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~ USA Headed for a 5th Revolution! Why?

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Category Archives: Societal Issues

#473 Is Black History Month Perpetuating Discrimination?

12 Sunday Feb 2023

Posted by Jordan Abel in Education Issues, Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #473: For the past few years, I’ve been troubled by the following question. ”Is designating a month, February, as special for studying a particular race, in this case blacks, helping reduce discrimination or inadvertently perpetuating discrimination?“ Today is President Lincoln’s birthday, which seems an appropriate day to raise the question and provide some boundaries for the discussion.

The dilemma, at least from my perspective, seems to arise from what I think is a long-standing goal within the black community – assimilation. Assimilation in the sense of recognition as equals, not assimilation by eliminating blacks as a race.

The original intent of Black History Month seems noble – make US citizens more aware of accomplishments by blacks in the arts, science, humanities, and other areas. And the month seems to address some of those accomplishments.

The month also, intentionally or not, seems filled with articles and claims of “woe is me.”  Articles and commentary that delve into past discrimination, what’s wrong with society today, why blacks are being denied this or denied that.

Granted, I have not spent an immense amount of time digging deep into all the conversations. However, what seems to be missing from these conversations now – and over at least the last 10 years – is an honest, discussion by blacks of how they intend to help solve the problem.  What are blacks going to do to improve their own lot?

And the answer is not more busing to different schools.  More busing per se will not improve the education level for most blacks. Education requires a commitment to learn, not just getting on a bus and riding to a different school. 

And the answer is not more black coaches in the National Football League.  What more black coaches or black quarterbacks in the NFL have to do with improving the economic well-being of blacks in general is beyond me. And even more of a waste of time is whining when a black coach gets fired.  Outside of a handful of coaches in NFL history, all coaches are fired at some point.

I’ve made this observation in the past blog entries, but it seems worth repeating.  And the observation seems so basic. If every other ethnic group entering the US has managed to become assimilated in two generations – three at the most – why haven’t blacks?

All other ethnic groups were discriminated against and, some still are.  If you don’t think so, read some history of the early 20th Century and then some stories of discrimination of these groups as recently as last week. Do you hear any of these ethnic groups whining about discrimination? Not that I know of.

What has been the formula for these groups? A commitment to education. Not a commitment to football or basketball or the music. No, a widespread to commitment to general education. Where did that start? At the very local level, ideally with the family.

So why aren’t blacks leaders learning from these other ethnic groups and pushing for education starting at the family level? Ignore Ron DeSantis and his efforts in Florida to remove an advanced placement course in black history. Expending any effort on DeSantis is a waste of time because what he says might be annoying, but it cannot stop a legitimate effort to improve.

Instead, think about how to get children and young adults focused on education.  The education doesn’t have to be in college – skilled trades are needed and offer good paying jobs. And while you’re focusing on education, ask Congress to rename Black History Month to Black Education Month.  Focusing the conversation and efforts on education will pay dividends for members of the black community and gain much more support from the rest of society. END ENTRY #473

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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#472. Is There a Black Elephant in the Room?

31 Tuesday Jan 2023

Posted by Jordan Abel in Rebranding Black Community, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #472: The beating and eventual death of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police was a tragedy. Nothing about the police behavior seems rational.

Since Mr. Nichols death numerous people have expressed outrage, and rightfully so. My question is where should the outrage be directed?  Change is obviously needed, but where should we start?

In previous deaths by police of seemingly innocent black men, George Floyd, for example, the rage, especially in the black community, was directed at white police officers. The solution, many suggested, was more diversity throughout the police force, from senior officers to cops on the beat.

Such suggestions seemed perfectly rational. More black officers would better understand issues affecting the black community. More black officers also would help white officers better understand the issues.

The City of Memphis adopted many of these recommendations. Memphis installed a black, female chief of police and hired a substantial number of black police officers.

So, who was directly involved with the beating of Mr. Nichols? Black police officers. Not one or two officers, but five black officers.

 When the inevitable blame game started, who did the “talking heads” in the black community cite as the cause of Mr. Nichols death? The cause was not the five black officers, who were later terminated, but the cause was always something else.  Causes cited ranged from systematic racism by the police force, even though those directly involved were black, to the “boys in blue” are always unfair to the black community, even if the boys in blue are black, to as one high-profile columnist wrote, “America has failed the black community again.”

Huh?  Explain this to me, please.  Five black officers were part of a special unit established by the black chief of police to address excessive crime in a predominantly black area of Memphis. Part of that area is where Mr. McNichols lived. One the problems the special unit was to address included excessive speed on neighborhood streets. The police officers were directed to get tough on violators.

Well, based on the police videos taken when Mr. Nichols was pulled over, the police were way out of line given the possible infraction.  So, rather than automatically blaming someone, some system or some systemic attitude for Mr. Nichols death, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror and ask, “what’s the real problem here? Is there a black elephant in the room we don’t want to talk about? How much of that problem is being caused or being aggravated by members of the black community?”

The City of Memphis seems to have done virtually all of what black leaders previously asked of the police departments. More black managers, and more black officers. From all the evidence, Mr. Nichols did nothing outlandishly wrong, and did not resist. Yet five, yes five black officers savagely beat him. Does a blue uniform make one automatically racist? I think not, although to be fair I talked to a long-time black friend today who claimed the white police trained the black officers to be racist.  I let that comment slide and went on with the conversation.

Maybe it’s time to quit blaming others for many of the problems in the black community and for blacks to start taking more responsibility for making changes.  One thing is for certain.  Continuing to blame others for seemingly every ill in the black community is a surefire way to end up losing support of many outside the community trying to help. END ENTRY #472

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/

#470. Where’s There’s Smoke, There’s Hope.

06 Friday Jan 2023

Posted by Jordan Abel in Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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.”

ENTRY #470 BEGINS: On the 2nd Anniversary of one of the worst days in American history, I thought it might be worthwhile to discuss why I believe, “When There’s Smoke, There’s Hope.” When someone or some group starts to burn down something, there is always smoke and that sickening feeling. Those who are standing by have an option of doing nothing and watching something be destroyed or taking action and try to save whatever has been torched.

2023 seems to be a turning point for the US populace, where parts of society are saying “no” to the hard-right Republican torch carriers who want to burn the foundations of government and beginning to take action to save societal and cultural foundations.

Let’s look at a couple of examples of what’s happening now and what’s likely to happen in the coming weeks. What will these activities mean for the US Revolution V, the Revenge Revolution? First, as noted in earlier blog entries, the Revenge Revolution has started, and the Revenge Revolution will continue. However, what is starting to occur now is a coalescence of groups to counter the forces promulgating the Revenge Revolution. 

The end result should be the good guys win. Like all revolutions, however, life post revolution will be different. Fortunately, post Revenge Revolution core societal values will remain intact.

What’s likely to happen near term? We the (American) people – in today’s political climate, “We the people” seems like an oxymoron – will begin to start working together rather pulling in opposite directions.  And while “We the people” might seem like an oxymoron, even thinking “We the people” will make progress might make me a moron. 

Regardless of progress, 2023 looks to be filled with lots of smoke. In the last four (4) days – 01/03/23 to 01/06/23, members of the House of Representatives have been voting to select a Speaker of the House.  To be elected Speaker requires a simple majority of votes from members.  After 3.5 days, and 12 votes, no speaker has been elected.  Republicans, who have a thin majority in the House, cannot decide who should be awarded the Speaker’s gavel. [Late afternoon 01/06, McCarthy was 0 for 13, although picked up some votes.]

Republicans have been so fractured, that until the 12th vote, a Democrat received more votes than any Republican.  Taking this long to elect the Speaker hasn’t happened since 1859, and we all know what came a few years later.

The Republican front-runner for Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, apparently has been willing to compromise on any issue in order to be elected. Such behavior does not bode well for governing. On the contrary, such behavior might bode well for getting the American public, particularly Republicans, to finally understand that both parties need to be reasonably rational in their approach.

Why does the ineptness of the Republican Party and the resulting chaos provide a ray of hope?  The ray of hope is a growing percentage of Republicans appear to be disgusted with the behavior and demands of the far-right Trump MAGAts.  Many of these Republicans seem to be rethinking how the Party should operate. How soon they will take action is another story since they’ve proved to be remarkably spineless the past six plus (6+) years.

Another ray of hope is the likely prosecution of Trump for an array of illegal activities while president. The January 6th Committee recently released numerous transcripts that added to the pile of evidence about criminal behavior by Trump and his family.

How many Republicans will finally admit Trump is a crook remains to be seen. But, the results of the midterm elections and the constant smoke from the January 6th committee is a hopeful sign.

OK, so you still think I’m a moron for being so optimistic. The Revenge Revolution, as noted in a couple of previous entries, effectively started when Trump was elected president. The Revenge Revolution has grown more insidious – the 01/06/21 insurrection is a good example – and now we have a Republican Party going at least 0 for 12 in being able to elect someone to hold the gavel to manage meetings.

An old saying suggests it is always darkest before dawn. The darkest part of the night is not yet over. However, at the beginning of 2023 we seem closer to dawn than we do to dusk — a positive sign. More to come. ENTRY #470 ENDS

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/

#469. The Truth Solstice. Thanks 01/06 Committee.

20 Tuesday Dec 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #469: Thank you, January 6th Committee, for shedding light on America’s darkest day. December 21, 2022 will be the day a full report from the Committee is released.  In addition to December 21 being known as the Winter Solstice, it should be known as the “Truth Solstice.”

Every U.S. citizen, regardless of political preference, should be grateful the Committee has been shining light on events leading up to the January 6th insurrection and shining light on who was leading the charge. Shining light on truth is not a political issue but critical for a democracy to function long term.

If you are a diehard Trump supporter, imagine the same actions leading up to the 01/06 insurrection, but rather than actions being led by Trump, the actions were led by a Democratic president. Would you still want the investigation suppressed?  We know the answer, and the answer is, “No!”

We, all US citizens, should be eternally grateful for the fortitude and sacrifices of members of the January 6th Committee in providing this country with the “Truth Solstice.” END ENTRY #469

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/

#466. What’s Ahead for the US?

25 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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.”

ENTRY #466: It is Thanksgiving weekend 2022. I started this blog entry over a week ago after having waited a couple of weeks after the mid-term elections. So, what I have I learned by waiting?

The results of the midterms were a bit of a relief, at least temporarily. While there has been a lot of ink about the results of the 2022 midterms, my take is rational Republicans and Democrats took charge and the American public should be generally pleased by the outcomes.

Not to say all is rosy. Even though Republicans gained far fewer seats in the House of Representatives than expected, rational voters should be concerned the incoming House leadership will be a triumvirate of whackos – McCarthy, Green, and Jordan. The far-right trio will generate a lot of noise in the House, but fortunately, all the efforts will end up being for show and of little consequence. 

The brakes on the Trumpian trifecta will be by the Senate, where Democrats will retain at least 50 seats. In addition, based on voters’ expressions in the mid-terms, some Republicans from “purple” states are likely to join Democrats on key issues.

What may be most encouraging for the longer term is a majority of voters in more balanced purple states elected candidates committed to the Federal and state constitutions rather than the Trump autocracy.  Georgia, for example, reelected Republican Brad Raffensperger to Secretary of State by a significant margin.  Raffensperger, scorned by Trump, clearly drew some Democratic voters.  The election in Georgia was not unique.  Overall, most of the Trump-endorsed candidates were defeated. 

As of this writing, there is one major congressional race to be decided — the Georgia senate race. The runoff is in early December between a highly educated preacher, who is currently filling out a term, Ralph Warnock, and a former Heisman Trophy winner, who played at Georgia, but never bothered to graduate, Herschel Walker.

Why Republicans nominated Walker to run is a mystery. While Mr. Walker certainly had a stellar college football career, his academic accomplishments are what one would generously call “limited.”  As they say in the south, “bless his little heart.“

We shall see if Georgia voters continue to be reasonably rational and avoid electing a senator that can’t put two sentences together, Mr. Walker, or elect someone who is highly respected and understands voters, and how things need to work.

Where do the results of the mid-terms lead? From earlier blog entries, fair to say I think the 5th US Revolution, aka the Revenge Revolution, has started. The 5th Revolution started in earnest when Trump became president, and the cultural war has intensified since.

Much like the 4th US Revolution in the 1960s, early 1970s, this revolution will drag out for a while. And over time different factions will come to the fore to lead the insurrection.

Part of the revolution will continue to be mass killings. In the last two weeks there have been three high-profile mass shootings. One was at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs where five people were killed and 18 or more injured.

That same weekend and what received almost no press was the arrest of two far-right extremists at Penn Station. The individuals were armed and wore body armor, as well as swastika patches.  Apparently the two were headed to one or more synagogues in NYC.

The second high-profile shooting was at the University of Virginia where three football players were killed.  The third incident was at a Walmart, also in Virginia, where six employees were killed by a manager. 

Given the spate of incidents and the continued death threats against members of Congress, and other people in government – when did government doctors become the “enemy”? – what seems likely in the next few months is a successful assassination of a high-profile Democrat in Congress or a “liberal“ member of SCOTUS.

Even though Trump seems to be more and more marginalized by his own party and the right-wing media – Rupert Murdoch’s New York Post mocked his announcement about running in 2024 – Republicans in the House seem hell-bent on rallying Trump’s hard-core base, even if their actions pose a serious threat to democracy.

A surge of the far right is not a new phenomenon. In the 1930s, and even during World War II,  far-right supporters of Nazi Germany included high-profile Americans – Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford I, for example.  In addition, at least 24 members of Congress were supporters of Nazi Germany.

The Nazi-supporting members of Congress were influential in thwarting investigations by the Department of Justice into who in Congress was involved in taking payments from Nazi Germany. (For a good introduction to the people involved and some activities of the far right in the late 1930s and early 1940s, listen to the podcast “Ultra,“ which is hosted by and partially written by Rachel Maddow.  Put aside your politics and listen to some straight-up history that you should not want repeated.)

Another bit of optimism why the length of the 5th US Revolution might be tempered.  After the far-right members of Congress were “outed” for their support of Nazi Germany, most were voted out of office in the next election.  Some supporters never were endorsed by their party, even those with decades of service in Congress. My hope is the public in the US will awaken and vote the supporters of the insurrection out of office. 

Defeat of the Trump MAGAts in the midterms might be an inkling of how fed up many voters are with members of Congress taking extreme positions, especially positions on the far right.  A further indication of frustration may become apparent over the next 6-9 months as the public is exposed to the three-ring circus in the House led by ringmasters McCarthy, Jordan and Greene. 

In parallel with the  circus in the House, more information about Trump’s illegal activities will be released – from tax evasion, to…wanna bet…unreported income from foreign governments, especially governments in the Middle East and Russia. Don’t be surprised if there’s a charge of money laundering as well.  Analyzing Trump is straightforward – just follow the money.

As far as presidential candidates for 2024, lots of emerging candidates on either side. However, way too early to guess who is likely to emerge. Historically many of the early front runners became “also rans” before the third or fourth primary. I’ll bet neither Trump nor Biden is the nominee.

Back to the next 6-9 months, keep your fingers crossed the amount of violence does not escalate.  And keep your fingers crossed the DOJ vigorously pursues those involved with the insurrection of January 6, starting with the lead dog.  More later. END ENTRY #466

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/

#465. I’m Now Officially a Political Curmudgeon

29 Saturday Oct 2022

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

≈ Leave a comment

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/

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

11 Tuesday Oct 2022

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

≈ Leave a comment

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/

#454. SCOTUS Leads Return of the Crusades!

04 Monday Jul 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #454. The subject of this entry seems apprpriate for July 4th. While the country celebrates the declaration of independence from Britian, the religous right and SCOTUS celebrate destruction of what has made the US a becon of light for many people and countries worldwide.

In 1492 when Columbus bumped into America while looking for a passage to India, Christians were ousting Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. The terms offered were simple — if you wanna stay on the Peninsula, you must convert to Christianity. Otherwise, you’re exiled and more likely, you’re toast.

Here we are 500+ years later and the head of the religious right, Donald Trump, appointed a kangaroo court that is leading another crusade. Just like 1492, the kangaroo court is effectively forcing beliefs of hard-right Christianity on the population. For those who don’t want to buy in, the same options exist today as in 1492 – leave or be prosecuted.

Trump’s kangaroo court, aka SCOTUS, is taking away rights from individuals – blacks and browns now have fewer voting rights; immigrants are unwelcome, unless, of course, they’re from Western countries and not Jewish or Muslim; women need to join the Amy Barrett cult and turn over control of ther bodies to men; and everyone must bow down to the great fossil-fuel industry, which, unlike the EPA, has always proved benevolent and worked diligently in the public’s best interest. Besides, killing the EPA is a good thing. Plants like all that carbon dioxide.

Just to demonstrate how thoughtful SCOTUS is toward helping everyone understand their new set of “rights,” the kangaroo court plans to affirm the law in Texas that lets vigilantes track down people who might have helped those sinful women get an abortion. We, the religious right, know what’s best for you.

What has happened to Spain since the religious right forcibly reshaped a multi-cultural society into a monolithic one? Spain has deteriorated from a great international power to an also ran. For many years, Spain has been a nice place to visit and not much else.

Will the US suffer the same fate? Unlike Republicans in Congress, the hard-right members of SCOTUS are elected for life. Now that the kangaroos have tasted political power, they will no longer be satisfied with interpreting the law. The kangaroos now can set social policy to control actions of the populace without any repercussions.

Republican justices on SCOTUS already seem to be suffering from the age-old adage, “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.“

The far right’s biggest lackey on the court, Clarence Thomas, has encouraged attorneys general of Republican-controlled state and private organizations to file lawsuits that would roll back even more rights of individuals. Take away more! Apparently, Thomas has forgotten how much he benefited from many of those rights. Nothing like a little denial and revisionist history to justify one’s actions.

Surprise, surprise. Following the recent decisions by SCOTUS, some people were upset. And how did the Republican justices react to people exercising their 1st Amendment rights? Let’s take away those rights by banning anyone from protesting in front of a justice’s residence. How dare those people protest!

Where does a SCOTUS-led religious crusade end up? Hard to tell but the intervening battles are going to be more than a few peaceful protests at the justice’s residences. SCOUS’ actions have already ratcheted up the intensity of the 5th US Revolution.

Originally, I thought the 5th US Revolution, labeled the Revenge Revolution, would be about economic inequity. Based on the actions of SCOTUS, particularly decisions the most recent term, the 5th US Revolution will be focused more on individual rights.

SCOTUS has also increased the likely intensity of the seemingly inevitable armed battle between the religious right and others, with more bloodshed than originally envisioned. Attribute this directly to SCOTUS. SCOTUS’ decision now allows virtually everyone to pack heat wherever they want and no permit is needed. In addition, why not allow virtually anyone to buy an assault rifle?

Don’t be surprised if the next term, SCOTUS takes on a case that could overturn Brown V Board of Education, thereby reinstating Plessy. And it’s only just begun. END ENTRY #454.

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/  

#452. “They’re Coming to Take Me Away”

14 Tuesday Jun 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Causes of the Revolution, Post Trump Presidency, Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #452: Since the election of president Biden, former president Trump has continued to make wild and unsubstantiated claims about the election being stolen and that he should be reinstated. As the House Select Committee has presented more testimony by Trump’s own staff and family refuting Trump’s assertions, I was reminded of a song from the mid-1960’s.

The title seemed to capture Trump’s sustained bizarre behavior. The mid-1960’s song was titled, “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-haa.” I took the liberty of tweaking the words to reflect Trump’s likely mental state. If you’ve never heard the song before, take a listen. The lyrics were a bit jarring even for the mid-1960’s.

As far as the tweaked lyrics, don’t try and read too much into them. The original lyrics were unusual at best and I tried to maintain a substantial portion of them. So, just enjoy.

“They’re Coming to Take Me (the Donald) Away“

Remember when you took a dive, lied
And voted to oust me as #45
I begged you I can’t leave just yet
Because I’d go berserk, I fret

Well, some like you voted me out anyway
And then my days got worse and worse
And now you see I’ve gone berserk,
Completely out of my mind

And they’re coming to take me away ha-haaa
They’re coming to take me away ho ho, hee hee, ha haaa
To the funny farm
Where life is beautiful all the time
And I’ll be happy to see those nice young folks
In their pretty, clean white coats
And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa

You always thought I was a joke
And so you laughed with other folks
You laughed out loud when I said
That by losing the vote, I’d flip my lid

Right? You know you laughed
I heard you laugh. You laughed
You laughed and said, “Oh, well, too bad”
But now you know I’m utterly mad

And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa
They’re coming to take me away ho ho, hee hee, ha haaa
To the happy home with trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa

I paid for your food, and all the clothes
I paid for the house, NY and Mar-a-Lago
And this is how you pay me back
For all my kind unselfish, loving deeds

Ha! Well, you just wait
MAGAts will find you yet and when they do
They’ll put you in with all the bums
You know who – that Barr, Jared, Ivanka, too

And they’re coming to take me away ha haaa
They’re coming to take me away ha haaa, ho ho, hee hee
To the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time
And I’ll be happy to see those nice young folks
In their pretty and clean lovely white coats

Relevance of #452. If you are asking yourself why is Entry #452 relevant to a discussion about a possible 5th US Revolution, then think about the implications for the country as more and more evidence is released by the House Select Committee. Whether or not you supported Trump, if the evidence indicates likely criminal behavior, the former president needs to be brought to trial. Otherwise there will be no guardrails on the behavior of any future president, Democrat or Republican. And, there will be no democracy.

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/  

#451. “Solving Climate Change Is Too Complicated. Can’t Be Done!” (Wrong)

09 Thursday Jun 2022

Posted by Jordan Abel in Societal Issues, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

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 #451: As noted occasionally in this blog, the “real me” is a member of a group of fellow MIT Alumni working on developing, assessing, and/or recommending practical solutions to climate change. The vision is to provide guidance to government, industry and the public about actions that should result in slowing the increase in the earth’s temperature to ~2.0oC by 2100. The baseline temperature is pre-Industrial Revolution.

One of the workgroups held a Zoom call on June 6. Part of the call was devoted to reviewing a deck of PowerPoint slides that could be used to help educate the general public about causes of climate change and possible solutions.

One slide, describing the difficulty of the task, was titled “Very Difficult to Solve but Possible.” Almost immediately one member of the group strenuously objected to the word “Possible” in the title. He claimed there was really no solution to climate change, and we should not imply that there was. Several people objected, and I believe rightfully so.

Because a problem is extremely difficult to solve does not mean it cannot be solved. Apparently, he forgot we all went to MIT.

In addition, I found the objection ironic, given that the meeting was on the 78th anniversary of D-Day. What if the commanders of the Allied forces had decided that trying to retake much of Western Europe from the Axis was too difficult? That the landing at Normandy was too difficult and too dangerous? Had those efforts been deemed too difficult, what kind of world would we have today?

My father-in-law was one of those who participated in D-Day, landing at Omaha Beach, 2nd wave. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. While training in England before D-Day, he volunteered as a waist gunner on bombing runs over Germany. Thank goodness he and thousands of others who fought in WWII did not think retaking Western Europe was too difficult.

After spending the last few years trying to help address climate change, I believe that we, societal we, can solve the problem and avoid a catastrophe for mankind worldwide. The necessary effort will be as complex and difficult as the Americans and Allies found in World War II. Another layer of difficulty will be the time required. Rather than a war effort of 4-5 years, the “war on climate change” is going to last for probably 50 years, or more.

Yes, during those 50 years, there will be rationing and restrictions. There will be other inconveniences as well. To address the causes of climate change, life is not going to return to what was once considered “normal.”

Life after WWII was different than before WWII. As with post-WWII, if the climate change effort is managed properly, there will be widespread implementation of new technology and creation of many job opportunities.

Getting there is not going to be easy. As a nation we need to put on our big-boy pants, quit whining that the solution is too difficult, and start acting like adults. Everyone is society is going to be affected by climate change and everyone needs to commit to a solution.

We need to begin thinking about addressing climate change in much the same way the US and the Allies viewed D-Day. There’s really not much choice. It’s a “do” or “die” situation. END #451

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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