Educational Excellence

Moms teach daughters how to bake cookies. Then bread? A cake or pie as well? Dads teach sons how to hammer a nail, saw a piece of wood, and maybe make something. Perhaps a doghouse or a simple table. A box, perhaps? Sharing knowledge that expands life experience. Little by little we impart what we know to the next generation. [Gender equality means moms teach sons and dads teach daughters, too!]

Teachers do the same, only more formally. In a classroom where they can engage attention and thinking from several people at the same time. This exchange of ideas and brushing brainpower against other brains creates room for logic to pull students forward into exploring ideas, creating other ideas, and sorting it all out. The process of learning. The brain accumulating more information to use in different ways. Many of those ways are unexpected. Discovery? Perhaps. Then, what to do with that discovery. Explore?

Hopefully, yes. Explore the world surrounding the student one at a time. Expose the person’s brain to ideas that fit and those that do not. Test the ideas with other ideas to determine if they still hold up, or change into something different.

What is started in class with other students is often taken by one student into his or her own solitude. There the student continues to think, compare, test, and explore. In those moments, education is happening.

In our current pandemic classes have been held remotely for many months. Connected by electrons and computer images, is education taking place? Is knowledge imparted to other brains and then taken into solitude to mull over? Is that mulling productive? Does it challenge other people, or do others challenge the student’s ideas resulting from the mulling? Is education – learning – taking place? If so, is it as effective as classroom methods in person?

No one knows. Theories are proposed but not yet fully studied and tested. Educators and researchers are hard at work wondering what works and what does not while at the same time supporting the generational transfer of knowledge.

Let us not forget that transfer of knowledge is not the sum gain of education. No; education’s purpose is to unleash the personal power of each student to think, reason, explore and discover facts both old and new. Education is about equipping students with the process of learning more and more to lead to self-sufficiency, and innovation.

Innovation in their lives and the lives of others.

Meaning discovered is the means to new realities and understanding. Expanding on that meaning with others leads to new products, services, social developments, and improvement of life for many. The common good is served. New jobs and economic power are birthed. Where the cycle of creativity ends is anyone’s guess. But it does not stop there; no, it continues its cycle of expanding knowledge and wonder for others to explore and discover yet newer meanings.

Does remote learning happen? Most likely, yes. Is that learning more powerful and effective than old-fashioned classroom learning? We do not know. We must continue to research and measure the value of all learning modes.

The next generation is a main player in this process. They are not only the students, but they are the teachers of the following generation. The life in between is fertile ground for study and exploration. And discovery. And invention.

Invention of new learning modes.

How exciting!

January 29, 2021

 

 

Moderation

The photo shows a man yelling at a police officer. A confrontation is happening. Their faces are seven or eight inches apart. The officer is masked during the pandemic. The protester is not masked. Spittle is shown projecting from the man’s angry face and lips as he spreads his anger and frustration to the officer.

And what else, one wonders? COVID infection? More anger? Intransigence and further protest?

In the halls of congress elected representatives are discussing a proposed bill and its intricacies. They come from different perspectives and political thinking. Some are liberal, some are conservatives, and yet many others are centrists. Odds and ends of thought patterns in between these blocs also exist. The body of representatives reflect diversity of thought and need.

Needs. Of constituents. Of place and context. So many odds and ends to consider, to include in the discussion.

America is not of one mind. Nor has it ever been. Differences exist. Diversity exists. Needs exist that are very different depending on their contexts.

In the halls of Congress anger accompanies the differences. Anger used as tactic or strategy? Most likely, yes. There is power in disagreement. Compromise entails give and take. Giving from one to gain  take from another? That is the process of enacting laws in our society. It is not simple. It is not a vote yes or no. the halls of Congress is a place of maybe.

Maybe is also possibility of compromise. Moderation among points of view. Moderation to gain consensus, enough to fuel a vote. Enough votes to enact legislation that moves the pointer of society’s progress. Just a bit of movement of the pointer. Just a mite of action.

The halls of Congress are not about sweeping change.

But the people are restless. They need change. They want change. Will their representatives finally get down to accomplishing the will of the people?

Thirty years of cat fights in the House and the Senate. Aren’t we all fed up with this yet?

January 28, 2021

 

Militias and Election Fraud

Militias have been a part of political America for many decades. They formed among followers of extreme political views. Mostly conservative, extremist views. Texas has been a hotbed of these militias. Some were formed to protect their state’s border with Mexico. Vigilante justice was their aim. They claimed freedom to do what the National Guard or Border Patrol could not.

Arizona is another state with militias. So too, Montana, Wyoming, and other sparsely populated areas with wide open spaces. Mountain forest areas are another favorite hiding spot for such militias.

Ever wonder why Oregon has had marked political unrest? Just look toward militia actions. They claim federal lands belong to them. They argue against big government most of the time.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has studied this issue for decades. They chart the development of domestic terrorists, gangs, and troublemakers. Militias are a large part of their focus. Social unrest follows political extremism of any sort. The Southern Poverty Law Center made it their job to spot early efforts to remove civil rights from targeted classes of citizens. Black citizens were their early focus. LGBTQ citizens became another focus. Anarchy and domestic terrorism came into view early on. Ku Klux Klan? Yes, they were followed. So too, the National Rifle Association. And other groups and organizations.

Timothy McVeigh's bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City is a case study. Militias are a favorite tool of these types. Their behaviors follow certain styles and beliefs. Does any of this remind you of the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol Building? Seem familiar to you? Same tactics and earlier unrest. Militarization of protest. Military veterans among the members. Ties to police departments, too. And extreme political views and 'anger.'

With Trump followers prepared for an election loss, they broadcast their theory of election fraud. That way no matter the election outcome, they could claim fraud and voter manipulation. In fact these claims caused election officials throughout the nation to hunker down and make certain their electoral processes were free of fraud and of unquestionable accuracy. Thus, election fraud was unproven.

Besides, if election fraud were present, how come the US Senate came out evenly tied? How come democrats lost seats in the House? Wouldn’t you think fraud would have produced sweeping change in favor of Democrats? No such thing happened.

There was no election fraud. However, there are militias. And they are not well ordered. They are unconstitutional and a clear and present danger to the United States of America. Militias of this sort are a nod toward vigilante mindset and anarchy. It is time a well-ordered defense against such organizations took place to eliminate them.

It would be funny if it weren’t so serious. Right wing extremism fuels these militias. Who would have thought?  Remember the John Birch Society? It was a threat then. The militias are a similar threat today.

January 27, 2021

 

Impeachment

The most recent President of the United States conducted a full four year term in office breaking nearly every norm possible. In doing so he ruffled feathers and revolutionized how the public came to treat him, listen to him, and be guided – or not – by him. The press became leery of his moods, intentions, and stability. A majority of voters became alarmed at his unusual political statements and policy positions. 

At the end of his term, he claimed phony, fraudulent election shenanigans stole the office from him. He and his supporters claimed this to the bitter end without offering concrete proof. More than 50 lawsuits were filed in various jurisdictions around the country and the Supreme Court. Only one suit prevailed and that in a minor instance. The rest of the court actions ended in a solid rebuff of Trump and his minions. These antics came to be believed as stall tactics to cast doubt on the successor candidate’s election win.

All to no avail. Prior to election day, the President continued to cast doubt on the credibility of the election process. This tactic was designed to build doubt of the results but actually caused state election officials to strengthen their systems and watch them carefully for fraud and manipulation.

In the end, Trump lost by several million votes. Election results were counted and recounted and further tested for missteps. Nothing but credibility of the process and the results were found. Trump lost and Biden won.

During the final days of his term, however, Trump held rallies and gave speeches sparking an outpouring of support for him. Finally, on January 6^th, while the election results of the Electoral College were being reported, an ugly mob attacked the US Capitol Building. They smashed windows and doors, beat police, rioted, looted and caused violence which killed 7 people.

All of Trump’s actions and public statements were viewed as a call to action. What resulted was seditious and a threat to America’s democracy.

This is a serious matter and grounds for impeachment. The House of Representatives has voted such and delivered the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial purposes.

Although Trump is now out of office, the impeachment process was initiated during his term and voted on. The articles of impeachment were not delivered to the Senate to allow time for more preparation and notice to Trump to prepare for a Senate trial. The inauguration of the new President also occurred in this timeframe.

Why impeach a person not in office? Because the charges are simple and serious. Did he or did he not incite insurrection against the Federal Government as witnessed on January 6^th’s attack on the Capitol Building? If the trial produces a yes to that question, then not only is Trump impeached, but also found guilty as charged. That would jeopardize his ability to hold federal office in the future and reduce or eliminate some of his post-presidential perks. History will then present Trump’s service as a negative and behavior to avoid by future Presidents.

The current arguments against impeaching Trump are too late. He already has been impeached. Only action by the Senate as to guilt or innocence is missing. A political argument by a political party does not constitute a credible argument against the procedure.

With a new President sworn into office, we are moving forward. The election results are approved and final. The ex-President should have his day in the Senate's court. The new President should be supported in his efforts to manage the several crises the nation now faces, crises left behind by the loser of the election.

The time for facts and finding of fact in this important matter is now before us. Let it proceed as the Constitution provides.

January 26, 2021

 

Obstacles

A few days, even hours into Joe Biden’s new administration and opposing forces already raised their heads.

Mitch McConnell wants to delay Trump’s impeachment. Lindsey Graham wants to eliminate the impeachment entirely. McConnell wants to invoke the old filibuster rules. Republican senators are lining up to block Biden’s cabinet choices. House Republicans are forming blocs to impede legislation.

These are only a few signs the old battle lines remain in place.

The hope for peace and unity in Congress may be only a hope. That would be sad if it returns to the raw form of obstructionism modeled by Republicans throughout the entire Obama administration, or in Trump’s administration when Democrats were literally shut down. This form of raw power use is what creates battle lines and kills cooperation. Worse, it kills collaboration.

The future will not be conservative or liberal. It will be centrist. Why? Because that’s how progress is made – we compromise a bit here, a bit there, and we discover a workable solution that maybe doesn’t please everyone, but at least we are moving forward.

Our crises cannot wait. The planet is literally dying. Life will be snuffed out a few generations from now unless we act now. The COVID pandemic will not solve itself; it must be actively managed to lessen its death toll and upheaval of normalcy. We must act together to save all of our lives. This doesn’t take cooperation; it demands collaboration and everyone pulling together for the common good.

Those two crises are examples of why we must work together. Perhaps the methods or solutions will rankle some of us, but we can work through that to get at the hoped for outcomes. That is what cooperation and collaboration produce. Compromise is the grease that builds outcomes. It is not Republican or Democrat. It is not conservative or liberal. It is progress we all need. And soon.

Do not let the ugly American syndrome control our lives yet again. Shrug that temptation aside and get down to work. Actually solving problems common to us all is rewarding.

And lifesaving.

January 25, 2021

 

Doing and Shedding

Getting back to work, the Biden administration has four crises on the table, each screaming for attention: COVID Vaccine Distribution; COVID Maimed Economy; Immigration Reform (finally!); Unity of the American Spirit.  Oh sure, there are other crises challenging us, but now we have a cogent team in place to do something about all of them.

Clearly the number one priority is getting past the COVID pandemic. At the same time, priority #2 is helping the American economy recover from the effects of the pandemic. This involves helping the American people grasp some financial stability and remove the terror of loss of home, food, and hope.

The third priority is addressing immigration policies and programs. These have been sadly broken for over 60 years. Generations of politicians in the White House and Congress have allowed this unattended problem to grow into a crisis. Immigration has been the blood line of America from its inception. Immigrants settled the New World from England, then France and many other European nations at the time. Later, immigrants poured in from all over the world. We will defer discussion of the Native Americans already here for another blog posting!

Immigration has been our growth engine throughout history. It has enriched our culture, cuisine, religious thought, philosophy, and skill sets in industry, commerce and arts and crafts. Also, from the beginning of our history, these benefits have been with us thanks to a continuous supply of immigrants.

Over the decades immigration policy and programming became a jumbled mess. So complicated, few were brave enough to repair the problems. When anyone attempted to do that, other politicians rose up and barred the way toward progress. Both George W Bush and John McCain attempted to do this early in W’s first term. No go from both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate. Roundly discouraged by most of them. So, nothing was done. Over and over again this has been the result. Shame on both parties!

Now we have a chance to systemically examine and repair the immigration system. About time. Stop the bickering and envision what immigration should be for the long term. Then figure out how to get there. Immigration is the soul of our nation’s peoples. Remember that.

Unity of Americans is not about belief. It is about action and accomplishment. What do we want as a nation? What do we need? What ideas must be stated and heard by all to begin to manage the possibilities? What ideas must be shed to remove blockades to progress needed for all? This is a perplexing problem to face but one that needs our attention and patience. Goodwill and positive thoughts are needed. Negative beliefs, postures and behavior are unhelpful at a time such as this.

So, shed the negative, think positive. Then follow that up with actions that will build a better tomorrow rather than tearing down what others think. Take a deep breath now and feel the wind beneath your wings. Imagine what we can accomplish if we but give ourselves and others a chance!

Hope!

January 22, 2021

 

 

 

Hope

Unity comes through willingness. Those willing to enjoy fellowship with others find ways to feel oneness. Certainly, we are not one all the time; we have differences in many ways. Those differences enrich our thinking, feeling, being. Sameness is dull. We don’t want dull. We want life and breaths that invigorate both the mind and the body.

We do not fondly think back on dull times. We do remember spontaneity, exploration, discovery and new. Ideas are as powerful as action. Ideas are the action of the mind. The exploration of meaning and how it is woven into so many contexts of experience. That is discovery to change lives. Sharing discovery leads to innovation and change. Alone, it is renewal. Together with other minds we advance life’s story.

Discovery is building. Finding. Making. Positive. The opposite is tearing down, destroying, erasing. The negative is not a replacement. It is a nullification.

Without replacement, nullification is a void. A subtraction from that which is. How can that be good?

We have endured four years of nullification without replacement. Complaint and belittling. Chipping away and diminishing. Even destruction. But what comes in its place? So far, nothing. A four year period of negativity.

Utter failure. And nearly half of the population thinks this is good. How?

A fresh four year period begins. Building positives is the main agenda. Finding hope and moving toward it. Restoring order, value and relationship. It pays to be critical when it leads to stronger achievement; but only if the intended outcome is positive for the common good does it matter. That’s what is yearned for.

Unity of purpose. Unity for the common good. That is the agenda now. Finally.

January 21, 2021

 

Long Nightmare Over?

Not really. Only the immediate reminders of dysfunction and perfidy are over, but the real problem remains – what to do about 40% of the American people who believe in Trump? They are the ones we need to pay attention to. Why?

Because they came to their beliefs through years of struggle. Struggle that could have been avoided in so many ways. Let us count the ways:

1.      First, they feel their whiteness is being diluted and erased from the land they love.

2.      Second, they sense others are taking their place, leaving them orphaned and powerless.

3.      Many of them have lost economic power and once-steady careers to massive change.

4.      They see others stepping up the ladder of success while they keep sliding downward.

5.      They served their country in the military and feel little respect for that service.

6.      They witness gridlock in Congress; narrow political interests are served rather than the needs of the people; the common good seems to have been lost.

7.      They see the power of the police being weakened by calls for social justice.

8.      As they age, they sense life passing them by without many of the rewards they dreamed of.

I will stop there. Certainly, there are other complaints they air, but these seem to me to be the primary cause of their distress.

What do the rest of us do about this? How do we help them feel better and stronger? Are their complaints substantive?

Many of us felt unafflicted by these issues. Today, we know that is not true. With many fellow citizens feeling lost in their own country, we see what damage can be done. Elections are stressed and manipulated by unethical people. Propaganda replaces reasoned public rhetoric. Opinion displaces fact and logic. Election results are not reflective of a truer reality. And yes, not seeming to be heard, this cadre of citizens can move toward violence. We have witnessed that many times in otherwise peaceful demonstrations of racial inequity and regional snubbing. The insurrection of January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol Building was the pinnacle of their frustration. Illegal but understandable.

Perhaps social change has become so large it is scary. Rather than focusing attention on seeing change as opportunity, we have allowed many to feel disenfranchised. Let us begin there to ease the pain.

Education is a strong tool to address these problems. However, public belief in public education has diminished in the last dozen years or so. The institution of public education has become so saddled with broader meanings and purpose that effectiveness is now in question. How do we restore the role of education in all our lives? That is the broader question and challenge.

For example, students need to learn personal survival skills that begin with knowing and believing in themselves. They need to see life unfolding before them as opportunity to be explored, learned and championed for their own core interests. They need to realize eventually that community of others is as important to them as the self is to their core understanding of the self. No man is an island; we rely on the aid of others for much of what matters in life.

Education is life-long. We never stop learning and adapting to change. This is central to finding joy in life. It is never dull; it is always unfolding and yielding beauty, worth and opportunity to each of us.

We should never assume this basic belief is present in all of us. Many must work to see and feel it. The rest of us need to be sensitive to that reality and help others realize their potential. This alone is an act of community, of family. Harness that reality and our nation heals and strives together toward a bright future.

Is this something we can work toward? No better time to consider this than on Inauguration Day of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

January 20, 2021

 

Divisions

Out the window snow is falling; streets are covered, so too, parking lots. Trees and shrubs are laced and all seems peaceful. But then the news comes on…

How many ways can a society be divided? Why is that so? Are my thoughts more valuable or consequential than yours? Or is it the reverse? What makes any one idea more worthy than another?

Have and have nots. Smart and stupid. Educated or ignorant. Active or dull. These are opposites. Life is rarely so in the realm of thinking.

To govern a people or not. Ordered or not ordered. Organizing thoughts weave together to build an ideology of sorts. In America we have the political parties with fringe parties scattered about. In the main the ideologies are conservative, liberal and the in-betweens, or centrist. The conservatives preach individual freedom and minimal government intervention. Liberals teach collaboration and cooperation in bringing order and well-being to the whole of society. Centrists borrow some from both conservatives and liberals to blend and balance the two. I’d hazard a guess that generally conservatives are 30% of the public thought, while liberals are close to an equal 30% of the public’s sentiments. That leaves about 40%, or a plurality, of Americans pretty much in the middle.

Some would argue that centrists can’t make up their minds whether they are liberal or conservative, but I would argue that centrists are logical, compromising, and practical. They get things done. They help opposite views remain in the discussion while governance continues in the main. As I stated, practical.

In each of these three political divides, extremists reside. They push and pull the boundaries of their ideologies. They allow themselves to get heated and riled. They are motivated to offset extremists of the ‘other side.’ Rhetoric may excite action and reaction, physical behavior that is indistinguishable from physical fighting. Riots may be near. Tipping points in such matters are often quite delicate until…

The US Constitution is a powerful document that lays out the basics of our government. Through time we the people have codified the words into operating principles and laws. The interpretation of those actions are not perfect but practical for their age. Through more time the interpretations are refined and re-codified. We work our way through these changes. We find points of agreement, settlement of divisions at least temporarily.

But what makes divisions turn ugly and violent?

Many answers are possible. However, loss of behavioral control unleashes violence regardless of ideology. A free society is free to think and speak its ideas. Manners and good sense keep discussions logical, peaceful, intellectually challenging. Violence is not in the picture unless – unless what?

A society that includes a well-trained military always has its veterans who are not under sworn duty at the time. Their service is in the past, but their memory of training and behavior may be near the surface. Riled enough they may hearken back to their military training and take up arms.

This is not a well-ordered militia. This is a mob. This is well-meaning people who have lost control. They can damage the peace. They can upset order.

When words are replaced by unruly action, a riot results. Perhaps even an insurrection?

Divisions are normal. Insurrections are not. They happen when trust in government institutions has been lost for some. They seek restoration of power to support their viewpoint. Adopting power methods, however, usurps someone else’s power. A reaction to that action is birthed.

America’s social norms include rigorous discussion and debate. We define the arguments as best we can and then put the issue to a vote. Majority approval of the issue sets the consensus. And then we move on.

Those among us who cannot abide by this process have forgotten what democracy is and what it does. It is a constant resettling of the common agreements among us. And then we move on.

Yes, I am a centrist. I think there needs to be a balance between two polar opposite views. There is wisdom in each. Both are worthy of their logic and value. But order and progress requires agreement of sorts, of compromise. And then moving on. Always moving on.

Time passes. People come and go. Things come and go. In an ocean of change we survive by settling on what works and is good for most. We protect the weak. We support the needy. We seek the common good and maintain order to serve it.

That is what the Constitution pronounces. Let the institutions of government do their work. Get involved in that doing. Keep the work transparent. And trust in the process.

Divisions, yes; violence, no.

January 19, 2021

 

Reality Roost

Reality strikes again and again despite hopes for another. To wit:

•  Economics boost needed
• Most recent boost totaled $1 trillion; it was not enough and most said so
• Biden’s proposal is for $1.9 trillion; it will cover what was missed before                                                  i.     Increased household infusion of cash ($1400 per person 
• ii.Increased unemployment and extension thereof
• iii.     Partial bailout of states and municipalities in light of revenue drops and increased expenses all due to COVID
• iv. These numbers are all well document by a majority of economists

• Joe Biden won the election; will be inaugurated on January 20^th
• Trump household will vacate the White House on schedule
• COVID vaccines will be ramped up in the first quarter of 2021 to cover one third of Americans
• Pandemic will ease slowly at first, then pick up speed during the first 9 months of 2021
• Economy will slowly rebound; first notable improvement by end of June; major improvement by year-end
• Trump is finished as a politician and influencer
• Global Warming will get more attention and action in 2021 with global collaboration
• Racism will continue as a persistent, systemic problem
• Political ideologies will be realigned:3
• 30% conservative
• 30% liberal
• 40% centrist
• Much blending among the three

These may be projections on my part, but logic supports all of them. In spite of heated debates to the contrary, I firmly believe 2021 will witness the above movements. Coincidentally, public safety will be ensured as public discussion returns to more civil behavior.

What a difference an election can make!

January 18, 2021

 

 

Not Alright

It is not alright to be mean. To be rude.

Once we said, ‘yes sir, and yes ma’am.’ Please was a word often heard followed by a quick and earnest ‘Thank You!’ Especially in the halls of Congress, the White House, and most state houses of government.

Not much anymore. It is all about political parties and who has the votes to pass a bill. Or block it.

The people who stormed the US Capitol Building were of the same ilk. No manners. Just anger. Righteous anger. Playing as though it were 1776 or 1862. Revolution and civil unrest. It is like they said, “this is my anger, and you must respect it.” Trouble is, they did not respect the rest of us. We did not matter. Only they did in the moment.

And 6 or 7 human beings died because of it. Some of theirs, and some of ‘ours.’

The oddest part was they were all white men and women. Some were armed. Many took up bludgeons to maim and kill. No one was Black or Hispanic. This tells the entire story. White triumphs over wrong.

Some of us have been saying this for decades. America is plagued by racism it refuses to admit. 1968 was a year in which white supremacy raged without uttering its name. But 2020? It seeped out didn’t it? And then in January 2021 it was spoken out loud. For all to see.

This is the face of America today. We are racists. We are not acceptors of diversity, even of gender, let alone race and religions and cultures different from our own.

Well, that does not describe me. I am white, old, and male. I accept women. I am Gay. I love diverse ethnicity. I am enriched by the religions of others, and their cuisine and mindset. They extend my understanding of life and the world. I not only accept them, I celebrate them.

Celebrate. As we all ought to do.

Not because of good manners. But because every God story of mankind and religious mythology instructs us to love one another and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

What is so difficult to understand?

And Americans dare to call us a Christian nation?

I think they failed us. We are not Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or anything else. We are selfish, narrow minded pieces of crap who turn their back on their culture and religious training and accept horror as good.

Just like trump claims fiction as truth. And his deplorable followers. This is not about ideology. This is about ignorance and buffoonery.

Welcome to 1984 a few decades late!

January 15, 2021

Collecting Thoughts

2020 was a bad year. Sickness. Pandemic. Public panic. Nasty politics rising to a pinnacle of nasty. Economic suffering by tens of millions; worry of financial doom by the rest of us. Daily routines changed in the most basic of ways.

2020 fueled personal thoughts. All were touched by the year that struck the core of each of us. Minds whirled and thought of things unthinkable before this year. But now those are real to us. Pandemic is just a cause. The decline of culture, civility and hope marched madly through our lives.

Families learned to live with polar disagreement. Or maybe not? Some dysfunctional families split up or fell silent, refusing to talk about things that matter but clearly in disagreement.

‘What do you want to do with the rest of your life?’ became a meaningful question that was not easy to ignore. If you did ignore it, your head was buried deep in sand.

If there is a value to 2020 it is the appreciation of intellect. What does that mean?  Wikipedia defines the term as “the faculty of reasoning and understanding objectively, especially with regard to abstract or academic matters.” It is the ability of a person to use the mind to make sense of what is happening around them.

Perhaps to some this is a surprise outcome. A silent war against intellect and reason has been waged for many years in America. We have lowered the playing field so those who either don’t have intellect or are afraid to use it feel unsafe and insecure in such a state. The rest of society was left to learn how to live with a social order that increasingly didn’t question its surroundings. Unaware that fundamental change was occurring, they awoke one day to a society that has enculturated ignorance.

At the very least, using one’s intellect was considered poor taste.

Accepting this circumstance as a norm has done damage to the fabric of our nation.

The Sputnik Age refocused America’s attention on technical education and intellectual achievement. Perhaps the storming of the Capitol Building will do the same?

No doubt the human brain is capable of great destruction and demoralization. However, the opposite is as true as it ever has been.

We know we have arrived at this point of clarity when a mob of thugs openly celebrates white skin as proof of their supremacy. That is proof of systemic racism against all people who are not of white heritage. And our culture has absorbed much more of this ethos than we wish to admit.

Realizing that and doing something about it is likely more important than impeaching an ignorant spoiled bully a second time?

We have much work to do. Let’s get at it!

January 14, 2021

 

 

 

International Goals

There are several ‘hot’ spots in the world the USA needs to work on. They are:

1.          Russia

2.          China

3.          North Korea

4.          Middle East

5.          Europe

There are others, but they are not as hot as the ones above. And Europe is not a hot spot with America, it is listed because it is an important ally in working with the rest of the global community.

The secret of positive outcomes in international affairs is to constantly remind ourselves that we are not the focal point; the global community and its welfare is and needs to be the focus. That means we should not be so concerned about what is of special interest to us but rather what is good for the global village.

Peace ought to be number one on that list. Peace comes from being included in decisions, and clearly seeing a benefit from such inclusion. North Korea, for example, has problems that they cannot evidently manage. Instead of doing so, however, they throw threats at everyone. Let them. When they decide that their long-term survival depends on the rest of the world community, then they will be welcomed with open arms. Even then, however, they will need to prove they are doing the right thing for their people and other nations if they desire inclusion. Outcomes derive from acceptable behavior in a larger community. Act as the bully and you will be ostracized. Ask for help and your nation will likely receive it.

Russia is a bully and trying to claw its way back to world acceptability. It will not achieve that by a show of power. That is ignorant and deep down they know that. Putin, however, has a problem with his own people. His strutting the world stage pretending to be a world power is designed to win approval from his own citizens. In doing that, however, he loses acceptance from the global village. Lend a hand with the problems of the world community, and watch acceptance flow your way. When Russia changes her tune, she will feel the positive outcomes. Only then.

China, same thing as Russia. I don’t doubt that China believes she is doing right by her people. After centuries of domination and power culture by the government, freedoms have been expanded in China. Also, a form of economic democracy has been implemented. Wealth formation and individual innovation and invention have soared in China. Their wealth accumulation as a nation has little to do with the government; it has a lot to do with an unleashed citizenry. Get out of their way and watch the standard of living multiply in China! In similar fashion, China needs to get involved with improving the well-being of the global community rather than buying what it needs to succeed in its economic goals. Instead of helping other nations, China is plundering their economies to gain access to raw materials needed in their manufacturing sector. That only creates enemies and more problems. Get with the program, China! You have much to gain just by being a nicer, kinder, gentler nation.

Middle East issues surround two primary issues: economies dominated by the oil industry. The second heavy issue is the domination of religion in the affairs of state. Eliminate the latter, and focus on the former. When done, religion becomes a cultural element the practice of which is personal and family, not government and power. Focusing on oil and the larger energy industry, the Middle East will soon learn that oil will not remain of central value for the long-term. They need to modernize their outlook and adopt a broader approach to participating in the energy needs of the world community. Then they will likely discover that plundering their own oil supply and that of their neighbors gets them nothing in the long run. Cooperation and collaboration will help them adapt to ever changing markets and synergy that will help them survive well. Not doing so condemns them to third world status in a hurry.

Europe is connected to America at the hip. We share common ancestry and cultures. We have been valued allies in many skirmishes, foreign and domestic. We need to clearly tie ourselves to Europe and return as equal players and investors in our combined futures.

Only then will our international relations actually pay off. It begins with the global community and its vital worth in our future.

January 13, 2021

 

Secure Economic Stability

Issues indicating a sick economy: high unemployment; high underemployment, need for new careers by millions; enormous student debt; COVID induced recession with unknown end date; stock market value bubble. Each of these need attention to restore the American economy to stability and health.

Some steps are no brainers: restore $600 weekly unemployment bonus until the COVID pandemic is finished; eliminate student debt immediately so these people can invest in starting their careers and family lives; help low income families and households during the pandemic with a $1200 grant; consider a $1000 monthly subsidy for those families unable to pay their rent or mortgage payments due to COVID unemployment.

New technology has proven its worth during the pandemic. Productivity increases by remote communications like Zoom have been astounding. Many firms have increased their output of service work while cutting costs exponentially. Although Work From Home will continue as a viable option for corporate staffing, it will upend the commercial real estate market. Office buildings will be in lower demand; empty office buildings will burden market values for years until they are repurposed for other uses.

Home values will decline in urban areas while suburban values will rise as WFH practices eliminate commuting effort, time and expense. Remote staffing will expand greatly allowing people to live where they want instead of close to an office building.

Public transportation demand will be less and subsidies more necessary as the industry recalculates travel volumes, schedules and modes.

Education for career development and re-development to cope with changing work patterns must be as accessible to everyone who needs life-long learning. Reimagine educational processes to help each student achieve the level of learning appropriate for their ability and interest. Empower all students to think for themselves and innovate roles that will dynamically support an expansive culture of creativity.

The elements of economic strength are contained in each person. We are abundantly talented. Believe in the people and give them the freedom to achieve! Then watch America prosper.

This will be breathtaking to observe over the next 10 years.

January 12, 2021

PS: Happy Birthday to my sister Carol in Arizona!

 

Road Forward

The nation needs to heal. It can do that by listening to what all are saying. Sorting through the messages. Selecting those that will advance our sorry state of affairs and putting aside those that don’t. Speak up for ideas that matter and have the courage to demur those that do not matter.

Clearly our state of the nation is in disarray. Let us do some housekeeping!

The tri-partite form of government we have – Legislative, Executive and Judiciary – has gone off the tracks. The errancy began in the ‘80’s, and really went downhill after that. So, let us focus on these matters:

Legislative: The House and Senate need to refocus their energies that are uniquely their own. If necessary, ask for help from Constitutional Historians and Legal Eagles. They will quickly educate the elected officials on their powers, authority and what ought to be their key interests. All is for the good of the citizenry. If it is not, the issue should not be engaged. This means avoiding partisanship.

The Senate has broader powers and interests. It is macro focused and engaged internationally. Keep it that way. Encourage the two party system but be certain that power and money is not the aim; focus instead on long-term issues that ensure safety and prosperity of the people.

Executive: The work of the Executive is to implement and administer the programs and actions created under law. There is a spinal cord to this work formed by the US Constitution. Audit actions in adherence to Constitutional principles. If the match is missing, kill the action. Do not even think of fiddling with it!

Appointments of department heads and cabinet secretaries are to be with critically acclaimed persons with the credentials to manage large organizations as executives and thinkers. No hacks need apply. Only stalwart experts in their fields.

Judiciary: Focus on appointment of legal scholars who are experts on the law and its administration. Do not focus on political party or ideology. Keep the Judiciary as professional and intellectually keen as possible. They are the final protectors of We The People under the US Constitution. Political hacks should be removed quickly if proven to be incapable of the intellectual demands of the job.

With the machinery of the Federal Government restored to working order, let us focus on priority issues. These would include: successful handling of the COVID pandemic; global warming and saving the planet for human habitation; economic restoration and stability; equality and justice for a diverse population that will only become more diverse. Those are the primary issues. They can be attacked simultaneously with appropriate teams of talented professionals.

We will focus on those priority issues in future postings of this blog. Stay tuned!

January 11, 2021

 

Senate Control

The Rev. Warnock won his US Senate seat in Georgia. Current incumbent Loeffler has her re-election. Ossoff was also victorious over incumbent Perdue in Georgia. That means the Senate will be tied with 50 seats each for Democrat and Republican parties.

Mitch McConnell will not have control of the Senate. Instead, all tied votes will be settled by the Vice President, Kamala Harris, a Democrat. Most likely outcome will be a vote for the side of Democrats in such instances.

This further means President Elect Joe Biden will have the opportunity to build bridges to normalcy in a cooperative Congressional environment. No guarantees, but the opportunity. In such instances cooperation and collaboration are possible.

The window of opportunity is two years. The next election will involve the entire House of Representatives and one third of the Senate seats. It is vital for Democrats to continue to fight for every seat up for election to cement their majority position in both the House and then the Senate. The margin is razor thin.

This fight is needed if compromise is to return to Congress. Overwhelming control of either or both houses is not healthy. Checks and Balances provided in the US Constitution require vigorous debate and compromise to properly govern the nation. That feature has been absent for many years. The result has been chaos and power grabs that has undermined stability of the nation.

We have a fresh start to bringing sanity and order back to what used to be institutions of character and honor. Please. Let this happen. Many issues of vast importance need serious handling to safeguard the common good of the People.

January 8, 2021

 

Consequences

Twelve years ago a young, new president tried something few had dared do before. He trusted his instincts and listened to those who opposed him. He had already made history being the first Black elected as President of the United States.

He understood the stakes were high. But the nation was divided and needed to listen to one another if anything good was to happen. 

What did he do? He gave the first two years of his 8-year presidency to the possibility of cooperation and collaboration. He invited the opposition to sit down at the table and share their hopes and dreams, their proposals and plans for the future of the country. Their ideas. Their yearnings.

He did so in vain. They refused to even listen to him.

The two years passed, by-elections were held, and the President's plurality of votes in the House and Senate were lost. The rest of his two terms would be spent in abject opposition. Republicans versus Democrats. White people versus against just about everyone else. Gridlock and very little good was to come out of Congress for 18 more years.

Barack Obama's investment in trust in compromise and cooperation failed. Backfired. The rest is history.

What had started as hope and promise, was destroyed by obduracy and pigheadedness. What followed was growing tension, power grabs, lack of civility and even the head of white supremacy rising to the top. What is ugly became visible. Systemic racism took hold and upended government of, by and for the people.

January 6, 2021 is a date that will be remembered. It is a date that witnessed an insurrection by thousands of ill-informed and misdirected thugs who took over the Capitol Building of the United States of America. A woman protester died. Damage was done to building and contents. Capitol staff and elected officials were forced into hiding. Three other people outside the building died from medical complications. The Halls of Congress were overtaken and shut down.

All in the name of undoing a lawfully conducted, legitimate election that disappointed a sitting President who should never had been in office in the first place.

Even he is a consequence of lost opportunities for a better outcome. So many elected officials and professional staff focused on power and the fruits of that struggle that they lost sight of what should have been done. Many tried to repair damage and missteps over decades. But no progress was noted.

Today the reputation, history and promise of America lies in ruins because too few people worked to retain honor, decency and comity. The art of compromise, cooperation and collaboration nearly died entirely.

Even now one wonders if America's time on the world's stage is lost. Only people of good intentions and trust in one another can prove otherwise. Perhaps the consequences of their actions will finally make a difference?

Consequences. They will happen no matter what we do. 

May they be positive. May potential and progress of humankind benefit.

January 7, 20212

 

Watching Congress

Today is the day Electoral College voter results are reported to Congress. Today Congress is routinely accepting the vote tally. It always has. That is the way the system works. However, in today’s political environment, an attempt will be made to overturn the election results. A small number of Congressmen and Senators – all Republicans – vow to not accept the Electoral College results. This is supposed to throw the issue into debate followed by a majority vote up or down. The results of those votes in both houses of Congress are expected to ratify Joe Biden’s election as President of the United States. This would be the final word indicating the current President lost the election and will move out of the White House on January 20.

Instead of a few minutes of routine, the nation will be treated to a few hours of chaos and skullduggery. Totally unnecessary. But then, that is the sign of our times. Division and incivility.

To be clear, this divisive action is a middle finger salute to the voters. It is a Republican Party action that firmly cements the nature of the party – rebellious and disrespectful to established order. It is the opposite of democracy where We The People elect our representatives, not a few handpicked oligarchs.

We have come a far distance from civil discussion of yesteryear. Not that skullduggery and its companion chaos was absent, it just had the good sense to remain out of sight. Those were the days when the Senate was an ‘advise and consent’ body furthering the checks and balance of the federal system of government.

I guess we should have expected this outcome following the removal of civics classes from public education. The current batch of senators and representatives simply don’t understand their own government and how it works. Either that or they don’t care. It could be both.

Sad. True. Dysfunctional government.

That is what we are left with when we don’t carefully know the people for whom we vote. This is not a personality contest or a beauty pageant. It is a solemn search for well-intentioned and knowledgeable people to serve the best interests of the public. It has been a long time since that was the case.

Every two years we get the chance to unseat or retain our representatives in the House of Representatives. We need to diligently pursue selection of those who represent us. The senators serve 6-year terms, one third of whom running for election every two years. Again, we are to be diligent in voting for or against the incumbents. Every four years we vote for President. That is not the end of our electoral responsibilities. The last four years, however, have demonstrated just how important it is to have a well-prepared and qualified person in the role.

Commit now to do your duty as a voter. Read and understand the issues. Know and judge the qualifications and personality of candidates. Vote for deserving candidates. Then follow their progress once in office. Discern whether they are doing your bidding or not. Vote appropriately on their retention at the next election.

That’s how the system is supposed to work in a democracy. It has responsibilities associated with being a voter. But it also is a checks and balance mechanism to remove unworthy public servants from office if they do not perform adequately.

Vote in every election as though your life depends on it. Because your life does depend on it.

January 6, 2021

 

Top News

COVID spread and vaccines. Football. Police Killings. Political infighting. Economic stats. Entertainment. More football.

That is pretty much it. Repeatedly. Inch by inch these issues dominate news outlets. Old news is not news, but the professional news vendors do not seem to mind. As long as viewers tune in, listeners listen and papers are sold, TV programs are produced, the vendors keep doing what they have been doing. Public consumption drives this.

I do not know why the public thirsts for these stale tidbits. Seems like a waste of time and energy for all involved. Why not focus on what really matters? Does that ‘sell’ or doesn’t it?

I am interested in what people are inventing. I focus on how organizations pivot from one opportunity to the next without breaking a sweat. I think about emerging issues, the ones that will become the news soon.

Oh sure, sudden happenings are news, too, like heavy weather, natural disasters, fires and explosions, and odd traffic accidents. Those events remind us of happenstance living. We do not control everything. Not even close. Hence, the unexpected interests us for at least a few moments.

Natural disasters cause human suffering. Rather than being ghoulish, the story becomes one of good Samaritans helping one another cope with the disaster and building toward a positive future. That is news. The good kind – from disaster comes promise of good.

I am fascinated with how we will handle educating first our children, then our adults to cope with major change. How will the learning process be managed, indeed, championed, to advance students’ mastery of material they need to prosper in life?

Another fascination: what does 'prosper in life' mean? Is it money? Fancy homes or cars? Exotic travel and fashionable clothing? Or does prosper have more meaning in cerebral matters? In what cultural activities are a large portion of society engaged? Might these include literature, visual arts, music, dance or other expressions of the inner person? Might they include solving weighty problems long suffered by humanity such as poverty, scarce drinking water, hunger, sanitation standards and a host of other woes? How agile is the human brain proving to be in dealing with these matters effectively?

What values do we espouse, indeed support? Do we care about others? Do we love others like we do ourselves? Do we share good fortune with others? Do we focus on community building? What of world peace and the well-being of the global village? Do we care of these things?

Or are we rooted in what matters to ourselves? Greed and selfishness do not improve our image. Neither does a focus on power. The question inevitably comes down to why does it matter? If the answer is a focus on self rather than others, then we see ourselves clearly in bad light.

Of course, feeding self-interest is one motivation to improve the living standards of others. We test what works for ourselves and then spread it to others. Doing such often improves commerce, profits, and other collateral matters. It is not all selfish. Benefits do accrue to a larger public.

Top news stories should not be about blood and guts, or lost jobs, disasters, or other low points in community life. Top news ought to be about our ability to survive and adapt to change and potential. That is the constantly unfolding story that needs telling.

Why don’t we hear more of this? Perhaps we haven’t let ourselves be known to the news industry? Perhaps we send mixed messages by consuming trash news?

So easy to fix. Know the matter. Change behavior.

Let’s try.

January 5, 2021

 

 

 

Getting Started

This blog began October 4, 2011. Over 9 years ago. I am in the tenth year. Many of my readers have not read that opening post so I show it below. See for yourself what my objectives were then; discern what they are now. How far have I strayed? Or not?

As we start a new year perhaps, we will focus on the positive and not repeat well-worn troubles? That would be nice but hardly human. We are likely to relive many problems and reactions based on emotion and not fact. That is a large part of our troubles today. Can we at least try to correct behavior to build the positive?

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2011

A Blog Begins - A continuing journey

Why another blog to add to the cluttered Internet, you say? Although the answer seems simple at this moment, I feel it will become complex later. But here's what I'm trying to accomplish:

-Ventilate my own brain on matters that are accumulating
-Provide a voice of reason on issues that so far have produced screams of incivility
-Ignore the zealots and reward the serious thinkers
-Attract ideas that may be useful in actually solving public problems
-Avoid political party labels and give voice to democracy
-Provide working definitions of ideology without being ideological(!)
-Give value and meaning to Middle of the Road and Independent

For many years I have been frustrated by opinions being touted as fact, news reports being published or aired as unbiased and factual when they are neither. It has nearly progressed to the point where I turn off the TV, the radio and avoid newspapers. Even those news organizations stating their intention to be unbiased, clearly seem to bend over backwards to report the "balanced view" but fail to achieve that objective. It becomes obvious they feel it necessary to add a point of view, whether accurate or bogus, just to give balance; the result is a weird tapestry of make believe that doesn't even make for good entertainment.

Realizing that national and large regional news outlets have fallen prey to the above, and witnessing the lack of good local news gathering for smaller communities, a few friends and I joined efforts and formed a weekly newspaper serving our community of less than 14,000 citizens and 1200 businesses with a workday population of more than 20,000. Our weekly efforts slipped to biweekly when we realized too few ad dollars existed to make our publication non-profit. It was producing too much red ink, so we economized and cut our print schedule to every other week and -- magically -- the books were balanced. We are truly non-profit. All work for free, as in volunteer! 25 hardy souls do this work and enjoy it but receive no monetary rewards. Such is our devotion to providing a news source of value to the community.

The allure to write brain-ventilating copy for my own sake in this community paper is powerful.  But that would be not only wrong; it would also be unproductive and of little value. My frustration continued however, and finally, after much cajoling by friends and family, a blog was born!

So here, dear reader, will commence discourse on many topics with many ideas, doubts, fears and insight offered. I do not admit special genius or super-brilliance; merely ideas that hopefully matter. I hope, also, to help stir others to think and share their ideas on the same matters. In this way we may come to some common agreement on how to view and to manage our deteriorating public life.

Surely America can handle its own affairs better than it is at this very moment. Surely you and I can come to better resolutions, stronger understanding, and a clearer idea of our future direction.

This is a national need and one we cannot afford to ignore any longer. Care to join me?

If so, please do the following: Follow the blog daily; share it with your family and friends; think on the content seriously; provide your comments and feedback frequently. Let us see if we can bring some sanity to public discourse. It's happened in the past and needs a rebirth in this year of 2011.

Thanks for reading and God Bless!

Now back to January 4, 2021; what have we learned over the past 9+ years that will improve our successes in 2021? An open question with no clear answer. Only a positive mindset will allow us progress. Are you game? 

January 4, 2021

 

New Year Hopes

Finally, not writing 2020, but 2021! Seems refreshing in a way I never imagined.

With the old year history, we focus on 2021. What will it bring? What are the hopes and dreams we yearn for? Here’s a concise list for us to focus on:

·        End of pandemic

·        Congress cooperates and collaborates with other branches of government to make the good things happen

·        Joy and appreciation of family

·        Economic innovation to create new markets, products, and careers

·        World peace

I could wish for more, but these are my favorites. An end to COVID-19 would allow so many good things to happen. An end to COVID death of course, but a return to gatherings and social interaction.

Congress has been rogue for several years. Power plays and ideology wars have derailed the core of the People’s government. It is time they worked together for what is good for the American people. While they are at it, they need to bolster the checks and balances on both the Judiciary and the Executive branches.

The pandemic refocused on family. That is a good thing. Let’s keep that going forward.

The economy will never return to the old normal. Some of that is bad, but some is good, too. Let’s work the good into the best and transform work culture and commercial activities into a shared, global economy.

World peace might be more accessible if the other four arenas work to their potential. Peace comes when we all realize we are in this together and more is accomplished for the common good when collaboration and better standards of living are shared by the entire community of humankind.

Sounds simple but it is not. The effort will pay dividends, however. In the end we must try.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2021