1. It would be nice if more and more people had decent health insurance every year. Maybe we could figure out how to make that happen.
2. It would be great if we could put more of our money toward educating our young than incarcerating our adults. Let's find a way to systematically shift every dollar spent on prisons and jails to educating and meeting the mental health needs of children.
3. Discrimination sucks. It brings people down for no reason. It never brings people up. Let's continue to fight for fair treatment for humans, and humane treatment to animals. Death to mosquitoes!
4. Trust in government is important, so fighting corruption and increasing transparency is vital.
5. People having faith in the electoral system is an important factor to trust in government. Everything we can do to make it more transparent and secure is worth it. Things to take a really good look at: The Electoral College, Gerrymandering, Term Limits, and Citizens United.
6. Our workforce must meet today's needs. People need to be thinking about the future when they start their careers, with a viable plan B always there in case something happens to the industry, job, etc. This is more important every day as we see automation and AI taking on more and more. Examples: Online banking and learning (changes the role and focus of teachers from purveyors of information to facilitators of learning techniques and critical thinking)
7. Education can be greatly improved: What we teach, how we teach, when and where we teach. All are due for some serious overhauls.
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Non-Partisan DACA Reality
DACA was enacted with the full knowledge by the President at the time of its borderline legality. He chose to proceed, I assume, because it was better than the alternative of not acting to support those who fell under the provisions: children brought here as minors. With Congress locked into its ridiculous "oppose everything the president does, have no real plan of your own", the sort of immigration reform that we all know needs to happen through actual legislation was an obvious non-starter.
So, along comes a new president who campaigned on undoing everything Obama did, and who proceeds to live up to his promise, sets some dumb time-frame within which Congress is now supposed to come up with a solution... Yes, its tragic.
But what can we all agree on? How about this: we enact an immigration policy that allows enough hungry, wanna-be Americans in so we can continue to employ people do keep our country going, we provide an environment of welcome to those people so they want to integrate as productive citizens/residents who wish to contribute to and benefit from what our country has to offer, who don't feel outcast and ripen for radicalization, but rather have a real hope of climbing whatever they see as the ladder of success to achieve some idea of their American dream.
I don't think anyone wants to eliminate the boarders, so find a way to police that humanely, but make the pathway to becoming an American citizen/legal resident straight-forward and viable so it makes sense. That's a tough thing to do, but with thoughtful, minimally racist (inasmuch as that's possible) people working hard, listening to the arguments all around the dial, and coming up with a solution that accomplishes our immigration goals, it's not impossible. It will never be perfect -- that's not the universe we live in -- but it can be good, and we can work to improve it as we watch the results of our initial efforts closely.
Our brainless political hatred (liberal versus conservative) in this country is making this a horrendous non-starter, so we've got to be busting that shit up. It's going to take a willingness to admit where we've been wrong and where the opposition has been right, although the right is going to have to move a little further than the left to the left than the left will to the right. You know it, but the left has started to adopt the unquestioned hatred for everything the opposition does regardless of merits (though admittedly, there's not much happening on the right these days that doesn't deserve heavy derision, but where it exists, the left needs to give credit where it's due, even if there are some disagreements about the details).
So, along comes a new president who campaigned on undoing everything Obama did, and who proceeds to live up to his promise, sets some dumb time-frame within which Congress is now supposed to come up with a solution... Yes, its tragic.
But what can we all agree on? How about this: we enact an immigration policy that allows enough hungry, wanna-be Americans in so we can continue to employ people do keep our country going, we provide an environment of welcome to those people so they want to integrate as productive citizens/residents who wish to contribute to and benefit from what our country has to offer, who don't feel outcast and ripen for radicalization, but rather have a real hope of climbing whatever they see as the ladder of success to achieve some idea of their American dream.
I don't think anyone wants to eliminate the boarders, so find a way to police that humanely, but make the pathway to becoming an American citizen/legal resident straight-forward and viable so it makes sense. That's a tough thing to do, but with thoughtful, minimally racist (inasmuch as that's possible) people working hard, listening to the arguments all around the dial, and coming up with a solution that accomplishes our immigration goals, it's not impossible. It will never be perfect -- that's not the universe we live in -- but it can be good, and we can work to improve it as we watch the results of our initial efforts closely.
Our brainless political hatred (liberal versus conservative) in this country is making this a horrendous non-starter, so we've got to be busting that shit up. It's going to take a willingness to admit where we've been wrong and where the opposition has been right, although the right is going to have to move a little further than the left to the left than the left will to the right. You know it, but the left has started to adopt the unquestioned hatred for everything the opposition does regardless of merits (though admittedly, there's not much happening on the right these days that doesn't deserve heavy derision, but where it exists, the left needs to give credit where it's due, even if there are some disagreements about the details).
Friday, August 18, 2017
I'm Not Afraid of Those People
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.
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.
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.
Monday, July 24, 2017
The Threats and The Solutions
Threats:
Wage Inequality: When enough people are exploited, when wages are driven down instead of buoyed up, when capitalism leads to desperation to the dependent segment of our population, we flirt with instability, rebellion, and revolution. There is enough wealth in this nation to avoid this if we find a way tin incentivize businesses to increase the wages of the lower tier workers. With the blatantly unequal rise of wages for different classes in America, how can those directing and litigating and legislating how we compensate different levels of society need the excuse to make those annual raises more equal. And with the recent mutation of those annual increases tilted so extremely toward the rich, there is a growing capacity for this remedy. Business people, MBAs, the C Suite, Financial institutions, Boards of Directors, this is your chance to build in institutional structures that tie compensation at the highest levels with those at the middle and bottom, AND correct the imbalance that's manifested itself withing the last 30 years. You're smart motherfuckers. You can figure this out, and for the long term strength of your current hegemony, you better do it now or it's going to come crashing down on not only the underclass, but the rest as well. Your move, power brokers. Do the right thing.
Equal Opportunity: The strength and stability of our nation begs that we optimize the participation of every human being living in our boarders. Every person on the public dole, in prison, unemployed, disenfranchized from productivity for whatever reason is a drag on all of us. What can we do individually and institutionally to bring those outcasts back into the productive side of our economy? The ROI in moving any of those out-groups into the in-group pays off more than any other endeavor to the overall health of our country. What are we doing to neutralize the forces that oppress anyone or allow them to fall into the takers? Drug addicts, prisoners, released prisoners, the sick, physically and mentally disabled, welfare recipients, young single mothers and fathers, the poor, homeless, PTSD victims (vets and non-vets), etc. Getting those individuals the focused assistance they need to return to productivity is worth every single penny over and over. Every person we leave behind will live to haunt the world of our children's future.
National Security: Being a global force for good is a fine tagline for the US Navy, but contributing to the worlds down-trodden both within our borders and around the world is the single best thing we can do to keep America great in the eyes of the world. We can lead or take a back-seat, or we can lead by example. The world, for sure, needs to do their best in their borders, and we can be an inspiration or just another failed experiment.
Corruption Busing: Trust in our institutions, with the apex being our federal government from the very top down, is the single most important need for our long-term stability. Everything we can do to identify and illuminate areas where we need to clean house is necessary. Vigorous, continual, continuous, strenuous and unrelenting pressure to be better is central to continuing as a viable nation. Independent and unbiased journalism is essential, so supporting local, state, and national media that prove themselves to be objective and aggressive is worth every penny. Truth, you sons of bitches, not to further your ideologies. Fuck your ideologies. Facts and science and a clear picture of reality will do more to put us on the right track than your conspiracy theories, right and left wing-nut biases, and the blowhards that get all emotional over the Clinton's, Bush's, and Trump's. Follow the money, subtract your emotions (if you have feelings about people (like Obama or Trump), you're not the right person to act on facts). If you have feelings about America and the Constitution, you're getting closer. If you have feelings for the long-term (3 - 10 generations) of our continued global viability, you're closer still. Avoiding spending on objective study of climate change, gun violence, immigration, government effectiveness, national health, defense, energy, science... is dangerous. If we're not making policy on reality, we're at the mercy of merchants whose goals are their short-term (single or two generation) wealth instead of national long-term resilience and stability. Your choice.
Solutions:
Pick one or more of the items above. Think hard about where you want to contribute some of your energy and resources to bust up the negative parts of any of them or to bolster the forces for good. I like working toward the positive side and let the negative side starve for lack of attention. Promote strong, independent journalism at whatever level. Support organizations that bring people to productivity. Lobby your company to raise your minimum wages -- if you're the CEO, check your greed and find a way to share the wealth to strengthen your company's standing in the world. Whatever your level, throw some support at one of these worthy enterprises and drag some friends along with you.
By the way, one of the solutions is stronger education based on students' needs, especially those students who are poor and whose needs are not being met. Equality in education is a force multiplier.
Wage Inequality: When enough people are exploited, when wages are driven down instead of buoyed up, when capitalism leads to desperation to the dependent segment of our population, we flirt with instability, rebellion, and revolution. There is enough wealth in this nation to avoid this if we find a way tin incentivize businesses to increase the wages of the lower tier workers. With the blatantly unequal rise of wages for different classes in America, how can those directing and litigating and legislating how we compensate different levels of society need the excuse to make those annual raises more equal. And with the recent mutation of those annual increases tilted so extremely toward the rich, there is a growing capacity for this remedy. Business people, MBAs, the C Suite, Financial institutions, Boards of Directors, this is your chance to build in institutional structures that tie compensation at the highest levels with those at the middle and bottom, AND correct the imbalance that's manifested itself withing the last 30 years. You're smart motherfuckers. You can figure this out, and for the long term strength of your current hegemony, you better do it now or it's going to come crashing down on not only the underclass, but the rest as well. Your move, power brokers. Do the right thing.
Equal Opportunity: The strength and stability of our nation begs that we optimize the participation of every human being living in our boarders. Every person on the public dole, in prison, unemployed, disenfranchized from productivity for whatever reason is a drag on all of us. What can we do individually and institutionally to bring those outcasts back into the productive side of our economy? The ROI in moving any of those out-groups into the in-group pays off more than any other endeavor to the overall health of our country. What are we doing to neutralize the forces that oppress anyone or allow them to fall into the takers? Drug addicts, prisoners, released prisoners, the sick, physically and mentally disabled, welfare recipients, young single mothers and fathers, the poor, homeless, PTSD victims (vets and non-vets), etc. Getting those individuals the focused assistance they need to return to productivity is worth every single penny over and over. Every person we leave behind will live to haunt the world of our children's future.
National Security: Being a global force for good is a fine tagline for the US Navy, but contributing to the worlds down-trodden both within our borders and around the world is the single best thing we can do to keep America great in the eyes of the world. We can lead or take a back-seat, or we can lead by example. The world, for sure, needs to do their best in their borders, and we can be an inspiration or just another failed experiment.
Corruption Busing: Trust in our institutions, with the apex being our federal government from the very top down, is the single most important need for our long-term stability. Everything we can do to identify and illuminate areas where we need to clean house is necessary. Vigorous, continual, continuous, strenuous and unrelenting pressure to be better is central to continuing as a viable nation. Independent and unbiased journalism is essential, so supporting local, state, and national media that prove themselves to be objective and aggressive is worth every penny. Truth, you sons of bitches, not to further your ideologies. Fuck your ideologies. Facts and science and a clear picture of reality will do more to put us on the right track than your conspiracy theories, right and left wing-nut biases, and the blowhards that get all emotional over the Clinton's, Bush's, and Trump's. Follow the money, subtract your emotions (if you have feelings about people (like Obama or Trump), you're not the right person to act on facts). If you have feelings about America and the Constitution, you're getting closer. If you have feelings for the long-term (3 - 10 generations) of our continued global viability, you're closer still. Avoiding spending on objective study of climate change, gun violence, immigration, government effectiveness, national health, defense, energy, science... is dangerous. If we're not making policy on reality, we're at the mercy of merchants whose goals are their short-term (single or two generation) wealth instead of national long-term resilience and stability. Your choice.
Solutions:
Pick one or more of the items above. Think hard about where you want to contribute some of your energy and resources to bust up the negative parts of any of them or to bolster the forces for good. I like working toward the positive side and let the negative side starve for lack of attention. Promote strong, independent journalism at whatever level. Support organizations that bring people to productivity. Lobby your company to raise your minimum wages -- if you're the CEO, check your greed and find a way to share the wealth to strengthen your company's standing in the world. Whatever your level, throw some support at one of these worthy enterprises and drag some friends along with you.
By the way, one of the solutions is stronger education based on students' needs, especially those students who are poor and whose needs are not being met. Equality in education is a force multiplier.
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