FEATURE ARTICLES- HOW PROUD ARE YOU NOW? DONALD TRUMP- A SHILL?

DONALD TRUMP USES AN ELECTED OFFICE TO PROMOTE THE LATEST "GET RICH QUICK" SCHEME ON THE INTERNET.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF CHANGES FROM THE FIRST TWO I REPORTED ON.

-  THE REPORTING "NEWS SERVICE" IS CNN. FOX HAS BEEN REPLACED.

-  THE "CLIENT" IS NOW CALLED INTERNET PROFIT.

I HAVE REPRINTED PARTS OF THIS "ARTICLE" SO YOU CAN COMPARE THEM TO THE 

FIRST TWO.

SOME OF WHAT YOU READ BELOW IS PRACTICALLY IDENTICAL TO THE OTHER TWO

NEWS "REPORTS." THIS INCLUDES THE DISCLAIMER.

President-Elect Trump releases his new Program to help Americans earn wealth.

He’s earned MILLIONS - HE WANTS YOU TO DO THE SAME!

      By Michael Pearson, Faith Karimi and Joe Sutton, CNN

CNN) — Speaking before a packed auditorium Donald Trump revealed the secret economic plan behind his "Make America Great Again" initiative. "It's no secret that the Average American is earning less today than they were before the 2008 recession." Stated Mr. Trump. "The reason is simple. There are people who know how to make money very easily, and they've rigged the system for themselves without sharing their secrets with people who really need it."

"I'm going to change all that" Mr. Trump added...

Mr, Trump says the best opportunity available is a new program called Internet Profit which teaches regular people to take advantage of this massive internet opportunity quickly and easily, and even places them with real online companies that pay them for their time comlpeting simple tasks.

"Heather Smith is absolutely changing the world with her Internet Profit program" he said. "Normally, rich people keep the secrets to their wealth to themselves. But Sara, she has found an amazing opportunity, and she is sharing it with everyone. That's incredible."

Trump has not hidden his affection for Ms. Smith. He has recently been praising her on social media for her efforts to teach regular people how to create amazing wealth in their spare time.

We investigated the claims made by Mr. Trump and Ms. Smith, and what we found is nothing short of amazing. This LIMITED TIME PROGRAM is only available through this SPECIAL PROGRAM - Trump is sharing his secrets for a DRASTICALLY REDUCED sign up fee.

These statements have not been evaluated or endorsed by Donald Trump or the Trump companies.

The use of CNN, CNN.com and any and all trademarks belonging to or relating to CNN are used for entertainment purposes only. This information was not written, reviewed or approved by any employee or representative of CNN or any of its affiliates. CNN does not endorse or approve any of the comments made in this advertorial.

Internet Profit is not affiliated with Donald Trump, or any of the Trump companies. Any and all quotations attributed to Mr. Trump in the above advertorial do not represent the opinions of Mr Trump in any way. These products and services not affiliated with Donald Trump or any of the Trump companies. This piece is purely for entertainment purposes only.

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. PART 1.

Let me make one thing clear: I am not a Statistician/Mathematician. I try to stick to specific
principles when discussing TOPICS SUCH AS MORAL THEORY, POLITICS, THE LEGAL SYSTEM, RELIGION, AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD. USING THE DISCIPLINES OF LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING, I TRY TO AVOID USING NUMBERS AND PERCENTAGES TO MAKE A POINT. I BELIEVE THAT CONFLICTS ARISING IN THESE SUBJECTS SHOULD NEVER BE DECIDED ON THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAPPEN TO FALL ON ONE SIDE OF AN ISSUE.  I USE NUMBERS TO SUPPORT AN OPINION, NOT MAKE ONE.


However, the Election Totals have, for me, raised a serious red flag. These Numbers make little sense, and a COMPREHENSIVE STUDY/INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE. NOW.

Here is how I came to this opinion;

Numbers FOR MICHIGAN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND WISCONSIN-  The 2012, 2016 Presidential Elections.

IN 2016 HILLARY CLINTON WON THE TOTAL POPULAR VOTE BY ABOUT 3 MILLION VOTES, AND PERCENT OF TOTAL. 48.1%- 46%. THE MEDIA REPORTS THESE NUMBERS FREQUENTLY. HOWEVER, HERE ARE SOME NUMBERS THAT ARE RARELY MENTIONED, IF AT ALL.

2008- Winner: BARACK OBAMA.
NUMBERS;52.9% of the Vote. Total Votes-  69,498,516. 365 Electoral Votes.Carried-28 States+DC.

Opponent- JOHN MCCAIN.
NUMBERS;45.7%. of the Vote. Total Votes- 59,948,323. 173 Electoral Votes.Carried-22 States.


2012- Winner:  BARACK OBAMA.
NUMBERS;51.1% of the Vote. Total Votes- 65,915,795. 332 Electoral Votes.Carried-26 States+DC.

Opponent- MITT ROMNEY.
NUMBERS; 47.2% of the Vote.  Total Votes- 60,933,504. 206 Electoral Votes.Carried- 24 States.

2016- Winner: DONALD TRUMP.
NUMBERS;46% of Vote.  Total Votes-  62,979,636.  306 Electoral Votes. Carried.- 30 States.

Opponent- HILLARY CLINTON.
NUMBERS;48.1% of Vote.  Total Votes- 65,844, 610. 232 Electoral Votes.- 20 States+DC.

OBSERVATION 1- IN TERMS OF PERCENT OF VOTE, MITT ROMNEY HAD A HIGHER
PERCENT THAN DONALD TRUMP. 47.2% to 46%.

OBSERVATION 2-  BARACK OBAMA % OF TOTAL VOTES IN 2008 AND 2012 WAS OVER 50%, (52.9%, 51.1%), YET DONALD TRUMP, WITH 46%, CARRIED MORE STATES (30) THAN BARACK OBAMA DID IN EITHER ELECTION. (28,26).

OBSERVATION 3.
WISCONSIN- IN 2012, A TOTAL OF 3,028,651 VOTES WERE CAST FOR BOTH THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES. IN 2016 THAT NUMBER
REDUCED TO 2,787,820, OR -240,831.

WHILE THE REPUBLICAN NUMBERS WERE VERY CLOSE
2012 TOTAL- 1,407,966 TO 2016-1,405,289 FOR A TOTAL REDUCTION OF 2,677 VOTES.

THE DEMOCRATS TOTALS WERE- 2012 TOTAL- 1,620,985 TO 2016 TOTAL- 1,382,536
OR A REDUCTION OF 238,449.

OBSERVATION 4.
PENNSYLVANIA- 2012 ELECTION- TOTAL DEMOCRATIC/REPUBLICAN VOTES- 5,670,708.
2016 TOTAL- 5,897,174. A DIFFERENCE OF +226,466.
DEMOCRATS- 2012 TOTAL VOTES: 2,990,274 2016 TOTAL VOTES- 2,926,441= LOSS OF 63,833.
REPUBLICANS- 2012 TOTAL VOTES- 2,680,434 2016 TOTAL VOTES- 2,970,733= +290,299.

OBSERVATION 5.
MICHIGAN- 2012 TOTAL DEM/REP. VOTES: 4,679,825.
BREAKDOWN- 2,564,569 DEMOCRAT, 2,115,256 REPUBLICAN.

MICHIGAN- 2016 TOTAL DEM/REP. VOTES- 4,548,382.
BREAKDOWN- REPUBLICANS- 2,279,543
                             DEMOCRATS- 2,268,839
A REDUCTION OF 131,443 TOTAL VOTES BETWEEN 2012 AND 2016.

DEMOCRATS- LOST 295,730 VOTES BETWEEN 2012 AND 2016.
REPUBLICANS- GAINED 164,287.

REMEMBER, THESE DRAMATIC CHANGES IN ALL THREE STATES OCCURRED FOR A REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE WHOSE % OF TOTAL VOTES NATIONWIDE WAS LESS THAN
HIS PREDECESSOR. FURTHER, THE NUMBER OF VOTERS CASTING THEIR BALLOTS FOR EITHER THE DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS WENT DOWN IN MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN BETWEEN 2012 AND 2016.

TO BE CONTINUED...?

LOGIC. A LOGICAL FALLACY FROM THE "ANIMAL KINGDOM?" PT 1.

Have you ever heard two people discussing a Topic, and one makes a statement that seems to have nothing to do with what the Subject Matter?

If you have, welcome to the World of the RED HERRING.

In Hunting, a Red Herring is used to throw the Trackers off the scent of the Quarry.

The RED HERRING-   In an Argument or Debate, it is a Term or Phrase used to distract or move what is being said, off the Points or Subjects being discussed.

Examples;

Statement-

"You can see through Statistics, that a Mandatory Minimum Wage increases the profitability of local businesses."

RED HERRING Answer-  " Socialism, is an Anti- American way of life, and we need to guard against it." 

Statement-  "By having Mandatory Background Checks, we can prevent the Mentally Ill or, the convicted Felon from legally purchasing Guns." 

RED HERRING Answer-  "American Citizens need to look out for Terrorists, and must be prepared."

Statement-  "Teaching the Scientific Method is important at an early age. If we don't, the Future Researchers and Engineers will be unprepared for College Level Courses."

RED HERRING Answer-  "Science is a Gift from God.  It helps us understand the Universe he created."

From the above, we see that the responses pretty much ignore the initial statement, and instead relate information or opinions that are completely outside the area being discussed.

END PT 1.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR- A HISTORY OF DOUBLE STANDARDS. PT 2.

When you read the U.S.Constitution, especially any references  to RELIGION, which can be found in the FIRST AMENDMENT and ARTICLE SIX, their Importance is Based on:

The Ability to Worship as One Chooses, Free of Unwarranted Harassment from Government.  No System of Faith is Treated as Superior to another.  While this is indeed important, and worth defending at all costs, it is only one part that defines the Necessity of Religious Freedom in a Constitutional Democracy.

Why?  Because Throughout World History, CRIMINAL ACTS NOT ONLY INCLUDED CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE,  BUT ALSO BEHAVIOR THAT STOOD IN OPPOSITION TO STATE SPONSORED/ENDORSED RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE.

It could be "THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS", where the Authority to Rule others is taken from "THE WILL OF GOD."  Therefore, to Attempt to Overthrow a Reigning Monarch was considered Heretical, and a Crime Against God and the Church.

Sometimes it would be Actions that upset the "God Given" order of Society, where ROYALTY, PRIVILEGE AND AFFLUENCE  were acquired by Birthright, and not by any Specific Talent or Ability.

Perhaps the Most Prevalent Form of STATE SPONSORED RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, was simply Refusing to Accept the Faith, Symbols and Observances of the Dominant Religion, which owed much of its Premier Position to an Alliance with the Established Form of Government.

In other words...

-  You could Obey the Laws Preserving Social Order and Peace.

-   Accept the Rule of the Monarchy.

-   Pay Taxes and Fines.

-   Serve in the Military to Protect Your Country and the Monarchy.

...and your Reward could be a Prison Cell, Loss of Property, or in the Most Extreme Cases:  The Hangmans Noose, The Executioners Ax, or Burning at the Stake.

END OF PART 2.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR- A HISTORY OF DOUBLE STANDARDS. PT 1.

Throughout the Centuries, Actions that are Deemed Criminal are quite often very similar, no matter which Time Period, Society,or Culture they are taken from.

The Greeks, Romans, Persians, Mongols etc., all had Laws that prohibited Murder, Robbery, Rape and other Acts of Violence within their Zones of Power and Influence.

However, what Constituted a Violation, by Definition, and who could be Charged or Held Accountable for these Crimes varied greatly.

It was also the case that certain members could not be considered "Victimized", by Law, because of the Social Status they held within the Borders of a Given State or Country. There are still examples of this Type of Code of Criminal Conduct in the World Today.

Here are some Notable Examples, from History;

-  In Ancient Sparta, a member of the Ruling or Soldier Class, could be held Accountable for Killing another member of Equal Social Standing.  However, Killing a "Helot", of the Servant Class, was not Prosecuted by State Law.

-  In Roman Law, a Slave could not give Testimony in a Trial, unless they had been Tortured First.

-  "Serfs", during the Middle Ages, while technically not Slaves, were bound Physically and Economically to the "Lords", or Ruling Class that controlled the Land on which they Lived.

-  In many Societies, a Man could not be charged with Rape, if force was used against a Woman considered to be his Lawful Wife.

-  Human Rights, as we think of them today, did not start to become part of Global Politics until the 20th Century.  Besides the Lack of Protections that Slaves, Enemy Combatants and the Non- Nobility had, Women and Children were often considered little more than Property, to be used as the Male Head of the Household thought best.

This Lack of Equality under the Law, was often extended to an area that no longer holds any power in much, but not all, of the Nations that exist today.

I am referring to the Trials held against the "BLASPHEMER" and the "HERETIC";

RELIGIOUS COURTS AND TRIBUNALS.

END OF PART 1.

Date-  12/1/2014.

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. PART 3.

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. PART 3.

Now, you might might be thinking: "Well, what about the other States? I bet there were big changes elsewhere, and your just ignoring them."

Keep in mind that I have been focusing on MICHIGAN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND WISCONSIN, BECAUSE OF THEIR IMPORTANCE IN DETERMINING VICTORY IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE.  HOWEVER, I HAVE PURPOSEFULLY AVOIDED 3 OTHER STATES; FLORIDA, IOWA, AND OHIO, JUST TO SEE IF I WOULD GET ANY REACTION. I DID'NT, SO IN A FUTURE POST THE ANALYSIS WILL INCLUDE THESE STATES, BECAUSE OF THEIR IMPORTANCE IN THE OUTCOME OF THE 2016 ELECTION.

However, there are 44 other States. How did the TRUMP "REVOLUTION" AFFECT THEM?

Well, this was suppose to be a resurgence of "CONSERVATIVE IDEALS." In fact, Donald Trump
ran on A Mix of EXTREMIST BELIEFS THAT PROMOTED MISOGYNISTIC, XENOPHOBIC, AND RACIST ATTITUDES AMONG THE GENERAL PUBLIC, OFTEN UNDER A MASK OF RELIGIOUS ZEALOTRY. HOWEVER, THESE ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS SHOULD NOT BE ASSIGNED TO EVERY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP JUST BECAUSE THEY MAY DISAGREE WITH PROGRESSIVE/LIBERAL IDEALS. TRUMP WENT FAR BEYOND WHAT TRUE CONSERVATIVES BELIEVE.

To be fair, let us start by looking at the 24 States who voted REPUBLICAN IN 2012 AND 2016.

Now, with Traditionally Blue States like MICHIGAN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND WISCONSIN SEEING GIGANTIC SHIFTS IN VOTER SUPPORT, RESULTING IN REPUBLICAN "VICTORIES", TRADITIONALLY RED STATES SHOULD HAVE SEEN EVEN LARGER TURNOUTS AND TRIUMPHS IN THEIR STATE ELECTIONS.

Uh, No.

In the case of the 24 States, TRUMP CARRIED A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF THE REPUBLICAN VOTE IN 12 STATES, ROMNEY IN 11, WITH ONE STATISTICAL TIE.

This is a list of every STATE that Voted for the Republican Candidate for President in 2012 and 2016.
It is followed by which Candidate, ( ROMNEY- 2012, TRUMP- 2016), Received a higher % of the Republican Vote for that State.

ALABAMA- TRUMP: 62.08%.- 60.55%                              
ALASKA-  ROMNEY: 54.80%- 51.28%
ARIZONA- ROMNEY: 53.65%- 48.67%
ARKANSAS- TIE- 60.57%
GEORGIA- ROMNEY: 53.30%- 50.77%
IDAHO- ROMNEY: 64.53%- 59.26%
INDIANA- TRUMP: 56.82%- 54.13%
KANSAS- ROMNEY: 59.71%- 56.65%
KENTUCKY- TRUMP: 62.5%- 60.49%
LOUISIANA- TRUMP: 58.09%- 57.78%
MISSISSIPPI- TRUMP: 57.94%- 55.28%
MISSOURI- TRUMP: 56.77%- 53.76%
MONTANA- TRUMP: 56.17%- 55.35%
NEBRASKA- ROMNEY: 59.80%- 58.75%
NORTH CAROLINA- ROMNEY: 50.39%- 49.83%
NORTH DAKOTA- TRUMP: 62.96%- 58.32%
OKLAHOMA- ROMNEY: 66.77%- 65.32%
SOUTH CAROLINA- TRUMP: 54.94%- 54.56%
SOUTH DAKOTA- TRUMP: 61.53%- 57.89%
TENNESSEE- TRUMP: 60.72%- 59.48%
TEXAS- ROMNEY: 57.17%- 52.23%
UTAH- ROMNEY: 72.79%- 45.54%
WEST VIRGINIA- TRUMP: 68.63%- 62.30%
WYOMING- ROMNEY: 68.64- 67.40%

UTAHS LARGE MARGIN BETWEEN
2012- 72.79%, 2016- 45.54% COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED
BY THE 21.54% EARNED BY EVAN MCMULLEN (IND.)
IN 2016.

In the other 23 States, the LARGEST INCREASE in percent of the vote from
2012 ----- 2016: WEST VIRGINIA: + 6.33%.

THE LARGEST DECREASE 2012-----2016: IDAHO: - 5.27%.

REMEMBER THESE ARE "RED STATES." THERE ARE NO CHANGES,
STATISTICALLY, THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED BEYOND NORMAL
PARAMETERS. DONALD TRUMPS CANDIDACY CAUSED NO UNUSUAL
CHANGES IN THE % OF PRO-REPUBLICAN VOTERS WHO TURNED OUT
FOR THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

HMMM!

THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION- SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG. PART 2.

Any Analysis you may have heard about the results of the 2016 Presidential Election could be, at the very least, misleading. In Fact, obvious signs of possible Tampering with the results are being ignored, with all the attention focused on PUTIN, RUSSIA, AND WIKILEAKS. 

Don't get me wrong, these allegations are not to be taken lightly, and should be Investigated thoroughly, but they are only part of the story.

In part 1 , I laid out statistics that raise questions about the Validity of the election results in 3 States; MICHIGAN, PENNSYLVANIA, AND WISCONSIN. These States, and their Electoral Votes,
is where the outcome of the election rested.
We will look at these results more closely, but first...



A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND INFO.

As I related in Part 1, Hillary Clinton won the Popular Vote by about 3 Million Votes, (2.87 Million). In the end, her percentage of the National Vote was 48.06% to Trumps 45.97%. TOTALS: CLINTON- 65,844,610, TRUMP- 62,979,636.

It is True that Trump accumulated 2.05 Million more votes than Mitt Romney did in 2012.
However, there were almost 8 Million more votes cast for President in 2016 than there were in 2012. 
(2012- 129,085,409     2016- 137,045,863)
This is why Trumps 45.97% was less than Romneys 47.20%.

Yes, Hillary Clinton did not get as many votes as Barack Obama did in 2012.

Here is the difference: Obama- 65,915,795, Clinton- 65,844,610. A Difference of 71,185 Votes.
These Numbers, in practical terms, are a wash. The Difference is so miniscule, that the totals 
would be considered one and the same. Like Romney/Trump, the increase in the total number of ballots from 2012- 2016 caused the difference in Percent of Votes Received Nationwide.

2012: Obama- 51.06%
2016: Clinton- 48.06%

So between 2012 and 2016, the Democrats saw a Decrease of 3%, the Republicans 1.23%
In the end, the Republicans increased their Percentage of the National Vote by less than 2%

These are hardly the Numbers of a POLITICAL REVOLUTION. IN REALITY, THERE WAS
NO REAL REJECTION OF HILLARY CLINTON, NOR A VAST AMOUNT OF INCREASED SUPPORT FOR REPUBLICANS BECAUSE OF DONALD TRUMP.

THIS IS NOT THE REAL STORY. THE REALITY OF THE 2016 ELECTION LIES ELSEWHERE...
STAY TUNED...

THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE OF ALL. PT 1.

Do you ever wonder how a group of Politicians Keeps getting Elected Even Though:

-  They never seem to Support Anything that would BENEFIT MOST AMERICANS in the Long and/or Short Term.

-  They Oppose Protections FOR ALL AMERICANS AGAINST DUBIOUS FINANCIAL PRACTICES. 

-  THEY WISH TO ABOLISH SOCIAL PROGRAMS THAT ANY AMERICAN CAN RECEIVE IF NEEDED. 

BECAUSE THEY KNOW HOW TO WORK, EXPLOIT, AND MOTIVATE 

THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE GROUP OF VOTERS THAT CAN BE FOUND

IN A GOVERNMENT THAT IS A FREE AND OPEN CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC,
LIKE THE UNITED STATES.

           

          WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE HYPOCRITE.

MY DEFINITION-  ANY BELIEF OR SET OF BELIEFS, THAT CREATES STANDARDS FOR LEGALITY AND/OR MORAL ACCEPTANCE THAT ARE APPLIED TO OTHERS, BUT CHANGE WHEN APPLIED TO THEM PERSONALLY.

THE CLASSROOM. STOP TRUMP: Muslim registry and tech companies. Robert Cruickshank, Democracy for America to you

David --

One of the most horrifying proposals Donald Trump offered during the campaign was a plan to create a registry of Muslims in the United States.

This registry brings to mind some of the worst aspects of American history, and is rooted in bigotry and hate. Trump's plan wouldn't be the first attempt -- a previous version used during the Bush Administration didn't lead to any convictions on terrorism charges, but it did lead to tens of thousands of cases of harassment, arrest, and deportations.

Trump's transition team has signaled they plan to go ahead with this awful plan anyway. We need to stop him -- and that includes making it hard for Trump to actually assemble a registry.

That's where the tech companies of Silicon Valley and beyond come into play. They have amassed huge amounts of data on people living in the United States. If they cooperate with Trump in building a registry of Muslims, those tech companies could do immense damage.

Initially, only Twitter told a reporter from The Intercept that they would refuse to help build such a registry, but other leading tech companies refused to respond. So Democracy for America joined CREDO and human rights groups and sent a letter demanding other tech companies follow Twitter's lead.As a result of that pressure, Facebook and Microsoft announced this week they too would refuse to help Trump build a registry of Muslims.

But other tech companies -- including Google and Apple -- still won't answer. And their CEOs met with Donald Trump just this week. 

Government targeting of individuals based on religion and ethnicity violates the Constitution and our core values as a country. It also threatens millions of people. But some of the largest tech companies still haven't responded to our letter, including Google, Apple, IBM, Booz Allen Hamilton, SRA International, and CGI.

Each of these companies has massive technological capability and/or data that would be essential to Trump's plans to register Muslims in the United States. Without their help, Trump will have a much more difficult time carrying out his horrible plan.

Even though the CEOs of these corporations haven't responded yet, the engineers who work there are already mobilizing to stop Trump's registry plans. Employees from the leading tech companies in Silicon Valley are signing a pledge that they will never help create a registry of Muslims.

Those engineers are taking a bold stand --  while their bosses are busy meeting with Donald Trump in Trump Tower. We need to fight back and stop Trump from targeting Muslims in America. Will you help?

Thank you for standing up against Trump and his bigoted plans.

- Robert

Robert Cruickshank, Senior Campaign Manager
Democracy for America

THE CLASSROOM. SENATOR AL FRANKEN- DESTROYING MEDICARE.

David, What’s still ringing, you ask? I’m talking about the giant ringing alarm bells I mentioned in a recent email. I rang those bells because the GOP is angling to end Medicare as we know it. It’s a big deal, and we need to act fast. Oh, you didn’t hear the giant ringing alarm bells? Well, allow me to ring them for you again -- the GOP is planning to end Medicare as we know it, and we need to organize to stop them.  Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington have shown a remarkable capacity to push their preferred storylines in place of, you know, facts. That means we can’t get distracted by the latest scandal coming out of Trump Tower. Not because the latest scandal isn’t important (or a different degree of terrifying) but because saving Medicare definitely is and right now, we’re organizing a defense. The GOP would very much like us to focus on something else while they’re dismantling one of the most successful public health programs in American history. We are not going to let them do it.  ...tell the GOP that you’re ready for this fight. Thanks, Al

ETHICS AND MORALITY. PERSONAL ETHICS VS INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS, OR FINDING GOD VS FORCING GOD. PT 7.

I Believe that the CONCEPT of PERSONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM BEING MISINTERPRETED, MISUNDERSTOOD, OR MISUSED, IS ONE OF THE MOST PERVASIVE AND HARMFUL ATTITUDES THAT INHIBITS SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PROGRESS IN THE U.S.

It is Fascinating, and at the same time Disturbing, to Hear Individuals relate how Their Religious Convictions are being ignored by Politicians and Lawmakers.  How?

BY OTHER AMERICANS BEING ALLOWED TO ENGAGE, PARTICIPATE AND ENTER INTO CONTRACTS, ACTIVITIES AND BEHAVIORS, WITHOUT ANY SANCTIONS FROM THE LEGAL SYSTEM...

...THAT ARE CONTRARY TO THE INDIVIDUALS CODE OF MORALITY, WHICH IS OFTEN DERIVED FROM RELIGIOUS FAITH AND DOCTRINE.

I Often wonder how They Define Religious Freedom, if it is done at all.  In Most Cases, it seems that the PASSAGES IN THE U.S. CONSTITUTION ARE IGNORED, IN FAVOR OF SOME KIND OF TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY.  THIS IS COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE IN NATURE, AND IGNORES LEGAL PRECEDENT, THE FOUNDING FATHERS INTENT WHEN DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION, AND HOW THE BILL OF RIGHTS NOW PROTECTS ALL CLASSES OF AMERICANS.  

Women, Children, Racial Minorities, Certain Religious Faiths, The Disabled,and Political Dissidents etc., are EXAMPLES OF GROUPS THAT AT ONE TIME WERE NOT GIVEN EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW.  However, the U.S. CONSTITUTION WAS DESIGNED TO EVOLVE, AND IN THIS WAY CORRECT ANY INJUSTICES IN THE SYSTEM THAT WERE TO BECOME KNOWN AS TIME WENT ON.

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE? #5.

It is VERY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD COULD NOT EXIST AS A VALID, TESTABLE, 

AND RELIABLE PROCESS, WITHOUT THE RULES OF LOGIC BEING ITS

BASIC FOUNDATION. IF CERTAIN CONCEPTS SUCH AS DEDUCTIVE AND 

INDUCTIVE REASONING WERE NOT SET IN PLACE, AND USED IN A 

MANNER THAT WAS BOTH APPROPRIATE AND UNDERSTANDABLE, THE

SCIENTIFIC METHOD COULD NOT EXIST IN THE FORM WE USE IT TODAY.

The Things we take for granted Today, Advancements that make Life EASIER, SAFER, AND LONGER ARE THE RESULT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRINCIPLES THAT ALLOW US TO REMOVE MUCH, IF NOT ALL, OF THE "GUESS WORK" THAT USE TO BE THE LARGEST PART OF TRYING TO UNDERSTAND, PREDICT, AND IF POSSIBLE, CONTROL THE WORLD AROUND US.

How many Times have you heard the Following:

-  TRIAL AND ERROR.-  OR, CREATE A HYPOTHESIS THAT SEEMS TO BE INDICATED BY THE EVIDENCE GIVEN. BREAK IT DOWN, MAKE SURE YOUR PREMISES ARE SOUND, AND SUPPORT THE CONCLUSION. DOES IT WORK? DOES IT WITHSTAND SCRUTINY? IF NOT, TRY AGAIN.

-  FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE.-  IF IT TAKES YOU IN ONE DIRECTION, FOLLOW

IT.  MAYBE IT'S NOT THE WAY YOU EXPECT, OR EVEN WANT, BUT TRUTH 

DOES NOT DEPEND ON YOUR FEELINGS, OR EGO. 

-  HASTE MAKES WASTE.-  CONSIDER ALL THE EVIDENCE, NOT JUST THE PORTION THAT SUPPORTS A PRE- CONCEIVED CONCLUSION.  ANALYZE ALL THE PREMISES, DISCARD WHAT DOESN'T FIT, THAN REEVALUATE. 

-  PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.-  IF YOUR GOAL IS TRUTH AND ACCURACY, SLOW AND STEADY MAY WIN THE RACE.                                                     

While you may have never associated these Phrases with SCIENCE AND EDUCATION, THEY CAN BE USED TO REPRESENT DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD.  HOWEVER, THE REASON THAT THEY MAKE SO MUCH SENSE TO US IN PRACTICAL TERMS, IS THAT THEY FORCE US TO UNDERSTAND AND OBEY THE RULES OF LOGIC...             

LOGIC. IT'S NOT JUST FOR VULCANS, AND VIEWERS OF "THE BIG BANG THEORY." #6. SHELDON AND HIS MOTHER- POST HOC, ERGO PROPTOR HOC, AND THE FALLACY OF TRUTH BY ASSOCIATION. PT 2.

This is an excellent example to put the spotlight on a common misconception; Logic, Science, The Scientific Method etc., is ANTI- RELIGION.  Further, that it promotes ATHEISM, and denies existence of a SPIRIT WORLD, and the SUPERNATURAL.  

This ties into another example of FALLACY OF TRUTH BY ASSOCIATION.

In the scene, listen carefully to what Sheldon says.  He never asserts that praying for his safety was in any way ineffective or, that to do so could have no affect on the outcome of the trip.

He just pointed out, quite correctly, that his Mother reached a conclusion that was Logically Invalid.  However, many people of faith equate this criticism with ATHEISTIC IDEOLOGY.  Yet, just because an Atheist would agree with Sheldons assessment, it does not follow that ONLY ATHEISTS would reach the same conclusion.

This is an example of  Fallacy Of Truth By Association;  ANY CONCLUSION REACHED BY AN INDIVIDUAL, THAT IS ALSO SHARED BY MEMBERS OF A CERTAIN GROUP, INDICATES THAT THE INDIVIDUAL MUST BE PART OF THAT GROUP.

Consider the following scenarios;  In the first example we will imagine a conversation that includes Sheldon as an Atheist, in the second he will indicate no specific religious beliefs.

Dialogue from the episode: "THE ELECTRIC CAN OPENER FLUCTUATION."                                               

"No mother, I could not feel your church group praying for my safety.  The fact that I'm home safe does not prove that it worked, that logic is Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc."

 #1                                                                        #2

                                                                                 

SHELDON THE ATHEIST.                                   SHELDON THE UNCOMMITTED.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

"MOM, HOW COULD PRAYING                       "WELL MOM, I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT.

HELP ME IN ANY WAY? IT                               HOWEVER, SINCE IT IS AN EXPRESSION

ASSUMES THE EXISTENCE                            OF FAITH, THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IF

OF A SUPREME BEING THAT                          IT HAD ANY AFFECT."

CAN CONTROL THE FORCES

OF NATURE."

TO BE CONTINUED...

LOGIC. THE FALLACY OF THE EXCLUDED MIDDLE, OR THE "ALL OR NOTHING" MINDSET. PT 2.

From this example, we can see one way that this Fallacy is used by the Selfish and the Self- Centered.

Here is a Practical Definition, that we can use in other Situations;

The FALLACY OF THE EXCLUDED MIDDLE IS: A JUDGMENT THAT ONLY TWO OPINIONS ON ANY SUBJECT ARE POSSIBLE OR VALID, AND THEY BOTH LIE AT OPPOSITE EXTREMES.  THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND, AND NO ROOM FOR CORRECTION, COMPROMISE, OR ADAPTATION. (My Definition).

Here is an example that will further shed light on this Fallacy;

CONSPIRACY THEORIES-  Alien Visitations from other Planets.

Person #1-  "While the Laws of Probability may Indicate that INTELLIGENT LIFE EVOLVED on other Worlds, there is no Practical, Verifiable or Testable Evidence that such Life Forms have visited this Planet."

Person #2-  "Typical Response from someone who doesn't realize that Government

has covered up such Visitations, that is why there is no Evidence for us to Examine."

Person #1-  "What makes you Believe that ALL the Evidence has been Hidden or Destroyed by Government.  I Mean, why should we believe what you say is True, when all you really HAVE IS ACCUSATIONS AND STATEMENTS BACKED UP BY NOTHING ELSE."

Person #2-  "Everyone Knows the Government covers up things like this, to Prevent People from Panicking.  If you don't realize that, then your just another Lamb to be led to the Slaughter, Someone who believes everything our so called Elected Officials Tell Us."

Here is the FALLACY FROM THE ABOVE EXAMPLE. 

THERE ARE ONLY TWO POSSIBILITIES;  EITHER YOU BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT COVERS UP ALL ALIEN VISITATIONS, OR YOU ARE DELUDED ENOUGH TO ACCEPT THE TRUTH ABOUT ANYTHING GOVERNMENT TELLS YOU.

Do you see the Problem? 

See PT 3.

LOGIC. THE FALLACY OF THE EXCLUDED MIDDLE, OR THE "ALL OR NOTHING" MINDSET. PT 1.

Perhaps the best way to Introduce this Common Logical Fallacy, is to take an example from everyday life. Why? Because in one Form, it is an Insidious Example of Psychological Blackmail.

-  Person # 1-  "I know John Doe is your friend, but every Time I Talk to him, he puts me down and Insults my Career Choice."

-  Person # 2-  "You just don't get it.  Its his way of Socializing.  He doesn't mean it.  Just Ignore Him, and he'll stop."

-  Person # 1-  "I've Tried that, but he won't stop. You and I have been friends for a long Time, but I don't want to Deal with him anymore.  If you are going to meet him, I can't come with you.  He doesn't Treat me Right, and I won't give him the chance to Ruin my Night."

Person # 2-  "So that's it Huh?  I have to give up John as a Friend, or you and I can't hang out anymore?  How  Immature."

Person # 1-  "I never said that.  All I said was that I don't want to be around John, because of the way he treats me. We can still do things Together.  We're still Friends."

Person # 2-  "No Way.  John is my Friend, and we get along just find.  I don't know what your problem is, but if you don't like John, than it means you don't really like me.  Either your Johns Friend Too, and we can all hang out together, or your not. If you don't like Him, it really means you Hate us both."

Does this sound Familiar?  How many of you have had such a conversation in the past?  Well, it may be Little Comfort, but at least the Irrationality of such Thinking can give a little Solace.  What do I Mean?

See Part 2.

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE SOCIOPATH- A DANGER ALL AROUND US. PT 33.

(Stepping away from our Fictional Example again, to answer another question.)

Now some of you may be saying; "I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS JUST LIKE THAT, BUT I'VE SEEN THEM CRY.  THEY PLAY AND DOTE ON THEIR CHILDREN, AND THEY SEEM TO BE A REAL ASSET TO THEIR EMPLOYER.  SO I GUESS THEY'RE NOT TRUE SOCIOPATHS."

Here is a Partial List of Traits that have been Indicative of THE SOCIOPATH.

(Reprinted from Part 1.)

• Uses others as tools to satisfy individual desires.
• Lacks remorse or empathy for the pain and suffering they cause to others.
• Has a Grandiose, Inflated self-image that makes them feel like they are the center of the universe.
• Enjoys Deceiving and Manipulating people, often for no other reason then a sense of power.
• Positive words such as Dignity, Honor and Duty or negative words such as Cruelty, Prejudice and Suffer are meaningless. They represent concepts foreign to the Sociopath.

So what can you do if someone seems to Possess One, Two, or a Few of the Traits that are ASSOCIATED WITH THE SOCIOPATH, BUT DOES NOT EXHIBIT OTHER TELL TALE BEHAVIORS.

There are other RECOGNIZED PERSONALITY DISORDERS, THAT OFTEN EXHIBIT SOME OF THE PERSONALITY TRAITS OF THE SOCIOPATH.

NARCISSISM.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

-  EXCESSIVE BELIEF IN YOUR OWN IMPORTANCE.

-  COME ACROSS AS EXTREMELY CONCEITED

AND PRETENTIOUS.

-  A BELIEF THAT YOU DESERVE SPECIAL TREATMENT,

OR REWARDS, JUST BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE, NOT

FOR WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.

-  REACT WITH AN UNREASONABLE DEGREE OF ANGER,

OR VERY CONFRONTATIONAL, IF YOU DO NOT GET WHAT 

YOU WANT.

-  DO NOT TAKE CRITICISM WELL, NO MATTER HOW IT IS

OFFERED, OR IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES.

-  BEHAVIOR OFTEN MASKS FEELINGS OF INFERIORITY,

WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS OF RAGE

AGAINST THOSE WHO CRITICIZE YOU.

As you can see, THE NARCISSIST IS VERY QUICK TO PLAY THE 

"VICTIM," AND LIKE THE SOCIOPATH, BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN

SUPERIORITY.

to be continued....