FEATURE ARTICLES II.

HOW CAN WE FIGHT TERRORISM?  PT 7. It seems that no matter how much it is Researched and Analyzed, the TRUE NATURE OF TERRORISM IS STILL MISUNDERSTOOD. Understanding the Justification of Selective Violence Against Particular  Governments, Individuals or Groups by Shadowy Militant Organizations PREACHING THE NEED FOR: Self- Defense.      or Carrying Out "Gods Word".      or   "Preserving Our Way of Life." ...Seems to Baffle Many Politicians and World Leaders. However, at the same time, They May Support the Opposition Who Has Adopted Similar Tactics, pointing out that They Have No Choice, because it Is the Key to Victory, or at least Survival. So What are we to Think? How can One Side be Considered to HOLD THE MORAL HIGH GROUND, IF BOTH SIDES ENGAGE IN THE SAME PRACTICES? When Trying to come up with an Answer, There are Several Questions Things that must considered; #1-  TERRORISM IS NOT A POLITICAL, SOCIAL, OR RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT OR ORGANIZATION, WITH A SET DOCTRINE AND SPECIFIC GOALS. #2-  TERRORIST GROUPS DO NOT ALWAYS FOLLOW THE  COMMAND STRUCTURE AND PROCEDURES THAT ARE COMMONLY THOUGHT OF AS BEING PART OF A TRADITIONAL MILITARY ORGANIZATION. #3-  THE ACCEPTABILITY, TOLERANCE, AND SYMPATHY TOWARDS  TERRORIST ACTS CAN DIFFER GREATLY FROM SOCIETY TO SOCIETY, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS A QUESTION OF FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC. IN OTHER WORDS, IT IS NOT THE TACTICS EMPLOYED, BUT WHO  THEY ARE DIRECTED AT. Date-  10/6/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. WHEN YOU RELY ON HATE... The Resignation of John Boehner as SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, AND THE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING A WILLING AND "ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE", TELLS YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE STATE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. The, "I MAY BE REPUBLICAN, BUT AT LEAST I'M NOT AS CRAZY AS DONALD TRUMP" CAMPAIGN STRATEGY HAS SLOWED A LITTLE, BUT STILL PULLS IN DECENT NUMBERS AT THE POLLS. A New Problem is that a Second Extremist Candidate, DR. BEN CARSON, appears to be pulling in similar numbers, further indicating that the REPUBLICAN PARTY CANNOT, OR WILL NOT, GET BEHIND A MODERATE CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.  Instead, continuing to be led by the TEA PARTY EXTREMISTS, WHO WANT A GOVERNMENT THAT FAVORS THE POLICIES OF PREJUDICE, JUSTICE FOR A FEW, AND AN ECONOMY THAT CARES LITTLE FOR THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. To the TEA PARTY STRATEGISTS, THINGS THAT HAVE CREATED DURING  THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, LIKE... -  UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE. -  SAME- SEX MARRIAGE. -  NUCLEAR TREATY WITH IRAN. -  ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS. -  POLICIES THAT INCREASE WAGES,    AND LOWER UNEMPLOYMENT. ...ARE UNACCEPTABLE. WHY?  IS IT BECAUSE SOME OF THE ABOVE REPRESENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ADVANCES FOR TRADITIONALLY WEAK MINORITY GROUPS, (POLITICALLY SPEAKING), WHO BY COMING TOGETHER WITH OTHER PROGRESSIVE GROUPS ARE EVENING UP THE ELECTORAL PLAYING FIELD? MAYBE ITS THE REALIZATION THAT INEQUALITY AND INJUSTICE, AS TERMS THAT APPLY TO SELECT GROUPS, WHO CAN BE IGNORED BECAUSE NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE CARE,                           IS NOW BECOMING A THING OF THE PAST.   Date-  10/12/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOOD EVIDENCE, BAD EVIDENCE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN?  PT 2. Now you may be Thinking Like, "EVIL CONSPIRACIES, WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN, AND WHY DO THEY USE IT AS AN EXPLANATION?" First, SOMETIMES THE WORD "CONSPIRACY" IS USED TO DESCRIBE THE OPPOSITION, AND AT OTHER TIMES DIFFERENT TERMS ARE USED. HOWEVER, THEY ARE ALL MEANT TO DEFINE THE SITUATION IN THE SAME WAY: An Organized Plot within the Oppositions Leadership to Destroy Credibility, and Convince the Public that They are Either Crazy, Deluded, Anti- Intellectual, or Dishonest. In That way, No One Will Take Them Seriously.  If That Fails, it becomes a Justification for Legal Action, either Criminal or Civil. Some other Terms that are used instead of CONSPIRACY Include;  ''POWERS THAT BE","OLD BOYS NETWORK", "SELL-OUTS", "NEW WORLD OLDER", "SCIENTIFIC ESTABLISHMENT", AND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING THAT MAY INCLUDE WORDS SUCH AS: -  GOVERNMENT. -  CORPORATE. -   POLITICIAN. -   DOGMATIC. Those who cry CONSPIRACY are usually doing so because They have no where else to go.  IT IS A LAST DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO KEEP THEIR BELIEF(S) AS A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO WELL REASONED, AND PROPERLY ANALYZED DATA PROVIDED BY THE OPPOSITION. To Them, CRITICAL THINKING AND THE RULES OF LOGIC ARE FINE THINGS, AS LONG AS IT SUITS THEIR PURPOSES.  However, Once They Realize it Cuts Both Ways, and Their Conclusions are Shown to be Derived From Faulty Premises, and EVIDENCE THAT FALLS APART ONCE IT IS PROPERLY EXAMINED AND ANALYZED, THE "LAST STAND" MENTALITY OF "CONSPIRACY" IS TROTTED OUT TO RESCUE THEIR DISCREDITED OPINIONS, CONCLUSIONS, AND JUDGMENTS. Date-  10/20/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH-  A DANGER ALL AROUND US.  PT 31. Let's Interrupt our Story, and ask the Following Question: "How is the Sociopath able to Operate so Effectively, because this can go on for Years.  Is it just Gullibility, or are there other reasons that can be Identified?'' I Think this Question is One that Deserves More Careful Analysis, even though I have touched on it in other sections.  While the  Sociopath does Prey on the  Trusting, and Those who Place Religious Faith and "Redemption" as Primary Parts of Their Systems of  Beliefs, sometimes even These Individuals and Groups can have a Less than Compassionate Side, that fits in Perfectly with the Sociopaths Methods and Goals. The Sociopath makes His Living Exploiting and Deceiving Others.  Sometimes that Means Victimizing Those He has Contact with, who may be Completely Innocent of any Legal or Ethical Wrongdoings, that  would be Subject to Penalties in either CRIMINAL OR CIVIL COURT. However, as we have seen Time and Time again Throughout History, People who seem to be Perfect Examples of Upright and Solid Citizens, Sometimes will Resort to Lying, Deception, and other Forms of Deviant Behavior to get what They Want. Now, as we have seen, the SOCIOPATH CANNOT, AND DOES NOT, FEEL GUILT OR REMORSE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES CAUSED BY THEIR DECISIONS AND ACTIONS.  If somebody gets Hurt, it's just the Cost of  Doing Business.  AS THE SAYING GOES; ''IT'S EVERY MAN FOR  HIMSELF." That Doesn't mean that the Sociopath cannot Recognize Those Feelings  in others, and find ways to Turn the Guilt and Remorse that resides in Them, into a Profitable Enterprise. Date-  10/26/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. JUST SOME OBSERVATIONS... The Following are Impressions that I Have Formed Through Years of Covering Politics in the U.S. Rational Person-  Looks for Answers. Irrational Person-  Looks for Excuses. Rational Person-  Uses Religion as a Tool. Irrational Person-  Uses Religion as a Weapon. Rational Person-  Tries to Understand Their Opponent. Irrational Person-  Could Care Less. Rational Person-  Fights Prejudice. Irrational Person-  Attempts to Justify Prejudice. Rational Person-  Uses Critical Thinking and Logic. Irrational Person-  Uses Rumor and Innuendo. Rational Person-  Wants to be Understood. Irrational person-  Wants to be Obeyed. Rational Person-  Believes "Respect" is Earned  Through Good Works and Honorable Intentions. Irrational Person-  Believes "Respect" is Earned Through Fear and Guile. Rational Person-  Encourages Cooperation. Irrational Person-  Encourages Hate. Date-  11/4/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING-  FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES.  PT 1. (They are not THE SAME THING, BUT ARE OFTEN USED INTERCHANGEABLY. FOR OUR PURPOSE, BOTH WILL BE INCLUDED IN THIS ARTICLE.) IT IS UNFORTUNATE, BUT THE REAL REASON THAT THESE TOPICS CAUSE SO MUCH CONTROVERSY IS TWO FOLD:  -  MANY PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, THIS INCLUDES BOTH POLITICIANS AND VOTERS.  The Scientific Method, and what makes it a Valuable Tool, is sometimes not presented in a way that sets it apart from those Opinions that are Derived from MINDSETS That Are Essentially Useless, when discussing Phenomena that Occurs in Nature. SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD? First and Foremost, THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD IS NOT A SET OF BELIEFS, WITH A DOCTRINE THAT PASSES JUDGMENT ON A CATEGORY OR SUBJECT, LABELING THEM AS EITHER SCIENTIFIC OR UNSCIENTIFIC. Like the RULES OF LOGIC AND MATHEMATICS, THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD IS A PROCESS, THAT LEADS TO ANSWERS AND CONCLUSIONS THAT EITHER DEFINITIVELY EXPLAIN THE EVIDENCE, DATA AND INFORMATION PROVIDED, OR OFFERS HYPOTHESES THAT POINT OR DIRECT US TO THE MOST PROBABLE SOLUTIONS. We do not use the Scientific Method to Evaluate Subjects, that by Definition, do not rely on LOGIC OR EVIDENCE BASED MATERIAL TO BE ACCEPTED AS TRUTHFUL, SUCH AS RELIGIOUS FAITH OR OTHER SUPERNATURAL  SYSTEMS OF BELIEF. -  DISCUSSING OR DEBATING THE PROBLEM OFTEN MISSES THE POINT. When you DISCUSS OR DEBATE ANY SUBJECT, THERE ARE CERTAIN CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET, OR THE RESULT WILL BE ESSENTIALLY USELESS. SEE PART 2. Date-  11/11/2015. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE POLITICS OF PREJUDICE.  PT 4. Perhaps the Most Insidious form of Prejudice, as it Pertains to World of Politics, is HIDING THE DESIRE TO DESTROY THE IDEOLOGY OF EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL, BEHIND THE MASK OF BEING "PATRIOTIC", AND "FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY." It is the STRATEGY OF CONTROLLING GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATING  NON-EXISTENT ENEMIES OUT OF SPECIFIC GROUPS WHO "THREATEN OUR WAY OF LIFE."   However, These are not ENEMIES FROM THE OUTSIDE, FOREIGN POWERS WHO DESIRE OUR DESTRUCTION.  NO, IT'S THE ENEMY WITHIN. In Reality, the only thing that is really THREATENED IS THE HOLD ON POWER  THAT CERTAIN GROUPS WANT TO MAINTAIN, AND HAVE NO DESIRE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS. Throughout World History,  Many Government and Regimes have used SCAPEGOATS TO BLAME FOR EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL PROBLEMS OF THEIR OWN MAKING, OR TO FIND SOMETHING TO FAULT FOR AN INABILITY TO GOVERN SUCCESSFULLY, DUE TO THE FAILURE OF POLICIES THAT THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED. IN THE UNITED STATES, THE HISTORY OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC HAS SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF SUCH; -  IN THE 19TH CENTURY NATIVIST POLITICAL GROUPS FOUGHT ANY ATTEMPT TO ALLOW RECENT IMMIGRANTS A CHANCE TO ASSIMILATE, AND GAIN A MEASURE OF POLITICAL EQUALITY. -  UNIONIZATION IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY BROUGHT CRACKDOWNS ON AMERICANS WHOSE ANCESTRY CAME FROM PARTICULAR PARTS OF EUROPE, NOTED FOR THEIR ANARCHISTIC AND NIHILISTIC GROUPS. -  THE "RED SCARE" OF THE LATE 1940s and 50s, an Assault on any Intellectual Movement that didn't accept and obey A RIGID AND STRICT DEFINITION OF THE "AMERICAN WAY." Date-  11/13/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING-  FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES.  PT 2. QUITE SIMPLY, BEFORE ANY REAL DISCUSSION BEGINS, THE FOLLOWING ARE NECESSARY, AND MUST BE AGREED UPON. 1-  Define the Subject to be Discussed, to the point where both sides agree. This may seem to be COMMON SENSE, with each side knowing why They are Involved, but it is not. It's far to Easy for One Side, who find that Their Viewpoint is going down to Defeat, to Argue that the Opposition has Misrepresented or Failed to Understand the Position they are Taking. This Isn't Difficult, unless there are Clear and Understandable Definitions that Distinctly Separate both sides of the Issue, and leave no room for Vague Interpretations about what Constitutes the Opinions being presented. Vague and Simplistic Definitions are a sign of Intellectual Laziness, and/or a Lack of Commitment or Confidence in the Subject or Topic being Discussed or Debated. Further, if we have an Unclear Distinction between Similar Terms, (Global Warming and Climate Change are Perfect Examples.), the Confusion to the LAY PERSON  MAY MAKE UNDERSTANDING EXTRAORDINARILY DIFFICULT. If One Side Insists on USING ILL-DEFINED WORDS OR TERMS, AND WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PRESENT THE SUBJECT MANNER IN A CONCISE AND UNDERSTANDABLE MANNER, A DEBATE OR DISCUSSION IS NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ANYONE, EXCEPT THOSE USING DECEPTIVE TACTICS NOT TO TEACH, EXPLAIN, OR JUSTIFY, BUT TO PUSH AN AGENDA THEY CAN'T REASONABLY DEFEND. Agreeing to Debate or Discuss an ISSUE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS WOULD  BE FOOLISH AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.  IT WOULD GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT BOTH SIDES ARE READY AND ABLE TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT IN A WAY DESIGNED TO FIND REAL ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS.  This, Of Course, would not be True. So, if one side DECIDES SCORING POINTS FOR POLITICAL GAIN MEANS DECEIVING AND MISLEADING THE PUBLIC, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE OPPOSITION POINT THIS OUT, AND EXPLAIN WHY A DEBATE WOULD BE MEANINGLESS.  THEY NEED TO STRESS THE  IRRATIONAL AND UNSCIENTIFIC TACTICS THAT WOULD DO NOTHING BUT HARM THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH. Date- 11/22/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE PARIS TERRORIST ATTACKS-  WHAT CAN WE LEARN? PT 1. The Death and Destruction Wreaked Upon the City of Paris is a Tragedy that, QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY, CAUSES GREAT FEELINGS OF ANGER AND SORROW TO MEMBERS OF ALL CIVILIZED NATIONS.  However, to learn, we must put these feelings aside. In this way, we can create a Strategy  that makes such events a Thing of the Past, by Destroying Those Groups who  Attempt to Profit by carrying out such Assaults. WE NEED TO IGNORE ALL THE POLITICAL DIATRIBE, RHETORIC, AND MEANINGLESS SOUND BITES, AND LOOK AT THE SITUATION WITH CALM AND REASON. HERE IS WHAT KNOW, WITH A DEGREE OF CERTAINTY. -  TERRORISM IS NOT AN IDEOLOGY, BUT A TOOL USED TO FURTHER  THE INTERESTS OF A PARTICULAR GROUP. -  It is not A STRATEGY FOUND IN PARTICULAR RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS.  GOING BACK THROUGH HISTORY, IT HAS BEEN USED IN THE NAME OF MANY FAITHS. -  As in PARIS, IT IS OFTEN DIRECTED AT NON- MILITARY POPULATIONS, TO CREATE FEAR, AND ENCOURAGE OVERREACTIONS THAT WORK IN  THE INTERESTS OF THE AGGRESSORS. So What Does the PARIS TERRORIST ATTACKS TELL US? -  That the Hierarchy of the Organization may plan, but is not carrying  out the Attacks, which, as is so often the case in the past, ends in Suicide. -  That those who participated, are not known to be Refugees, so They were not under any real Scrutiny about the How and Why of coming to live in the European Union. -   The Death and Destruction was not Directed at Military or Police  Targets, but Civilian and Commercial. How about the Timing? THE UNITED STATES IS ABOUT TO BEGIN TO OFFER SANCTUARY TO SYRIAN WAR REFUGEES, ALLOWING THEM TO COME TO THE STATES. THE ATTACKS OCCURRED JUST BEFORE THIS WAS ABOUT TO  HAPPEN, AFTER A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE  BACKGROUND OF SAID REFUGEES, TO SEE IF THEY WERE  LEGITIMATELY DISPLACED NON-COMBATANTS. THE OPPOSITION TO THESE REFUGEES COMING TO THE U.S., LED BY SPECIFIC POLITICIANS , USE THE ATTACKS AS AN EXCUSE TO RALLY SUPPORT BARRING ENTRY TO THE REFUGEES.  THIS IS DONE, WITHOUT ANY EVIDENCE THAT  THOSE SEEKING SANCTUARY ARE IN ANY WAY A DANGER. SO WHAT CAN WE REASONABLY TAKE FROM THIS INFORMATION? Look for Part 2. Date-  11/24/2015. Scroll down future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING-  FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES.  PT 3. Alright, we have Defined the Subject Matter to be Debated, and we have TWO DISTINCT OPINIONS THAT RUN CONTRARY TO EACH OTHER.  Since They both cannot be ACCURATE AND TRUE, HOW DO WE SET UP THE DEBATE TO ARRIVE AT THE MOST LIKELY CONCLUSION? 2-  WHAT TYPE OF EVIDENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED RELEVANT, AND HOW WILL ITS ACCURACY AND  INFLUENCE UPON THE SUBJECT MATTER BE MEASURED? Remember, this is a DEBATE ABOUT SCIENCE, NOT POLITICS OR MORALITY. ACCEPTING ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER SIDE AS TRUE, CANNOT BE JUDGED BY POLITICAL, SOCIAL, OR ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS. If We Take the CLIMATE CHANGE/ GLOBAL WARMING DISCUSSION OR DEBATE AS AN EXAMPLE, WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING: Whether or Not the EARTHS CLIMATE IS CHANGING, AND/OR GLOBAL WARMING IS FACTUAL, DOES NOT DEPEND UPON THE CURRENT COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND TRADING PRACTICES BETWEEN COUNTRIES. POSSIBLE ECONOMIC UPHEAVAL WILL NOT ALTER PAST READINGS ON TEMPERATURE CHANGE, ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA, OR WEATHER ANOMALIES. Since We  Must Use LOGIC AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD TO REACH CONCLUSIONS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING, QUALITY EVIDENCE OR TESTIMONY MUST BE; -  VERIFIABLE. -  QUANTIFIABLE. -  TESTABLE. -  REPRODUCIBLE. -  FALSIFIABLE.  PROPER CONTROLS MUST HAVE ALSO BEEN USED TO ELIMINATE THE  POSSIBILITY OF ALTERING OR TAINTING THE RESULTS. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ARE LEFT UNTIL AFTER THE DEBATE OR DISCUSSION HAS BEEN SETTLED, AND A VALID CONSENSUS AGREES WITH THE FINDINGS. Date- 11/25/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE PARIS TERRORIST ATTACKS-  WHAT CAN WE LEARN? PT 2. When we examine the PARIS TERRORIST ATTACKS, OBJECTIVELY AND WITHOUT ANY UNPROVEN OR MISGUIDED ASSUMPTIONS, THE DATE AND TARGET CHOSEN CAN TELL US CERTAIN THINGS: 1-  THE SECTIONS OF  PARIS ATTACKED WERE "SOFT TARGETS."  This means sites that are not MILITARY OR POLICE POINTS OF STRENGTH, BUT CIVILIAN AND COMMERCIAL.THE GOAL IS TO CAUSE A LARGE NUMBER OF NON- COMBATANT CASUALTIES, AND DISRUPT COMMERCE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. 2-  By using ASSAILANTS WHOSE FAMILY HAD MIDDLE EASTERN ROOTS, AND WERE MUSLIM, ATTEMPT TO CREATE FEAR AND SUSPICION ABOUT ALL MEMBERS OF THESE GROUPS. 3-  FINALLY, THE SUICIDAL ACTS OF THE ATTACKERS IS MEANT TO SEND A MESSAGE OF TOTAL DEVOTION TO THEIR "CAUSE", WHERE DEATH IS PREFERABLE TO CAPTURE. These Reasons Point to a Plan that was very limited in scope, and its Goal was in no way MILITARISTIC, OR EVEN PUNITIVE.  IT WAS INTENDED TO DESTROY AND DISRUPT HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS TO RELIEVE AND RESETTLE SYRIAN REFUGEES, BY ERODING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT FOR THESE EFFORTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE U.S. WHY? All Terrorist Organizations, need a ready supply of one thing that MONEY AND POLITICAL SUPPORT CANNOT BUY THEM: AN ABLE AND WILLING SOURCE OF VOLUNTEERS, who will carry out the PLANS OF LEADERSHIP, WHICH IN MANY CASES, MEANS CERTAIN DEATH. CARRYING OUT RUTHLESS ATTACKS THAT TARGET CIVILIANS, AND THEN DETONATING A BOMB TO BLOW YOURSELF UP, AND ANYONE ELSE NEARBY, REQUIRES A MINDSET OF SUCH HATE AND DESPERATION AGAINST YOUR PROPOSED TARGETS THAT REASON, AND SELF-PRESERVATION, IS PUSHED ASIDE INSIDE THE MINDS OF THESE VOLUNTEERS. HOWEVER, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THOSE COUNTRIES AND GOVERNMENTS, THAT THE TERRORIST LEADERSHIP HAS PROPAGANDIZED AND LED POTENTIAL VOLUNTEERS TO BELIEVE ARE THE EPITOME OF GODLESS EVIL, AGREES TO AID AND RESETTLE SYRIAN REFUGEES, THE VAST MAJORITY WHO ARE MUSLIM.   MAYBE THESE POTENTIAL TERRORISTS SEE FAMILY AND FRIENDS  BEING RESCUED, OR MAYBE THEY ARE PART OF THIS HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH PROGRAM. THEY SEE THAT MANKIND HAS A CAPACITY FOR GREAT ACTS OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE, OR HOW THEY WORSHIP. HOW DO YOU THINK THIS WILL AFFECT THE POTENTIAL POOL OF SUICIDAL RECRUITS WITHIN THE MIDDLE EAST? TERRORIST RECRUIT-  CERTAIN DEATH. (UNLESS, OF COURSE, YOU ARE IN A POSITION OF POWER.) REFUGEE-  A CHANCE AT LIFE, FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Date-  11/28/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING-  FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES.  PT 4. Now that we have Set Standards for how EVIDENCE WILL BE ACCUMULATED AND EVALUATED, EVERYTHING IS READY FOR A REASONABLE AND VALID DEBATE, WITH THE RULES OF LOGIC AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD SHOWING THE WAY TO JUDGMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS THAT MUST BE ACCEPTED BY ALL, RIGHT? Unfortunately, all to often, the Arguments of One, or even both sides of an Issue, are just there to DISGUISE THE TRUE PURPOSE FOR DEFENDING A CERTAIN CONCLUSION OR JUDGMENT. If the Motives of One Side IS COMPLETELY SELF-SERVING, WITH A PRIORITY TO MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO, THE DESIRE TO CREATE CONFUSION, HOSTILITY, PREJUDICE etc, WILL WORK TO CHANGE THE DEBATE FROM A SCIENTIFIC EVALUATION OF A SPECIFIC PHENOMENA, TO AREAS THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER. A Few Things to Remember: -  BEING ELECTED, APPOINTED, OR IN ANY WAY SELECTED TO HOLD A PUBLIC OFFICE, DOES NOT GUARANTEE EXPERTISE IN ANY SUBJECT OR DISCIPLINE. -  IN MY EXPERIENCE, THE VAST MAJORITY OF  PhDs, MDs, JDs, AND OTHER RECOGNIZED AUTHORITIES ARE HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY, AND WILL GIVE AN UNBIASED AND WELL REASONED OPINION ON A SUBJECT RELATED TO THEIR FIELD. HOWEVER, THERE ARE A FEW WHO IGNORE HONOR AND TRUST TO FURTHER THEIR OWN INTERESTS, OR WHO FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE FAULTS IN THE ARGUMENTS THEY HAVE PUT FORTH, DUE TO HUBRIS AND AN UNWILLINGNESS TO EVALUATE THEIR OWN CONCLUSIONS WITH THE SAME DEDICATION THAT THEY WOULD USE TO JUDGE OTHERS. -  LOGIC AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD DO NO CHANGE ACCORDING TO EDUCATION, ABILITY, OR PREVIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS. THE DEFINITION OF AN INVALID OR IRRATIONAL ARGUMENT IS THE SAME FOR EVERYONE. -  BEING AN ACKNOWLEDGED EXPERT IN ONE FIELD, DOES NOT MAKE SOMEONE AN EXPERT IN ALL SUBJECTS FOR WHICH THEY GIVE AN OPINION. WHAT CAN WE DO?  LOOK FOR PART 5. Date-  12/1/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING-  FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES.  PT 5. WHAT CAN WE DO? When you are Faced with TWO DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSING VIEWS IN A DEBATE CONCERNING THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE, WHICH BY DEFINITION MUST INCLUDE NATURAL LAW AND SCIENTIFIC METHOD, HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO JUDGE THE QUALITY OF THE ARGUMENTS PRESENTED: -  MAKE SURE THEY ARE VALIDLY CONSTRUCTED. IF NOT, POINT IT OUT, AND ASK WHY? -  ARE ALL PREMISES FACTUAL IN CONTENT, OR ARE THEY ASSUMPTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PROVEN TO BE TRUE? -  ALL STATISTICS MUST BE SOURCED PROPERLY, WHICH INCLUDES METHODOLOGY. If these Three Conditions cannot, or will not, be Satisfied to the agreement of each side, then you Won't have a Debate, or a Discussion that will Yield Meaningful Information. Discerning or Finding Truth is not aided by Tactics Designed to Mask Deceive, or Avoid Answering Valid and Evidentiary Questions. APART FROM ABOVE, HERE ARE SOME OTHER TECHNIQUES THAT COULD HELP TO IDENTIFY WHICH OPINIONS ARE GROUNDED IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD, AND THOSE THAT ARE LITTLE MORE THAN SMOKE AND MIRRORS. -  ASK BOTH SIDES TO PRESENT THE THREE STRONGEST POINTS THAT SUPPORT THEIR OPINIONS OR CONCLUSIONS. THEN EVALUATE EACH POINT ON ITS OWN, TO SEE IF THEY STAND ON THEIR OWN MERITS, OR ARE DEPENDENT ON THE OTHER(S). -  GIVEN WHAT CAN BE REASONABLY KNOWN ABOUT THE SUBJECT MATTER THAT IS NOT UNDER CONTENTION, HOW DO THE CONCLUSIONS  THEY ARE ASSERTING FIT WITH ESTABLISHED FACTS? -  WHAT MISTAKES THE OPPOSITION HAS MADE IN THEIR ANALYSIS, AND HOW CAN THEY BE CORRECTED? FINALLY, THE MOMENT OF TRUTH.  ASK EACH THE FOLLOWING: IF IT CAN BE SHOWN THAT THE ARGUMENT(S) YOU ARE MAKING ARE INVALID, OR NOT SUPPORTED BY THE EVIDENCE, WOULD IT MAKE YOU RECONSIDER YOUR POSITION? IF NOT, WHAT TYPE OF ARGUMENT, OR FORM OF EVIDENCE, WOULD YOU ACCEPT AS INDICATIVE THAT YOUR CONCLUSION OR OPINION IS UNFOUNDED, AND THAT THE OPPOSITION IS CORRECT? TRUE SCIENTISTS WOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF THESE QUESTIONS. IF THEIR POSITION IS REASONABLE, AND PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUCH  INQUIRIES WOULD BE WELCOME. Date-  12/3/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. DONALD TRUMP-  THE REPUBLICANS  SECRET WEAPON?  PT 3. As DONALD TRUMPS Latest Attacks Have Shown Us, he sees no problem with Violating the CONSTITUTION, CIVIL RIGHTS LAW, OR EVEN BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS. Several Months ago I Wrote a Two Piece Article about Him being the REPUBLICAN PARTIES SECRET WEAPON.  HIS COMMENTS THEN, AND THOSE MADE MORE RECENTLY, SEEMED TO POINT TO A CANDIDATE TRYING TO RUIN HIS CHANCES AT BECOMING NOMINATED. HOW COULD THIS HELP THE REPUBLICAN PARTY? It Turned Attention Away from the more TRADITIONAL HOPEFULS, WHO WERE, AND STILL ARE, PUSHING A FAILED NATIONAL AGENDA THAT WANTS TO TURN BACK ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED DURING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, AND RETURN US TO G.W. BUSH ERA POLITICS. ( TO BE FAIR, I DO NOT THINK THAT OUR PREVIOUS PRESIDENT WOULD EVER SUPPORT OR APPROVE THE PLATFORM THAT HAS BECOME DONALD TRUMPS VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE U.S.) SO HOW DID IT WORK OUT? Date- 12/8/2015. SCROLL DOWN FOR FUTURE POSTS. FEATURE ARTICLES. DONALD TRUMP-  THE REPUBLICANS  SECRET WEAPON?  PT 4. WHAT HAPPENED?   THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FAILED TO REALIZE THE NUMBER OF FAR RIGHT EXTREMISTS THAT INHABIT THEIR PARTY. ( AT LEAST THOSE WHO VOTE IN THE PRIMARIES, AND SEEM TO DOMINATE REPUBLICAN FOCUS GROUPS.) THE REALIZATION THAT A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COULD INSULT: -  AN ETHIC GROUP. -  WOMEN. -  VETERANS. -  AN ENTIRE RELIGION. ETC.... AND GAIN POPULARITY AT THE POLLS, SHOULD TELL YOU ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO A LARGE PART OF THOSE WHO MAKE UP THE BODY OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. However, What can you do if your Opponents take these COMMENTS AND ASSERTIONS, AND ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICE, FEAR MONGERING, AND  AN ENEMY TO FREEDOM GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. CONSTITUTION? DO YOU... -  USE LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING TO LAY OUT YOUR ARGUMENTS PROPERLY? -  PRESENT EVIDENCE THAT CAN BE STUDIED AND EVALUATED? -  BRING IN RESPECTED AND COMPETENT EXPERTS TO LEND CREDENCE TO YOUR ACCUSATIONS? ...PRODUCE ANYTHING THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED INTELLECTUALLY SOUND AND VALUABLE, IN FINDING THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE SAID? No. You come up with the following Justification: THAT THIS COUNTRY IS BEING RUINED BY "POLITICAL CORRECTNESS", AND YOUR NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK YOUR MIND. SELF- CENTERED AMORALISTS USUALLY AREN'T. Date- 12/16/2015. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH-  A DANGER ALL AROUND US. PT 32. BACK TO OUR STORY... The SOCIOPATH has now Established himself in the Community. His "NOBLE ACTIONS" now go beyond helping the CONGREGATION and the COMMUNITY with Personal Financial Matters and Small Investments. HE WANTS THE BIG SCORE, and now he pushes on to the FINAL PART OF THE "SET UP", WHERE MOST, IF NOT ALL LACK OF TRUST ISSUES ARE SETTLED. So How does The Sociopath Convince the WEALTHIEST MEMBERS of his Expanding Circle of FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES, TO TRUST HIM ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR MONEY?   WHY SIMPLY COMMIT TO DOING THINGS THAT ARE CHARITABLE, AND GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT "MONEY" AND "EARTHLY PLEASURES" MEAN NOTHING TO Him. How could this be Done?   There are Many Organizations, (CHARITIES, NON-PROFITS), Where Small Donations would be greatly appreciated.  To BUILD UP GOOD WILL, and CREATE A PERSONA OF GENEROSITY AND A "GENUINE" LOVE OF HUMANITY, SMALL AMOUNTS OF MONEY, DONATED AND SPREAD AROUND TO SEVERAL NEEDY GROUPS, WILL GO A LONG WAY TO OPENING DOORS FOR THE ENTERPRISING SOCIOPATH. Even More Effective, would be DONATING TIME AND EFFORT TO CONSPICUOUS  ACTIVITIES, WHERE THE "EMPHASIS" IS  "GIVING BACK" TO THE COMMUNITY.  THIS MEANS SHOWING EVERYONE THE APPRECIATION YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO HAVE HELPED YOU, AND TRANSFERRING THIS HELP TO THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE. SO HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY THE SOCIOPATH, WHO CONSIDERS SUCH ENDEAVORS AS INVESTMENTS THAT WILL PAY OFF IN THE LONG RUN, FROM THOSE WHO GIVE TIME AND MONEY TO THESE SAME  CAUSES, BUT DO SO BECAUSE OF ALTRUISTIC MOTIVES? -  LOOK FOR GRANDIOSE GESTURES AND SPEECHES, WHERE THE INDIVIDUAL POINTS OUT HOW GENEROUS AND GIVING THEY ARE, SOMETIMES TAKEN TO RIDICULOUS EXTREMES. -  THE SOCIOPATH HAS AN EASY TIME TELLING PEOPLE HOW "GREAT" THEY ARE, BUT WILL BE RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE GOOD DEEDS OF OTHERS.  THEY WILL OFTEN IGNORE OR DOWNPLAY WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE. WHY? BECAUSE THEY VIEW OTHERS AS OPPONENTS AND COMPETITORS, OBSTACLES TO GETTING WHAT THEY WANT. TO BE CONTINUED... Date- 12/21/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: HERE WE GO AGAIN. PT 1. As the Latest Presidential Election Cycle Moves Forward in the U.S., LOGIC AND COMMON SENSE CONTINUE TO TAKE A BEATING. THE STRATEGY OF CERTAIN CANDIDATES TO EMBRACE THE LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND SUBJECTIVITY THAT IS FOUND AMONG  CERTAIN PARTS OF THE ELECTORATE, REGARDING: -  THE ECONOMY  -  DOMESTIC POLICY. -  FOREIGN POLICY. -  THE LEGAL SYSTEM. -  THE U.S. CONSTITUTION. ...SEEMS TO BE THE GAME PLAN FOR VICTORY AT THE POLLS. ALL THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE LAST TWO PRESIDENTIAL TERMS COULD BE LOST, IF THE MOTIVATION THAT SPURNED ON THE 2008 ELECTION RESULTS, WHICH USHERED IN HISTORIC CHANGES THAT ARE WITH US TODAY, IS NOT REALIZED IN THE VOTER TURNOUT FOR THE  2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. THOSE WHO WISH TO SEE A CONTINUATION OF THIS SUCCESS, MUST BE REALISTIC, WELL- INFORMED, FAIR AND OPEN MINDED, AND  OF COURSE, MOTIVATED. WITH THIS IN MIND, UPCOMING POSTS UNDER THIS TITLE WILL LOOK AT THE STRATEGY AND TACTICS BEING USED TO INFLUENCE VOTERS AND DONORS TO SUPPORT ONE SIDE, OR THE OTHER.  THIS WILL INCLUDE: -  GOALS PUT FORTH BY THE CANDIDATE IF ELECTED. -  ANALYSIS OF ANY REPORTED DATA, REGARDING ITS TRUTH. -  A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE ARGUMENTATION BEING USED. -  THE ACCURACY OF POLITICAL ADS. ...AND MORE. LOOK FOR PART 2. Date- 12/29/2015. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. A LOOK AT PRESIDENT OBAMAS SPEECH, ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE ACTIONS HE IS TAKING TO REDUCE  GUN VIOLENCE.  PART 1. (Some of the following I have covered in other posts. However, I  believe they are worth repeating, for the Benefit of those who are new readers.) Let us TRY TO IGNORE THE RHETORIC, SOUND BITES, AND  OTHER MEANINGLESS CLAPTRAP BEING SPREAD ACROSS THE AIRWAVES AND THE INTERNET, AND APPROACH THIS WITH  MATURITY AND RATIONAL THOUGHT, WITH THE IDEA TO DO WHAT  IS RIGHT AND GOOD FOR THE U.S., THE WORLD, AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. Question #1-  Do we Agree that there are certain Individuals and/or Groups that SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO FIREARMS. If so, who and why? Question #2-  Previous Judicial Decisions, and Legislative Actions have set Limits, as to what ACTIONS ARE PERMISSABLE and COVERED BY THE BILL OF RIGHTS SET FORTH IN THE U.S. CONSTITUTION. For Example: FREEDOM OF SPEECH-  DOES NOT ALLOW US TO SAY ANYTHING  WE WANT, ANYWHERE WE WANT, AT ANY TIME, AND USE "FREEDOM OF SPEECH" AS A UNIVERSAL DEFENSE TO AVOID SANCTIONS OR  PUNISHMENTS. FREEDOM OF RELIGION-  DOES NOT ALLOW POLYGAMY, PHYSICAL ABUSE, CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN DRUGS, DISCRIMINATION IN THE EMPLOYMENT SECTOR....AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO BE COVERED  BY CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. So if we ACCEPT THAT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS ARE NOT ABSOLUTE, BUT ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC CONDITIONS, FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD, WHY WOULD THE 2ND AMENDMENT BE EXEMPT? Question #3-  Given the Stated GOALS AND PROCEDURES SET FORTH BY THE PRESIDENT IN HIS SPEECH, TO HELP REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE, WHY WOULD YOU CONCLUDE THAT: -  THEY CANNOT BE ACHIEVED, OR WILL NOT    PRODUCE DESIRABLE RESULTS? -  THEY PRESENT AN UNREASONABLE BURDEN     ON THE LAW ABIDING GUN OWNER? -  IT PUNISHES HONEST GUN OWNERS , INSTEAD OF    REINFORCING THE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS THEY    ALREADY MAKE? TO BE CONTINUED... Date- 1/6/2016. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. IGNORING THE TRUTH ABOUT TERRORISM. A KEY TO GETTING ELECTED?  PT 1. Why is it that Many Politicians continue to make Unreasonable and Irrational  Judgments about dealing with TERRORIST ACTIVITIES, WHICH OFTEN SEEM TO FLY IN THE FACE OF COMMON SENSE, AND CAN ACTUALLY MAKE THE  SITUATION A LOT WORSE THAN IT IS? Yes, I Know many Candidates running for Elected Office Count on Acquiring the  BACKING AND SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL.  SUCH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS LOOK FOR ANY EXCUSE TO PERSECUTE THOSE WHO DO NOT SHARE THEIR WORLD VIEW.  IT IS AN EXAMPLE ALL TO OFTEN REPEATED IN U.S. HISTORY, AND LUCKILY FOR ALL AMERICANS, THEY USUALLY GO DOWN TO DEFEAT. Unfortunately, this can take years, or even Decades, and the HARM CAUSED WHILE THE ISSUE IS STILL UNDECIDED CAN DESTROY AND RUIN THE LIVES OF THE INNOCENT, WHILE PROTECTING THE RACIST, MISOGYNIST, RELIGIOUS BIGOT, HOMOPHOBE. etc. So how is this becoming a LARGE PART OF THE UPCOMING ELECTION IN THE U.S.?  IT IS BECAUSE THOSE WHO PREACH INTOLERANCE AND HATE ARE HIDING THEIR VIEWS BEHIND REAL ISSUES, AND MASKING THEIR  TRUE BELIEFS BEHIND THE STANDS THEY TAKE, OR THE OPINIONS THEY HAVE REGARDING ANY GROUP THAT DOESN'T LIVE UP TO THEIR CHOSEN "STANDARDS." FOR EXAMPLE, LET US TAKE THE EXAMPLE OF TERRORISM, AND SEE WHERE IT LEADS US. #1-  THE IDEA THAT FIGHTING TERRORISM IS AN ISSUE OF LOCATING PARTICULAR "ENEMIES" WHO ESPOUSE CERTAIN BELIEF AND GOALS, AND DESTROYING THEM. The Problem is Defining Terrorism as a Specific Characteristic of a Particular Political Ideology, Religion or Sect., Ethnic Population etc. IT IS NOT. TERRORISM, IS A TOOL TO ADVANCE A SPECIFIC SET OF GOALS, OR A PARTICULAR AGENDA, THAT CAN BE FOUND IN JUST ABOUT ANY TYPE OF ORGANIZATION.  THROUGHOUT WORLD HISTORY, POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS , COUNTRIES AND NATIONS, LABOR AND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS, AMONG OTHERS, HAVE ENGAGED IN TERRORISM TO GAIN VICTORY OR ADVANCE SPECIFIC POLICIES. IT IS A BELIEF THAT "THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS." Look for Part 2. Date-  1/10/2016. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES. A LOOK AT PRESIDENT OBAMAS SPEECH, ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE ACTIONS HE IS TAKING TO REDUCE  GUN VIOLENCE.  PART 2. It seems the Objections that have followed the PRESIDENTS SPEECH ON GUN CONTROL, AMOUNT TO THE USUAL COMMENTS AND ASSERTIONS THAT ARE AS FALSE AND UNSUPPORTABLE NOW, AS THEY WERE IN THE PAST. The One I Believe to be the Most Detrimental to Rational Discourse, HAS FOOLED EVEN SOME PROGRESSIVE VOTERS, WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER. IT IS USUALLY SOME FORM OF THE FOLLOWING ARGUMENT: IF WE TAKE THE GUNS AWAY FROM HONEST AMERICANS, THEN ONLY THE CRIMINALS WILL HAVE THEM. LETS TAKE THIS ONE STEP AT A TIME; -  THE PRESIDENT, AND THE MAJORITY OF PROGRESSIVE POLITICIANS, VOTERS, AND COMMENTATORS HAVE NEVER ADVOCATED SUCH A DRASTIC POLICY, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR VIEWS ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT ARE. (INCLUDING MYSELF). -  THIS IS JUST ANOTHER CASE OF THE LOGICAL FALLACY CALLED "THE SLIPPERY SLOPE." I AM CURRENTLY WRITING AND PUBLISHING POSTS ON THIS TOPIC ON THE LOGIC PAGE, #10.    HISTORICALLY, IT IS OFTEN USED BY GROUPS WHO DON'T WANT TO SHARE POLITICAL POWER WITH MINORITY GROUPS, SO THEY FIGHT AGAINST ANY ACTIONS THAT WOULD CREATE EQUALITY AND OFFER MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE AT THE LOWER LEVELS OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LADDER.  THEY DO THIS BY INSISTING THAT SUCH GROUPS "CANNOT", "SHOULD NOT", OR "MUST NOT" BE MADE EQUAL, OR IT WOULD EVENTUALLY DESTROY ALL OF SOCIETY.   THIS LINE OF THOUGHT EXTENDS TO THE GUN CONTROL DEBATE,  WHICH RESULTS IN CLAIMS OR ASSERTIONS SUCH AS: "WE CAN'T TAKE GUNS AWAY FROM ONE PERSON OR GROUP, THEN  NO ONE IS SAFE FROM HAVING THEIR FIREARMS TAKEN AWAY." REALLY?  EXACTLY WHAT PART OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM IN THE U.S. MAKES THIS CLAIM TRUE? -  THE U.S. REQUIRES REGISTRATION AND/OR LICENSING FOR; 1)  OWNING AND OPERATING AUTOMOBILES. 2)  BUYING AND SELLING REAL ESTATE. 3)  PROFESSIONS SUCH AS MEDICINE, LAW, EDUCATION, ETC. 4)  GETTING MARRIED. 5)  VOTING. ...AND SO ON... EACH OF THE ABOVE HAS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS THAT MUST BE  MET, OR AN INDIVIDUAL MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE. GUESS WHAT?-  NONE OF THESE ARE CONSIDERED UNCONSTITUTIONAL. BUT BUYING OR OWNING A FIREARM WITHOUT: -  ANY TRAINING. -  A BACKGROUND CHECK. -  REGARD TO A CRIMINAL RECORD,     OR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES,  -  CHECKING ON WHO ELSE MAY HAVE ACCESS TO IT.  ...IS NOT JUST CAUSE TO STOP SOMEONE FROM ACQUIRING A DEADLY        WEAPON... ...makes sense doesn't it. WOW. Date-  1/12/2016. Scroll down for future posts. FEATURE ARTICLES- WORKING WITH TRUMP, AND THE REPUBLICANS: DEMOCRATS, WILL THEY EVER LEARN? Trying to understand the Democratic Parties response to the Donald Trump win in the Presidential Election has been difficult.  It is almost surreal, for it is like they have never met THIS REPUBLICAN PARTY. Think I am being Unfair. Consider This: Your a Republican, planning future strategy. You have seen your party go through Eight Years of an Obama Presidency, and no matter how often your Party Thwarted Attempts by the President and other Progressive Democrats to help the American People, your Diatribe, Half- Truths, and Race Baiting etc., have managed to fool enough of the Electorate so that you lost nothing at the polls. What is even better, YOU NEVER HAD TO SEEK OUT COMPROMISE. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ENOUGH PEOPLE TOOK IT AS TRUTH, AND BLAMED MOST OF THE COUNTRIES PROBLEMS ON THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT. USING RELIGIOUS ZEALOTRY, WHAT YOU COULDN'T BLAME ON THE PRESIDENT, YOU PUT ON THOSE WHO DIDN'T BLINDLY AGREE WITH YOUR BRAND OF CHRISTIANITY, WHICH IS NOT A DOCTRINE OF PEACE, BUT ONE OF HATE AND PREJUDICE. However, it gets even better. After eight years of Economic and Social Progress, with the country much better off than it was before President Obama took office, you were able to elect an Unscrupulous Demagogue to the highest office in the land. Running on a Platform of almost Pure Hate, appealing to the Basest of Human Emotions, it was a campaign Histories Dictators would be proud of. Yet, even with all this.. ...the Democrat Party is accepting the President Elects offer to heal the Division in this Country. (A Division caused almost exclusively by your parties words and actions). What does this tell you? -  THAT NO MATTER HOW REPREHENSIBLE THE REPUBLICAN PARTIES BEHAVIOR IS, IT DOESN'T MATTER. -  REACH OUT TO ALL THE BIGOTS, RACISTS, HOMOPHOBES, AND OTHER HATERS THAT YOU CAN, IT DOESN'T MATTER. -  PROMOTE ANGER, VIOLENCE, AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR. IT DOESN'T MATTER. IN THE END, IT IS THE DEMOCRATS WHO WILL COME CALLING, HOPING, THAT THIS TIME, YOU WILL BE REASONABLE.  THE FOOLS... Thursday, November 17, 2016 FEATURE ARTICLES. PROGRESSIVES- YOUR LEADERS ARE FAILING YOU. Progressives, Some things to think about.... Referring to President Elect Trump, Barack Obama thinks we should balance what he said during the campaign, with what he does as President. That's what I would expect a Lawyer to say, not a World Leader. Then again, he might say a couple of nice things about you. He Trashed you enough during the election, and you wouldn't want to upset him further. See, I was under the Impression that a departing President, after seeing an Unprincipled Hate Monger win the most powerful elected office in the world, using TACTICS PRAISED BY THE KKK AND THE AMERICAN NAZI PARTY, would tell his supporters to use all legal means to make sure he fails. This would encourage Americans to avoid such DEMAGOGUES, WHO ENCOURAGE VIOLENCE AND HATE AS A VIABLE STRATEGY TO WIN AN ELECTION. Now pay attention. When I say see him fail as President, IT MEANS THAT HIS GOALS AND REASONS FOR RUNNING HAVE BEEN DEFEATED, AND THE VISION HE HAD FOR THE U.S. DID NOT COME ABOUT.  That may mean no compromises, and ignoring all attempts at working together. BUT... Some Democratic Members of Congress think we should help heal the Division in this Country, as President Elect Trump proposes. (The fact he caused the Division is ignored). Why not, shouldn't we follow the shining example set by the Republican Congress over the last eight years? I mean they have a policy of Blocking any Legislation that would actually help the Average American, like a LIVING WAGE AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE. I'M SURE THEY WILL BE MUCH MORE REASONABLE NOW. The Southern Poverty Law Center thinks President Elect Trump should denounce racism and violence, done in his name. (I would think that is something that you wouldn't have to ask.) He will probably do it, after all he and his cronies have the White House, so he can condescend to throw a few scraps to his opponents. Then the Law Center can announce the VICTORY OVER INTOLERANCE, AND PRESIDENT TRUMP IS NOT AS BAD AS WE THOUGHT. You have to say one thing about Donald Trump: HE PROMOTES ANGER, HATRED, PREJUDICE AND THE THREAT OF VIOLENCE TO GET ELECTED, AND STILL HE HAS THE OPPOSITION ABANDONING THEIR INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY TO SAY CONSOLING THINGS ABOUT HIM. WOW!! FEATURE ARTICLES- THE SHAME OF THE 2016 ELECTION PART 2.   (This is for those who wonder why I am keeping  "DON'T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 8TH, THE EYES OF HISTORY ARE UPON US," On some of the Headings. I think it is necessary to remind every American what was done this day. This is especially True for younger readers, reminding them of the consequences of not voting, and the Importance of learning Basic Critical Thinking Skills.  In other words, how not to turn the U.S. into an Object of Mockery and Scorn.)  You knew it was coming. To Salvage something from this Debacle, many Democratic Leaders are extending or accepting, the "THE OLIVE BRANCH OF PEACE" from President Elect Donald Trump. This is an Excellent way to turn a DEBACLE INTO AN UNMITIGATED DISASTER. HOW? During the Eight Years of the OBAMA PRESIDENCY, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY REFUSED TO WORK WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, ON ANY ISSUE, BE IT FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC. This was done using such Tactics as Government Shutdown, Filibusters, and the Willingness to Violate Constitutional Law. Time and Time again overtures of working together, for the good of all, were rebuffed. Fast Forward- The Republican Candidate for President, Donald Trump, is elected President in 2016. Running on a platform that appealed to RACISTS, XENOPHOBES, HOMOPHOBES, RELIGIOUS ZEALOTS, AND MISOGYNISTS, he fails to win the popular vote, but accumulates enough Electoral Votes to win the Presidency. POST ELECTION. Some Democratic Leaders, up and down the line, announce their willingness to work with the President Elect, because he says he wants to better the lives of all Working Americans. Apparently this assertion is enough to convince many politicians of his sincerity. REALLY. So we are to assume that a man who ran a Campaign for President based on; -  HATING ALL THE RIGHT PEOPLE. -  INCITING VIOLENCE AGAINST OPPOSITION GROUPS. -  INSULTING OUR ALLIES, DEMEANING WOMEN,  AND PROMISING TO PERSECUTE THOSE GROUPS  WHO DIDN'T MEET THE FASCIST STANDARDS OF  THOSE WHO SUPPORTED HIS CANDIDACY, IS NOW A BENEFICENT LEADER, FRIEND TO ALL? SEE PART 3.