Bits and Pieces

It is fun to write ‘bits and pieces’ from time to time. I do it to cover several news topics that are in wide circulation. I give short takes on each of these, so I do not take the time to advance the discussion, just make comment. It is sort of rapid fire and fun to do. Like…

Immigration Ills: so many issues we read about. So many problems that tax our ability to solve. But one of these issues is central to the definition of what America is. Congress, however, has chosen for decades to back away from solving immigration problems. Why? Because their lack of accountability is lost in the crowd of cowards just like themselves.

Manchin, His Role: this rogue senator from West Virginia does not represent the views of his constituents. He does gather federal funding for many services his state needs by maneuvering his vote for support of bills which specifically benefit his region. The block and trade tactic for Joe Manchin works as active ransomware. That is his chosen role. Too bad he doesn’t help make good things happen for the rest of us.

Anti-Vax Crowd: a vast majority of Americans believe in the efficacy of vaccinations. A minority fights being forced to get vaccinated. No one is forcing anyone to get vaccinated. Mandates are made to obtain and preserve public health and safety. If a person doesn’t follow the mandate, that is OK. They do have to live with two consequences of that decision: sickness/death; or not participating fully with other citizens in the activities they are barred from doing.

Football Pettiness: given the problems we face locally, nationally and internationally, sports is only a distraction for our entertainment. We revel in the physical fitness of the athletes and their abilities to do what we cannot. However, they are not a substitution for real life problems begging for our attention and resolution. Never forget: sports is a pastime; life contains the more important things.

Economics 101: we make choices – what to buy, who to work for, what career to pursue, how to live within my income. When alternatives appear, we rejoice in our freedom. Some do not; they complain about rising prices or scarcity of some goods. These are all opportunities to make a choice. Do I buy something I really do not need and pay a high price for it? Or, do I do without or find a cheaper alternative? Choice is part of the fun of our freedom. It is not a burden. If you have enough money for the basics then you have the freedom to buy or do without because you can. That’s real freedom!

October 19, 2021

PS: See how easy that was?