Category: Politics

What has happened to this country…

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A Billboard – Somewhere in Georgia

First of all, the shear hubris of this billboard is more than I can fathom.  Then the divisiveness promoted by this sign, surely placed by a religious organization or person, is the exact opposite of what religion should be doing.  Historically, however, Christianity has not be an inclusive religion, except by force, nor has it been an agent for tolerance and acceptance of people who believe or think differently than themselves.  IMHO, this attitude continues today in many branches of Christianity.

On the other hand, I have been and am certainly demonizing MAGA Republicans.  For me, they are espousing the worst side of humanity.  Why so many Christians, especially Evangelical Christians, are so adamantly onboard with the MAGA crowd is mystifying.

That persons like tRump, Putin, Maduro, Kim Jung-un, Netanyahu and many more of that ilk are in positions of power is proof that a god does not exist — at least the god as detailed in the various religious texts, or if he does exist, he certainly does not love humanity.

Oh well.

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Why are Red State Citizens Poorer, Less Educated, & Sicker than Blue State Citizens?

Here is an interesting, short read from the pen of Thom Hartmann:

Why are Red State Citizens Poorer, Less Educated, & Sicker than Blue State Citizens?

The quick synopsis is that they are shooting themselves in the foot.

Just something to think about as you getting ready to vote in what seems like the most consequential election of my lifetime. I see this election as clear option between democracy and fascism, between inclusiveness and Christian Sharia law, between joy and a Draconian world view, between sanity and insanity, between the have-too-muches and the rest of us…

If nothing else you have to wonder why Elon Musk is pouring so much money into the tRump campaign. Musk is the epitome of self-interest, seeing himself better and smarter than practically every other person on the planet, willing to use and abuse just about anyone for his own ends.  Wait, that describes tRump also.

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JD Vance – Escape from L.A.

JD Vance is objectively a horrible man.  I would call him the poster child for everything that is wrong with American politics, but there is so much competition in the Republican party, he would just be one of a rotating cast on that poster. To say I find the Republican party disheartening, would be an understatement.

Then there is his running mate, tRump.  How a misogynist, racist con man managed to gain control of one of two major politic parties of the most powerful nation on the planet will keep historians employed for quite some time.  How he managed to maintain that control as dementia became too obvious to ignore will also keep sociologists and political scientists occupied.  I am sure there will be several doctoral theses written in all those professions.

There has been something niggling at the back of my brain for Continue reading “JD Vance – Escape from L.A.”

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I wonder how long…

I am not sure how smart this was of us.  I do wonder how long it will stay up in this super Republican neighborhood, being the district that elected Todd “Legitimate Rape” Atkins and Ann “What Climate Change” Wagner, but it is an important issue for us.

This is part of the reason I am so angry with the current Republican party.  They are essentially trying to push their minority religious beliefs on the majority.  Abortion is obviously a very charged subject, and I cannot imagine it ever being a very easy decision for any woman.  But I strongly believe that Continue reading “I wonder how long…”

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Could YOU pass a citizenship test?

Years ago I knew a Turkish man who obtained US citizenship. Shortly after his induction ceremony, he told me about the test he had to take AND pass as part of his path to US citizenship.  I remembering thinking at the time that I was not sure I could have passed that test, and I am from a generation that was required to take Civics in high school and then again in college.  Plus for a while I majored in History, and I have always had an interest in the subject, especially the revolutionary period of American history.

All this came back to mind as there was an article on the da ‘net: Do you know the 3 branches of US government? Many don’t, leading to a push for civics education

In the article there is a link to a very short quiz that gives a small sampling of the type of questions on the citizenship exam.  It also stated that the actual test  was not multiple choice like the one connected to the news article.  I managed to get all 10 correct, but, most likely, only because it was multiple choice.

Here is the link: Could YOU pass a citizenship test?

I am definitely of the opinion that all students in the USA should have to take Civics course before high school graduation as well as American History.  While I am on the subject, why not Home Economics, not matter what your gender.  They all definitely are needed in our quotidian lives.  As an outsider looking in, I am not so sure all the super concentration of STEM subjects is benefiting our children or our country. I say this as a person with a science degree and a technology degree, and as someone who worked in these fields for most of their adult life.

Take my opinion and $2 and change, and you will be able to buy yourself a soda pop. Eso lo que hay.

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You Can’t Fix Stupid

“God grant me the serenity to accept stupid people,
the courage to not waste my time and energy on them,
and the wisdom to know that I can’t fix stupid.” ~~ Anonymous

I had an early doctor’s appointment Thursday after Tuesday’s presidential debate between Harris and Trump. The appointment was for 8 a.m., and I arrived a few minutes early as there are generally a few administrative tasks to complete before actually seeing the medical personnel.

My internist is very good about getting me back to an exam room on time although occasionally I have had to wait in there for the doctor after the nurse does her thing with vitals and nosy questions. Most of the other doctors I go to are not quite so prompt. This was the case Thursday morning.

I first noticed this pair of men as the elder Continue reading “You Can’t Fix Stupid”

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I Did Not Realize I Was So Angry

The other day, a few days before the Missouri primary, I stayed home to do honey-dos around the old hacienda, mostly yard work.  I had stepped inside for a moment, and then I went back outside through the garage, out to the front of our house.  As I did so a middle-aged, somewhat matronly woman was walking down our front sidewalk away from our front door.

I saw a stack of red flyers in her hand, so I asked, “Are you canvassing for a Republican?”

She nodded yes.

That is when the demons took hold of me and I went on a bit of a rant.

“Just so you know, I would never, ever vote for a Republican.  I would never vote for the party that has the convicted felon, Trump, as it leader, for a party that refuses to condemn January 6th, for the party that is hell bent on taking away our voting rights, for the party that is taking away women’s reproductive rights, for the party that is Continue reading “I Did Not Realize I Was So Angry”