The Crazy, The Insane, The Dysfunctional: The United States of America
We are a country in crisis. Besides an economic crisis, an energy crisis, a health care crisis, and any other crisis du jour, there is an actual crisis that supersedes all the other crises. It's The Crazy, The Insane, and The Dysfunctional. It's a crisis that isn't economic or political. It isn't a foreign nation. It's a crisis brought upon ourselves. It's a crisis that we created and have no intention of stopping. It's a crisis of stupidity.
THE CRAZY:
The crazy defines our media, TV, print, radio. Quick, what's the biggest story out there, nationally? The Ground Zero Mosque, right? And in my mind, there is no debate. If people want to build a mosque a few blocks away from Ground Zero, build a mosque. It doesn't affect me. Islam did not knock down the Twin Towers. It was Al-Qaeda, a radical, extremist form of Islam. Any indication to the contrary is wrong, insulting to the Muslim community and an affront to the so called religious freedom we have in the country. There is no debate. The only debate is whether they can comply with local ordinances and pass building inspections. And, in reality, that's not a debate.
But instead of applauding the people responsible for bringing a Mosque near Ground Zero, the debate focuses on the "wisdom" of putting a Mosque near Ground Zero. Ground Zero may be hollowed ground, but it doesn't include the surrounding areas. You know what's near Ground Zero? A gentleman's club, an OTB, a McDonald's, and a bunch of other crap. If we are to believe in the words we preach, believe that religious freedom and tolerance is not just words on paper, then we build the mosque, and we don't look back. We build it, we celebrate it. And we move on. We, as a nation, say we can practice whatever we religion we want. We say that we will be accepting. But, debating the merits of a Mosque near Ground Zero is not tolerant. It's not practicing religious freedom. Who cares if there is a Mosque near Ground Zero? There is nothing wrong with the Muslim people or the Islam religion. Al-Qaeda is a horrible faction of Islam. But, it's not Islam. It's batshit crazy. It's terrorism. We're not building a Mosque that supports Al-Qaeda beliefs. We're building a Mosque. And we should be proud of it.
But don't worry. Whatever your opinion is, it will all be over in a few days. The thing with the news cycle is that it's just that: A cycle. News circulates for awhile, and then it goes away. Anyone know what's going on in Haiti? How about the Chile earthquakes? What about the Gulf of Mexico? They've recovered? Oh, okay. If that's what you say, media.
We get our news from a few places. MSNBC, a liberal station. CNN, a centrist station, but it's so terrible that it doesn't make a difference. And Fox News, a right wing station. It would be nice if CNN would actually deliver news. But watch a few minutes of Rick's List and try to keep it on. You can't.
It used to be noble to be a journalist. Now, you're smeared for everything you write. What's the real big story in our country? It's probably the near 10% unemployment. Or the fact that our dependence on oil is worse than ever, and we need to start developing alternative sources of energy. Or maybe it's the fact that the Gulf of Mexico was devastated by the BP oil spill. Maybe it's a war in Afghanistan we're fighting. Maybe it should be the fact that states are going bankrupt. Or the fact we have a $13 trillion dollar deficit. Or the fact our infrastructure is crumbling and our education system is failing our children. But no way in hell should it be the Ground Zero Mosque. It shouldn't be Michele Obama going to Spain for a fucking vacation. It shouldn't be Obama going on The View. There are serious, complex issues facing our nation. Issues that will define us as a generation. Issues that will either point us in the direction of long term stability and prosperity or in the direction of debt and despair. But, yeah, let's focus on the Mosque that people will forget about in a few days. It's not like our nation's future is depending on it.
THE INSANE:
We have two countries. Red. And Blue. Red has a very different belief system than Blue. Which is fine. Having different beliefs is what makes a country go. But, there's having different beliefs and respecting that fact and there's having different beliefs and not giving a crap about the other. In fact, Red and Blue don't communicate. They criticize. They ridicule. They mock. In Red's mind, anything that Blue does is crazy and vice versa. In Blue's mind, Red is never right and vice versa. Red is the enemy of Blue, Blue the enemy of Red. We are not a country that believes in United We Stand, Divided We Fall, but, rather, United We Fall, Divided We Stand. It's better for one country to gain the upper hand, both in government and in population. That way, that country can can assert it's dominance. We The People are not We anymore. We're Them. We're alone in our own world. A Blue Country resident who lives in Red is an outcast. Plop a red-stater in Blue, and they will stand out more than Lady Gaga. We are no longer defined by our nation, but rather, our political beliefs. I'm a Democrat. I'm Blue. Therefore, according to Red, I want to pull the plug on Grandma, raise taxes, increase spending, start spreading socialism and stop protecting our troops. In reality, I do want to raise taxes, but I want to decrease spending. I don't want to spread socialism. I want to protect and help our troops as much as possible. But, since all Blues are made alike, my individual beliefs will never be heard.
Individualism. The ability to say and do what you want. To not feel beholden by a standard you didn't create. That's one of the cornerstones of this country. But, if I tell a Red I'm a Blue, my individualism is immediately corrupted. I'm no longer Me. I'm one of Them.
We used have to debate. We used to have a dialogue. Yeah, Red disagreed with Blue, but it was always with respect, and there was always a compromise to be made. But then you have this shit, and it's impossible to compromise:
If that's the level of discourse, then fuck it. Because what's the point of standing and trying to have an honest discussion about the issues of our time when someone is focused on a fucking birth certificate? There is no point. That is our discourse. That is our discussion. There is no compromise there. There are no solutions to be found. There is only anger. There is only an argument. There is only a nation of yellers, not of thinkers.
We can sit and pretend we have some unity, but let's face it, the only time there is unity in this country is during the Olympics and after a National tragedy. The Olympics are every two years. And National tragedies only last in our minds for a little bit. So no, we don't have unity. We are not the United States of America. We are Red. And We are Blue. If you're somewhere in the middle, you're fucked.
THE DYSFUNCTIONAL:
Quick, name your two senators. Mine are Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Now, quick, name their positions on key issues. Well, since my Senators are both Democrats, their "position" is the Democratic position: More Stimulus, health care for all, etc, etc. The United States Senate and House of Representatives used to be one of the most respected institutions in the world. These were noble men and women.
But, now, instead of being beholden to the people, to their constituents, they are beholden to their party, to whoever gives them enough money. The US government has seemingly lost track of what's important.
They're more tied up in short term things, sound bites to help in their re-election campaigns. No one dare touches the issue of taxation and spending. All taxes have to be lowered, they say. The sad truth is, the more taxes are lowered, the more we're in a shit hole. All spending must be cut, but the military must never be touched. And while spending needs to be cut, there are plenty of places in the Defense budget that can be cut. We can't talk about increasing taxes a bit to pay for a clean energy economy--one that will, by the way, bring millions of millions of jobs and release us from the chokeholds of Middle Eastern countries--because it's seen as a government takeover. My definition of government is this: Do for the people what they can't do for themselves. The people haven't been able to create a clean energy economy--the government must.
But because everything requires 60 votes in the Senate, and all bills passed in the majority rules House of Representatives must be passed in the Senate, and then reconciled between the two and voted on again, nothing gets done. Republicans will filibuster all bills. Democrats will do the same when Republicans are in power. So, while the issues of are time are real, the minority will never help the majority, God forbid they anger their base or be seen standing with the other party. I mean, for God's sake, Florida Governor Charlie Crist was vilified for hugging the President of the United States. The Fucking President of the United States. The President wants to hug you, and you hug back. But Crist will probably lose his Senate bid because he was seen as siding with Obama. He gave the guy a fucking hug. If you can't hug someone, for fear of losing your base, what kind of base is that?
But, that's the game we have. Who gives a fuck about policy? Because policy, the things that will actually get us out of our shit hole, doesn't satisfy the crazy. Having a real debate about real issues isn't sexy. So, we yell and scream, and Senators lie and accuse each other of shit that doesn't even matter. It's not politics. It's war.
We The People, The Crazy, The Insane, The Dysfunctional. We are in a spiral of despair. And unless the curlicue whimsy of fate is on our side, nothing will stop it. Unless, that is, we, the people, decide to say enough is enough and make a change. Rise up and demand accountability from our media. Rise up and demand real solutions from our government. Eliminate the R or D next to someone's name. Forget about Blue and Red and realize our shared power is better than it is separated. We, The People, must understand that if we let this silly game we call our society continue, that we will look back on our lives as a failure. This is our generation's greatest task. We must bring a country back from the dead.
And while I may be an optimist, I'm not stupid. Solving the issues of our time will requires a mass cultural change. A change in what we believe , in what we think, in how we think. A change in our actions. A change in our mindset. This cannot be the work of one person. Can't be the work of a few hundred. Everyone must pitch in. Everyone must put on their hard hat and get to work. We are a country that is dying. And we're worried about a Mosque. Sure, that's the appropriate response. No. Fuck it. Let's get to fucking work. Because we have no choice. We have no fucking choice.
Thanks for returning to The Blog of Champions!
Introducing We Have POWER Now
In my time as a blogger, I've been primarily writing about sports. Which is fine. But, I've never blogged, really blogged, about something meaningful. That changes today. Today, I'm proud to introduce We Have POWER Now, a grassroots organization dedicated to reducing the national debt and investing in our future. Click here and here for much more info.
We Have POWER Now was born out of an idea from a few friends: we're fed up by the way the deficit is going to affect the millennial generation (18-29). We didn't want impossibly high taxes and a lower quality of life. And if we weren't going to do something about it, who was?
So, we researched policies, and came up with ones that will reduce the debt to an acceptable level by 2018, and keep it sustainable through 2030. It's needed. Our future is in peril. We need to change it.
And that's what we're doing. So click on the link above. Read it, ask questions, tell friends. This could be huge.
What Is Patriotism?
What is patriotism? Is it a pin in on your suit coat? Is it a flag waiving outside your house? Is it serving in our military, or in public office?
In reality, patriotism is none of those things. Patriotism is not words sung in an anthem, words written on a page, or clothes worn. Patriotism is not the duties we perform, or the places and people we serve. Patriotism is not an outward display of affection.
Patriotism is what we make it. If we are all to be considered patriots, then how, as individuals, can there be just one form of patriotism? There isn't. Patriotism is what we consider right, how we can best honor this nation.
Patriotism can be singing the national anthem proudly. It can be a USA! USA! USA! Chant at a sporting event.
Patriotism has never, and will never, be defined by a strict paradigm of nationalism. Patriotism has never, and will never, be mandatory. It has never been an obligation.
Rather, patriotism is the moments that make us so. For me, it's the 2001 World Series, when George W. Bush threw out the first pitch shortly after 9/11, and the crowd was chanting USA! And Bush threw a perfect strike. For me, it's when Barack Obama was elected President, and it reaffirmed my belief that anything is possible. For me, it's allowing my father's family to emigrate from Cuba and start a life that is not bound by a Communist rule, but instead by freedom.
We are not defined by the things we wear on our jacket, or the flag on our lawn, but by the things we do, the actions that make us believe once again in a free nation. And thus, patriotism is truly defined by the actions we take to show our love and give back to our nation. It can be big or small. It can have short or lasting meaning. But all of us show patriotism in our own way.
America is a country of individuals made into one. We may all live under the same blanket of freedom, but the way in which we use it is up to us. We may sing the same national anthem, but we are free to sing it as loudly or as quietly as we want. Patriotism is not a set of rules, but the actions we take. Patriotism is not a pin on our coat, but a feeling in our hearts. We are free to show our patriotism how we please, and anyone who criticizes our view of and our outward display of patriotism is being decidedly unpatriotic. There is no right way to be patriotic. There is no wrong way. There is only "your" way. And that way is the most patriotic of all.
Abortion And Government
I'm Pro-Choice. There. I said it. I think that if a woman wants an abortion, she should have the ability to get one. If she doesn't, then she should be able to do that as well. In my mind, abortion is not a political issue. It's an individual issue.
But, it is a political issue. A big political issue. It can be the breaking point for a voter. My mom always says that she can't support a pro-life candidate, regardless of their other political positions. And, to be a Pro-Choice liberal in a very conservative state is like being the devil. Might as well run for the hills than run for office.
Because religion is a huge part of American daily life, and American government (even though it's not supposed to) candidates will have to talk about abortion. As a pretty non-religious person, I can't grasp the notion of abortion as a religious issue, although I certainly respect it. If abortion goes against your religion, you have every right to believe that.
But, if you're in government, you can't believe that. Government, by the very Constitution that set it up, cannot be involved in religious decisions. And if abortion is a religious decision, it can't be involved in that either.
We can't throw it away as an issue. It's contentious. The media loves it. It fosters debate, and even better, it fosters hate. We're a nation addicted to hateful debate, as sad as it is. Abortion brings out the hatred in people.
If the government is serious about the Constitution, it will leave abortion alone, at least as a religious issue. If there's a politician who wants more funding for safe sex practices and education, and abortion clinics to help those who choose to have one, then by all means. But elections should not and cannot be decided by someone's stance on abortion.
We have freedom of religion in this country. We can practice whatever religion we want. We can choose not to practice religion. We have the choice. But, in government, we don't. Every one has to be religious, whatever religion that might be. We have to believe in a higher God. We have to believe that God sent us here to make these political decisions, and it was his presence that got us here.
As a cultural Jew, I'm not religious. I'm not sure if there is a higher God. I don't live my life based on the word of God. I live my life based on what feels right, and what makes me happy. And, if I were in a policy making role, I would base my policy decisions on what's best for my constituents. Not what God told me.
That doesn't happen. Too often, policy and political decisions are made by the guiding voice of a higher God. If you believe in a higher God, that's fine. But, it's not fine in a political arena. There's a reason there's a separation of church and state. And politicians close that gap every day.
But what can we do about it? No one can tell a religious man to stop believing. And if you live your life based on the word of God, you're going to legislate on the word of God too. It's human nature.
That's why eliminating abortion from political debate is so important. Politicians don't have to focus on the number one issue for religious voters. If we don't meddle in a woman's private decision, then chances are we don't mix religion with politics in other places. We don't decide if there should be more stimulus based on religion. And with abortion out of the political equation, we don't have to.
If you want an abortion, get one. If you don't believe in abortions, don't get one. It's as simple as that. This is not a governmental issue. It's an individual issue. And the more religion creeps into our politics, the more it spreads like wildfire.
The Politics of Oil
Everyone wants to end the BP oil spill, stop the oil from gushing, and get to cleaning up the Gulf. Having oil gush out doesn't help anybody--Republican or Democrat.
The problem with the oil spill (besides, of course, the massive economic and environmental damage) is what happens next. Republicans keep chanting "Drill, baby, drill!", while Democrats are sitting quietly in the corner chanting, well, what exactly are they chanting?
The oil spill is a crisis. As Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel says, "Never let a crisis go to waste". This is a crisis gone to waste.
While Republicans are winning the message battle yet again, the Democrats have a chance to win the policy battle--a much more important battle in the long run. Proposals of wind, solar and geothermal energy can be passed now.
This is not a climate change issue. It's a "Holy shit the Gulf is filled with oil, and these sources of energy don't spill like this" issue. Bill Maher put it best when he said: "You know what happens when a windmill falls into the water? A splash." This has to be portrayed as a safety issue. We don't have to deal with costly cleanups with wind, solar and geothermal.
If we are to mitigate the effects of climate change, then we can't use climate change. Climate change is a hoax, remember? We have to push safety and economic growth. Put the 10% unemployed to work by setting up wind farms, harvesting solar and geothermal energy, outfitting homes for energy efficiency and more. This horrible oil spill has a chance to change the world.
But, as we've seen so far, that hasn't happened. We're worried more about hitting BP hard, making it look like the government is the knight in shining armor, and BP is the bad guy. Which is true. Except that's not what matters. People know BP fucked up. People know that the government couldn't do much about it. It's not rocket science. There's no conspiracy here. People know that BP, right now, is a fucked up company that doesn't have a fucking clue how to stop an oil spill. We're not that stupid.
But, the government seems to think we are. Instead of leveling with us and saying that this is the time for clean energy economy, because we can be the world leaders in this, put people to work at jobs in America, and prevent costly and life-altering spills like this one, they're more concerned with putting their boot on the throat of BP. BP is going to pay for this spill. Every cent. You really expect BP to dodge a bullet here? Please. This isn't the time to show muscle. It's the time to get serious. It's the time to get wind, solar and geothermal energy. The words climate change do not have to be mentioned. People are scared about climate change. But, they're not scared about stopping spills and getting our economy moving.
The time is now. Convert to wind, solar and geothermal energy. Get our economy moving. Get our necks out from the iron fist of oil companies and oil producing nations. And, in the process, work to mitigate the effects of climate change. It's a win-win. Let's just hope the people in charge see it that way.
We Are The Obstructors
IN an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) came out with a policy idea that, which seems like a first for Republicans, is a good idea.
Boehner proposed raising the retirement age for Social Security to 70:
"Ensuring there's enough money to pay for the war will require reforming the country's entitlement system, Boehner said. He said he'd favor increasing the Social Security retirement age to 70 for people who have at least 20 years until retirement, tying cost-of-living increases to the consumer price index rather than wage inflation and limiting payments to those who need them."
Raising the retirement age to 70 does a couple of things. One, it keeps Social Security solvent for the foreseeable future. Two, it limits the impact it has on our deficit. It's a credible policy idea that should be gaining serious consideration among lawmakers.
But, of course, it's not. Hours after that interview was published, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee came out with a fundraising goal: Raise $61,713 by tomorrow at midnight to help beat the GOP. The caption egging people on: Don't Let Boehner Raise The Retirement Age!
John Boehner is a politician, whose only motive seems to be to destroy President Obama. He is the villain in every movie. But, villains don't ever have good ideas. There's always something that backfires, and the hero comes in to save the day. John Boehner seems to fit the role of the villain. He has bombastic statements:
"Right now, we've got more Americans engaged in their government than at any time in our history. There's a political rebellion brewing, and I don't think we've seen anything like it since 1776."
He has plans, too. He wants to repeal the health care reform package. He wants the Republicans to take over the house. He wants the Republicans to take over the White House.
No one likes to deal with a villain. They're egotistical. They think they know it all. And they don't realize the flaws in their plan. Boehner doesn't seem to realize that repealing legislation that's a)gaining in popularity with Americans and b)has crucial provisions that will cause an uproar if repealed, will be the political death of him. He's the villain. It's the classic case.
But, maybe this case isn't so classic. Maybe Boehner is ready to switch sides. This policy suggestion is a good start. Maybe Boehner realizes that this villain he's playing isn't getting him anywhere.
The Democrats are calling his bluff. They think he's lying. But, for the first time, the leader of the Republican Party has a viable and credible policy solution, and Democrats are ignoring it.
This is the time to get something done. This isn't a bipartisan nation. Yeah, we talk up bipartisanship, but right now, it's bipartisanshit. Nothing gets done with both parties involved. It takes scratching and clawing from the majority to peel off a few Republicans.
But this, this is one of those moments where bipartisanship is possible. Where the two parties can come together and propose and pass something that makes sense. In an era where bipartisanship is nothing more than lip service, this is an opportunity for real action.
Yet, the Democrats don't see it. They're wasting the only chance they have for a bipartisan solution for a bipartisan problem. It makes sense. And yet, in many ways, the Democrats are just like Boehner's Republicans: Obstructors.
Yes, We Are The Obstructors, born to fight, born to disagree, and born to do nothing. Yes, We Are The Obstructors, made to ignore each other, made to belittle, and made to do nothing. Yes, We Are The Obstructors. And that's a bipartisan problem.
If we are to move forward as a nation, if we are to come out of this fiscal crisis, if we are to lower unemployment, if we are to reduce our deficit, if we are to come up with a reasonable solution for climate change, if we are to do these things, it has to be bipartisan. The Democrats don't have the votes to do it alone.
If we are to move forward as a nation, we will have to put aside petty grievances. If we are to move forward as a nation, we will have to realize that it serves no one to belittle the other. Yes, Democrats can disagree with Republicans, but their ideas are important too, and unless we as a nation want to get things done, then we have to listen.
If we are to move forward as a nation, we will have to realize that finding a common ground, to compromise is better than the alternative. There is no go it alone strategy. There is a "we're in this shithole together, and we gotta get out it together"
But, that will never happen. Boehner's social security proposal isn't going anywhere. The Democrats won't let it. Maybe he was bluffing. Maybe this olive branch was fake. But, what if it was real? What if this was a change? What if things were finally going to be different? Then we just fucked it up.
We live in a culture where this is accepted, hell, even encouraged. Disagreement is American. No. Compromise is American. Finding common ground is American. Respecting each other's differences is American. Respecting each other is American. That's how we move forward as nation. With some basic common decency.
We Are The Obstructors. Born to hate. Made to block things from happening. It has a catchy ring, doesn't it?
Defending The Role of The President
IT seems nowadays that everyone is mad at President Obama. It's his fault that unemployment continues to float around 10%. It's his fault that the BP is still spilling oil.
The problem is, it's not really his fault. The role of the President, roughly defined, is to be the Commander-in-Chief, Head of State, sign legislation, make sure legislation is carried out effectively, nominate people for roles in federal government, and give a State of the Union. That's pretty much it.
Granted, the President is the face of America, and it's going to be his ass on the line no matter what. But, we have to re-define who we blame in political decisions.
Obama cannot introduce or pass legislation to reduce unemployment. He can shape the type of legislation, but he cannot cast a vote. It may his policies, but if they aren't getting enacted, it's not his fault.
Obama cannot stop the oil flow. I mean, he could put his body in front of it, but that seems ill-conceived. Obama can use the bully bull pit to pressure BP into making their response better, but he can't be responsible for the oil spill. Obama can shape legislation to ensure all the federal government's resources deployed are paid by BP, but he can't ensure passage.
The problem with today's hyper-active media is that it's easier to blame the President. He's in charge. But, equal amount of blame has to be on Congress and the Senate. The President's role is limited, by design. He can only do so much. The Congress and Senate have more power. It's their asses on the line. They're the ones who make policy, and ultimately pass legislation. The President just enforces it.
But, Obama will never get a break. No one's going to blame the Congressman from an obscure district in Vermont for the unemployment rate. They're going to blame Obama for not doing enough arm twisting to get the votes. Obama can only do so much. He can promote change, but it's up to lawmakers to make it so. He can order BP to stop the spill, but only BP can stop it. He can promote policies to reduce unemployment, but only lawmakers can enact it. The role of the President is limited, by design. The media's criticism on it should be limited as well.
Where Do We Stand?
The state of Arizona recently passed a law that would, among other things, make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and require police to question people about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're in the country illegally. How do you suspect someone is here illegally? You racially profile.
In this country, you are promised certain inalienable rights: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That's what we've been built on. That's what's made us successful. These rights are sometimes taken for granted. But, they are there upon birth.
But, what happens if someone, unable to embark on the pursuit of happiness elsewhere, wants to take that quest here, to America? In my mind, they should be able. This nation of immigrants shouldn't prohibit others from experience what we experience, what we're born with. But, because of draconian and complicated immigration laws, and fear of being persecuted in their own country, these immigrants are forced to emigrate through back channels, crossing a border and hoping no one catches them. Once they do that, they are free to embark on their pursuit of happiness.
But, are they? Not in Arizona. Because Arizona has decided that if you look suspicious, you can be arrested. If you look like you don't belong, you can be arrested. If you have an ounce of fear on your face because you look different and because you were pulled over, you can be arrested. If you don't speak English, you can be arrested. If you're different, you can be arrested.
The state of Arizona has decided that they don't want these "different people" invading their space. Because, as they must think, they are better. They are better than any other people, any other country. My father always says, "No one's better than you, but you're not better than anyone." In Arizona, if you live in the state legally, you're better than everyone.
This country was built on people sacrificing their lives to escape the tyranny of their homes. That's how my ancestors came here. That's how your ancestors probably came here. Yet, this ideal, this search for happiness and equality is being hampered by the very people that offer it. Equality and happiness is good enough for us. It's not good enough for you.
I don't care if you're here illegally. There. I said it. Because I know that illegal immigrants want to be here, and they're willing to do the worst jobs in America to make it. I admire them.
If opponents of illegal immigrations want a solution, how about allowing a path to citizenship, where they can learn basic skills? Or what about letting people come in here without fear, and create more legal immigration points? These things are easy. These things fix a problem that some see. And these things are in line with our ideals.
We can sit here and pretend that what Arizona is doing is limited to Arizona, that they have elected radical representatives, and the agenda of a few has become the law of the state. We can sit here and pretend that racism is gone in America, because Obama is President. We can sit here and pretend that we're all equal. We could do that. Or, we could realize that this new law is representative of the Tea Party movement, representative of people that are scared that minorities are in charge, and that minorities will soon become majorities. We could realize that racism isn't gone in America, that opposition to Obama's agenda is rooted in racism, a hatred brought upon us by our ancestors. We could realize that this new law is the new Jim Crow laws, that, just because your skin is a different color, you're not welcome. We can realize that we won't be equal until gays and lesbians can marry each other, and serve openly in the military, until women get equal pay for equal work, until immigrants are offered a helping hand, and not a closed fist, until we realize that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are the bedrock of this nation, not a sense of entitlement because we were born here first. Yes, until we end American exceptionalism ,until it's okay to criticize your country, and admire Europe, until it's no longer ludicrous to scale down the defense budget, until I feel comfortable walking to that side of town at 3 in the morning, until we all stand up and say that we are all immigrants, and we aren't going to let Arizona tell us otherwise, until we do that, we are not free. Until we do that, then those living in fear will be fearful of coming to the Land of The Free. Just because a piece of paper says we are free, does not mean we are free. We are not free. We are not free until we fix these problems, until we realize that, in addition to a budget deficit, we are facing a moral deficit. Until we fix that, we are shackled by our own ignorance. Repeal this bill. Let's get our nation back on a course of true equality.
Thinking About Nuclear Proliferation
With the Nuclear Security Summit going on in Washington, it brings up a critical, and important question: What is the role of nuclear weapons?
When first created, it was to help the US win the war. And it worked. But the devastation caused by a bomb (the effects are so frightening, that I won't write them here. Just know that your life will never be the same if a bomb is detonated) and the geopolitical ramifications lead to the conclusion that nuclear weapons must be wiped off the face of the Earth, before human kind is.
Nuclear weapons should not exist. Because they can literally wipe nations off the face of the Earth, nuclear weapons are the greatest threat to human life. It's a human rights issue. No nation, no matter how small or what their economic situation is, should have to live under the fear of a nuclear attack. No nation should have to live with the fear of nuclear weapons getting into the hands of terrorists. And no nation should live under the iron fist of a nuclear weapon, making it impossible to get out of its reach. Once a nation becomes a nuclear state, it has the power.
With nuclear proliferation, there are three areas to watch: Terrorists, regional powers, and rogue regimes. While terrorists can not make a bomb, they sure as hell can buy one. Regional powers, like India, have weapons and aren't afraid to use them in regional conflict. Rogue Regimes, like Iran and North Korea, probably have the most power, because they won't succumb to international pressure, and they will continue with their nuclear ways.
The idea of stopping nuclear proliferation is stop the spread of nuclear materials. You can't build a bomb with out highly enriched uranium and/or plutonium. If you get rid of the material, bombs can't be made.
It's clear that President Obama is doing the right thing by a) calling this summit) and b) by bringing this issue to the forefront. People are focused on the economy, and rightly so, but stopping terrorists, regional powers and rogue regimes are so much more important, in the grand scheme.
I'd recommend that any shipments of nuclear materials be inspected by the IAEA and taken away if deemed to be used for weapons. This containment strategy is designed to ensure no new bombs are built. It doesn't take the existing ones away. If anything, it puts the world on notice that nuclear states are unacceptable, and states will be punished if they don't remove their weapons.
Lost Generation
There's a growing sense that the next generation of Americans will be negatively affected by the current budget deficit. High taxes, high unemployment, lower wages. It's very possible.
Came across this video. Incredibly brilliant and powerful. We do need to stand up and make a difference:
