Category Archives: Societal Issues

#441 What Does One Pray for?

09 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in Societal Issues, 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 #441: At the beginning of services last Friday night, the rabbi asked congregants to do something.  Doubtless, a similar request was made at services of all faiths throughout the weekend and, unfortunately, likely will be repeated for weeks or months to come.

The rabbi asked congregants to pray for the people of Ukraine. I listened and thought the request was quite appropriate. Then I thought, just what am I going to pray for? The Ukrainians have done nothing wrong. The Ukrainians are completely innocent. So, rather than praying for the Ukrainian people, shouldn’t I be praying for Vladamir Putin to quit being so stupid and arrogant? Shouldn’t I be praying for Putin to become incapacitated or even die so then the Russians can withdraw from Ukraine?

I must not be good at praying because praying for something negative to happen doesn’t seem right. And praying for innocent people not to get killed or injured doesn’t seem right either. Maybe I should just be praying for the situation to end peacefully and quietly.  Doing so might be a good start.

#440: Adding a Question When Discussing Black Suppression

27 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Education Issues, Societal Issues, 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.”

ENTRY #440 BEGINS: We are near the end of February, which some years ago, was designated as Black History Month. A major event during this month was the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next associate justice of the Supreme Court and, if confirmed, would be the first black woman to serve on SCOTUS.

Judge Jackson has stellar educational and work credentials. Two other possible nominees, also black women, are also highly educated and qualified.

During February, while the speculation about the SCOTUS nominee received considerable media attention, there was also frequent mention from various high-profile blacks that we, societal we, need to have an honest conversation about the history of how blacks have been suppressed over time.

I agree that historical suppression of blacks is a fair topic. I also think the conversation about the effects of suppression needs to include a simple question. “Why has every other ethnic group in the US been able to move up the economic ladder within two to three generations?”

Before claiming these other ethnic groups weren’t discriminated against or suppressed like blacks, one needs to read the history books. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were signs reading, “No Irish or dogs allowed.”  Similar signs were put up about Italians and various other groups, some far more recently.

Targeting non-black groups continues today.  The march in Charlottesville, VA during the early days of the Trump administration, in addition to targeting blacks, targeted Jews.  In the past couple of years, several synagogues have been attacked and a number of people killed.

So back to the question that needs to be discussed, “why have blacks continued at the bottom rung of the economic ladder for so long?”  Yes, I understand the question is politically incorrect and may even be offensive to some people.  However, without addressing such difficult questions, progress becomes impossible.

Over time education has proved to be a key for upward mobility.  Education does not mean everyone should or needs to go to college.  Technical training is an ideal route for many. 

The discussion also needs to ask whether society is providing the right kind of support for blacks.  While modern school buildings and access to an iPad are nice, education only works when the individual has the desire to learn and is willing to commit time and effort to learning.

Without that desire and commitment at the individual level, educational efforts are as effective as pushing on a string.   No matter how much energy is expended pushing on the string, not much happens at the other end.

As demonstrated repeatedly by other ethnic groups, even with a desire for and a commitment to education, significant economic mobility will take several generations.  For blacks specifically, the Emancipation Proclamation was about 160 years ago, or 6-7 generations. There have been three generations since the SCOTUS decision of Brown v. Board of Education, which overturned the separate but equal clause from Plessy v. Ferguson.

A controversial idea.  Maybe it is time to revisit the ideas of Plessy, but this time with fair implementation.  For many black families, there has been limited exposure to post-secondary education.  The transition from high school to college is difficult for most every student.  And with fewer family experiences to draw on, the transition for black students might be even more difficult.

Is it time that we, back to societal we, consider beefing up resources provided to various historically black colleges and universities?  HBCU’s could be an ideal environment for many black students to achieve the transition between high school and college.   HCBU’s have produced a plethora of highly successful graduates, including VP of the US, Kamala Harris. 

The scope of education at HCBU’s could be expanded to include more courses in the skilled trades.  As the economy becomes more reliant on digital-based equipment, the education for skilled trades needs to increase the amount of technical knowledge in addition to teaching the skills of the particular trade. 

To begin to grasp how much more sophisticated the equipment is than 10-years ago and certainly 20-years ago, one only needs to look at a recent episode of “This Old House.”  Even more striking is the difference in the use of digital-driven equipment in manufacturing.    

The technical training at HBCU’s could be complemented with business training.  Not everyone needs to earn an MBA, but many students would be well served by classes in the fundamentals of operating a business — accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, etc. 

The combination of some traditional education and technical training could help HCBU’s become a major source of highly skilled graduates for many industries.  Some HCBU’s could add a co-op program that would allow students with limited resources to earn enough money for tuition and living expense while also getting an education and real-world experience. 

These ideas do not eliminate the reality of the effects of suppression of blacks.  The ideas do help change the focus toward the future.  Rather than driving while only looking in the rearview mirror, blacks can start driving while looking through the windshield and occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror.  Doing so will speed up the trip away from the bottom rung of the economic ladder.   

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/  

#439 Whose Right and Who’s Wrong?

13 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, 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.”

ENTRY #439 BEGINS: The pandemic seems to have spurred many people to begin claiming their individual rights have been violated. But when it comes to decisions affecting others, who has the right?

Many of the claims of individual rights center on wearing masks and/or requiring vaccinations. So let’s assess, “whose right and who’s wrong?

Many anti-maskers claim no one can force them to wear a mask. Well, the mandate does not force anyone to wear a mask. The mandate only forces a mask if you are involved in certain behavior. Want to avoid the mandate? Then stay at home.

But if you want to go shopping, say at a grocery store, then who has the right to decide whether a mask is required? If the store requires all shoppers and staff to wear a mask, then the store is not discriminating against anyone. Everyone who shops there must wear a mask.

Anti-maskers claim their rights are being violated by the mask requirement. How are rights being violated? Everyone who shops at the grocery store must wear a mask. If you don’t want to shop for groceries at the store, buy groceries elsewhere or buy them online and have the groceries delivered. No one is being singled out. Everyone who shops at the grocery store must follow the same rules.

If a restaurant requires a coat and tie to eat dinner there and welcomes all who comply, then how are individual rights being violated? Don’t want to wear a coat and tie? Then eat elsewhere.

What about an employer requiring vaccinations? Everyone who works for the employer is a subject to the same requirement. Whose rights are being violated. The employer has a right, and in most cases is required legally, to protect the safety of employees. Don’t like the rules of the company? Get another job.

Another high profile, but more complicated and controversial story about individual rights, is an alleged claim of discrimination by the New York Giants, and implicitly the NFL, in considering candidates for a new head coach. One of the candidates, who was not hired, claims in a class-action suit that the New York Giants and all 32 NFL teams discriminate against prospective him, in part because he’s black.

Huh? Maybe the New York Giants didn’t want to hire the guy because his record as a coach was mediocre and was fired from his last job.

Part of the plaintiff’s claim notes about 70% of the NFL players are black. OK, so they’re black. From all indications those players were selected for the teams based on their ability to play football, not because they were black.

If race were key criteria in selecting players, then less than 20% of the players in the NFL, and the NBA, would be black. If merit is a key criteria for playing, why isn’t merit a key criteria for hiring coaches?

No one is forcing black athletes to play in the NFL or NBA. If the players or prospective players believe their rights are being violated, don’t join the NFL. Find something else to do.

Individuals do have many rights and those rights are sometimes infringed upon. For example, a question for those claiming the mask requirement violates their individual rights. What’s your position on the rights of women to seek an abortion?

Whose rights are superior, the rights of the individual woman or the rights of a bunch of elected officials, most of whom that promote abortion restrictions are male?

Does the argument that companies and organizations have rights that sometimes supersede an individual’s rights mean there is no discrimination? Not at all.

But the idea that an individual‘s rights always supersede everyone else’s is simplistic, selfish and non-workable. FYI anti-maskers, a democracy is created when a group of people decide to relinquish certain individual rights in favor of an organization to oversee the collective rights of the citizens. That organization is called government. By the way, the way to make changes in a democracy is called voting.

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/

#437.  Congress Is Killing Your Kids and Grandkids.

29 Saturday Jan 2022

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, 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.”

START ENTRY #437: For the past two years I’ve been involved with a group of fellow MIT alumni trying to develop practical, non-partisan solutions to climate change. The group, which includes a broad base of educational backgrounds and work experiences, has developed a roadmap of solutions.

The idea of a roadmap is not unique to the group. Others have developed a roadmap as well, suggesting solutions similar to ours.  However, I think we’re providing more specificity about how to implement the recommendations.

While I can’t speak for the other groups, I can state we believe that the biggest barrier to addressing climate change is not the technology. Existing technology can be used to make huge strides toward reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The biggest barrier is “political will.”   Just to be clear, my definition of political will assumes “moral, ethical behavior,” “counting country before self” and “courage to do the right thing, even if you don’t benefit personally.”

The adjective “political” applies to more than office holders. The term “political” applies to people who vote for perspective office holders.

We, societal we, elect the people to represent us and to make decisions for us. Voting for a candidate of a particular party, especially one with a track record of no political will on key issues is being irresponsible as a citizen.

I would liken it to handing over the keys of your car to someone whom you know is grossly inebriated. Then, you jumping in the passenger seat and not buckling your seatbelt. How much more irresponsible do you want to be?  Yet, putting your life in the hands of a drunk driver is what we, again societal we, are doing with respect to addressing climate change.

In Congress all Republican and a couple of Democrats refuse to support legislation to address climate change. Why?  Are money and power so important they are willing to create economic and social calamity for your children or grandchildren?

Apparently so because some Senators gets their panties in a wad over a few social programs rather than addressing causes of climate change and putting the population at great risk.

The idea that climate change programs are “too expensive” is pure, unadulterated BS. In case Republican senators didn’t know, the Federal Reserve controls the money supply.  And, despite claims by Republicans to the contrary, the US government has considerable assets backing up the issuance of money.  Assets as in land, buildings, highways, etc.

Hard assets are not the case for all currencies in the US.  Maybe the senators don’t realize that companies issuing stock is the same as creating currency and many of these companies have virtually no assets.  Even worse is cryptocurrency, which is based on a computer program and has zero assets supporting it.

If you don’t think climate change is a threat, then you need to wake up.  What is happening to weather now and labeled by Fox as a “1-in-a-100 years” event is going to intensify for the next 75+ years.  Today, there is an ice sheet in Antarctica that’s roughly the same size as Florida.  (Numerous articles.) 

The sheet has split from the base and climatologist estimate the sheet could separate completely in the next five years or so.  There’s enough ice that when it melts, the ocean levels are expected to rise by 2 feet.

If you don’t think 2 feet is a lot of water, then go to Florida, the North Carolina barrier islands, New Jersey, New York, any place on the coast and measure how much farther inland 2 feet of water will carry at high tide with a full moon. Then add 2 feet of water to any surge associated with a hurricane or major storm.  Now start counting the number of cities that will have serious floods flooding problems and may become uninhabitable.

So why then do we keep supporting members of Congress who put self before country and money before the welfare of your kids or grandkids? If you’ve got an answer, please let me know. END: #437

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/

#436.  Is Supporting Unethical Behavior the New Norm?

23 Sunday Jan 2022

Posted by in 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.”

START ENTRY #436: Time to sit back and ask yourself a few questions. 

  • If a friend or family member repeatedly exhibited unethical behavior, would you still associate with that person?  
  • If someone repeatedly promised in public to do something and then did just the opposite, would you want to associate with that person? 
  • If that person used one logic stream to justify behavior for one event and then, for a second, almost identical event, used a different logic stream to justify completely opposite behavior, would you want to associate with that person? 
     

My guess is, if a friend or family member consistently exhibited one or more of these type behaviors, you wouldn’t want to maintain a relationship.  You’d likely walk away and sever the relationship. 

Then why, when politicians exhibit the same behaviors, do members of the political party and voters for that party reward them?  Why does unethical behavior in a politician get rewarded and the same behavior from one of your personal friends get punished? 

When I started to write this blog entry, I thought politicians were the problem. I’ve changed my mind. No, politicians are not the problem. The problem is the public. We the public, are acting like idiots. We are rewarding behavior that we despise in others. 

Let’s take voting rights as an example. If elections do not represent the will of the people, then there is no democracy. What are politicians doing to ensure democracy continues?  Republicans are on a rampage to restrict voting rights, primarily the rights of Democrats and mostly members of the black and brown communities. Republican tactics range from extreme gerrymandering to restricting physical voting locations to applying arbitrary limits on the number of absentee ballots. 
 
While Republican supporters might take glee in such actions, what do these Republicans supporters think will result? Yes, the House and Senate will become controlled by Republicans and then the president and can appoint more hard-right justices to SCOTUS. 
 
With such a majority, what is likely to happen? Past behavior is a great predictor of future behavior.  And past behavior of Republicans has been remarkably consistent.  There is no reason to expect a change.  

With such a Republican majority what will come out of Washington is a range of legislation, including:  

  1. Another tax cut justified as “trickle-down” economics to help the middle class.  Trickle-down economics is BS and no empirical evidence exists to support the theory.  The tax cut will be a wealth transfer to the already rich and super rich. 
  1. Likely cuts to “entitlements,” you know the “entitlements” titled Social Security, Medicare and some other benefits that you paid for.  
  1. Cut in funding or elimination of programs to address global warming.  The impact of these cutbacks won’t be evident for a few years so the politicians will have retired and won’t get blamed.  Now, think about who’s going to suffer from the cutbacks?  Your children and especially your grandchildren. 
  1. Cuts in funding for public education because all good Republicans know “public education is inefficient.”  The funds will be transferred to private schools, which most people can’t afford even with subsidies.   And, FYI, public education is efficient.  

So Republican voters and self-proclaimed patriots, what will these Republican legislators do for you? Nothing but make your life worse. 
 
I know you don’t believe me. So, why not decide for yourself.  A good first step would be to take a real hard look at how Republican legislation since Ronald Reagan has benefitted the vast majority of Americans.  Look at middle-class incomes adjusted for inflation and middle-class wealth as a percent of the total wealth.  Then compare the percentage of middle-class wealth to the wealth of the top 2-3% of US households.  

If the discrepancies are not obvious, take another look.  My friend you have been hoodwinked by the Republican Party. 
 
You have been fed buffalo chips for 40+ years. If you want a bigger pile of buffalo chips, then continue to cheer for the unethical behavior of Republicans, especially those in the Senate.  Those who refuse to support the right to vote for all Americans.  Those who claim to help the middle class when in fact they are hurting the middle-class economically.  Those who claim to be concerned about the well-being of Americans and take actions that do just the opposite. 
 
I agree that Republicans are not the only members who qualify for unethical behavior. Senators Manchin and Sinema qualify as well.  50 Republicans in the Senate along with Manchin and Sinema do not want a democracy.  By voting for the current slate of Republicans, you are enabling them to destroy the democracy.  And you are getting nothing in return. 
 
Seems like a good deal – give up a lot and get nothing in return. Hope you’re happy with the outcome when your Social Security and Medicare benefits get cut when Republicans claim “the deficit is too large and we can’t afford all those entitlements.”  The Republicans will forget to mention the reason the deficit is so high is because the wealthy are not remotely paying their fair share of taxes.  

I’ll state once again, maybe it is time to step back and ask yourself, “Are these the kind of people I want to associate with and to have such control over my life?” END #436

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/

#432. Say It Ain’t So, Joe

19 Sunday Dec 2021

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

≈ 1 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 #432:  My computer is having an extremely bad hair day so while it’s attempting to get ready for work, I thought I might draft another blog entry.

Early Sunday, 12/19/21, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced on Fox that he could not support the “social components” of president Biden’s Build Back Better legislation. Excuse me, Joe, where have you been that it has taken so long to decide?

Were you out soliciting more funds from the coal industry? How about soliciting funds from some countries that want to see the US fail?

You don’t need to conduct a lot of in-depth analysis to decide whether to support legislation that expands infrastructure as well as eliminates some glaring social inequities.  I realize it’s hard to see over the transom of your yacht, but your constituents in West Virginia don’t have a yacht and need help.

Say what you want or maybe even pray what you want, but the coal industry is DOA for any climate-change plan designed to save the planet from self-destruction.  You might not want coal to die but everyone under age 30 is going to kill it.  Besides coal-mining jobs in West Virginia have been declining for decades.

The problem for your West Virginia constituents is how to migrate quickly to and become competitive in an ever-increasing digital economy. West Virginia currently ranks 44th among states in the level of education, #50 in infrastructure and #50 in healthcare. Pretty good ratings, huh?  Obviously, the current approach is not working and many of your constituents lack access to good health care and good Internet services.

Your logic is a bit different.  Rather than help your brethren in WV, I’ll make up some excuse why key parts of the Build Back Better legislation can’t be supported.  I’ll claim, “I can’t support because the legislation will add to the Federal deficit.”  BS, Joe.  The legislation pays for itself by simply rescinding the Trump tax legislation that transferred even more wealth to the already wealthy.  What world are you living in?

Did I hear you say, “You know, we can’t have those social programs that reshape society. The programs like childcare, more schooling, a cleaner environment. Not only do those kind of programs cost too much but the programs are un-American.  The same goes for welfare, Social Security and Medicare.  Oops, I wasn’t supposed to mention those last three.“

The world understands that Republicans, other than Liz Cheney and the guy from Michigan, have no balls. Well, you know what I mean.  But, don’t you claim to be a moderate Democrat, not some wimpy Republican?  

Here’s what you need to do. Go ask your constituents in WV whether they want expanded infrastructure, cleaner air, cleaner water and better healthcare. And, do they want a chance to get a job that won’t kill them so early in life?

If the majority of West Virginians say they don’t want those programs, then vote no on the social part of Build Back Better. If the majority of West Virginians want those programs, then vote to support the scial part of Build Back Better. Joe, deciding how to vote is not complicated. Besides, you already committed to vote support. Reneging on your promise negates whatever credibility you might have left.

It is Manchin’s kind of thinking, or lack thereof, that contributes to the likelihood of a 5th US Revolution, which seems aptly labeled as the “Revenge Revolution.” END OF #432.

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/

#431 Why Do Republicans Want to Kill the US Democracy?

14 Tuesday Dec 2021

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, Societal Issues, 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.” 

ENTRY 431: Why are many Republicans anti-democracy? In some ways, this entry is a supplement to #430 “Sense Check.” What has been striking to me this past few weeks is the extent of support within the Republican Party, especially from the far right and from many members of Congress, for actions that will usher in an autocracy and destroy democracy in the US.

The support for autocracy by Republicans seems a bit ironic since 80 years ago this month the US declared war on three autocracies — Germany, Italy and Japan.   Each of these countries was defeated and has since become a democracy.  According to a recent ranking of democracies, each of the countries has a more functioning democracy than the US.  Even Greece and Slovakia ranked higher than the US.

Also this month, Germany had a peaceful transition of power after 16 years of leadership by Angela Merkel. Merkel, who was born in East Germany and trained as a scientist, became the defacto lead voice for many key issues in the European Union and stabilizing force for strong economic growth in Germany. Republicans should take a lesson from Germany on how to nominate credible candidates for office.

What did Republicans do to remember the US efforts in World War II to defeat autocracies? In no particular order of importance, key Republicans:

  1. Claimed the attackers on the Capitol January 6, 2020 were really defending themselves from police aggression. Everyone knows how aggressive the Capitol police are.
  2. Filed suit against the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection. Such a suit likely will be dismissed in court but the suit convinces the Republican base that the Federal courts are biased against them.
  3. Refused to testify before the Select Committee.  Mark Meadows, Trump’s chief of staff, first started to cooperate and turned over several thousand pages of documents to the Committee without any claim of executive privilege.  Apparently Trump called and Meadows decided not to cooperate, claiming some or all of the documents were privileged.  Prior to the claim of privilege Meadows published a book with some of the documents. Let’s look at Mark bouncing back and forth like a ping-pong ball.  Meadows, Steve Bannon and a handful of other Trump associates could easily end up doing time in Federal prison.  Wonder if Jim Jordon prefers stripes or orange?
  4. Continued to harass election officials, including Republicans who certified Biden’s victory.  In some cases, low-level election volunteers have received death threats.  In addition to the investigation by the House Select Committee, at least one state – Georgia – is investigating whether Trump broke state election laws by trying to overturn a certified election.  To make sure the Georgia investigation gets squashed, Trump “convinced” David Purdue, who lost the 2020 senate race in Georgia, to run for governor.  Purdue has pledged loyalty to Trump and said he would overturn any election in Georgia where Trump was not victorious.   
  5. Remained silent about the need for any type of control or expanded background checks for gun purchases, despite another mass school shooting, this time in Oxford Township, a sleepy suburb of Detroit.  
  6. Supported a vaporware media company merged into a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). The SPAC will seek additional capital from foreign sources, especially the Middle East, and guess where the money will go? Yes, to Trump, who created the media company that will be acquired by the SPAC.  In typical Trump business fashion, the SPAC is already under investigation for violating SEC regulations.
  7. Vowed to block any effort by the Biden administration to govern the country.

And this is just the short list of actions by Republicans.

What these actions by key Republicans mean is easy to understand. Trump, now king of the Republican Party, wants to become a permanent dictator and key Republicans are helping him.

An open question – who are the goons forcing changes in behavior by key Republicans?  Trump is about as threatening as a wet noodle.  His idea of a fight is hiring a crew of scummy lawyers and taking all involved to court.  Given Trump’s inherent weakness, who’s behind the threats? 

Why would Meadows turn so quickly, even after much of what he claimed was privileged was already published in his book?  Why on 01/02/2020 would the talking heads on Fox, notably Laura Ingraham and Sean Hannity, send texts to Meadows (still chief of staff), and possibly Trump, begging for Trump to call off the insurrectionists.  The same people later claimed the insurrectionists were patriots.  Even Don, Jr sent texts to Meadows asking him to convince the old man to call off the dogs.  Why the change in behavior?    

Some months or years might pass before the public finds out who the goons are – the Russians, the Chinese, the Saudis, the Proud Boys or some combination.  Whomever the source of the threats, none of the actions by key Republicans supporting Trump at any cost bodes well for a continuing democracy in the US.

As far as the likelihood of a 5th US revolution, the Revenge Revolution, there seems little doubt that a revolution will occur – and an armed one at that.  The only issue is how soon after the 2022 or 2024 election and how many public officials will be assassinated.  END ENTRY #431

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/

#429. Stupid Is as Stupid Does.

12 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

ENTRY #429: The past couple of entries I’ve tried to move beyond the irrationality of certain members of Congress and irrationality of certain voters. Why bang your head against the wall trying to understand their logic?

Well, I’ve been unable to move on so one more entry addressing irrationality. This time, however, it’s not just members of Congress. We pretty much know where they stand, other than Senator Krysten Sinema (D, AZ).

What has baffled me the past week or so has been the “rationale” of voters in the Virginia gubernatorial election.  According to a number of interviews published in different media, voters in Virginia were frustrated with the Biden administration because not all promised legislation has been passed, gas prices have increased and there are some supply chain hiccups that might affect Christmas shopping. 

OK, so you’re frustrated. What’s the solution? Elect a Republican governor who is a former investment banker and who is supported by Trump. Forget that the underlying causes of most of your frustrations were not the fault of the Biden administration but occurred under Trump and even under some earlier administrations. 

For example, the shortage of truckers can be traced to efforts beginning during the Nixon administration to deregulate the trucking industry.  The shortage of long-haul truckers can be linked, in part, to consumers ordering more on line rather than buying at the store.  If you’re a long-haul trucker, why go on the road sometimes for weeks at a time when you can work regular hours delivering packages locally, make probably the same amount of money and be home at night? And, you’re surprised there’s a shortage of long-haul truckers?

And, Virginia voters, what about your frustration with you just electedthose products being produced overseas rather than the US?  Forget that many investment bankers, like the incoming governor, have encouraged companies to relocate manufacturing overseas, which exacerbated the supply-chain problem.

Just for reference, the voters frustrated with Biden need to ask themselves exactly what did the Republicans and Trump do for you and most voters during the four years in office? Well, the Trump administration’s biggest piece of legislation, the tax cut, transferred substantially more wealth to the already wealthy and reduced the amount of income tax corporations pay.   The net result of Trump’s major legislation?  Reduced revenue to the Federal government so the federal deficit ballooned.  And the other result was the tax cut transferred the responsibility for paying that debt to you, the other 98% of the population.  Good deal, huh?

Then Trump implemented trade policies that helped create the foundation for inflation. Remember those tariffs that Trump promoted?  Trump made sure that tariffs were put on many products, including those from our neighbors with whom we trade the most – Canada and Mexico.  Virginia voters who do think pays those tariffs?  The tariffs are not paid by the exporting country.  The tariffs are paid by the importers and then passed on to you, the consumer.  I guess the Trump administration never mentioned that.

The icing on that piece of “illogical cake” the Virginia voters ate was Trump publicly and emphatically proclaiming that Covid was not a problem.  Hey, only 15 people got sick and it’s just like the flu.  The “ala mode” for the cake was Trump and his minions claiming that climate change was a hoax.

You say, “Aside from all you just said, Biden has been in office long enough to solve all those problems.  He’s been in the White House almost 10 months.”

Let’s put 10 months in perspective.  When those criticizing Biden as taking too long are asked about fixing problems in other organizations, say rebuilding a college football team, the time horizon is quite different.  According to the Biden criticizers, to turn the fortunes of a football team is incredibly complicated and the head coach needs a minimum two years and usually 3-4 years.  Fans need to be patient.”  Mmm, I guess a football team is more difficult to manage than the Federal government. 

Another example of Republican back-asswards thinking occurred during the recent vote on the legislation to upgrade and repair significant portions of the US infrastructure.  Every state and likely every Congressional district will benefit from this legislation.  The legislation will make the US more competitive and address many of the frustrations expressed by Virginia voters.

The legislation passed the Senate a couple of months ago with strong bipartisan support.  Even Mitch McConnell voted for it.

So what was the reaction of House Republicans to the infrastructure legislation?  Don’t vote to help constituents!  Don’t vote to help make America more competitive internationally!  Don’t vote to create jobs! The legislation passed with 13 Republicans voting in favor and all but a handful of Democrats, who opposed the legislation to show support for the Build Back Better legislation.  

What was the response from Republican leadership in the House? Threatening to yank any committee assignments from Republicans who supported their constituents. Some Republicans who voted for the legislation were labeled as traitors.

Traitors to whom?  All elected representatives whether Republican, Democrat or independent take an oath to uphold the US Constitution.  Republicans please explain to me why voting for legislation that directly benefits the people you represent is being a traitor.   The logic displayed by Virginians voting for a Trump-supported Republican and the Republican leadership in the House punishing members for helping their constituents confirms the saying, “stupid is as stupid does.” 

Next entry I’ll try to move on to a different topic.  

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/

#428 I’m Digusted and Pulling My Hair Out!

29 Friday Oct 2021

Posted by in Causes of the Revolution, 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

ENTRY #428 STARTS: I’m disgusted. Well, OK, maybe I’ve turned into a curmudgeon, and may be a naïve curmudgeon at that.  But, I look at the behavior of a number of members of Congress and want to scream. What’s wrong with these folks?

What’s wrong has nothing to do with whether I agree or disagree with what used to be policy differences between the political parties.  What’s wrong has to do with why aren’t these Representatives and Senators focusing on governing and on upholding the Constitution?

Yes, Mitch McConnell may qualify as one of the biggest scumbags ever elected to Congress. Yes, he’s crazed with power, gives the finger to the Constitution and is horribly corrupt. He’s also very likely to be in the pocket of the Chinese government. 

I’ll save the detail for another entry but ask yourself some very basic questions about McConnell’s behavior.  What does McConnell have to gain by holding up all but two of President Biden’s nominations for ambassadorships?  Ambassadors are not involved in domestic policy.  Who or what country would benefit if the US did not have ambassadors in many countries of the world?  What country might benefit from gaining influence at America’s expense?  What is the country of origin of McConnell’s wife?  Give that some thought.  More in future entries.

Back to Congress, what’s disgusting is why no Republican, save Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, the guy from Michigan, will stand up for the Constitution.  Many Republicans members of the House, starting with Kevin McCarthy, are making every effort to thwart an objective investigation of the January 6 Trump–instigated insurrection. Gee guys, did you have a hand in planning the insurrection and that’s why you’re opposed to any investigation? 

If you were involved, then you can rightfully be charged with treason.  And being convicted of treason will land you in prison at a minimum.  In addition, since you were planning to take out VP Pence, maybe you should be tried for attempted murder.

Republicans do not have a lock hold on maddening behavior.  On second thought, maybe they do. Let’s start with Joe Manchin III, senator from West Virginia.  Manchin claims to be a moderate Democrat. But like his coal-at-any-cost buddy from Kentucky, McConnell, Manchin goes out of his way to keep the coal industry afloat.

From Manchin’s perspective, any effort to accelerate cleaner generation of electricity should be blocked. In Joe’s world, having the air filled with CO2 must better for you than having air with just plain old O2.  Joe must think that the carbon is some sort of vitamin and that’s why CO2 is better.  If trees like CO2, humans should, too.

From all indications, including little Joey’s own words, he’s more a Republican than a Democrat. I don’t care what party you belong to Joe, but why do you constantly block legislation that will benefit your constituents? Why do you block legislation that will help avert climate change disasters for your grandchildren?  Joe’s such an honorable guy. Just glad he’s not my grandfather.

Senator Sinema (AZ), the other alleged Democrat holding up Biden’s legislation, acts more like some character in a B-movie.  She must think cinema is spelled Sinema.  Apparently she used to claim to be an environmentalist.  I guess her idea of being green went from helping the environment to taking greenbacks from lobbyists and special interest groups. Where her head is, no one knows. But we know what she’s doing is not helping constituents and not helping the US address climate change.

What happened to “Duty, honor, country?“  Policy debates are fine. Blocking votes on legitimate legislation that addresses a basic tenet on which the US was founded – the right to vote, for example – is antithetical.  The right to vote and the proper counting of those votes is a key to a functioning democracy.  Why are Republicans blocking even a debate on the legislation?

Republicans have been so Trump-like transactional that they have become unable to see the implications of their behavior.  One day Republicans will wake up and ask, “Why didn’t anyone warn us that climate change would ruin my vacation home on the coast?”  Or, “Why didn’t anyone warn us that those ultra-rightwing folks would threaten to take us out if we didn’t vote exactly as they wanted?”  And, many other seemingly obvious incredibly risky behaviors the Republicans are engaged in. 

Republicans loyalty to party over doing what’s right for constituents and doing what’s right for the country has me convinced more than ever that the US is headed for a 5th revolution. And, what’s going to surprise the Republicans in Congress and state legislators, the January 6-insurrectionsists might begin attacking Republicans first.

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/

#425. Republicans: “I Get to Buy but You Have to Pay.”

02 Saturday Oct 2021

Posted by in Back Asswards Thinking, Societal Issues, Stupid Is as Stupid Does, Uncategorized

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Welcome to the some 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 #400 was the most recent “sense check.” 

For many years, Republicans have promoted the idea that the government should be run like a personal household. Don’t spend more than you earn.  In that ideal Republican household, if you pay your debts on time everything will be OK.

Despite the assertions, even most Republicans don’t live in their ideal household.  For example, the vast majority of people buying a home don’t pay cash.  Rather they secure a mortgage for 3-4x their annual income and then repay the mortgage (loan) over 25-30 years.  If home buyers were required to pay the cost up front, very few people would own homes. 

“But home buying is different,” you say, “because buying a home is an investment. And you still have to pay back the loan, even if it takes 30 years.”

True. So why do Republicans insist that government expenditures for infrastructure — roads, bridges, transit, airports, etc. – have to be paid for out of this year‘s budget? Isn’t a road that will last at least 50, if not 100 years, with some maintenance, an investment, just like the house?

Now, let’s turn to paying for purchases. If a household buys groceries, some computer equipment, office supplies, maybe some clothing and puts the purchases on a credit card, the household still owes the money.  And the credit card company still has to be paid, right?

Apparently Republicans don’t think so.  During the Trump administration, Republicans deliberately decided to reduce household revenue – income to the government – by reducing taxes on the wealthy.  Then, rather than reducing expenditures because income was less, the Trump administration continued to buy lots of stuff and put those purchases on a credit card.

Now it’s time to pay off the credit card. And guess what? Republicans in the Senate and the House are saying, “Nope, the credit card debt is not our problem.  Even though we ran up the debt, we Republicans refuse to pay.“

What if everyone ran their household like Republicans?  Cut your income, continue to buy goods and services on a credit card, then refuse to pay the credit card company (lender)?  How much more credit do you think the lender would be willing to provide?

The approach taken by Republicans is pure Trump.  Anyone who has lived or worked in New York sometime in the last 40-50 years is likely familiar with how Trump operated his businesses.  Trump ran up debts, blamed the vendors and then refused to pay. 

After getting stiffed by Trump, lenders in the US refused to do business with him.  As incoming president, from all indications, his primary sources of capital were from Deutsche Bank and the Russians. 

Republicans, now the party of Trump, have adopted the same mantra – “Screw you. Not my fault.  I’m not paying. The debt is your problem.”  Mitch McConnell seems to be first in line kissing the Almighty Donald’s screw-the-creditors debt ring. 

The Republicans, who claim to be the party of savvy business people and fiscal responsibility, seem willing to allow the US to default on its debt for the first time in US history.  “Relax,” you say, “You’re blowing any debt default out of proportion.” 

If you are a Republican and support the actions of Trump and/or Mitch McConnell, why don’t you go ask someone how easy it is to get credit after they’ve defaulted on their debt? If someone who’s defaulted can get credit at all, the loan comes with lots of restrictions and a stiff interest rate.

So why are the Republicans behaving so irresponsibly? My only conclusion, as I’ve stated the number of times in various blog entries, is the Republicans have been brainwashed.

If they’re not brainwashed, why would Republicans pay debts they incurred while Trump was in office, then not pay debts incurred while Trump was in office after Biden became president? Trump’s debts are Trump’s debts.  You just can’t ignore then, unless, of course, you’re a Republican.    

Ok, let’s assume the Republicans are just playing politics by refusing to raise the debt ceiling. You’d think if someone was taking such a stand, they’d ask for something in return.  But like Trump, who has demonstrated repeatedly to be one of the world’s worst negotiators, Republicans are not asking for anything in return.  Rather Republicans are willing to put a gun to their heads of all Americans and fire away for no particular reason.

Republicans are so brainwashed, apparently they think only Democrats will suffer if the US defaults on its debt. Republicans are taking the same approach to addressing climate change. The rise in the earth’s temperature will only affect Democrats. 

From the beginning of the Obama administration, Republicans have categorically opposed whatever the Democrats proposed, no matter how many Republicans might benefit and no matter how much the proposal would protect US interests.  The answer to every idea from Democrats has been “No!”

Republicans ask yourself, “With a response of ‘no’ by Republican leadership regardless of the proposal, whose best interests are Trump and McConnell supporting? The best interests of US citizens?”  If you said “yes,” you’ll believe almost anything.

The behavior of Trump and McConnell is not benefiting the US but benefitting the Russians and the Chinese. “That can’t be,” you say.  Well, I say, take another hard look and then follow where Trump and McConnell are getting their money.

The Trump businesses (and thereby the family) have been funded by the Russians for some time. Mitch McConnell, through marriage to Elaine Chao – Secretary of Transportation in the Trump administration – is tied to Chinese money. You keep thinking about the connections and follow the money.

More later, especially how the behavior increases the likelihood of a 5th US Revolution, the Revenge Revolution.

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/