I'm not afraid of whites. I'm not afraid of Black people or Mexicans. I'm afraid of desperate people. People who are not secure in their careers with families to provide for or with no healthy avocations to fill their down-time with life-enhancing or home/community improvement endeavors. People with little hope and little to keep them gainfully employed with healthy self esteem.
When I think of who's going to break into my home or threaten my family, it's anyone who, for whatever reason, feels the need to harm others, whether to take their things or try to make themselves feel better through harming others (it's a real thing people do, ask a clinical psychologist). Someone who feels afraid, backed into a corner, DESPERATE (either physically, emotionally or mentally).
If we want to keep society moving in a positive direction, we need to adjust our institutions so people of whatever race and creed feel they are getting a fair chance (by giving them an actual fair chance and helping them FEEL that truth -- but it has to be true, for Pete's sake!). That means every shred of evidence they have to the contrary (institutional racism -- also a real thing, corruption in politics and government, police treatment of the public -- especially where there is a visible history of unfair treatment/racism, etc.) needs to be actively and measurably reduced to the lowest levels possible.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
False Equivalency
To reason with someone who would try to equate groups espousing the elimination of other races with groups that exists to fight oppression is like trying to debate the merits of drunk driving with an utterly wasted 17 year old. There's no basis for a meaningful discourse. Just take away the keys for their own good and the good of others. They'll get angry and lash out, and that's OK, because if you let them get in and drive without doing what you can to stop it, you share the blame for the results.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Immigration -- Problem Solved
The big fear in immigration is that they will not assimilate. That's an easy problem to solve.
1. Be kind to immigrants. Show them how awesome America can be and they will want to be like us. Yes, they can keep their food insomuch as they can find the right ingredients here in America. I love the multiethnic foods that come along with our immigrants. They can keep any of their beliefs, and act on them as long as they don't infringe upon the rights of others (American value). That means if it's not fair, if it wishes to take away the rights of women, if it wishes to supersede or undermine our law, then not so much. No. But if we treat people in our country fairly and with appreciation, we'll get the same in return. People want to be part of a good thing, part of a supportive and productive community. We need to help people realize this basic human need. Failure to do so, and we foment the types of problems we're seeing now.
When children or second generation immigrants are here and they feel the unkindness and unfairness, a portion of them will be radicalized, as would a portion of us if we found ourselves surrounded by haters and became desperate. Hating causes disenfranchisement and ultimately despair and finally uprising. You will reap the punishment of your hate by creating, with your hate: violence to the haters (and the silent who allow the hate to go unstemmed.
The how...that's a big, barely tractable problem. But if we can put a man on the moon, we can do it.
1. Be kind to immigrants. Show them how awesome America can be and they will want to be like us. Yes, they can keep their food insomuch as they can find the right ingredients here in America. I love the multiethnic foods that come along with our immigrants. They can keep any of their beliefs, and act on them as long as they don't infringe upon the rights of others (American value). That means if it's not fair, if it wishes to take away the rights of women, if it wishes to supersede or undermine our law, then not so much. No. But if we treat people in our country fairly and with appreciation, we'll get the same in return. People want to be part of a good thing, part of a supportive and productive community. We need to help people realize this basic human need. Failure to do so, and we foment the types of problems we're seeing now.
When children or second generation immigrants are here and they feel the unkindness and unfairness, a portion of them will be radicalized, as would a portion of us if we found ourselves surrounded by haters and became desperate. Hating causes disenfranchisement and ultimately despair and finally uprising. You will reap the punishment of your hate by creating, with your hate: violence to the haters (and the silent who allow the hate to go unstemmed.
The how...that's a big, barely tractable problem. But if we can put a man on the moon, we can do it.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
9 Reasons Not To Hate Trump
Here are 9 reasons not to hate Trump:
1. Because the Republicans were so very hateful toward Obama. Hate and you become what you hate -- simple enough. Don't meet them in the gutter, you don't respect that and you don't deserve respect when you go there. What tradition (religious or cultural) is proud of their vengeance and quid pro quo retribution on their opponents? Is that the level of maturity you've been striving to reach?
2. Because of his physical characteristics (hands. hair, weight, etc.). It's not about that, and you know it. If you're a late-night comedian going for the cheap laugh, or you like to judge people based on appearance, then by all means, but it will get you no respect from people care about important things, and you demean yourself in doing so. Is that your goal?
3. Because of his wife or his family. It's not about them -- any feelings you have about Trump as president should be about Trump AS PRESIDENT (there's enough to deal with without bringing family into it. Period.) I have friends who have done things they regret, and I love them. You can rail against nepotism, a real and insidious form of corruption, but not against Trump because of the character of his family. You can criticize any behavior of any government official, family or not, based on their performance as an appointed/elected official (or even campaign activist), but leave the personal lives of family members alone.
4. Because he was elected. He just ran, his base and others hoping for something different and, understandably, not wanting Hillary to be president (I didn't either, though I believe she would have been less damaging than Trump). The integrity of the election itself is still under investigation, and any campaign activity that may be implicated needs to be adjudicated and held fully accountable, but until that time, that is not a reason to hate Trump.
5. Because he lies all the time. It's a defect in personality or psychological disorder or part of his narcissism complex. No reason to hate him for it. It's not smart to trust him with important things, of course, but don't hate HIM for his mental limitations. We don't hate dogs because they don't understand English, and we don't hate other mentally challenged people because of the limitations their conditions impose on them. Do we? I don't. For sure, those who buy into his fake narrative don't earn respect, but they can't help it -- it's where they are.
6. Because he's mean and vindictive, and he bullies people. He needs treatment and therapy, not hatred. Who ever changed from being a bully because people hated them back? Just makes them worse.
7. Because hate makes you, the hater, less. You are not living your best, acting your best, or at your most effective when you are hating. You are your best coming from a place of confident competence, full of bright energy, fighting for something positive you believe in. Keep your focus on a goal that makes the world better and work hard for it. If that means being part of electing someone who is worthy of being America's leader, or fighting for policies that bring us closer to a more perfect Union like ethical government or universal human rights, then get to it and shut up about the water under the bridge. Not to mention, chronic hate and resentment and contempt is damaging to your health.
8. Because others rightfully will question your integrity when you come from hate (or pettiness, snarkiness, cynicism, or derision). Regardless of your motive, if you're perceived to be biased, the only people who will hear you (whether they agree or disagree) have already made up their minds anyway, and you're relegated to the echo chamber. Why even bother. Because it makes you feel good? If you want to feel good, better to just grab a beer/joint, put on your favorite music, and hang out with friends. Or get in a good workout. People who hate in order to feel good are...what?
9. Because hate is part of the problem. Every bit of hate you bring with you diminishes us all.
There are things worth fighting for or against: Powerful people who exploit those they have influence over, anyone trying to silence a free press, abuse of government power, incompetence in government, hypocrisy (this is a tough one because being beyond reproach is no easy task), dishonesty in public service, special interests buying politicians, mistreatment of people because of (any reason here), etc. Take on those issues with passion and energy -- the strength of America depend on as many people as possible working as hard as they can for something they believe in (that's how we started this crazy experiment in the first place), and we have a long way to go to become a more perfect union. If you want to change things, envision the better world, figure out how to make it happen, make your plan, and execute. But stop the ridiculous hate.
1. Because the Republicans were so very hateful toward Obama. Hate and you become what you hate -- simple enough. Don't meet them in the gutter, you don't respect that and you don't deserve respect when you go there. What tradition (religious or cultural) is proud of their vengeance and quid pro quo retribution on their opponents? Is that the level of maturity you've been striving to reach?
2. Because of his physical characteristics (hands. hair, weight, etc.). It's not about that, and you know it. If you're a late-night comedian going for the cheap laugh, or you like to judge people based on appearance, then by all means, but it will get you no respect from people care about important things, and you demean yourself in doing so. Is that your goal?
3. Because of his wife or his family. It's not about them -- any feelings you have about Trump as president should be about Trump AS PRESIDENT (there's enough to deal with without bringing family into it. Period.) I have friends who have done things they regret, and I love them. You can rail against nepotism, a real and insidious form of corruption, but not against Trump because of the character of his family. You can criticize any behavior of any government official, family or not, based on their performance as an appointed/elected official (or even campaign activist), but leave the personal lives of family members alone.
4. Because he was elected. He just ran, his base and others hoping for something different and, understandably, not wanting Hillary to be president (I didn't either, though I believe she would have been less damaging than Trump). The integrity of the election itself is still under investigation, and any campaign activity that may be implicated needs to be adjudicated and held fully accountable, but until that time, that is not a reason to hate Trump.
5. Because he lies all the time. It's a defect in personality or psychological disorder or part of his narcissism complex. No reason to hate him for it. It's not smart to trust him with important things, of course, but don't hate HIM for his mental limitations. We don't hate dogs because they don't understand English, and we don't hate other mentally challenged people because of the limitations their conditions impose on them. Do we? I don't. For sure, those who buy into his fake narrative don't earn respect, but they can't help it -- it's where they are.
6. Because he's mean and vindictive, and he bullies people. He needs treatment and therapy, not hatred. Who ever changed from being a bully because people hated them back? Just makes them worse.
7. Because hate makes you, the hater, less. You are not living your best, acting your best, or at your most effective when you are hating. You are your best coming from a place of confident competence, full of bright energy, fighting for something positive you believe in. Keep your focus on a goal that makes the world better and work hard for it. If that means being part of electing someone who is worthy of being America's leader, or fighting for policies that bring us closer to a more perfect Union like ethical government or universal human rights, then get to it and shut up about the water under the bridge. Not to mention, chronic hate and resentment and contempt is damaging to your health.
8. Because others rightfully will question your integrity when you come from hate (or pettiness, snarkiness, cynicism, or derision). Regardless of your motive, if you're perceived to be biased, the only people who will hear you (whether they agree or disagree) have already made up their minds anyway, and you're relegated to the echo chamber. Why even bother. Because it makes you feel good? If you want to feel good, better to just grab a beer/joint, put on your favorite music, and hang out with friends. Or get in a good workout. People who hate in order to feel good are...what?
9. Because hate is part of the problem. Every bit of hate you bring with you diminishes us all.
There are things worth fighting for or against: Powerful people who exploit those they have influence over, anyone trying to silence a free press, abuse of government power, incompetence in government, hypocrisy (this is a tough one because being beyond reproach is no easy task), dishonesty in public service, special interests buying politicians, mistreatment of people because of (any reason here), etc. Take on those issues with passion and energy -- the strength of America depend on as many people as possible working as hard as they can for something they believe in (that's how we started this crazy experiment in the first place), and we have a long way to go to become a more perfect union. If you want to change things, envision the better world, figure out how to make it happen, make your plan, and execute. But stop the ridiculous hate.
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