Until this morning I had favored the election of Mr. Trump as President as a means of punishing professional politicians for their narcissistic, inbred consistent ignoring of their constituents wishes, requests and needs, choosing instead to form their badly disguised cross-aisle cooperation to protect each other at the taxpayers' expense. They all needed to rediscover and suffer consequences. I reasoned that an outsider would accomplish that, and although Mr. Trump seems likely to be far more liberal than I would like, it was paramount to punish all those with such a longer track record of not listening that I ignored his liberal potential.
But this morning my thoughts suddenly turned in a much more positive direction.
One of the constant complaints heard is that our government is not only responsive, but that it just can't get things done. We hear that our President had no interest in creating any working relationship with Congress in general, with the "other" side, and even is aloof from those office holders from his own party. We note that even wanted actions by the executive branch don't help because upon an election of a President who thinks otherwise, those decrees can be reversed...so no business or individual can invest in any business because of that inherent risk.
Others point to the Congressional impasses that result in lots of words and votes, but either stall or end up being vetoed by the Chief Executive.
May I suggest that electing Donald Trump is extremely likely to solve all of these complaints, relegating them to the scrap heap.
Why?
What is Mr. Trump's broadest impact on the world? No, not his Real Estate empire or accomplishments. It is the book, "Art of the Deal." It clearly demonstrates Mr. Trump's desire to "get things done"...preferably at a profit, but always as economically as possible.
To accomplish something that he deems essential, is he likely to walk away from anything because of ideology? I don't think so. He will want to have proof of what it will cost, where the money will come from (if from borrowing, he'll want to know how it will be paid back), and who and how will the costs be controlled and the results be guaranteed. No verbal assurances are likely to be acceptable to him...put it in the "voted for" document for everyone to see.
How or why is this good?
Because now...finally...there is supreme motivation for getting good people to run, and for getting people out to vote for Congressional and Senate elections!
It is very likely that a President Trump will work with whatever Congress the people elect...Republican, Conservative, Democrat or Liberal. And those elections will determine who will be "dealing" with President Trump. It is entirely likely that the more conservative the Congress, the more conservative the deals that will be made. But, conversely, if the "people" chose to elect those of the Liberal or Democratic viewpoints, Mr. Trump will work deals that would be more liberal. None of us would be completely happy, but I strongly suggest that government would, again, work! Remember that President Reagan worked with a Democratic Congress to get things done. So did President Clinton. Good administrators will find a way to accomplish more things in ways that make the most people more content.
So...if more and more people come to the same conclusion, I think that a lot of Democrats will cross over to vote for Mr. Trump...if he is nominated...knowing that if they also achieve numerical superiority in Congress, their views and wants will be heard and respected. And those of a more conservative bent will feel the same. Everyone will then focus on those Senate and Congressional races, realizing that the President will honor those elections in the manner in which he negotiates government action with the Legislative branch.
And THAT would be a good thing for the entire country.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Is MLK's Dream dead?
Most of us remember the essence of Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech. It had (and still has) the capacity of pulling our minds and hearts up short and calling us all to check our motivations before acting, speaking, writing and...yes...even thinking. Today, a lot of people have apparently forgotten some things: First, that he was a "Reverend", a man of the cloth who was a devout Christian who reminded America...a nation founded on Christian mores and beliefs...of how we should live life; Second, that his message was one of inclusion, not separatism or divisiveness.
In the late 1950's he spoke at a church in Montgomery, Alabama, and part of what he said was, "How do you go about loving your enemies? Begin with yourself." And later he advised, "When the opportunity presents itself for you to defeat your enemy, that is the time when you must not do it." Further, he quoted from the Bible: "Love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you..." Matt. 5
During the year...and particularly on Martin Luther King's designated holiday...there are celebrations and coming together of various groups to allegedly celebrate not just his recognition, but his message. Yet so many of these groups clearly act, think and speak in manner that reveals that not only have they abandoned MLK's views, but now are clearly diametrically opposite in their goals and actions.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) actively chants for the killing of Police. BLM has never condemned or distanced itself from those who have murdered Police, usually calling for "understanding" of their motivation. Black leaders have spent more time pointing to anecdotal mistreatment and actions by a minority of Police Officers as a defense and only as a one sentence add-on said that killing was wrong.
LGBT folk have, upon getting equality in the secular world, used that position to enact vengeance on any people who, based on their religious convictions, declined to produce certain products. Once they no longer had to hide, they have taken that opportunity to "get even." That is absolutely contrary to MLK's admonitions and the goal of his movement. Unity and acceptance were his goals. Note that nowhere did the term "approval" come into the picture. I can argue that my neighbor should be free to do whatever he or she wants as long as it doesn't physically harm others...but that doesn't require me to approve of everything the do, or create a legal right for them to require me to cheer for their actions.
If I go to church or synagogue, wear a dress shirt and tie with Bermuda shorts, they are not required to take a public position approving of my actions. Why should the reverse be considered "politically correct?" As a matter of fact, I consider the phrase "politically correct" an oxymoron anyway.
But...shouldn't the media or someone call out these people? BLM advocates murder, LGBT advocates vengeance, University Professors advocate elimination of the First Amendment, and University students advocate abandonment of integration and freedom of speech in favor of apartheid and controlled speech. Rev. King looks down on these people and actions and I am sure that tears flow down his cheeks...and it is sad. It is also despicable.
Honoring MLK's thoughts, beliefs and goals would have us ignoring physical differences, honoring each other, respecting ourselves and those around us by holding ourselves to our standards even as we allow others to chose differently. Wonder if it will ever be seen that way again...
In the late 1950's he spoke at a church in Montgomery, Alabama, and part of what he said was, "How do you go about loving your enemies? Begin with yourself." And later he advised, "When the opportunity presents itself for you to defeat your enemy, that is the time when you must not do it." Further, he quoted from the Bible: "Love your enemies, bless them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you..." Matt. 5
During the year...and particularly on Martin Luther King's designated holiday...there are celebrations and coming together of various groups to allegedly celebrate not just his recognition, but his message. Yet so many of these groups clearly act, think and speak in manner that reveals that not only have they abandoned MLK's views, but now are clearly diametrically opposite in their goals and actions.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) actively chants for the killing of Police. BLM has never condemned or distanced itself from those who have murdered Police, usually calling for "understanding" of their motivation. Black leaders have spent more time pointing to anecdotal mistreatment and actions by a minority of Police Officers as a defense and only as a one sentence add-on said that killing was wrong.
LGBT folk have, upon getting equality in the secular world, used that position to enact vengeance on any people who, based on their religious convictions, declined to produce certain products. Once they no longer had to hide, they have taken that opportunity to "get even." That is absolutely contrary to MLK's admonitions and the goal of his movement. Unity and acceptance were his goals. Note that nowhere did the term "approval" come into the picture. I can argue that my neighbor should be free to do whatever he or she wants as long as it doesn't physically harm others...but that doesn't require me to approve of everything the do, or create a legal right for them to require me to cheer for their actions.
If I go to church or synagogue, wear a dress shirt and tie with Bermuda shorts, they are not required to take a public position approving of my actions. Why should the reverse be considered "politically correct?" As a matter of fact, I consider the phrase "politically correct" an oxymoron anyway.
But...shouldn't the media or someone call out these people? BLM advocates murder, LGBT advocates vengeance, University Professors advocate elimination of the First Amendment, and University students advocate abandonment of integration and freedom of speech in favor of apartheid and controlled speech. Rev. King looks down on these people and actions and I am sure that tears flow down his cheeks...and it is sad. It is also despicable.
Honoring MLK's thoughts, beliefs and goals would have us ignoring physical differences, honoring each other, respecting ourselves and those around us by holding ourselves to our standards even as we allow others to chose differently. Wonder if it will ever be seen that way again...
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
How to equalize pay for everyone...
Our politicians have been talking non-stop about pay inequality. They drone on about how the Middle Class is not only disappearing, but losing purchasing ground. The claim that this is because of deficiencies in our Republic's practice of capitalism.
For the purposes of this discussion, I will ignore that the classifications of "Poor", "Middle Class" and whatever the name is for those above the middle class but not a "one percenter" fail to recognize that the membership in these defined areas is always in flux; that people move up and on all the time. Unlike Europe, any classification is not one that you remain in for your entire life...at least not in most cases.
But, back to the discussion of assuming that inequality needs to be "fixed."
I will tell you how to do it almost instantly. Really!
Simply index the prices of everything that people buy. You get a card from the government that identifies you "class" and that is based on your income. All prices are indexed. Food, cars, houses, vacations, insurance, bus rides, taxi fares,...everything...is indexed so that everyone pays the same percentage of their earnings for everything. As an example, a Ford sedan doesn't cost $18,000. For a poor family it might cost 5000, but for a millionaire it might cost $200,000. The same approach with food too should apply; a Middle class family might pay $400 for a weeks food for 4, while a rich family of 4 would pay $2,000 for the same amount of food. That way everyone would be equal, right?
So the "problem" is now fixed.
I don't pretend to discuss or identify how, under this kind of approach you would motivate people to work harder to earn more money. I have no idea...but today's politicians seem to discount that as being important to our country or our individual well-being, so I won't spend time even considering it. Tell you representatives about my idea...bet they love it. Of course, I strongly suspect that if they enacted it as law they would exempt themselves from its application, just as they exempted themselves from application of the RICO statutes...they aren't 100% nuts.
For the purposes of this discussion, I will ignore that the classifications of "Poor", "Middle Class" and whatever the name is for those above the middle class but not a "one percenter" fail to recognize that the membership in these defined areas is always in flux; that people move up and on all the time. Unlike Europe, any classification is not one that you remain in for your entire life...at least not in most cases.
But, back to the discussion of assuming that inequality needs to be "fixed."
I will tell you how to do it almost instantly. Really!
Simply index the prices of everything that people buy. You get a card from the government that identifies you "class" and that is based on your income. All prices are indexed. Food, cars, houses, vacations, insurance, bus rides, taxi fares,...everything...is indexed so that everyone pays the same percentage of their earnings for everything. As an example, a Ford sedan doesn't cost $18,000. For a poor family it might cost 5000, but for a millionaire it might cost $200,000. The same approach with food too should apply; a Middle class family might pay $400 for a weeks food for 4, while a rich family of 4 would pay $2,000 for the same amount of food. That way everyone would be equal, right?
So the "problem" is now fixed.
I don't pretend to discuss or identify how, under this kind of approach you would motivate people to work harder to earn more money. I have no idea...but today's politicians seem to discount that as being important to our country or our individual well-being, so I won't spend time even considering it. Tell you representatives about my idea...bet they love it. Of course, I strongly suspect that if they enacted it as law they would exempt themselves from its application, just as they exempted themselves from application of the RICO statutes...they aren't 100% nuts.
Labels:
income disparity,
Middle Class,
pay increase,
pay inequity,
Politicians,
poor,
Rich
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Social Justice Warfare
This past week I came across the following comment. The source was declared to be unknown, or I would credit the author. However, it encapsulates every stray thought I have ever had on the subject...putting them together in a way that seems remarkably powerful. As I said, I would honor the writer if I knew who he or she was...and if I should ever get that information, I will edit this to provide the proper honor. I hope you appreciate this as much as I did:
“We are fighting to end hate,
to unite as one and love each other. We are fighting to be treated right
without discrimination and for everyone to have equal opportunities.”
Nonsense. You have no
quantifiable metrics for injustice, so you have no victory conditions (for a
very simplified example, when blacks hold X% of all engineering jobs and are
only Y% of all prisoners, racism is ended). That would be fine by itself, but
you believe in fighting injustice with injustice (gays have historically been
denied gay marriage? let’s get random CEOs fired for opinions they held six
years ago). You don’t seek converts, you seek to punish and bully – straight
white males who disagree with you must be purged and publicly humiliated. Even
the jihadists will spare you if you convert; no apology or future correction
will satisfy a SJW.
I could forgive that too if
you weren’t all hypocrites and liars. Your treatment of women and minority
dissenters is appalling; if they don’t want you acting on their behalf, that’s
their choice, not “internalized patriarchy” or whatever. You rob them of moral
agency. When called out for these behaviors (as you always insist on calling
out others), you lie. You strawman your opponents (criticized a woman? misogynist!),
you group them with the worst (you’re a gamer? you’re as bad as the anonymous
rape threateners!) and when confronted with your own flaws, you restate them
less threateningly (motte and bailey argument). You phrase all arguments as
Kafka traps (disagreeing with your assertion that we are evil is taken as proof
that we’re evil). You publish manipulated and misleading statistics, and then
lambast anyone who questions them.
You insist on vigilante
justice against random acts of the week for your two-minute hate. Why is it the
NFL’s business to punish domestic violence? And, if it is their business, why
isn’t Hope Solo receiving the same attention from your side?
Then you claim to be arguing
for equality, but you’ve taken the idea of racism (hatred based on skin color
is bad) and replaced it with a new concept where only one race can be guilty of
racism. You excuse racial prejudice and hatred based on what I’ve already
explained are arbitrary, unmeasured states of being. Your solution for the unequal
treatment of whites and blacks is to hold whites to a higher standard. Your
side lobbied the FBI to redefine rape so more women victims would be counted,
but also so that “made to penetrate” does not count, leaving male victims in
the cold. Because of male privilege, apparently.
Historically ignorant SJWs
think whites hold collective guilt for the awful things our ancestors have
done. But they don’t care about the unspeakable atrocities by other races. The
only difference between whites and others was that whites had the social and
technological prowess to do evil efficiently; Africans, Asians, Indians, and
everyone else practiced genocide and slavery, they were just less adept at
doing it right. Given the means, they would have done the same. But nope, only
whites are guilty; Arab oppression of blacks and Caucasians never happened, not
to us, nope.
I’ve been lucky enough to
grow up in America, so this shit is new to me. But I’m descended from puritans,
and I know my history; I know how they treated dissent. I also know how commies
treated dissent; I grew up next door to a grizzled old Russian who barely
avoided the gulag by smuggling himself out of the country. I know what you
petty tyrants have turned into every time you gained enough power.
Worst of all, you turn the
very principles of freedom against us. We tolerate you because we believe in
free speech and civil discourse, not bullying and violence. But that means we
have to watch you advocate against that very freedom. We don’t believe in
ruining a stranger’s professional life over an opinion, but that means that we
can’t punish your actions.
We believe that the rightness
of our actions should speak for itself. You believe in bullying, even as you
claim to love the oppressed.
Funny how the evil and
all-powerful patriarchy has seen fit to act according to SJW whims for all of
recent memory, punishing those they hate and protecting those they love. Funny
how the evil oppressor males have to speak anonymously, while the SJWs fighting
the power can use their real names and get mainstream media coverage for fun
and profit. How when a million straight white male nerds get bullied, no one
cares, but the minute one gay person hangs himself, suddenly bullying matters –
and the solution, of course, is more bullying, but by the “right” people.
That’s the arrogant core of
it. You do the same evil, in the same pattern, as so many before you, because
mob justice, punishing dissent, and repression of others is just fine and dandy
so long as the “right” people are doing it to the “wrong” people.
All I ever asked was to be left alone.
"Anonymous"
Labels:
Black Lives Matter,
Bullying,
Dictators,
Force,
Gender,
GLBT,
Mob,
Power,
Social Justice Warfare
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