Monthly Archives: October 2022

#465. I’m Now Officially a Political Curmudgeon

29 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #465: Now I qualify as a curmudgeon with respect to politics. Without any hesitation, I think at least 50% of the US population is too stupid to understand the magnitude of the threat to democracy we currently face.

OK, if you are a right-wing Republican, and believe an autocrat should lead the country and believe that anyone but a fundamentalist, white Christian should be removed from power or even eliminated, then you’re happy.  However, just remember right-wingers that autocrats are loyal only to themselves.

To the autocrat, your support means nothing and your support does not guarantee your safety or well-being. If you think Trump considers you anything but fodder, then go find a pile of rocks and look at the pile. The pile of rocks is smarter than you are.

For other Republicans who support Trump, which means virtually  every Republican, you – yes,YOU – are leading the US to a revolution. No, the Democrats are not the enemy. You can disagree with Democrats about policy, but Democrats are not promoting banning voting, taking away other individual rights, or trying to concentrate wealth in the hands of a few.

YOU as a Trump-supporting Republican are complicit in the planned overthrow of the US government. YOU will wake up one day, finding most of your rights taken away, and then ask, “why didn’t anyone warn me about this?“

I realize this is a rhetorical question, but “what do Trump and Republican leaders need to do, or maybe not do, in order for you to wake up?“ Look, I understand, no one likes to be insulted. But you are being stupid, f*^”ing stupid.  In fact, you may be dumber than the right-wing wackos. At least they stand for something, even if it’s all the wrong things.

YOU, my fellow citizens, stand for nothing. Republicans complain, complain, complain, but have no plan to fix whatever they complain about. Other than possibly cutting taxes for the wealthy.

In addition, the Republican leadership has no ethics, or should I say no balls. Calling Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, and Lindsey Graham milquetoast is a step up the courage ladder.

Liz Cheney and I disagree on most policy issues. But I say, “Hail Liz!” for having the guts to stand up and do what’s right.

What happens to Cheney, one of the few Republicans with any character? The milquetoast marauders led by McCarthy kick Cheney out of a leadership position in the House, and then actively promote her defeat in the Wyoming primary.  Excuse me Republicans, she’s a profile in courage and should be praised, not punished.

While there are many more examples, I’ll wrap up with the crocodile tears shed by the Republicans for the Pelosi family. Trump, of course, sent condolences to the family of Jerry Lee Lewis upon his death, but nothing to the Pelosi family.  Like the reaction to massacres of students or concert goers, Republicans deflect the real cause of the problem by claiming now is the time for praying and grieving; now is not the time to tackle the problem.

What’s going to happen when a Republican in Congress, or an avowed conservative member of the Supreme Court is assassinated?  Even if all the evidence points to the assassin being a Russian plot designed to rile up the Republican base it will not affect Republican claims. Like all comments from Republicans, evidence doesn’t matter.

Republican leadership will blame Democrats for the assassination(s).  For Republicans it is more important to figure out how to encourage the far right to take action than to be truthful.  When the far-right responds to comments from Trump and Republican leadership, then Katie bar the door for the US population.  The number of assassinations will increase.

Thanks, Republicans, for your lack of courage that will help lead the US to its next revolution. And now you know why I qualify as a political curmudgeon. END ENTRY #465

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

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#464. Whadda Mean I Can’t Rebuild? It’s My Right!

11 Tuesday Oct 2022

Posted by in Common Sense Policies, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #464: West Coast of Florida: In the aftermath of widespread destruction from hurricane Ian, many residents along the West Coast of Florida are asking, “You mean climate change is real? Governor Ron DeSantis and Fox Alleged News never told me! How would I have known?”

Yes, many of the same hardline, anti-big government Republicans are now demanding taxpayers provide funds to allow them to rebuild houses and business destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Further, according the Fox-and-Friends, taxpayers should make up any financial losses not covered by insurance.

“After I rebuild, I want guaranteed low- cost insurance against future hurricanes. These are my rights as a Republican.”

Well folks, sorry about your loss. Some of the stories are truly heartbreaking.  Many of you probably had no flood insurance. But you know what? Decisions do have consequences.

Let’s talk about the facts. Hurricanes enter the Gulf of Mexico nearly every year. Periodically hurricanes reach category 4 or 5. Whether you believe in climate change or not, it is well known that the sea level in the Gulf of Mexico has been rising for decades.

If you believed the West Coast of Florida was immune from destruction caused by hurricanes and a rising sea, then you probably voted for Trump and DeSantis, and maybe even the Easter Bunny as well.

For those on the barrier islands, you realize I hope barrier islands are so named for a reason. The land of the island is a barrier or break against the sea. Another fact – building too many low-rise homes and covering over too much land that previously could absorb water increases the likelihood and intensity of floods.

Not one of these facts is a secret. All the information is publicly available, except maybe if you watch Fox.

Put the shoe on the other foot.  If someone else went ahead with all those known risky decisions, would you pay to bail them out? Come on. probably not.  So, please tell me why you think taxpayers in the upper Midwest should bail you out from what was obviously a series of high-risk, frankly stupid decisions.

If you disagree, then make your case: (i) why taxpayers should bail you out; (ii) why you should be allowed to rebuild in a place where you never should have built in the first place?  Even if you can afford to lose everything, rebuilding increases the risk for everyone else.

OK, go throw a tantrum and claim that the “deep state” is trying to confiscate your property. When you’re finished shouting and pouting, come back to the real world and discuss why you think you should be able to rebuild on land that’s going to get destroyed again.  Just as a reminder, the government allows people to own land.  You do not have an inherent right to own land. END ENTRY#464

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/

#463. What Do Republicans Stand for?

01 Saturday Oct 2022

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Common Sense Policies, Uncategorized

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Welcome to a discussion about the upcoming 5th Revolution in the US, which I’ve titled the “Revenge Revolution.” For more about the Revenge Revolution and the author, Entry #1.  Periodically I write a “sense check” to assess whether a revolution in the US is possible or whether the entire exercise is based on a statistical aberration — i.e., a roughly 50-year cycle between major upheavals in the US. Entry #430 was the most recent “sense check.”

BEGIN ENTRY #463: Over many years, only once do I remember voting a straight ticket – the 2020 presidential election – although I might have voted a straight Republican ticket when I first started.  Just don’t remember. 

With the 2022 midterms rapidly approaching, I’ve been reviewing candidates for whom I can vote as well as selected other influential candidates. Whereas political candidates always are prone to some bluster, one should be able to get a sense whether the candidate understands key issues facing the country, and whether the candidate has feasible solutions to address issues.

 Here’s my simple question – could someone please tell me what Republican candidates stand for? From all indications, Republicans are opposed to virtually any idea, even those previously promoted by Republicans. As obvious is their opposition, it is not obvious how Republican candidates intend to address the country’s problems, or the problems worldwide that affect us.

I get regular updates from the House rep, and the one senator, who is not retiring.  Both reps are Republicans. The updates to constituents are similar – opposed to this idea; opposed to that idea; this other idea won’t work; this idea is a burden on society, etc.  Communiques from neither offer credible references supporting claims or offer links to find out more information.  I guess I’m just supposed to trust them.

Equally frustrating has been an effort to discuss with staffs of the two members of Congress possible practical solutions to climate change.  The solutions have been developed by an apolitical group of MIT alumni of which I am a member. Virtually every proposed solution from the group creates jobs.

To members of Congress, is the welfare of constituents important?  Apparently not because neither MOC or staffs will take time to discuss proposed solutions because …well, I guess if you or a staff member discusses practical solutions to climate change, you can’t claim climate change is a hoax.

So, back to my question.  Could someone please let me know what Republican candidates stand for, other than more tax cuts for the wealthy? Thanks. END ENTRY #463

Other Topics. Interested in more info about climate change, what’s required to electrify a fleet of cars/trucks, what it was like to work day-to-day with Lee Iacocca and an array of other topics? Visit another page of this website, https://usrevolution5.com/jrd-thought-comments/