the 40 hour work week, OSHA laws, Social Security, unemployment benefits, minimum wage, antiTrust laws, child labor laws, union organizing, the various environmental laws, Title VII (which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, ethnic group, religion, or sexual orientation), wage protection, and voter laws (starting in the 1920's which prohibited "poll tax" through the 1965 Voting Rights Bill) were all viewed as "socialist" or simply "Un-American" at the time; every single one of them!

Yet, can we imagine not having them? Sadly, it seems that any changes which affect the interest of the wealthy Status Quo (or their bottom line) is always viewed as somehow "Un-American" and whatever other tag we care to add to it. We tend to get caught up in the perception of something rather than its intent.  That brings us to the second part of this article, fascism.

Fascism, in its many variants, has existed throughout history.  Many see it as a type of militaristic oriented government such as ancient Rome under the Caesars or the Vatican during the Middle Ages, and there's some truth to that. They did create a very authoritarian and orderly society, often with a strong military. Society itself tended to have strong special interest groups too, such as merchant, shipping, or banking guilds, often comprised of wealthy elites like the Medici.  

Modern fascism owes its origins to the industrial state and the rise of powerful and wealthy businessmen who were able to buy the influence of whoever they wanted, be it governors, senators, representatives, or even presidents. The Robber Barons of the 19th and early 20th century or the modern corporate raiders of the 1980's are prime examples.

In the early 1920s, following WWI, a socialist turned conservative nationalist newspaper writer, Benito Mussolini, created the Fascist Party of Italy (the "PNF") by merging elements of the political Left and Right, with the interests of wealthy corporate class. The government was run by a council of business and political elites who elected Mussolini as its "President". Competition was suppressed or eliminated, both politically and in business. The media flourished, provided it wasn't critical of the government.

Education was subsidized so that everyone went to school and teachers were well paid, provided a state approved curriculum was taught. Workers were well paid, hours fixed, and benefits provided, but no strikes or walkouts. Thus, fascism borrows from the both sides of the political spectrum and merges the government into a symbiotic relationship with big business. Sound familiar?

What about Nazism? Isn't it "socialist" since it's their name? The short answer is "no". It comes from both a misunderstanding (often deliberate) of Hitler's use of the term and our lack of political knowledge (and history), not to mention that it's a great scare tactic!

Nazi stands for "National Socialist German Workers Party"---NSDAP in German (prior to Hitler, it was originally the "German Workers Party" or DAP). Hitler was a huge fan of Mussolini and his Fascist Party. In the 1920's Hitler decided to model his NSDAP on the Fascist ideal, however, instead of governing council, it would be a governed by a political party and Hitler would be the head of it. As the saying went, "Germany is the party. The party is Hitler. Hitler is Germany".  

Hitler's use of  "socialism" meant community, which included many social programs popular at the time such as unemployment insurance, health benefits, housing for homeless, public supported schools, plus they promoted public hygiene and no smoking laws. He also merged all unions into a single state union.

No one in the 1920's, 30's, 40's or decades afterwards ever considered the Nazis to be anything other than a Right Wing party. As an aside, when they came to power in 1933, it was as part of a coalition of conservatives parties which included the DNVP (German National People's Party), and the Centre Party (the conservative Catholic party).

The Nazis were also part of the Patriot Movement, which consisted of numerous smaller political and special interest groups opposed the Versailles Treaty, as well as the Racist/Volkisch Movement which saw the German speaking peoples as the dominate people of Europe. They were also anti-Semitic.

Given that the Left leaning Democrat Socialists, whose leadership was mostly Jewish, signed the despised Versailles Treaty and reparation payments, along with hyperinflation which had hit Germany hard in 1922/23 (their average inflation rate was 322% per month. A loaf of bread in early 1922 cost 160 Marks. By late 1923, it was 200,000,000,000), followed by the severe economic depression starting in 1930.  It's little wonder the Nazis and their partners obtained power or were able to blame Jews so easily.

Many groups falsely claim that the Nazis took everyone's guns. No so! Gun control was implemented by the Democratic Socialist in the 1920's as a way to reduce the likelihood of an armed revolt against the government  just as the Provincial Government in Russia had done in 1917 following the February Revolution. The Nazis actually restored private ownership of guns to most ordinary Germans (except to those who opposed the government, habitual criminals, and, naturally to Jews and Gypsies).

They also didn't burn the Bible as many on the Left and Right also claim. They burnt books written by Jewish authors, pacifists, Communists, Socialists, Marxists, liberals, as well as the Talmud, books about democracy, and even the works of exiled German authors or those who promoted homosexuality...but, alas, no Bibles.

In fact, they didn't oppose the Catholic church or most Protestant denominations. Some Nazi supporters practiced a distorted version of Christianity called "Positive Christianity" which deleted any Jewish references and denied Jesus' Jewishness. Prayer in school was encouraged. Even the belt buckles worn by German soldiers read "Gott mit Uns"---God is with us.

Today, the media seeks to confuse and divide us. Why? Because 96%+ of total media is controlled by just six mega corporations. They are part of the ruling Oligarchy behind the Corporatocracy which has replaced our Republic. They hide behind party. They have an agenda. To make that agenda work, we have to be divided and at each other's throats. United, we're powerful because we can't be controlled, and we're looking at them. 

An Oligarchy is, by definition, a interlocking partnership between government and big business. It's not "socialist", "Marxist", or "Communist", which seeks to destroy corporate power by increasing government control over them. Do you see that happening? Do you think Wall Street will throw in the towel and hand the keys over to Congress? No stocks? No bonds? No lobbyists?  What about the government ending private ownership of property? Hardly.

However, they will do their best to scare you with the word "socialism".  They will condition you to equate "socialism" with the horrors of Nazism on the Right or Stalinism on the Left. They want a divided America, be it Democrat vs. Republican, Liberal vs. Conservative, or black vs. white vs. brown and whatever else you've got. They don't want us to see that we have more in common than not. They don't want communities organizing and working together, or know how badly both parties are hemorrhaging voters and becoming Independent or joining third parties.

There will always be "useful idiots", be it the Klan, Antifa, or BLM, that unwittingly follow hate filled agendas, just like there will always be those who try to suppress "think for yourself"  blogs like this one. That's the last thing they want. America isn't going down a socialist path, and even if it were, history has shown that not all socialist policies are bad just as not all conservative ideologies are good.

We need to accept that our Republic is gone. In its place stands a Corporatocracy. The government is managed by an Oligarchy made up of Democrats and Republican, though party means nothing. Oligarchies are, by their very nature, Fascist or Neo-fascist. They are all about acquiring power and consolidating control, be it of assets, resources, or people. Our job is to stop them and restore our Republic.

 

Insights into the Tax Systems of Scandinavian Countries

 

National Fascist Party

55 Corporations Paid $0 in Federal Taxes in 2020 Profits

FairVote: Voter Turnout

Is the GOP Down for the Count?

Is the Republican Party really on the ropes? Is it about to be reduced to a marginalized, perhaps predominately Southern reactionary political party? Well if you believe the article "End of an Era" from the progressive site, TomPaine.Com, you can just about kiss the GOP goodbye (http://commonsense.ourfuture.org/end_era?tx=3).

While I don’t think anyone can realistically deny that the Grand Old Party is in serious trouble across the board, could this be a blessing in disguise? Even an opportunity to reshape the direction of the Republican Party or reinvent it? If the premise of article is correct, the traditional corporate base which set the economic agenda is abandoning the party, while at the same time the evangelicals, who have dominated the social issues within the GOP since the 1980s are also hitting the road. Even the conservative youth seems to be vanishing.

So, with the pillars of the party seem to be crumbling, who’s left to mind the store? Certainly not the moderates. The moderates, who once controlled the party for decades and took it to phenomenal political heights, have all but left the GOP, after having been targeted from the ultra conservative elements within their own party, or they’re sitting on the sidelines watching their once proud party implode against the backlash of an unpopular war, unstable economy, increasing governmental intrusion, and a social agenda now seen as extreme by many. Yet, I have to wonder if the time may have come again for a return to the GOP of old; an updated version of the ideals of the TR/Goldwater/Eisenhower/Nixon/Ford era of Republicanism?

This type of idealism focused less on the current central platforms of the GOP, such as gay marriage, prayer in school, abortion, and more on broader issues such as individual responsibility, civic participation, lower taxes, a smaller federal government, stronger states rights, and a sense of taking care of America first. I would dare say that they while none of these GOP icons would, for instance, approve of “gay rights” as such, they would no doubt support their right to live their lives as they saw fit. Barry Goldwater said,”Equality, rightly understood as our founding fathers understood it, leads to liberty and to the emancipation of creative differences; wrongly understood, as it has been so tragically in our time, it leads first to conformity and then to despotism”. He also said, “I think every good Christian ought to kick Falwell right in the ass.” I guess that aptly expressed his opinion about the Religious Right.

They would undoubtedly had promoted a greener approach to business (if you have any doubt, just look at Teddy Roosevelt’s Reclamation Act of 1902 which set aside money to create major dams, reserving 125 million acres for national forests, and 68 million acres of coal lands. He established 2500 water-powers sites and created the first wildlife refuge on Pelican Island, Florida. Richard Nixon was responsible for the creation of The Environmental Protection Agency in 1970, The Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970, the National Air Quality Standards Act of 1970, and The Resource Recovery Act of 1970 for example). A far cry from what you see happening in Washington by either party today isn’t it?

Most people like to give credit to President Johnson (and to a lesser extent, JFK) for the Civil Rights Movement, but it was Eisenhower who first intervened on behalf of black students attempting to enroll at the all white Central High School in 1957 when Ike dispatched federal troops to ensure their safety. In 1960, under the Eisenhower Administration, the Civil Rights Act was passed, and thus provided federal sanctions against anyone attempting to block the registration and voting rights of blacks ( it was, by the way, President Eisenhower, who had the words “under God” inserted into the Pledge of Allegiance). Oh yes, do I need to remind anyone of Lincoln’s role in area of “civil rights”?

What about business and Labor? TR used antitrust laws to breakup railroad, beef, oil, and tobacco combines. He strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission in its regulation of the then all powerful railroads. He earned the reputation as a friend of Labor by requiring the owners of the Anthracite Coal Mines in Pennsylvania to negotiate with striking miners who were attempting to organize. He also championed consumers with the Meat Inspection Act, Pure Food and Drug Act of 1903. Eisenhower signed into law the Interstate Highway Systems Act in 1956, modeled on the German Autobahn, and thus connecting America for the first time. Nixon signed in law in 1972 the Consumer Product Safety Act, which created the Consumer Product Safety Commission and charged it with setting product safety standards and banning unsafe products from the US marketplace.

Speaking of protecting consumers, let’s not forget ole Jerry Ford. In 1975, this moderate Republican signed into law four bills to help consumers make informed decisions and provide equality in the marketplace. What were they? The Fair Credit Billing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. In 1974, Ford signed also signed into law Campaign Reform Act to help reduce campaign finance abuses, and the following year, he signed the Extension of Voting Rights Act which extended the Voting Rights Act of 1975.

This is by no means meant to an all inclusive list nor to imply that there wasn't negative issues (such as Watergate and Nixon's resignation) during their respective administrations. It is, however, meant to illustrate the type of Republican Party which once was, and whose time may yet come again given the current crisis within the GOP and the country. The 2007/2008 election cycle will no doubt decide the future the Grand Old Party.


Should Ex-Nazi Guard to be Deported?

World War II ended just over 62 years ago, in 1945, and yet in many ways the war continues, or at least its legacy. The Japanese Government recently apologized to the Koreans for the enslavement of Korean women (young girls really) who were forced into prostitution by and for the Imperial Japanese military (the so called “good time girls”). Germany has repeatedly apologized for Holocaust and has paid out tens of millions of dollars in retribution to survivors or their relatives. The hunt for stolen art and hidden assets continues; though many of their rightful owners either perished in the horrors of the concentration camps or have simply died of old age. Some may never be properly identified. Many of the war criminals have been captured and executed, or eluded the hangman’s noose and died in some safety of some benefactor far from the Fatherland. Perhaps only one or two of these men remain at large, though well into their 90’s and in too poor health to stand trial for their crimes. Recently declassified records have reveled how the US conspired to protect and use some Nazi war criminals and engineers (Operation Paperclip) as well as assorted banking and financial connections by major US companies before and during the war with the Nazi Government. There were obviously a lot of dirty hands. Time it seems has indeed marched on as the attention of the world has turned elsewhere and World War II falls more and more into the pages of history.

Now there is a story out of Lawrenceville Georgia, a small quaint mixed middle class community 30 miles outside Atlanta. According to the US Department of Justice’s Office of Special Investigation and the Office of Homeland Security, 85 year old Paul Henss was a Nazi guard at the infamous Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps between 1942 and 1944. They claim that Henss trained attack dogs used in guarding prisoners and may have actually be a guard himself. Government officials also say the Henss had been a member of the Hitler Youth.

Paul Henss came to the United States, through New York, in 1955. He has lived a rather unremarkable life—the last 10 years of which in Georgia. Married, he retired many years ago and seemed according to the various media reports to be confused about the whole episode. Henss acknowledged that he did enlist in the Hitler Youth at 19, and later joined the elite SS where he was assigned to taking care of German Shepherds and Rottweilers—grooming, feeding, training of the dogs at both camps, but denies he had any other role. Henss has said that his tenure at Dachau and Buchenwald was brief, only a few months, and he spent most of his enlistment on the Eastern Front fighting the Russians. He added that he was never questioned about his past when he entered the US, and apparently didn’t volunteer any information either. Government documents allege Henss joined the Hitler Youth (not considered to be a criminal organization) in 1934 as a 12 or 13 year old boy and later joined the Nazi Party in 1940. In 1941, records show that he joined the Waffen SS (the armed SS, or non-political military units). A year later he was assigned to dog handling.

Neighbors interviewed seemed rather surprised at the allegations. Henss has repeatedly denied being a war criminal (and there are no former prisoners accusing him of war atrocities). Henss is said to be in poor health, with hearing and heart problems, and uses as walker. So, given this, and with so many years having passed, should he be deported? He has lived quietly in the United States for 52 years. He came legally into the United States. He was never charged as a war criminal by any tribunal, and let’s not forget that the current pope was also a member of the Hitler Youth (wonder if that means he would be denied entry into the United Stated?). Henss worked, raised a family, and retired. Basically, a model citizen. So what happens if he’s deported back to Germany? Will he be arrested? Serve jail time? Probably not. He’ll basically live there until he dies, and no doubt his body will be returned to his adopted home for burial.

Given all this, one has to wonder if the government simply singling him as an “easy target” rather than pursuing illegal immigrants, a much more serious threat than an old man who’ll have to answer for any crimes he may have committed soon enough. Perhaps the time has come to close this dark chapter of Man’s history.

WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT AIN'T

Some folks have come to this blog expecting to find a Pro-Republican or Democrat site. They are puzzled and perplexed when I have something positive (negative) to say about the other side. Well, it’s neither. There’s a disclaimer right at the top on the header which says this blog is a personal and independent commentary by yours truly. As Glenn Beck (one of my favorite TV/radio personalities along with Lou Dobbs and Bill O’Reilly) says, I am not a professional journalist. I am merely offering my opinions and insights. This isn’t a news or policy research blog, though you will find some of each, depending on the topics offered. I believe both political parties have consistently failed the American People, and like our Founding Fathers, who largely distrusted and opposed partisan politics, I have chosen to blaze my own independent trail through the political landscape. I invite my readers to come along and take with them what they will from it. So, if you’re offended that this isn’t a Republican or Democrat blog, sorry. I suggest you go elsewhere. There’s a lot of really good (and not so good) party-oriented blogs out there to revalidate your opinions.

Now, as to what this blog is. Another Opinion is a reflection of my observations, which is as it should be don’t you think? I dislike labels, but I consider myself to be an open minded and slightly right leaning moderate. I admit some might see me as an ultra conservative, or even liberal in some ways, and I suppose that’s true. But, I think that’s indicative of most people. Few of us leans totally one way or another, and polls repeatedly show Americans in general to be moderately conservative, so I guess I’m a fair representative of most Americans in that regard. This blog focuses on what’s best for the people, not for big business, and certainly not for political parties, their cronies, or the special interests groups they’re so often beholden to. I must point out that it is strongly pro-labor, both union and non-union, and the continuation of the small businesses, the so-called “Mom and Pop” companies so endangered by the mega-corporations like Wal-Mart.

This blog reflects my support of strong immigration laws and stiff penalties for companies (and individuals) who hire illegal immigrants. Dry up demand, and supply will follow. There are ways to bring those who want to work temporarily into this country legally. I think too that unions are missing a great opportunity by not sponsoring some of these individuals, and not just helping them find their temp work, but teaching them about unions and showing them how to organize. These same “guest workers” could return to their home countries and organize others there, and thus improving the work environment south of the border. This could have a positive effect in developing their middle class, raising wages and benefits, and reducing the need to work here illegally. And while we’re at it, I vigorously support making English the official language of this country and mandating it all public schools. All immigrants must have a basic mastery of English to apply for citizenship (and I still refuse to “press 1 for English”). Language is the thread that holds the fabric of a nation together. Without it, we’ll unravel into a Balkanized country. In short, we will become strangers in our own land.

Another Opinion will look at ways to protect American jobs because I believe “Free Trade” isn’t fair trade for our working men and women, and I also believe in putting America first. This blog will promote the rights of individuals over corporations, and emphasize corporate responsibility to the “public good”, which includes the environment, even if it means increased regulation of some industries (or, in worse case abuses of public interests, nationalization). There is more at stake these days than appeasing the stockholders and making a buck. (And while we’re on the subject of corporations, I would like to see American businesses adopt the European mode of corporate governance by allowing 1/3 of the board membership to be employee representatives—union or non-union as the case may be).

I believe in workplace equality. You get the job because you’re most qualified for it and you lose it because you didn’t do your job. Age, religion, orientation, race, national origin or gender, etc. shouldn’t matter (and there’s no excuse for women being paid less than men for doing the same job). Like Teddy Roosevelt, I believe that if you were born here or became a naturalized citizen, you’re an American, not a hyphenated American regardless of where your ancestors came from or how they got here. Period. Its fine to be proud of your heritage (I’m of solid German ancestry) and celebrate it, but you’re loyalty is to America first, or at least it should be.

The current tax structures, at the local, state, and federal levels are in need of a complete overhaul. Doesn’t anyone remember that this nation came about as the result of a tax revolt? I believe we need term limits and/or serious campaign finance reform to attempt to reduce the corruption which comes being in power to long (one could add arrogance to that list too). The trouble is not necessarily the complexity, but the mechanism(s) to do it. Right now, the wolves are guarding the sheep. I think if the Founding Fathers could see us now, they would have opted to pay the tea tax and kept their mouths shut. I think when a politican messes up, you should know about it, and when they do good you should know about that too (especially since it is so rare these days) regardless of political party. Afterall, it's your tax dollar, not theirs.

Because of ever higher costs of medical care, companies have been forced to reduced or drop their medical coverage. Most individuals can’t afford to pay for it, so they do without. Why? Why, in a country a great as this do we have one the highest infant mortality rates, lowest life expectancy rates, or lower levels of quality of life (especially for our seniors)? Why are we the only (or one of very few) industrialized nation not to have some level of basic national health care? There are even some developing nations with better coverage than available here. Why? Some folks complain that would be another tax. Well, don’t you think we’re already paying for the uninsured through higher premiums? Let government, business, and individuals share a percentage in the coverage so we all can have a minimum level of health care. That’s why this blog will continue to push for some level of national health care. You can expect more on that topic.

I also think we need to desperately improve our education system as mentioned previously in this blog. Students shouldn’t be taught to parrot answers for some test. They should be taught how to think critically, not to mimic. I think education has been “dumbed” down too much. There needs to be more focus on the quality of graduates, not the quantity. I believe our kids need a well rounded education which includes history, literature, art/music, and civics (which an emphasis on voluntarism). Lastly, never should a coach make more than lowest paid full time teacher, instructor, or professor. Require some of the money generated from the athletic department to go to under funded programs like history and arts, academic achievers, or supplement the salaries of instructors of those programs. Academics must come before athletics. That’s why schools and universities are called “academic institutions” and not “sports institutions”. Education is the key to everything. A well educated workforce attracts employers, which in turn both provides jobs and generates taxes to pay for roads, lights, parks, police, EMS, fire services, healthcare, and a better quality of life for all. This in turn makes the community more economically competitive, which attracts even more jobs. It provides self esteem and lessens the likelihood of joining gangs, doing drugs, committing crimes, going to jail, or ending up on a morgue slab with toe tag. Education should be our number 1 domestic national priority.

Some folks have asked me if I had a “secret” or “hidden” agenda since I’ve previously run for office, or if I intend to again. With some amused acknowledgement, I admit to having an agenda, though not especially secret or hidden. I seek knowledge. I am always looking to learn more, and I’m not so arrogant as to assume there’s nothing new to learn. Many of you have been invaluable to me in providing me with new insights, and I’ve changed my perspectives several times (though my core values have never wavered). To quote one of my favorite politicians, Bobby Kennedy, “There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not. There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were, and ask 'Why not?” As for running for office again, I have no current plans. So then, why do I do this? I must again turn to Bobby for the answer, when he said, “It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task”. I also suggest you read Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena”, and then I think you’ll understand.

As for you, my dear readers, I always welcome your comments. I enjoy hearing what you have to say. Those of you come here regularly know to keep the remarks professional (courteous is greatly appreciated too). Hateful, spiteful, rude, and similar comments (such as to what appeared on my previous post) will not be tolerated and will be deleted.

So, I hope you have a clearer understanding as to what Another Opinion is all about. I don’t know how you want to classify this humble blog—conservative, populist, unionist, nationalist, liberal, or perhaps a little of each. I guess whatever makes you happy. But I do hope you come back often and take from it what you will, even if it’s just a chuckle.

President Bush Doesn't Speak For Me

I read the following article on Alternet, and found it very interesting. Charles Evers is a long time community activist. He is Black. His brother was murdered by racists. And he is a Republican. Check out his story and find out what it means to be apart the "Big Tent":

President Bush Doesn't Speak For Me
By Rose Aguilar,
AlterNetPosted on July 22, 2005, Printed on July 30, 2005 http://www.alternet.org/story/23600/

In 1963, Charles Evers' older brother, Medgar Evers, was shot and killed by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith. Beckwith stood trial twice, but in both cases the all-white jury could not reach a verdict. He was finally convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1994, 31 years after the murder. Before his murder, Medgar established local chapters of the NAACP throughout the Mississippi Delta and organized boycotts of businesses that refused to allow blacks to use their restrooms. After an unsuccessful attempt to get into the University of Mississippi Law School, Medgar was appointed as the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi.
After his brother's death, Charles Evers took over at the NAACP and began black voter registration drives. Six years later, he was elected mayor of Fayette, Mississippi, the first black to hold elected office in the state since Reconstruction. Evers, who became a Republican during the Nixon years, also served as an advisor to a diverse group of politicians, including Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Reagan.
Today the 82-year-old Evers is the general manager of WMPR, a community radio station in Jackson, Mississippi. He hosts a radio show on Wednesday nights called, "Let's Talk," and is the author of "Have No Fear: The Charles Evers Story." He proudly displays a number of framed photos of himself shaking hands with a wide array of mostly Republican politicians and civil rights leaders in his office.
ROSE AGUILAR: How did you feel about the Killen ruling? [On June 22, Edgar Ray Killen, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of black Mississippian James Chaney and white New Yorkers Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner in 1964.]
CHARLES EVERS: I'm elated. I almost shed tears knowing that they convicted an old racist. It's unbelievable. We've begun to get justice. We've begun to put fear into those whites who think they can do anything they want to a black person and get away with it. Now we got white powerful Mississippians who say, no, you can't do that anymore, and I'm proud of that.
I've been talking to a lot of people about politics and it's interesting to talk to young people. I went to the Jubilee Jam the other night and I interviewed a number of young black men who said, blacks vote Democrat. Whites vote Republican. I told them I've met a lot of whites who vote Democrat and they were shocked by that. Then I spoke to young white men and they said the same thing. They also said they have no black friends. Is that a common opinion?
I'm against an all-white anything or an all-black anything. I'm a Republican, by the way. I feel there should be blacks in every Party. I believe in most of the things Republicans stand for.
Like what?
I'm against abortion. I'm for prayer in schools. I'm for economic independence. I don't believe in welfare. I think it's a joke. I believe welfare makes you lazy and unproductive. The only thing I don't agree with is the war. I think the war is wrong. I think the President is wrong on this. The main thing I believe in is freedom. I don't think the Republicans say it as much as Democrats, but I think the Democrats say one thing and do another. Most of them are white.
There are a lot of black Democrats in Congress. Clinton appointed a lot of blacks.
Clinton was our number one President. I loved Clinton; not as a Democrat, but as a person.
Did you vote for Clinton?
No I didn't. I'm a Republican. I voted for my party.
So you're a party-line voter?
Not all the time, but that time I did.
How do you feel about the Senate's apology for failing to make lynching a federal crime? The majority of the people who haven't signed on are Republican.
I ripped them apart on my radio show last night. It hurts me and it hurts every Mississippian and makes us look bad. I meet with them quite often and I'll tell them they're wrong. The least they could have done was say, "I'm sorry."
What was your turning point? Why did you become a Republican?
I have nothing against the Democratic Party. When I became mayor, I had to run as an independent because the Democrats wouldn't allow us to run as a Democrat back in those days. But once we broke the Democrats down and took over the seat, I was a national committee member, went to Chicago and took the Party away from the old Democrats. And what did they do? They ran to the Republican Party. So my thinking was, once we got blacks into the Democratic Party, let's do the same in the Republican Party and make damn sure they don't get away with nothin'.
That's why I'm with the Republican Party. I want to make sure we have blacks who will stand up in each Party and that's me. I don't bow to none of 'em and my folks can trust me. I will never sell out to them. I tell them what they gotta do for our folk and that's to make sure we're included; not superior, but equal.
So you're basically working to change the Republican Party from within rather than criticize it from the outside.
I can do more destructive things inside than I can out there throwing rocks. So I'm in the Republican Party for the same reason I was in the Democratic Party: to make sure blacks are included, along with everyone else. It's not like I jumped parties. I feel like both parties are not what they used to be or should be. I'll tell them when they're wrong. I couldn't do that as a Democrat.
I'm on the executive committee of the Mississippi Republican Party and I will tell Senator Lott that he's wrong for not apologizing for something his great grandparents did to us. Their excuse is, well, we didn't have anything to do with it. The hell you didn't. You didn't personally, but your great grandparents did. You should apologize. I have no problem telling them that and I'm a Republican. I pay my dues so they can't kick me out.
What changes have you made within the Republican Party for blacks specifically?
They got a Republican that's not gonna let them run over blacks and get behind closed doors and pass laws that he's not gonna go out and tell people about. They know that.
How do you feel about the state of the national Republican Party today?
I think President Bush is way out of line and I don't think he speaks for all Republicans. He doesn't speak for me.
I read the article you wrote opposing the war in the Jackson Free Press. There weren't many Republicans who broke ranks over the war at that time. There were very few Democrats who publicly opposed the war at that time.
I have a radio talk show on Wednesday night and that was my whole show. I'm opposed to the war. I let the President know. I let all my Senators and Congressmen know. It's wrong to kill. We had no more right to go to the war against Iraq than I have to go to war against you. Iraq did nothing to us. Iraq was not responsible for 9/11.
Sure 9/11 was bad. Sure they killed thousands of us, but how many have we killed of them? How much suffering have we caused them? Two wrongs don't make a right. We are just as wrong -- and I want to be quoted on that -- for going in and destroying innocent people as they were coming over here on 9/11. 9/11 is no comparison to what we've done over there and how we've destroyed the old world with our bombs and how we spread hate and how we took Saddam. I was totally against that. When we took Saddam's sons and showed them all over the world. It's just like they used to do to us black folks. They hung us from trees and let them take pictures of us. Same damn thing.
Did you have any reservations about voting for Bush, especially given your strong opposition to the war?
It bothers me. I feel like he's not telling the truth. How can he sleep knowing that he just got hundreds of people killed or destroyed everyday? He is responsible for them being killed. He's responsible for destroying all of those beautiful buildings. That was the founding of a civilization. He destroyed them. Come on, Mr. President. How can you sleep? I'd ask him that point blank. Why don't you end this war? I pray all the time. "Lord, please, let our president bring this war to an end." The United States Senate is just as guilty as Bush. They went right along with him and gave him billions to continue the war.
Come on; your gas and my gas is two or three dollars a gallon. We got poor folks, white and black, who need boxes of aspirins. I'm a veteran of two wars: World War II and the Korean War and guess what? If I need a box of aspirin today from the VA, I'd go through hell to get it. The veteran who comes home with no legs and no arms is pushed aside and can't get waited on. It's crazy. No one will say the truth. Democrats or Republicans. Reid speaks out once in a while, but they chop him up right away.
When I interview people, I bring up some of these issues, but they don't seem to care. Essentially, the facts don't matter. Do you encounter that?
Oh yeah. My thing is, I don't give a damn what people think about me or what I say. To hell with what anybody thinks about me. White, black or polka dot. I'm against the war. I'm against killing. I've lost two brothers on some stupid murder by some crazy racist.
How do the Republicans respond to you when you raise these issues?
They don't really respond. They ignore me, but I'll keep saying it and they know they got one darkie that ain't gonna change. And that's me.
What do you think about the Republicans who say, "We're so inclusive now. We have Condoleezza Rice and many high-ranking black officials."
Bullshit. That's bullshit. We're not inclusive. The Republican Party is not inclusive. The Republican Party does not reach out. We're fighting for them to do that. I'll admit that President Bush did appoint Condoleezza Rice. He appointed Powell, but that wasn't enough. What about the local Republicans? Did he go around the country and campaign for blacks who were running for office? No. They're not inclusive. The Democrats aren't either. Don't get me wrong. I'm a Republican and I'm gonna stay a Republican because they need somebody like me to stay in the Party and keep hammering away.
You feel like you have your issues and priorities and you want to bring them to the Party. Do you ever get a response?
They won't listen to me. Others feel the same way but won't say it. What are you afraid of? I'd rather be dead and in heaven than afraid to do what I think is right. This war is wrong and I'm not afraid to say it. See the picture of me with Bush? His dad and I were very close. I don't think his father wanted him to go to war. The problem is, the Republican Party hasn't done anything to make this country better and I speak as a Republican. I think they're creating so much division among the country. Any time the country is split 50/50, the leader is wrong. What about the other 50 percent? We need a change. I hope the next president unifies the country.
How did you feel about the 2004 election and all the mudslinging? It was pretty ugly.
First of all, I knew that a Democrat was not going to win. I knew that. You know why? This is a racist country. Anybody who runs for president in this country and comes out as strong as the Democrats were about helping the poor folks and black folks is not going to win. It's that simple. Not in America. Two people will never be President in my lifetime. A woman and a black. They can run Mrs. Clinton if they want to. She'll be beaten. America is still a bigoted country. Mark my words. I guarantee I won't live to see it. I would love to, but it won't happen. I told Colin Powell, don't you be a fool. You want to be embarrassed? Run.
Don't you think a black candidate would get a lot more blacks out to vote?
Yeah, but we can't elect a president. If Democrats want to win, talk them into electing a black man for vice president.
Voter turnout is so low all over the country. How do you encourage blacks to vote?
I usually take Medgar and Martin and say, do you care what they fought for? If you don't vote, you show disrespect for them. That's what I say. I don't know if it does any good or not. The least I can do is show Medgar I still care. And Martin. They all were my friends and we all fought for the same thing. Some of the youngsters say, "My vote doesn't count." If your vote doesn't count, how do you think you got where you are? Somebody voted for you.
I came back the other night from Washington and guess what? A young black man flew me back here. He's a pilot on Delta Airlines. We're flying planes. We couldn't even get on a plane forty years ago. When Megdar was killed, I came back from Chicago and couldn't go inside the airport in Jackson, Mississippi. I had to wait outside for my bag. Now we have blacks flying on Delta. We got blacks running airports. We can't forget that. We gotta keep saying that. That's why I hope reporters like you will say that. Show both sides. The negative and the positive.
Today was a historical thing. Can you imagine? A white judge born in Neshoba county gave another white man 60 years for killing a black and two whites. Can you believe that? They'll say a little bit about it. Then it's all over. Now if you came in here and shot me, oh god, every damn press in the country would be here. White woman shoots black man! NBC. CBS. CNN. All of 'em. You couldn't get rid of 'em, 'cause it involves some nigger.
In terms of the media, a lot conservative radio shows have been talking about Senator Byrd and his beginnings with the KKK. How do you feel about that?
That was the thing to do then. I'm not justifying it, don't get me wrong, but that was the popular thing to do to get what you wanted. In order to get elected, you had to talk about niggers. If you vote for Charles Evers, he goin' take your daughter and marry her. We gotta forgive white people, but never forget.
What other issues are important to you? What have Republicans done well in the past four years?
Have they done anything? Our gasoline is three times what it was a few years ago. Unemployment is about four times what it was a few years ago. Hatred is getting worse for both blacks and whites. The Christians are trying to take over everything. We have a mess going and we need to straighten up our act.
One of the major differences between the Republicans and the Democrats I've met is this: Republicans emphasize personal responsibility. They say, "We don't like social programs. Everyone can pull themselves up by their bootstraps." Democrats say people need help.
I partially agree with that. Partially. Give us a chance to pull ourselves up. I don't like a lot of social programs either because it makes you non-productive. Speaking as a black person, welfare is the worst thing that's ever happened to us. My dad always told us, and I'll never forget this, before I get commodities, I'll kill all of you and then kill myself. I was totally against them giving me commodities like meal, sugar and flour. I always want to be able to work and take care of y'all. That's my job. I don't want you ever asking me about welfare. Welfare makes you dependent upon someone to take care of you. Republicans say, "No, we're not giving you nothin'." I like that. My problem is, don't block me. Republicans say, "Go do it yourself," and I say, "Give me a chance to do it for myself."
That's the main point, right? Go to any poor neighborhood, black or white. You'll find old books, run-down buildings, and teachers who have to buy their own school supplies. So at that point, where's the hope? Especially if someone comes from a broken family that's not emotionally available.
My whole thing is if Bush wants to leave no child behind, then prove it. What you're afraid to do Mr. Bush, is to go to the poorest neighborhoods in all the states and find out what district needs the most. And don't worry about the affluent neighborhood. We need to bring up those communities that need it the most. It ain't gotta be black folks. There are a lot of poor white folks now.
Why is it that people tend to not identify with those basic economic interests? They identify with conservative social issues like gay marriage and abortion, but not issues like education and poverty.
They're not popular issues. We need to take responsibility and educate people. That's why black folks don't like me. I always say it's our responsibility to make safe neighborhoods. It's our job to get them cleaned up.
I notice one of the few Democrats on your wall is Robert F. Kennedy.
I was with Bobby the night he was killed. If any Kennedy ran for president, I'd vote for him. The Kennedy's and the Rockefeller's, before anybody else gave a damn about black folks, they did what they could. I took Bobby Kennedy through the delta and he cried like a baby. He said, I didn't know anybody could live like this. He said he just didn't know any colored folks. We were colored back then. He just didn't know.
After having this conversation with you, it's clear that you're a Republican to change the Party from within, but the media makes you sound like you're a hardcore black loyal Republican from Mississippi.
They don't know a thing about me. I am a black Republican by choice and I do it to make sure the Republicans straighten up.
But that should be included in the story.
They won't do that. Go down to the Republican headquarters. They ain't got a single black working there. Not one. I've been giving them hell about that. I gotta keep hammering away. I'm on the executive committee and I keep repeating, "What about a black? It's getting pretty lonely here with all you white folks. I'm the only darkie here." I can say darkie and I can say nigger. I can say what I want about my own folks. And they look at me real funny. They whisper, "Charles you're right." And I say, "Tell the chairman that."
Sounds like you enjoy the challenge.
I love the life I live. The Lord blessed me to be independent. I am independent.
Rose Aguilar is a San Francisco-based journalist gathering stories from people living in states that voted overwhelmingly for George W. Bush. Track her journey at Stories in America.
© 2005 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/23600/