#147 European Economic Amnesia (2 of 3)

30 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Gov't Policy

Scene: Jordan and former colleague, whose views lean far right, are at dinner. Conversation started Entry 146. (More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1.)

Steve: “You asked how much I really understand about economics.”

Jordan: “That’s the question.”

Steve: “What’s there to understand? You cannot spend more than you earn…at least not for very long. I mean, what else is there to know?”

Jordan: “Let’s see Mr. Geophysicist. Oil and gas are stored in the ground someplace. Some rocks are more likely than other rocks to hold oil and gas. If I want to drill for oil, I go find someplace with a bunch of rocks. What else do I need to know?

Steve: “Alright, point well taken. Truth be known I had one economics class in undergrad…and I don’t remember if it was micro or macro-economics.”

Jordan: “But I watch Fox News, therefore…”

Steve: “C’mon, that’s not a fair-and-balanced comment. But really, how complicated is economics?”

Jordan: “Real economics…not political economics…is a science with lots of empirical data and structured analysis, just like any science.”

Steve: “But it’s a dismal science.”

Jordan: “I don’t view it that way at all. In fact, I think economics is quite exciting. Some of the fundamentals are not well understood…or worse, ignored, especially politicians and ideologues.”

Steve: “Well, then tell me what you think was wrong with the EEC demanding Greece repay its debts. The demand to repay seems very logical to me. And logical to a lot of other people as well.”

Jordan: “I am not advocating shirking financial responsibility. However, let me ask you a question. Who do you think has a better chance of repaying debts – someone who is working or someone who is not working?”

Steve: “That’s a really dumb question.”

Jordan: “No it isn’t. That’s the question that should have been asked as Germany was imposing penalties on Greece.”

Steve: “You mean the EEC, don’t you?”

Jordan: “No, I mean Germany. From everything I’ve read about the agreement, Germany drove the decision.”

Steve: “So you think the loan restrictions are too harsh…were too harsh?”

Jordan: “Absolutely. The restrictions effectively limited Greece’s ability to grow its economy and generate enough income to pay down the debt. The restrictions created a death spiral and effectively killed Greece’s economy.”

Steve: “How so?”

Jordan: “By forcing everyone, not just the very wealthy, to take a large portion of income for taxes and debt repayment.”

Steve: “You mean tax rates matter after all?”

Jordan: “Of course tax rates matter. And it’s not just Republicans who say that. Even your hated John Maynard Keynes said tax rates matter…and that was many decades ago.”

Steve: “You think the loan restrictions precipitated the revolution in Greece?”

Jordan: “Yes. And here’s what’s so amazing to me. After WWI, the Allies imposed harsh repayment penalties on Germany. What happened? The economy collapsed, Germany had no income so it printed scads of money, which was followed by hyper-inflation.”

Steve: “I always knew printing money would cause inflation.”

Jordan: “Be careful. Here’s where you need to study economics. The two are not always so directly linked. In Germany’s case, the amount of money was excessive for the good available. Plus some other factors. But, then what happened in Germany?”

Steve: “German people rebelled and elected Hitler…and then we had WWII.”

Jordan: “You’d think the Germans might remember their history. But no, Merkel seemed more focused on extracting revenge on Greece for what she thought was ‘fiscal irresponsibility.’ Rather than allowing Greece’s economy to grow and repay debt over time, she put the screws to it. And Germany claimed forcing harsh terms on Greece was really a lesson in fiscal management.”

Steve: “Pardon me for what might seem like an obvious statement…in order to repay the debt, a country…in this case Greece…needs to grow the economy and generate income, just like a person needs income to repay debt.”

Jordan: “He’s starting to understand.”

Steve: “And for the program to work, people need to retain a decent percent of income. A country or individual cannot save their way into prosperity. You have to earn the money and then spend most of the money for the economy to grow. My expenses are your income, right?”

Jordan: “By George, I think he’s got it. The rain in Spain…”

Steve: “Tell me one more thing. Should families and government take the same financial actions?”

Jordan: “Basically, yes. But they take those actions at exactly opposite times. And the Germans either didn’t understand or refused to acknowledge that. I’ll tell you why over another glass of wine and desert.”

(Conversation to be continued next entry.)

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

#146 European Economic Amnesia (Part 1)

25 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Economics, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

≈ 2 Comments

Scene: Jordan and former colleague, whose views lean far right, are planning to go to dinner. (More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1.)

Jordan: “Steve, glad you called. What brings you to Washington?”

Steve: “Conference plus I need to check some files at the National Archives…old mining stuff.”

Jordan: “Let’s talk more over dinner.”

Steve: “The usual spot?”

Jordan: “Absolutely. I’m sure they’ve missed us.” (Walk to restaurant.)

Waiter: “Gentlemen, good evening. May I get you something to drink?”

Steve: “Yes, please bring a bottle of a Sonoma County cab.”

Waiter: “Silver Palm or the Mondavi Special Reserve.”

Steve: “Mondovi, please. Thanks.”

Jordan: “And we know what we want to eat.”

Waiter: “Yes, sir.”

Jordan: “We will each have a Caesar salad with salmon. And could you…”

Waiter: “…Pardon me, sir. Are you the gentlemen the manager told us about?”

Steve: “All positive, I assume.”

Waiter: “Yes, he said the way you want the salmon prepared is not on the menu but we should accept the order anyway.”

Jordan: “Yes, we’re the ones. Didn’t know we were so famous. And thank you for accepting the order. We really appreciate it.”

Steve: “No need to rush the salad. We want to catch up over some wine.”

Waiter: “Yes, sir. I’ll bring the wine right out.”

Jordan: “So, Mr. Mining Expert, what shall we talk about this evening?”

Steve: “You get all the inside dope in Washington. Why do you think there was a revolution in Greece…and did that precipitate the revolution in the US?”

Jordan: “Good questions. My take on the revolutions — the underlying cause is the same for Greece, the US…in fact most any revolution.”

Steve: “Which is?”

Jordan: “Inequality. Really economic inequality.”

Steve: “The opposite of economic inequality is economic equality, which sounds very socialist to me…and I don’t like socialism and neither should you. It’s un-American.”

Jordan: “By economic inequality, I really mean unfair economic opportunity, not that everyone makes the same income.”

Steve: “Still sounds like socialism to me.”

Jordan: “You’re a religious guy, right?”

Steve: “You already know the answer to that. Of course I am. That’s why I’m a conservative.”

Jordan: “If you were to state one tenant of your religion that could be a guide for everyone’s behavior, what would that tenant be?”

Steve: “Probably, ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.'”

Jordan: “I’d say that tenant sums up most religions. So let’s take that tenant and apply it to economic policy.”

Steve: “Seriously?”

Jordan: “Seriously. If we have a policy of being fair…treat thy neighbor as thyself…what kind of economic policy would we implement?”

Steve: “I’ve never heard anyone address economic policy quite that way. If they have, there’s so much shouting that basic question gets overlooked.”

Jordan: “Sometime in the next few weeks, you’ll hear POTUS discuss a new way to measure government policy – treat thy neighbor as thyself.”

Steve: “That still sounds like socialism.”

Jordan: “Maybe your religion is socialist.”

Steve: “I’ll ignore that.”

Jordan: “More like you don’t want to think about it.”

Steve: “Put your measurement in practical terms. How would have a ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself’ economic policy prevented say the revolution in Greece?”

Jordan: “This is no profound statement but economic situations in Greece, the US…in fact most any country… are not pure black and white. Most of the time there’s a big gray area. But a gray area does not prevent or preclude a well-thought-out policy.”

Steve: “Tell me more.”

Jordan: “In my view Greece was affected…actually affected negatively…by three major factors.”

Steve: “The biggest one to me was that the country was filled…maybe still filled…with a bunch of slackards. Those people just don’t want to work. They want to run away from debt.”

Jordan: “You are so Republican. When did they brainwash you? Alright, the country had a less well-honed economic infrastructure than other European countries or the US.”

Steve: “What’s #2?”

Jordan: “The way the EEC (European Economic Community) was configured. Once a country agreed to use the Euro as their currency, they were stuck.”

Steve: “But I thought the Euro was a good thing.”

Jordan: “Definitely helped break down trade barriers between the countries. But if a country gets into economic trouble, like Greece, devaluing the currency to increase competitiveness is no longer an option.”

Steve: “I need to come back to that later. What’s the third issue?”

Jordan: “Germany.”

Steve: “What do you mean, Germany?”

Jordan: “What I mean is Germany gave Greece the royal finger.”

Steve: “How can you criticize Germany? They’re the economic engine of Europe. Other countries should follow the model. What was so bad about insisting Greece become fiscally responsible and pay all its debts? Seems logical to me.”

Jordan: (Pouring another glass of wine) “Oh, how quickly we forget. Steve. Let me ask you something. First, I admit I am not a geologist, a geophysicist, a petrophysicist or whatever other kind of ‘ist’ plays with rocks. I’m not sure I know enough about rocks to even be dangerous.”

Steve: “You and I definitely agree on something. Now what’s your question?”

Jordan: “How much do you really understand about economics and the impact of economic policies on world events?”

(Conversation to be continued next entry.)

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

#145 Obsession with Old Erections

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

Scene: Jordan’s office in Washington, DC. (More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1. More entries about issues surrounding the Confederate Battle Flag, #142.)

Jordan: “Gelly, could you do me a favor, please? Get Ms. on the line? She’s hard to track down.”

Gelly: “OK, but it might take a while.”

Jordan: “That’s alright. I have plenty to do.”

(Short time later)

Gelly: “Jordan, Ms. Is on the line.”

Jordan: “Thanks, Gelly. That was fast.”……”Ms., how are you?”

Ms.: “Fine, thank you. The Big Dog can’t dial the phone anymore? Didn’t know you were so important.”

Jordan: “You know you are always on the go and never easy to find.”

Ms.: “What’s up?”

Jordan: “I want to discuss erections.”

Ms.: “Maybe my question should have been, ‘What’s not up?’ You really need to visit a doctor.”

Jordan: “Why do women in my life give me such a hard time? Not that kind of erection.”

Ms.: “I’m glad that’s not the problem. Why do we give you such a hard time? Because you make yourself such an easy target. Now, what kind of erection do you want to talk about?”

Jordan: “Erections like building and monuments and statues.”

Ms.: “What do I know? I’m not an architect.”

Jordan: “You were born and reared in the south but as an adult have lived all over. I need to understand why southerners are so obsessed with the Civil War.”

Ms.: “Be more specific.”

Jordan: “Why the insistence on having all the monuments to a cause that failed? I don’t get it.”

Ms.: “You don’t get it because you are not southern.”

Jordan: “That is not an answer.”

Ms.: “Some of the people are truly trying to honor ancestors, who happened to be on the losing side.”

Jordan: “I’ll buy that argument and I understand that. And there are ways to honor those folks tastefully and privately.”

Ms.: “Then there is the group that is still in denial.”

Jordan: “150+ years after the Civil War and still in denial?”

Ms.: “Like I said, you don’t understand southern culture do you?”

Jordan: “That’s why I called you.”

Ms.: “People in the south don’t want to admit they were wrong…or even worse, admit they lost.”

Jordan: “Do these folks understand how illogical their argument is? Monuments to rebels…actually terrorists.”

Ms.: “Since when do ideologues use reason?”

Jordan: “Just think about it? For the English, the colonists were rebels. Are there statues of George Washington in England? No. Do the French have statues of Hitler?”

Ms.: “Now, c’mon, Jordan. Those are unfair comparisons.”

Jordan: “What’s unfair about the comparisons? Why should the US erect monuments on public property to those who tried to secede or overthrow the government? Erecting a monument to a bunch of rebels makes no sense.”

Ms.: “I’ll be honest. I never thought about the Confederacy as a terrorist organization. I see your point. Why should a country honor those who tried to overthrow it?”

Jordan: “If you can understand the logic…and aren’t you, or at least were a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy…”

Ms.: “…and Daughters of the American Revolution…”

Jordan: “If you can understand the logic with all that history behind you, then how do we convey the same message to general public?”

Ms.: “You talking about just folks in the south or all the US?”

Jordan: “All the US but primarily the south. Growing up in the north, the Civil War was a bit of history but really a non-issue. Few people talked about it and no one was obsessed with it.”

Ms.: “I think the message needs to be just as you described to me. Honor the dead…but privately. The general message needs to be forthright, including asking the public why there should me memorials to terrorists? Don’t mince words.”

Jordan: “What about including comparisons to attitudes in France and Belgium about monuments to Hitler?”

Ms.: “The question about how the English view the colonists is really what changed my mind. You need to point out those examples.”

Jordan: “Anything else?”

Ms.: “You might want to add one more example, although I’m not sure you need it.”

Jordan: “What’s that?”

Ms.: “Never mind.”

Jordan: “What is it?”

Ms.: “Displaying the Confederate Battle Flag on government property is like asking Jews to display the swastika.”

Jordan: “You’re right. That one is over the top…and way to controversial. The discussion would go sideways immediately.”

Ms.: “Glad you agree.”

Jordan: “Who do we get to be the spokesperson for the campaign? Really we’re trying to put the actions of the Confederacy in the proper context and move on to more important topics?”

Ms.: “I understand…and agree with the logic about not honoring terrorists. Getting the message worded correctly might take some time. Let me think about that for a couple of days.”

Jordan: “Alright. Talk later. Thanks.

Ms.: “You’re welcome. And you can call me directly next time. Bye, Jordan.”

(Continued soon.)

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

#144 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” (Conclusion)

18 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Rebranding Black Community

≈ Leave a comment

Scene: continuation of previous entry. Jordan and long-time friend Rock Man return from coffee break. The conversation has been about the societal impact of removing the Confederate Battle Flag from most public property. Suggest you first read entry #142.

More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1.

Rock Man: “Now that I’ve had a break, I still don’t like this conversation.”

Jordan: “What don’t you like?”

Rock Man: “You must think I’m stupid, Jordan. You want me…and the black community…to change rather than the bigots, or racists, or whatever we call them, to change. Did I state your proposal correctly?”

Jordan: “Yes, you and the black community need to seriously consider changing. Otherwise we are not going to make much progress.”

Rock Man: “What am I missing? I…we…are not the problem, why should we change?”

Jordan: “You might think you are not the problem but…”

Rock Man: “So you think I’m the problem and not some a-hole bigot…racist?”

Jordan: “Relax.”

Rock Man: “How can I relax? I’m still supposed to change even though I’m not really the problem?”

Jordan: “Let me finish my argument, OK?”

Rock Man: “Alright. But I’m having a hard time understanding your logic.”

Jordan: “You are not the problem. But that does not matter. You still need to change.”

Rock Man: “I’m…we…are not the problem but still need to change. What kind of back asswards logic is that?”

Jordan: “Rock Man, you know the reason why. You used to teach other people to use the same approach.”

Rock Man: “But the problems were easier.”

Jordan: “You and I both know that once you’ve learned how to solve a set of problems, the next set is always more difficult. Just like going to school. The problems get harder and harder.”

Rock Man: “Yeah, I know. I used to teach this stuff. So, I guess the old saying is true – the cobbler’s kids have no shoes.”

Jordan: “The idea of changing one’s self, when the other person seems to be at fault, is a tough lesson and one that is difficult to buy into. Nonetheless, my contention is if the black community begins to change its behavior, then the rationale of the bigot begins to make even less sense. Over time the bigot’s rationale will become irrelevant.”

Rock Man: “You really believe that can happen. I’ve seen it happen with individuals…but an entire society? That’s hard to swallow.”

Jordan: “No, it’s not going to be easy and no, it will not happen in a single generation. But a change in the behavior of just a few people can have a powerful impact on society.”

Rock Man: “Give me an example.”

Jordan: “I think the reason the momentum against the Confederate Battle Flag built so quickly was not because of the shootings in Charleston…”

Rock Man: “…You don’t think killing nine people was a tragedy?”

Jordan: “A terrible tragedy. Ask yourself this, ‘How many hate crimes and multiple killings have there been in say the last 10-20 years…and how much has really changed?'”

Jordan: “Then what’s so different this time?”

Jordan: “The reaction of the families who lost loved ones.”

Rock Man: “Because the families forgave the shooter…that Roof guy…within a couple of days?”

Jordan: “Those families…those black families…showed the rest of us real courage. Those families ‘walk the talk’ of their religion.”

Rock Man: “I’m not sure I could do what they did.”

Jordan: “Not sure I could either. Their courage set an example for all of us, especially the weak-kneed politicians.”

Rock Man: “Looking back, the families were the true heroes in getting the Battle Flag down, not the politicians.”

Jordan: “The black community could take a lesson from those families. And use that lesson as a foundation for change.”

Rock Man: “The lesson being no whining about circumstances, no bitching about being targeted, no feel-sorry-for-me attitude. Just take the bull by the horns, as it were, and get going.”

Jordan: “You know what needs to get started in the black community. And those families gave you a great reason to get going.”

Rock Man: “I know. We’ve got to get blacks off the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

Jordan: “Folks, he does remember our conversations. Well, well.”

Rock Man: “How could I forget? You pounded those ideas into my head the last time I was in the States. But I don’t…”

Jordan: “Excuse me, Rock Man. To make the change happen, someone needs to lead the charge. The families in Charleston had every reason to look for an excuse…”

Rock Man: “But they didn’t.”

Jordan: “Exactly. There are a million reasons ‘why not to get involved.’ None of the reasons really matter. If you want…sincerely want the black community to start getting off that bottom rung…”

Rock Man: “Then one of us needs to lead the charge. I agree the time is right. And I’ve got a spouse with a great job.”

Jordan: “Gelly, could you come in here, please?”

Gelly: “Yes, Jordan. More coffee?”

Jordan: “No. Some place in the office is a bottle of cabernet from one of my favorite wineries in Sonoma County. Could you open the bottle and bring three glasses, please?”

Gelly: “What’s the occasion?”

Rock Man: “Your buddy, Jordan, conned me into leading…at least trying to lead the effort to get the black community off the bottom rung of the economic ladder.”

Gelly: “Something truly worth celebrating. Congratulations, Rock Man. I’ll be right back.”

(Earlier segments about ideas to help get the black community off the bottom rung of the economic ladder begin Entry #67.)

#143 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” con’t

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Personal Stories, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

More about author and the general content of the Blog, Entry #1.

Rock Man: “As we were discussing the War of Northern Aggression…I mean the US Civil War.”

Jordan: “When we first moved south, I was amazed at the number of people who called it the War of Northern Aggression. It’s as if the Confederacy was an innocent bystander.”

Rock Man: “OK, back to the topic at hand. Yes, I think we should study the Civil War and study the facts as we know them, not as we want them.”

Jordan: “There are some ugly scenes on both sides. But no matter how one cuts it, any time part of a country votes to secede, the other part of the country views it as a treasonous act. And why honor those who commit treason? Those who tried to secede are the enemy.”

Rock Man: “Wonder how the Germans…and Japanese…educate children about WWII? Are they still in denial like many southerners seem to be?”

Jordan: “I’ll give you data point of one, which is always dangerous…except in Washington. When I was in grad school, several of my classmates were from Germany. After a number of months and several social events…”

Rock Man: “I thought that place on the Charles River in Cambridge was an academic institute, not a party institute.”

Jordan: “Like I said, after a few social events, my wife asked one of the students from Germany the very question at hand – ‘How was WWII taught in German schools?'”

Rock Man: “And?”

Jordan: “Very different perspective than what we were taught and the perspective of most of the documentaries I’ve seen.”

Rock Man: “No doubt there are some legitimate differences in perspectives but what was the primary difference?”

Jordan: “The Germans downplayed the Holocaust. Very much downplayed it, to the point where my classmate knew very little about it.”

Rock Man: “So southerners are not the only ones guilty of revisionist history. But your observation about German schools was a long time ago.”

Jordan: “Agreed. And in fairness, I think in recent years, the government of Germany has made much more public acknowledgment of actions leading up to and during WWII.”

Rock Man: “But have the German people changed their attitudes? Do they still think they are the Aryan race?”

Jordan: “Tougher question. My answer, which likely is a bit biased, is the change in attitude toward Jews and others sent to the camps has been limited at best. Clearly some have changed attitudes…and people who are the most open toward others are probably younger. But I find it amazing how many Germans still have that air of superiority. You can feel it when you’re around them.”

Rock Man: “Let’s give them a break and say attitudes will change even more over the next few generations.”

Jordan: “I hope so but I wonder. Look how Germany strangled Greece in the bailout.”

Rock Man: “That conversation is for another time.”

Jordan: “Agreed. I brought it up to make the point about willingness to change and work with others who might be different. However, to me the more complex and difficult question is ‘Why should Germans change their attitude?’ What’s the incentive?”

Rock Man: “Because the attitude of superiority is wrong.”

Jordan: “Wrong by whose standard?”

Rock Man: “Civil society.”

Jordan: “Rock Man, what have you been smoking? People have little reason to change attitudes, even those who are racist and bigoted. Besides, if you’re a bigot or racist, the other group is at fault, not you.”

Rock Man: “But you don’t think like that do you? So why should the racists and bigots?”

Jordan: “But what if I did think like that?”

Rock Man: “Then I’d say, ‘You’re a racist.'”

Jordan: “And I would respond, ‘So what?'”

Rock Man: “This conversation is troubling. You’re implying…not implying, you’re stating that the racists and bigots are not going to change. Right?”

Jordan: “Not going to change without some reason to change. Pulling down the Confederate Battle Flag from public spaces and/or being called a racist is not enough incentive to change.”

Rock Man: “Then what is an incentive for change?”

Jordan: “The other side has to change. You’ve got to change.”

Rock Man: “You talking about me changing or the black community changing?”

Jordan: “Maybe both but the black community for sure.”

Rock Man: “I like this conversation even less. I need some fresh air. Can we take a break?”

Jordan: “Yes, we may take a break. I need one also.”

(Continued)

#142 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?”

11 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues

≈ 3 Comments

The timing of most entries is after the “Revenge Revolution,” or the 5th US revolution. The Revenge Revolution is expected to occur around 2020, plus or minus. More about the origination of the blog and the author, Entry #1.

Scene for #142: Jordan’s office in Washington, DC.

Gelly (Jordan’s assistant): “Jordan, an old friend of yours is here to see you.”

Jordan: “How old?”

Rock Man: “Not as old as you are, Jordan.”

Jordan: “Rock Man, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you to town?”

Gelly: “Before you guys do a deep dive, do either of you want some coffee or soda?”

Rock Man: “How ’bout a coffee. And bring one for my friend here, please. I’ll buy.”

Gelly: “That’s generous of you Rock Man.”

Jordan: “She’s right. Generous Rock Man. Buying coffee using else’s Keurig. But why are you here?”

Rock Man: “We are moving back to the States. We’re using the house hunting trip to squeeze in a mini-vacation.”

Jordan: “Glad you’re coming back. Headed to northeast Connecticut?”

Rock Man: “Yep. About half-way between New York and Boston.”

Jordan: “I’m jealous. Everyone happy about coming back?”

Rock Man: “Ecstatic. Brazil has been a wonderful experience but we need to get back.”

Jordan: “I think most expats miss the homeland. Most every country has something special but nothing like the homeland. What’s special about Brazil?”

Rock Man: “One thing for certain. Really no discrimination. We fit right in and no one bats an eye.”

Jordan: “You think the US has made progress reducing discrimination since you left?”

Rock Man: “Tell me how or why?”

Jordan: “First, we’ve had the Revenge Revolution, which threw out a lot of the old-boy politicians. And #2, the country has gotten rid of the Confederate Battle Flag…at least on most public property.”

Rock Man: “I read about the flag. I’m delighted the State of South Carolina finally took the flag down from the capital…but the whole process was mere symbolism. In fact, it made me laugh?”

Jordan: “Laugh at taking down the Battle Flag? What was so funny?”

Rock Man: “Nothing funny, really. What galls me — where were all those so-called enlightened politicians before the nine people…nine black people…were killed in Charleston?”

Jordan: “Where do you think they were?”

Rock Man: “Where most politicians were and still are – in the land of no guts. Wimp land. All talk and no action.”

Jordan: “You seem upset.”

Rock Man: “Oh, no, I’m not upset. As I said, I’m happy the flag is down but do you really think taking down the flag is going to change attitudes?”

Jordan: “No. Really why should they change?”

Rock Man: “Look at Nikki Haley. No mention of the flag being repulsive before the shooting. And up to that point she’d been governor how long?”

Jordan: “4-5 years.”

Rock Man: “See what I mean? You’re governor for heaven’s sake. You have to be really dense or listening only to the radicals on one side of the aisle to think the Confederate Battle Flag was not inflammatory.”

Jordan: “Agreed. Inflammatory to blacks and many whites. But, for some people, the Battle Flag represents…”

Rock Man: “Pardon me for interrupting, Jordan, but who’s kidding whom? Let me ask you a simple question. How would you feel if there was a Nazi flag with a swastika flying on a bunch of German government buildings? Would that give you a warm-and-fuzzy feeling?”

Jordan: “Of course not.”

Rock Man: “Gee, Mr. Abel, but these swastikas are being flown to honor the really loyal German soldiers who died in WWII…and, who by the way, gassed your fellow Jews. I’m sure you understand, Mr. Abel, don’t you?”

Jordan: “Yes, I understand. And pardon me for being offended.”

Rock Man: “Now, you’re getting with the program. Here’s one that even the southern Battle-Flag boys can understand. Do they think England celebrates the 4^th of July? Do they think there are statutes of George Washington in various English towns? Think the flag-boys can understand that logic?”

Jordan: “I’m certain they can understand.”

Rock Man: “Let’s see if they understand this. The flag-boys should thank Lincoln for saving their ass and calling off the dogs.”

Jordan: “You talking about William Tecumseh Sherman?”

Rock Man: “Yes. And I few others. I might not have been as restrained and understanding as Lincoln.”

Jordan: “The US Civil War, like all civil wars, was ugly. Are you suggesting we not talk about it?”

Rock Man: “You mean the War of Northern Aggression. No, we should talk about it and study it, just like we study WWII. But let’s not whitewash the facts”

Gelly: “Excuse me. Is now a good time for coffee?”

Jordan and Rock Man (in unison): “Yes. Thanks.”

(Continued)

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

#141 Sense Check re Revenge Revolution

08 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

This entry was drafted July 4^th weekend, 2015. The timing seemed appropriate for a “sense check” about the focus of the blog. Does the prospect of a Revenge Revolution still made sense? Since I have made no attempt to monetize the blog and made no attempt to build a readership base, there is little downside concluding the idea of a Revenge Revolution no longer makes sense.

So, let’s look at some recent events and make an assessment. First, I think it’s fair to say most revolutions, whatever sort, are not the result of a single event. Rather the revolutions are preceded by a series of often smaller events that culminate in a level of frustration that becomes intolerable. Reading the US Declaration of Independence, one is struck by the list of actions by King George that aggravated the colonists. (Words to Declaration)

Another issue, whether in 1776 or 2015, is most of us do not separate national events from local events. Tip O’Neil, the former Speaker of the House, often emphasized that “all politics is local.” Further, most of us do not react to government or company policies unless we are affected directly. An example – in 2015 people living in the upper Midwest, which has received an excessive amount of rain, have a difficult time relating to water conditions in California, which is in the fourth year of a drought. And vice versa.

Given that introduction, the question is whether recent events have increased, decreased or not changed the likelihood of the Revenge Revolution. At best, I would say the likelihood is about the same…or higher.

Some examples. The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) affirmed the basic provisions of the Affordable Care Act and affirmed that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. While the two decisions address basic inequities in society, the decisions do not address what I believe will be the primary cause of the Revenge Revolution – economic inequality.

As I hope is evident throughout the blog, economic inequity should not be interpreted as merely income inequity. Economic inequality is a result of a lack of fairness. Economic inequality should not be construed as socialism.

Economic inequality means that government and corporate policies should treat people fairly – back to the standard of ‘treating thy neighbor as thyself.’ The SCOTUS decisions focused on treating people fairly, but the decisions were only part of economic fairness.

Economic inequality is affected by a wide range of issues. For example, displaying the Confederate Battle Flag. If displaying the flag had been positioned as a reminder of how to treat people fairly, then there likely would have been little, if any, resistance to displaying the flag. However, the flag was positioned as a reminder of just the opposite – why some people should be treated unfairly.

Some supporters claim the Confederate Battle Flag represents states’ rights and should be displayed to honor those who died for the right of states to self-determination. If one steps back and assesses the actions of states that seceded, then two conclusions emerge about those who participated in the Confederacy: 1) participants committed treason by attacking the Federal government; 2) participants supported the right of one person to own another.

Do the same people who want to fly the Confederate Battle Flag support the idea of flying the battle flags of Germany and Japan used in WWII? What about the flags of groups that attacked the World Trade Center 09/11 or what about ISIS? And, no these examples are not different. Each one represents a group that attacked the US, just as did the Confederacy. Since its July 4, how do you think the British view the Revolutionary War? The name of the war says it all.

Unfortunately, this line of reasoning is lost or disregarded by many who continue to support the Confederacy. Even the resistance to the flag is what one might consider weak. After nine blacks were killed in Charleston, SC by a person with the Battle Flag, the Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, held a press conference to announce that she was asking the legislators to consider…yes, asking the legislator to consider…changing the law that requires the Confederate Battle Flag be flown at the SC State House. (The same law prohibits the flag from being flown at half-staff, even when the US flag and state flag are flown at half-staff.)

Excuse me Governor Haley, but why not just order the flag taken down, or even better, go take the flag down yourself. It’s not that difficult. After the flag is down, then let the legislature fight you in court about the right of the governor to take down the flag. That would have been an example of how to ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself.’ Asking the legislators to consider, knowing full well they might not consider changing the law is not idea of being gutsy or being principled. You are no Patrick Henry.

At least the governor of the State of Alabama, not known for being overly liberal, had all Confederate Battle Flags removed from state property other than display at museums.

I realize morality and ethics cannot be legislated. However, individuals and organizations can promote acting responsibly and boycotting those who do not act responsibly.

As far as economic inequality, all the current heightened discussions about race and racism might make those involved feel good but, unfortunately, nothing is likely to change. Why should people change when they are not affected directly?

No surprise that change starts by looking in the mirror. As far as economic inequality affecting the black community, it will happen only when blacks begin initiating the change. Focusing on quotas, talking about race relations and similar topics will not improve economic inequality. Neither will taking down the Confederate Battle Flag.

Every ethnic group in the US has faced discrimination, some severe discrimination. Many ethnic groups still face some form of discrimination. And, yes blacks might face more discrimination just because of color. Now what? Every other ethnic group got off the bottom rung by focusing on education. Simple and powerful lesson…but a multi-generation solution.

At the beginning of this segment I asked whether the Revenge Revolution was more likely, less likely or about the same. As noted earlier, I think it is about the same if not more likely. Economic inequality has worsened, not improved. Congress is so dysfunctional that the Supreme Court is making policy decisions for the country. Middle and lower-income groups feel frustrated economically. And for blacks especially, no leader has emerged to lead the effort to start getting more blacks off the bottom rung.

One final thought. The projection was a Revenge Revolution around 2020. Give me some leeway on the year. My history of these type forecasts is being ahead of the actual event. For the sake of everyone, I hope the forecast is wrong and we…collective we…resolve enough issues to avoid the Revenge Revolution. But, nothing has happened since starting this blog that has caused me to change my mind. By the way, not all revolutions are bad. We wouldn’t celebrate July 4^th if there had not been a revolution.

#140 Water Rights: Managing a Precious Resource con’t (10 of 10 in Series)

04 Saturday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

≈ Leave a comment

Scene: Continuation of conversation between Jordan and JC, a long-time friend. Conversation started as deciding on a simple, understandable theme for government policies following Revenge Revolution. Conversation begins Entry #131.

JC and Jordan concluded the standard measure for future government policies should be ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself.’ They also agreed to assess whether the standard is appropriate for corporate policy. This segment is continuation of Entry #139.

JC: “Tails. First topic is ‘using water more efficiently’ and then ‘distribution of water’.”

Jordan: “OK. Obviously the two issues are not discreet. There’s a lot of overlap.”

JC: “Agreed. But we need to start somewhere.”

Jordan: “Whatever we propose as a solution, we still have a problem in getting laws changed. Ok swami, what’s the most effective way to get Congress to change?”

JC: “Aside from donating more money to someone’s campaign? I know, that was a bad joke…sorry.”

Jordan: “Why be sorry over the truth?”

JC: “Really, the most effective way to get Congress to change is simple…public opinion.”

Jordan: “I would agree that’s true for all but say gun control.”

JC: “We’re not talking gun control…yet.”

Jordan: “Here we are post Revenge Revolution. Old and new members of Congress know the public wants change…but they’re not sure what changes to make.”

JC: “Well, now we can lead by the hand members of the House and Senate and, yikes, make it look as if they’ve been thinking. What a concept. A Congressional rep who thinks. In all seriousness, let’s give them a practical solution to the water problem.”

Jordan: “A solution such as…”

JC: “A solution based on the standard for policy, ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself.”

Jordan: “You need to be more specific.”

JC: “OK. Then let’s start restricting, or even banning non-productive and really unfair practices that consume excessive amounts of water.”

Jordan: “Here’s what I thought of when you said that. You know the development we live in Charlotte…”

JC: “Same name as some brand of scotch. I’ve forgotten the name but it doesn’t matter. What’s your point?”

Jordan: “So much of each lot must be lawn, either fescue or Bermuda grass. And, of course, in the summer the lawn has to look pretty so it must be watered regularly. You know how much water that takes?”

JC: “That’s stupid. But not as stupid as some housing developments in Arizona and California with green grass. Drive through Beverly Hills some time. I mean, folks southern California and Arizona are a desert. Grass does not grow naturally in a desert.”

Jordan: “You suggesting we ban grass in certain geographic areas?”

JC: “Yes…and a bunch of the prima donnas will scream. I think we should ban any landscaping that is not made up of indigenous plants. Cactus…Miss Watkins would insist on saying ‘cacti’… grows in the desert, not in the southeast US. What grows in Michigan for sure doesn’t grow on its own in southern California. Are you folks living in La Jolla listening? You do not have a right to waste water just because you’re rich.”

Jordan: “The home owners associations (HOA) control the landscaping requirements in many areas. The homeowner needs to follow the guidelines or face a fine or worse.”

JC: “Well, then, get POTUS to craft an Executive Order or Congress to pass a bill that limits HOA restrictions on landscaping to all but indigenous plants.”

Jordan: “That kind of ban might actually work. The homeowner still has flexibility to landscape many different ways. Just that you need to use indigenous plants. It’s really no different from saying you need insurance to drive a car. Pick your car and pick your insurance company.”

JC: “Now, you have the idea. Minimize intrusion on rights but manage the bigger problem – distribution of water.”

Jordan: “What about rights to use water?”

JC: “This problem seems less complicated. Tell me, why do we grow cotton in California? Cotton in California is about as much of a mismatch as I can imagine. Grow cotton in Louisiana or South Carolina…or Pakistan. There’s plenty of water. But California? It’s a desert, remember?”

Jordan: “Same with alfalfa. Seems that we need to ban certain crops in certain locations.”

JC: “Here’s where the problems of use and distribution interact. We should let farmers grow crops based on available water. Not water pumped from some far off river. Not water drawn from some aquifer. Farmers need to use water that’s available.”

Jordan: “Aren’t these restrictions a bit harsh?”

JC: “My answer? TFB. We…collective we…have a huge problem with water. Everyone needs to put on their big-boy pants and help solve the problem.”

Jordan: “Maybe that’s what POTUS should say.”

JC: “You mean ‘TFB’ or ‘put on your big-boy pants’?”

Jordan: “‘Both. Put on your big-boy pants and let’s come up with a solution that is fair. That meets the standard, ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself.’ People need to understand solving the water issue is going to cause some economic disruption and some change. But you know what? TFB. I agree let’s take a break.”

JC: “Jordan, I think we have enough material now for POTUS. Why don’t you take some time, draft the outline of a speech and then review with POTUS? If we need to meet afterwards I’ll be available.”

Jordan: “OK, I’ll work on the remarks. Thanks much for the help.”

JC: “You’re welcome.”

More about the origination of the blog and the author, Entry #1.

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

#139 Water Rights. Managing a Precious Resource. (#9 in Series)

01 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Jordan Abel in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Gov't Policy, Societal Issues

≈ 1 Comment

JC: “I’m back, let’s talk water rights. The right to water is a big issue that we’ve overlooked.”

Jordan: “We do need to address it. Many people are really upset about why some people get preferential rights to water.”

JC: “Seems as if this is an ideal case for the standard, ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself.’”

Jordan: “I agree. Water rights might be THE perfect case to test the standard. Water is critical for human life, animal life and plant life.”

JC: “There’s plenty of water to go around…but the water is not necessarily clean, or in the right location, or mixed with something else…like salt.”

Jordan: “Part of the issue is ownership. Over the years some people and groups have gained or bought preferential rights to the water. The policy for rights to water needs to be fair.”

JC: “Agreed that the policy needs to be fair but so does the behavior of those who have existing rights to water.”

Jordan: “Why should those with rights to extra water share with anyone else? They bought the rights. If they want to waste the water, they own it. It’s their right.”

JC: “You sound like some lunatic Libertarian. I paid, therefore…”

Jordan: “Well pardon me but you sound like some socialist. Everyone shares.”

JC: “Let’s just backup and remind ourselves that despite claims by Libertarians and many Republicans, property rights are not an inherent right.”

Jordan: “Excuse me. Say that again.”

JC: “One more time. Property rights are not an inherent right. Property rights, including water rights, are granted and protected by that terrible organization called government. Remember?”

Jordan: “I know that but a lot of people either never learned that in school or remember it only selectively.”

JC: “Part of what POTUS needs to discuss with the public is a reminder of the source of rights to ownership and how rights are maintained. Rights are granted based on a signature on a piece of paper.”

Jordan: “Think he’ll buy that argument?”

JC: “He doesn’t have to buy the argument. He has no choice. Citizens of this country, whether left, right or center politically, need to understand government can giveth and government can taketh.”

Jordan: “You talking about suspending ownership rights to water?”

JC: “Yes. I am. I don’t think there is a choice. We’ve already had the Revenge Revolution. If water rights aren’t resolved fairly, we’ll have another revolution…and it will likely be worse.”

Jordan: “You’re probably right. But how do we get started?”

JC: “Thanks for the compliment about being right. How do we get started? Let’s look at some history. In times of war, certain rights in this country have been suspended.”

Jordan: “True, but this is not war, at least not yet.”

JC: “Then look at government actions in non-war crises.”

Jordan: “You mean like the Great Depression?”

JC: “Yes. Also, look at the environmental crises in the 1970’s…you know with widespread air and water pollution.”

Jordan: “I guess it’s almost shocking by today’s politics, but we had a Republican president driving the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.”

JC: “Hard to believe — a Republican president creating EPA. Then the EPA set lots of standards that some industries and some of the public thought were too restrictive and invasive.”

Jordan: “The auto industry being one. The companies screamed and said the standards could not be met.”

JC: “But guess what. The companies put on their big-boy pants and met the standards.”

Jordan: “And the auto industry continues to reduce emissions. The result? Air quality… and water quality…are much better today than when the standards were announced. So now we need to frame the water distribution issue in a similar way.”

JC: “We agreed a few minutes ago that deciding on water rights might be the perfect case for implementing the standard ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself’?”

Jordan: “How do we really make that standard work?”

JC: “I think there are two issues. #1, distribution of water. #2 using existing water more efficiently.”

Jordan: “Which one should we tackle first?”

JC: “Flip a coin. Heads for distribution; tails for efficiency.”

Jordan: (flips coin)

(To be continued)

More about the origination of the blog and the author, Entry #1.

Ebook format of recent series of entries on Federal Budget. 15 05 23 Do They Really Understand Entries #121-#130

usrevolution5

~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

Monthly Archives: July 2015

#147 European Economic Amnesia (2 of 3)

#146 European Economic Amnesia (Part 1)

#145 Obsession with Old Erections

#144 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” (Conclusion)

#143 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?” con’t

#142 “You’re a Racist!” “So What?”

#141 Sense Check re Revenge Revolution

#140 Water Rights: Managing a Precious Resource con’t (10 of 10 in Series)

#139 Water Rights. Managing a Precious Resource. (#9 in Series)