FEATURE ARTICLES. MESSAGE TO ALL PROGRESSIVES: DON'T YOU SEE IT, EVEN NOW? PT 1.

The first Debate is over, and like everyone expected, Hillary Clinton showed her Intellectual Abilities, and Donald Trump just showed up.

So, Progressives should be feeling pretty good, after all, this should show everyone who the better Candidate is, right? I mean, it's common sense, right?

That Attitude is a real problem, and the best chance Trump has in winning this Election. With him, it has never been a matter of Intellect, Emotional Stability, or even a Coherent Political Platform.
The people who got Trump to where he is now, understood that getting him elected count on the following;

-  Winning the Republican Nomination meant securing the support of those groups who were most likely to vote in the Primaries, now , as in the past. Being the most popular Republican Hopeful means very little if the vast majority of Potential Primary Voters stayed home.

-  Potential Nominees canceling each other out, by Talking about Traditional Republican
Values and Goals. Trump Talking a lot, but saying nothing of Consequence, would help
set him apart.

-  That Offensive Speech, along with a Lack of Knowledge, means very little if your Supporters
could care less, as long as it serves Their Political Agenda.

See part 2.

9/30/2016.

ETHICS AND MORALITY. MORAL COWARDICE- WHEN YOU SACRIFICE YOUR PRINCIPLES, SO NOT TO OFFEND. PT 1.

While writing about Political Issues through the years, one recurring theme I find most disturbing;  

MANY AMERICANS DEMAND THAT THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS REVEAL AND STAND BY A SET OF MORAL PRINCIPLES THAT ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE AND UNCHANGING, YET ARE AFRAID TO FOLLOW THIS LINE OF REASONING IN THEIR OWN LIVES.

Many individuals are deathly afraid to reveal their personal beliefs on Religion and Morality, in fear that their family or friends will ostracize them.                                                 

This has always fascinated me.  Why would any person deceive others, just to maintain a relationship built on lies?  Yes, I understand that a Human Being is essentially a Social Animal, and the need to be accepted is a fundamental desire. However, what do you sacrifice, in the name of being part of a particular social circle?

To be clear, I am not including the individual who is trying to interact with an extremist group, or others that are clearly irrational in nature.  Sexists, Homophobes, Religious Fanatics, Xenophobes etc., are examples of Mindsets based on Fear, Hate and a general loathing of Humanity.

This article is to ask why an Intelligent and Caring person would decide to mask their beliefs, which are genuine in nature, from those that mean the most to them.

Let me ask a question, to all of my readers. Think of the people you are closest to,

they may be a relative, or a friend.  By close, I mean an individual that you consider a close confidant, in that their advice would be considered a prominent part of any important decision that you make.  Would you be afraid of offending them, if they found out that there were certain moral absolutes that you were not in agreement?

Look for PT 2.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 4/10/2014)

BLAST FROM THE PAST: FACING THE TRUTH.- WHAT IS THE REALITY BEHIND THE OPPOSITION TO UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IN THE UNITED STATES?

Although I have covered this subject under the category of Ethics and Morality, this article covers an area that is distinct.  The bottom line is that there are individuals and/or groups in the U.S who do not want Affordable Health Insurance for everyone.  Basically, they are thinking of no one but themselves. 

They may state other reasons, but it only is to avoid admitting the truth publicly.  However, I would like to make it clear that any of the following are not to be considered 100% inclusive.  There are members, perhaps even a majority, who would reject the self-centered mind-set of those who are part of their group.

• Those with Health Care Plans that provide extensive coverage, beyond that of most regular plans.-  They consider their status as being among the elite, regardless of actual impact on society through their actions as an employee.  To them, there are the Haves and the Have Nots.
• Citizens who in the past were not covered.  This group includes those who are now covered because they became part of a protected group.  Since they suffered in the past, why should others not suffer as they did?
• Those who realize that with the addition of millions of newly insured Americans, that there might be a delay in receiving non-life threatening care.
• Since it's true that the new law will not affect everyone equally, why should it   be applied and financed by those who don't see any immediate benefit.

What really amazes me is the often blatant hypocrisy of many opponents of the new law.  "Why should I help fund a law I don't need," they shout to the heavens.  However, they conveniently forget;

• Grants and Scholarships.                
• Small Business Loans.                               
• Home Mortgage Loans.
• Flood and other disaster relief.
• Bailing out Financial Institutions,

      because of criminal and/or professional incompetence. 

Get the picture. All of the above are examples, among others, of Government Assistance to a select portion of the population.  I wonder how many opponents of Universal Health Care, or their family, can honestly say they have never turned to Government for aid in a time of need, or to rescue their High Incomes from a corrupt "Trusted Adviser."

There are practical reasons to support Universal Health Care, that will benefit the U.S in the long term.  I just hope that practical is never equated with moral.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 10/10/2013)

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD. THE WORLD OF CRYPTOZOOLOGY. PT 4. BIGFOOT- SECTION 1.

What awaits us in the Deepest Parts of the Unexplored Forests of the Pacific Northwest ?

-  or maybe its the Mountains of Appalachia?

-  Could it be the Remote Back Roads of New England, New Jersey, or New York?

-  What about the Lands around the Great Lakes, and the Upper Mid-West?

Come to think of it, there is one Type of Cryptid that seems to have found a Home in every one of the 50 States in the U.S., and All the Provinces and Territories of Canada.

CRYPTID-  A LEGENDARY OR MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE WHOSE EXISTENCE HAS NOT BEEN PROVEN, OR EVEN REASONABLY POSTULATED BY EVIDENCE AVAILABLE FOR TESTING OR ANALYSIS.

Cryptozoology, is the one area where Evidence does not Have to meet any Kind of Scientific, or Critical Thinking Criteria.  So, that is where we find the continued insistence that such Improbable Creatures actually do exist.

The Number of Cryptids that are Promoted as Real by Cryptozoologists are Numerous, and are said to exist just about everywhere on Earth.  However, to begin with, Lets look at the Most Famous Example found on the NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT.  I am Referring to the Backwoods Beast known as BIGFOOT.

When Starting a Discussion about any possible living thing, particularly one that is Unlikely to Exist, the MOST IMPORTANT THING TO DO IS TO ACTUALLY DEFINE WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, AND WHAT WOULD CONSTITUTE VALID QUALIFYING EVIDENCE PROVING ITS REALITY.  

That is the First Problem, and it Points out something that will be a Detriment when Talking about any CRYPTID;

THAT WITH ONLY PURELY SUBJECTIVE TESTIMONY OFFERED AS THE "BEST EVIDENCE",  A PROPER DEFINITION IS NOT REASONABLY POSSIBLE.  IT CAN BE CHANGED EASILY, SINCE IT IS NOT BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC THEORY.

That brings us to first IMPORTANT QUESTION-  WHEN SOMEONE WRITES OR TALKS ABOUT BIGFOOT...

... WHAT ARE THEY REFERENCING?

SEE SECTION 2.

FIRST PUBLISHED ON-  12/26/2014.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. ORGANIZED CRIME- WHAT IS IT, AND CAN IT BE STOPPED? PT 2.

When Talking About Organized Crime, at least as it is Categorized in the U.S. and Most Industrialized Countries in the World Today, we are Referring to a Recent Invention. 

How Man Governs,Goes to War,

Conducts Business etc., has changed over the Centuries, and so has the Strategy and Tactics that Enable One Person or Persons to Take what Another Has, Without Permission, Proper Recompense, and Negative Consequences. 

Of course Crime is more than just Theft, but Financial Windfalls are at the Heart of Virtually Every Unlawful Activity.  All Roads seem to Lead there.

But I'm getting Ahead of Myself, so Lets return to the History of Organized Crime.

(To be Abbreviated O.C in the Future.)

In the Broadest Dense, O.C has existed Throughout Recorded History. BANDITRY on Land, and PIRACY on the Water, have Targeted Civilizations from the Greco- Roman World to Imperial China, and the Infant Nation called the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  The Key?  Go where the Wealth is, or Plunder and Rob those Populations unable to stop you.

However, Modern Day Organized Crime differs from what we see in the Past, on Several Key Points;

-  There is Less Reliance on the Single Individual Leader, which Allows for the Continuation of Criminal Enterprises, with an Emphasis on Succession.

-  The Concept of MONEY LAUNDERING, WHICH MEANS USING PROCEEDS FROM CRIMINAL ACTS TO FUND LEGITIMATE/LEGAL ACTIVITIES, USUALLY IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR.

-  That it is Often More Beneficial to BRIBE, PAYOFF, OR CORRUPT LEGAL AUTHORITIES, INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THEM.

-  On a Regular Basis to Encourage and Reward the Rank and File for Services Rendered.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Date-  2/12/2015.

BLAST FROM THE PAST. WHAT PROGRESSIVES MUST LEARN. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF HATE: THE NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY.

Progressives, no matter where found, must understand, and not forget, that the REPUBLICAN PARTY THAT EXISTS TODAY IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST. THOSE WHO HAVE LED THE CHARGE TO NOMINATE DONALD TRUMP, ARE FROM A SMALL NUMBER OF EXTREMIST FACTIONS WHOSE RISE TO POWER WITHIN THE PARTY HAS BEEN DRAMATIC. IT HAS ALSO BEEN THE RESULT OF THE PARTIES INCREASING USE OF INTOLERANT AND HATE FILLED PROPAGANDA TO STIGMATIZE THE OPPOSITION, AND MISLEAD THE PUBLIC.

The Problem for the REPUBLICANS, was the Idea that these FACTIONS could be Utilized for the benefit of the Party as a whole, but controlled and prevented from attaining to much power and influence within the Parties Hierarchy. When needed they could be Mobilized for Money, Votes, Voices on Radio, Demonstrations, or any Party need that could not be satisfied Through Normal, Traditional, Intellectually Honest or Morally Commendable Channels.

These Factions Include Individuals who could be Described in the following ways:

-   RELIGIOUS ZEALOT.

-   RADICAL ISOLATIONIST.

-   ECONOMIC BIGOT.

-   ANTI- INTELLECTUALIST.

Now, they're Racists, Bigots, Homophobes, Xenophobes etc., , to be found in every walk off life. However, in the Republican Parties case, They now call the shots by setting Policy, and promoting certain Individuals as Candidates to Nominate for the Upcoming Election.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 9/7/2016}

WHAT A SHAME. TELEVISION: HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS WORTH MY TIME? PT 1.

This is a Question that should be Simple to Answer. Shows that Promote Pseudoscience and Pseudohistory are Often Advertised in ways that are almost Comical and Satirical in Nature. 

However, should all Programming be Disregarded if Commercials about such Shows Indicate a Lack of Professionalism and/or Intellectual Discipline, with little regard for Proper Research Methods?

This Depends on the Type Viewing Experience that you want to have.

Suppose you want to be "ENTERTAINED" , WITH NO REAL DESIRE TO EVALUATE THE TRUTH OR REALITY OF WHAT YOU ARE SEEING.

WATCHING "TALL TALES", which are not meant to Impart Factual Data, but to ENCOURAGE "SUSPENSION OF BELIEF" AS A WAY TO ENJOY THE STORY, ARE THE BEST EXAMPLES OF THESE.  If this is Appealing to you, Tune In, and Treat it like an OLD FASHIONED "CAMPFIRE" STORY, WHICH IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY.

HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO MIX ENTERTAINMENT WITH AN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY, AND VALUE THE "SUBSTANCE" OF WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO WATCH, THAN YOUR STANDARDS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE.

THIS IS WHERE THE HANDLING OF THE SUBJECT MATTER IS IMPORTANT. IF ATTEMPTS TO DECEIVE YOU INTO ACCEPTING BOGUS OR FAULTY INFORMATION AS FACTUAL OFFENDS YOUR SENSE OF INTELLECTUAL HONESTY AND INTEGRITY, THEN AVOID CERTAIN PROGRAMS COMPLETELY.

The Problem is: How can we KNOW?

Sometimes, the COMMERCIALS/TEASERS GIVE US A PRETTY GOOD IDEA. If not, the First Few Minutes, INTRODUCING THE SUBJECT,  AND THE HOSTS OR "INVESTIGATORS", MAY LEAVE SOME CLUES ABOUT THE MATERIAL THAT IS TO FOLLOW ON THE SCREEN.

CLAIM OR TEASER #1-  "THIS WILL REWRITE HISTORY"...OR..."THIS WILL SIT SCIENCE ON ITS HEAD."

Although I am not going to say that it is a CERTAINTY, ANY PROGRAM THAT USES SUCH DIALOGUE TO BEGIN THE EPISODE IS PROBABLY... 

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 11/6/2015)

THE CLASSROOM. #22. DONALD TRUMP IS NOW THE LEADER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. ELIZABETH WARREN. U.S. SENATOR.

It's real – he is one step away from the White House.

Here's what else is real:Trump has built his campaign on racism, sexism, and xenophobia. There's more enthusiasm for him among leaders of the KKK than leaders of the political party he now controls.He incites supporters to violence, praises Putin, and, according to a columnist who recently interviewed him, is "cool with being called an authoritarian" and doesn't mind associations with history's worst dictators.

He attacks veterans like John McCain who were captured and puts our servicemembers at risk by cheerleading illegal torture. In a world with ISIS militants and leaders like North Korean strongman Kim Jong-Un conducting nuclear tests, he surrounds himself with a foreign policy team that has been called a "collection of charlatans," and puts out contradictory and nonsensical national security ideas one expert recently called "incoherent" and "truly bizarre."

What happens next will test the character for all of us – Republican, Democrat, and Independent. It will determine whether we move forward as one nation or splinter at the hands of one man's narcissism and divisiveness. I know which side I'm on, and I’m going to fight my heart out to make sure Donald Trump’s toxic stew of hatred and insecurity never reaches the White House.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 5/3/2016)

STATISTICS AND POLLS. Rules to live by. #1.

MANIPULATING THE RESULTS IS TO EASY.



This should be a given, but it is often not reported or ignored.  Poll results can be greatly influenced by the Tactics of those conducting them.

Example-  How often do you hear a poll prefaced by the words like...

"... among registered..."

"...survey of likely voters..."

"...who identify themselves as.."

"...popularity among age groups..."

What do they all have in common? They tell us virtually nothing.

-  Where did the questioning take place?  Particularly, the "COMMUNITY."  Even in a small city or town, political differences can vary greatly, so knowing the exact locations can give us an indication about the validity of reported results.

-  How much of the information acquired about those who were interviewed or polled, was self- reported or unverifiable?

-  What were the guidelines or standards set that could disqualify an individuals answers from being included in the final results?

-  If there was more than a single question asked, was each individual asked ALL of them, or did previous answers influence the length of the interview?

-  What protocols were in place to guarantee that the Interviewers or Pollsters followed proper procedures?

NEVER ASSUME THAT  POLL RESULTS, EVEN IF THEY ARE IN FAVOR OF YOUR POINT OF VIEW, WERE 

CONDUCTED WITHOUT BIAS, WITH ALL SIDES TREATED FAIRLY. TO OFTEN THIS LEAVES US WONDERING..."WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?"

ETHICS AND MORALITY. BY DEFINITION? DEFINE BEFORE YOU DISCUSS. PT 3.

HUMANIST-  The belief that all decisions regarding moral behavior, either individually or as a society, can be found through intellectual reflection and discourse.  It rejects any faith based grounding of proper ethical
behavior.

Christian Humanist-  Accepts the Divine nature of Jesus, but believes that God gave man the ability and mental discipline to find ultimate truths regarding proper moral behavior.  Scripture is not the source

for finding ethical absolutes.  The Gospels may be correct, but must be judged on a case by case basis.

Secular Humanist-  Believes that faith based institutions have no place in deciding public policy or law.  Religion is purely an individual choice, and should not influence the legal system in any way.  A Secular Humanist is not by definition an Atheist.

Deistic Humanist-  Closely resembles the Christian Humanist.  Believes in an ultimate power (God), that is the prime mover in our universe.  However, this power created the laws of nature and set reality in motion, but leaves the concept of morality as something the human mind can comprehend without Divine interference.

Keep in mind these are my definitions.  You are free to disregard or accept them. My main goal is to show that we often use blanket definitions on certain belief systems.  However, some of these systems are not uniform, and vary in how they view the nature of God, Reality, Morality, and the Universe in general. 

Date-  2/8/2014.

ETHICS AND MORALITY. PERSONAL ETHICS VS INSTITUTIONAL ETHICS, OR FINDING GOD VS FORCING GOD. PT 1.

Why is it that people with certain Moral Beliefs, automatically feel it is their mission to see that others also adopt this same ETHICAL SYSTEM?

What is even more Disturbing, is their desire to see it instituted into Law, either by Statute or Judicial Decree.  Unfortunately, the Lack of Freedom to Choose never seems to bother them, unless it inhibits their own ability to make Individual Decisions.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION, AS A RIGHT, INCLUDES THE ABILITY TO OBEY OR DISOBEY ANY FORM OF RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE.  IT IS NOT A MATTER OF SELECTING WHICH FORMS OF FAITH CAN BE LEGALIZED, AND ADJUSTING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO CONFORM.  NONE OF THEM ARE TO BE PART OF ANY CODE OF LAW, BECAUSE THE CONCEPT OF 'FREEDOM OF RELIGION' WOULD BE MEANINGLESS. 

A Response to this is could be something like : "The Word of God is Absolute, we must Convert or Convince others that their only hope for Salvation is accepting 

Scripture, and Submitting to Gods Will."

This type of Response makes the following Assumptions;

-  DEFINING "GOD" IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, AND MUST BE ACCEPTED.

-  That Their DEFINITION OF GOD IS THE CORRECT ONE.

-  THAT FAITH ALONE IS REQUIRED AND NECESSARY.  NO LOGICAL PROOFS, OR SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY IS NEEDED TO "KNOW THE TRUTH."

-  That GOD HAS REVEALED INSTRUCTIONS FOR A MORAL LIFE, THROUGH INTERPRETATIONS OF SPECIFIC TEXTS, WHICH MUST BE ACCEPTED AS TRUE AND INFALLIBLE.

-  "SALVATION" IS A DESIRABLE GOAL , THAT CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY OBEYING THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Now there is nothing UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR ILLEGAL about believing any of the above.  A FREE SOCIETY allows each of us to find answers on our own, and being able to share our BELIEFS OR FAITH with others. 

HOWEVER, THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONVERTING OR CONVINCING SOMEONE TO ACT OR BELIEVE CERTAIN RELIGIOUS DEFINITIONS OR ABSOLUTES VOLUNTARILY, AND FORCING THEM TO THROUGH THREATS OF CRIMINAL OR CIVIL SANCTIONS INSTITUTED INTO LAW.

LOOK FOR PT 2 IN A FUTURE POST.  

WHAT A SHAME. PUTTING A FACE ON THE TRUE ENEMIES OF CHANGE.

Why is it that any time a CONTROVERSIAL INDIVIDUAL RUNS FOR OFFICE, THE MEDIA ADOPTS THE ATTITUDE THAT; "THIS IS A SIGN OF THE TIMES, A NEW MOVEMENT BECAUSE OF DISSATISFACTION WITH POLITICS AS USUAL." THIS DECLARATION IS SAID TO MIRROR THE ATTITUDE OF DISSATISFIED VOTERS, WHO ARE TIRED OF TRADITIONAL POLITICIANS RUNNING THE GOVERNMENT.

Sorry, but this is simply not True. If it was, the Same "Old, Rich and Powerful Politicians" would not be Re- Elected Time and Time Again.  Even the BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENCY, WHICH HAS SEEN SIGNIFICANT BENEFICIAL CHANGES TO THE LIVES OF MANY AMERICANS, (AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, LEGALIZATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, MANY STATES RAISING THE MINIMUM WAGE, ADOPTING POLICIES THAT ARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FINDINGS OF CLIMATE SCIENCE etc. ), HAS HAD TO DEAL WITH THE SAME ATTITUDES, PREJUDICES, AND SELF-CENTERED MINDSETS THAT HAS HINDERED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHANGE FOR DECADES.  What is really Absurd, is that those who oppose such changes, and want to maintain the Status Quo, ARE THOSE SCREAMING THE LOUDEST ABOUT OUR BROKEN POLITICAL SYSTEM.

I understand that some of the News Media no longer CARES FOR INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE, AND WOULD RATHER WALLOW IN THE CESSPOOL CREATED BY REALITY T.V., CELEBRITY WORSHIP, AND GOSSIP COLUMNISTS MASQUERADING AS NEWS REPORTERS AND ANALYSTS. OFTEN TIMES, THIS RESULTS IN CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE BROADCAST MEDIA TROTTING OUT TIME WORN CLICHES LIKE, "THE VOTERS ARE TIRED OF THE SAME OLD BACK ROOM POLITICS", IN AN ATTEMPT TO SHIFT ATTENTION AWAY FROM FINDING REAL ANSWERS, TO REAL PROBLEMS.

In Addition, Efforts to Confront Past Unresolved Issues, (ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE CONFLICTS IN IRAN AND IRAQ, AND CREATING TREATIES TO PREVENT THE INCREASE IN NUCLEAR WEAPONRY AMONG ALL NATIONS,etc.), HAS RESULTED IN SYSTEMATIC ATTEMPTS BY THE OPPOSITION TO SABOTAGE OR PREVENT ANY PROGRESS THAT COULD YIELD POSITIVE RESULTS.

THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS:

THOSE WHO HAVE OPPOSED MOST, IF NOT ALL POLICIES CHANGES PROPOSED BY THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION , ARE LED BY POLITICAL LEADERSHIP THAT HAS BEEN ENTRENCHED FOR YEARS. THE MAIN REASON FOR SUCH OPPOSITION SEEMS TO BE A DESIRE TO PREVENT ANY SUCCESS THAT COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION, AND STOPPING PERMANENT CHANGES IN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICY THAT WOULD NO LONGER FAVOR A PRIVILEGED FEW. 

Date-  6/2/2016.

LOGIC. THE NEED TO EDUCATE, AND MAKE IT THE ENEMY OF IRRATIONAL, SELF-CENTERED, AND PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT. PT 2.

When we Discuss Educating Young People on the Practical Uses of LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING IN EVERYDAY LIFE, THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IS AN AREA OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE.  

ENCOMPASSING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW, THE ECONOMY, AND OTHER PARTS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICY, ELECTING AND SUPPORTING THE MOST COMPETENT, HONEST, AND CAPABLE INDIVIDUALS IS A GOAL THAT EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD FEEL IS A RESPONSIBILITY, ONE THAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.

In a free and open open society, POLITICIANS CAN GIVE AN OPINION ON JUST ABOUT ANY SUBJECT, USUALLY WITH LITTLE FEAR OF PUNISHMENT. However, that does not mean they know what they are Talking About, or even care, as long as there are Those who are willing to close Their Minds, and Accept What is being said at Face Value.

THIS IS MANIFESTED BY THE POLITICIAN WHO IS ADEPT AT DELIVERING A SPEECH THAT CAN LAST FOR HOWEVER LONG THEY NEED IT TO, USING WORDS AND PHRASES THAT MAY SOUND INTELLECTUAL AND INSIGHTFUL, BUT LACK ANY REAL SUBSTANCE OR MEANING.  THE BODY OF THE SPEECH IS JUST EMPTY RHETORIC, SPOKEN BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS OR CARES LITTLE FOR THE FACTS, OR ADDRESSING REAL ISSUES WITH KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE.

SO HOW CAN WE INSTRUCT YOUNG LOGICIANS IN IDENTIFYING THOSE POLITICIANS WHO TALK A LOT, BUT SAY LITTLE THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED OF ANY VALUE?

IT IS TO TEACH THEM THAT NOT ALL POLITICAL SPEECH IS OF EQUAL WORTH, AND HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VALUABLE AND VALUELESS.  TO DO THIS, WE SHOULD POINT OUT THERE ARE TWO MAIN FORMS OF POLITICAL SPEECH THAT ARE USED TO SWAY VOTERS, BUT USE DECEPTION, PREJUDICE, AND A SELF-CENTERED MINDSET TO IGNORE AND AVOID PROVIDING REAL ANSWERS THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL AMERICANS.

THEY ARE...

-  ...THE UNSUPPORTED CONCLUSION/BASELESS ASSERTION.

                               AND

-  ...THE VAGUE/UNDEFINED MESSAGE.

LOOK FOR PART 3.

Date- 1/24/2016.

ETHICS AND MORALITY. JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE. PT 1.

As another Election Cycle approaches, we are again 

being Subjected to Daily Analysis about what the Average 

Voter is Thinking and Looking for in a Candidate.

In Reality, They seem to be Nothing More than Sound Bites,

with the Media Trying to Create Controversy by finding 

Perspective Voters who are;

-  Looking for Reasons to Justify Their Lack of Knowledge.

-  Desperately trying to Blame any Problems They Have, Socially

or Economically, on other groups.

-  To Complain about how Recent Political Activity That May Have

Benefited others, is Unfair or Unjust because it didn't produce 

Immediate Positive Affects on Their Lives, or Disrupted a World View 

that Confronted Personal Prejudices, Irrational Judgments, or Past

Injustices.

-  So Self- Centered that even Trying to Explain to Them the Long Term

Goals of New Policies falls on Deaf Ears.

It almost seems like that Those Interviewed consider any Action or Stand 

Taken by an Elected Official IMMORAL, IF THEY DO NOT PERCEIVE AN 

IMMEDIATE POSITIVE IMPACT IN THEIR OWN LIVES, EVEN IF THERE 

IS NO REASONABLE DETRIMENT TO THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.

What is even Worse, is the Memory Lapse that occurs when it is pointed 

out that other Policy Changes have Benefited Those who are now Criticizing

a Specific Issue.

So, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD WE PLACE ON OVER THE AIR 

OPINIONS GIVEN BY THE "VOTING PUBLIC," WHICH ARE OFFERED 

BY DIFFERENT MEDIA OUTLETS?

SEE PART 2.

Date-  7/31/2015.

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE? #2.

That leads us to the First Major Problem that is encountered when Researching any Subject Dealing with THE PARANORMAL.  Just because a Book, or any Published Work lists a BIBLIOGRAPHY, DOES NOT MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN RESEARCHED PROPERLY.  Listing Source Material is Meaningless, if the AUTHORSHIP IS OF DUBIOUS OR QUESTIONABLE RELIABILITY.

I Mention the BERMUDA TRIANGLE, because there is perhaps no Greater Fabrication of a LEGEND THAT HAS NO REAL BASIS IN FACT, AND IS BASICALLY THE CREATION OF A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL. ( I will Discuss This in a Future Post.)  However, for this Post, let us begin to ask some basic questions, and see if we can understand the Reasoning behind the MYSTERY.

I Published a Map of the Area in Question in an earlier Post, so you can Reference it by Scrolling Up.

That brings me to the First Point:

I CAN DRAW A CIRCLE, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, TRAPEZOID etc., around any area of the GLOBE, AND FIND EXAMPLES OF MISSING PERSONS, BOATS, PLANES. This is especially TRUE IN BODIES OF WATER, AND MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS, WHERE DISCOVERY AND RECOVERY OF EVIDENCE WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE.

However, for the sake of Argument, let us say that this area has more Incidents of UNEXPLAINED DISAPPEARANCES THAN SIMILAR REGIONS IN SIZE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. How could this be Explained?

THIS BRINGS US TO THE NEXT POINT:

UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPLAINABLE DO NOT MEAN THE SAME THING. 

UNEXPLAINED-  A DEFINITIVE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND.  ALTHOUGH

DIFFERENT EXPLANATIONS MAY BE OFFERED, THE AMOUNT OF RELIABLE AND TESTABLE EVIDENCE IS NOT SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO ALLOW US TO DRAW A CONCLUSION WITH REASONABLE CERTAINTY. 

UNEXPLAINABLE-  THAT THE INCIDENT, BY ITS VERY NATURE AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING IT, CAN NEVER BE REASONABLY EXPLAINED, REGARDLESS OF THE QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF THE EVIDENCE FOUND, AND PROPERLY ANALYZED.

One Question that is often asked, when we examine Popular Myths and Legends,

is why are so many "INCIDENTS" OR "EVENTS" LISTED AS UNEXPLAINABLE?

THE ANSWER:  LOOK AT THE INDIVIDUALS MAKING SUCH JUDGMENTS, AND THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF MAKING SUCH ILL-INFORMED DECISIONS. 

AFTER ALL, POLITICIANS DO IT ALL THE TIME.

Date- 4/12/2016.

WHAT A SHAME- A look at the low points in the modern media. HUMILIATION TELEVISION; IT DOESN'T GET ANY LOWER THAN THIS. PT 5.

Now, at this point in the episode, if we are to take everything at face value as being true to life, several disturbing things about this business are made clear;

1)  Many of the "Problems" would be apparent to anyone who has a modicum of intelligence.

2)  The reasons for failure include just about every aspect of the Day to Day operation. ( Bad Food, Customer Service, Hygiene etc.) 

3)  The Lack of Training and/or Education, Proper Supervision, Desire to Succeed and Pride in ones appearance and performance is astonishing. This is especially amazing for a business in the "Service Industry."               

If all the above are present, and have to be addressed for the business to move forward, my question is this: Why in the world would you want this establishment to continue to operate?

Yes, I know controversy and confrontation boost ratings, but why would anyone want these often borderline criminal sites to continue to prey on the public?  Remember the show is promoted as being real and not staged. (Which, as I alluded to earlier in the article, is unlikely.)  If the goal is to keep the business open, the following questions must be asked;

- Does anyone think two or three days of screaming and insults, together with a few hours of training from "Experts",  will wipe out years of bad habits and carelessness?

- Will a fresh coat of paint and new furnishings turn lazy and indifferent employees into Dynamic Team Players?

- Can classically trained Chefs with years of experience, turn around a  Kitchen staff with little training in Basic Meal preparation?

- Will employees suddenly start to care about the proper and safe handling of all food stuffs, and will respond positively to training in this area?

- Do you think incompetent Managers will suddenly gain the necessary people skills to properly supervise other employees?

(Look for PT 6 in a future posting.)

Date- 1/11/2014.

ETHICS AND MORALITY- HEALTH CARE. PT 2.

 

I would like to emphasize something I alluded to in part 1.  To often, the health care debate gets mired in details that have little to do with the reality that must be faced:

Initially, at least, HEALTH CARE BEING APPLIED UNIVERSALLY TO AN ENTIRE POPULATION OF ANY GIVEN COUNTRY IS A MORAL DECISION , NOT AN ECONOMIC ONE.

 

Like other state run social programs in the U.S, Universal Health Care is not designed to turn a profit.  Its' goal is to provide affordable medical insurance that will not cripple an individual or families ability to provide for other basic necessities.  This idea stems from the primarily 20th century concept that government has an obligation to provide for, to a certain extent, the basic needs of a portion of the population that cannot do so on its' own.  However, unlikecurrent social programs, Universal Health Care in the U.S differs from other social programs in one major aspect- ELIGIBILITY.  As it stands today in the U.S, there are three main groups that have medical insurance.

• Those who have high enough incomes that make attaining quality health care plans a non-issue.
• Private health care plans that are partially or wholly subsidized by an employer.
• Individuals and families with an income that falls below a certain level, which is set by the federal government.

 

These above groups leave out a substantial portion of the population in the U.S.

This segment of society is the real reason that Universal Health Care, or "Obamacare" is being instituted.  The middle class is the target group that will benefit the most, because they do not lie at either end of the financial spectrum in terms of income.  Since paying health insurance premiums will be done on a sliding scale basis, all Americans will be covered in a way that does not end in financial hardship.

See pt. 3 in a future issue.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 7/20/2013)

CONSUMER GUIDE TO AVOIDING SCAMS AND SCOUNDRELS. MEDICAL SCAMS- PT 1.

Modern Medicine is not your enemy.

I would like to introduce this new sub-category by pointing out the following; This subject matter may be the most important and at the same time the most controversial of anything I publish on this website.

We as a species seem to be at a crossroads.  The advancements in Medicine that have occurred in the last century or so, have alleviated or cured diseases that have plagued mankind throughout recorded history.  

We now can pinpoint cause and effect relationships that are addressed by government intervention and laws that create guidelines in Public Works, Proper Hygiene, Immunizations etc.

Yet, through all the research and development that has resulted in positive results, there are those who turn a blind-eye to progress in the Medical Field.  They wish to return to Pseudo-Scientific and Empirically discredited forms of Healing and Preventive Medicine.

Some of the topics I will address include;

• Homeopathy.
• Naturopathy.
• Faith-Healing.
• Miracle Cures.
• Medical Quackery.

These are just a few examples.  To my readers; If you have a specific request that will enhance an understanding of this subject,  please let me know by e-mail.

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 8/27/2013)

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD. THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE. PT 2.

First Mate Martin continued with his testimony.

"I sent Crewmen Drury and Lyons forward, to inspect the Foremast and Sail, and the Bow section. I remained aft, to check the Masters Cabin.  All three of us would inspect the hold."

"Entering the Masters cabin, I found it to be in tidy shape. I could not find the Ships Log on the small writing desk, and the Sea Chest was stowed securely under the Bunk. There were no Navigational Instruments to be found, and this remained the case throughout the ship. No Sextant, Compass or Charts were found aboard."

The Boston Maritime Officials then inquired about the Ships Boats.

"That was a bit strange." The Mate replied. "The Tackle used to swing out the Starboard side Dinghy had been engaged, and it appeared to have been Launched.  However, it was done either in great haste, or by someone unfamiliar with the mechanism. The Gears appeared to have jammed several times, and it was swung out from the ship at an awkward angle.  If it was launched like that, there is a good chance that it capsized."

A question was then asked about the condition of the main deck.

"Well, the Ships Wheel,"  Martin had reported, "wasn't lashed down, which explains the lack of a set course.  Other than that, and the affair with the Dinghy, not much else was out of sorts.  Drury and Lyons reported that the Foremast and Sail were in good condition, and the Bow showed no evidence of a possible collision with another Vessel."

Finally, the condition of the Hold was brought up, as well as the nature and type of Cargo stowed below.

Martin, it was reported, went silent for several moments.

"You understand," he said finally, "that my shipmates and I are only reporting what we found.  As to the how and why, that is your duty."  

END PT 2.

FIRST PUBLISHED ON 11/12/2014.

LOGIC. HOW CAN YOU SPOT A WELL REASONED ARGUMENT, OR AN IRRATIONAL ONE? PT 1.

It may be a Local Politician, Co-Worker, Friend, or even a Family Member. Yet, it is Inevitable that occasionally someone you know will Voice an Opinion about an Issue that will be in Direct Conflict with your own.  What should you do? What is at Stake if you Decide to Open up and be Honest?  Before you Decide, try to go through the Following Process, and see what Answer it leads you to. 

1.  Is the Subject Matter of Such Importance that it must be Addressed Immediately?-  What is Important to You, Friends and Family, may not really matter to others.  Pick your Battles.  If You have an Opinion on a Subject, but it lies in conflict with Others, is the Disagreement so Vast that you are willing to make a Stand Then and There?  Can it wait for a Different Time and Place?  What Do You Gain, or Lose, by Postponing such a Discussion?

2.  Many Times it is Better to say NOTHING AT ALL, LET THE SPEAKER MAKE THE CASE FOR YOUR SIDE OF AN ISSUE.-  Are you Familiar with the Saying:   

                 "BETTER TO BE THOUGHT A FOOL, THAN TO OPEN YOUR 

                  MOUTH AND REMOVE ALL DOUBT."   

How Many Times have you been present at a Gathering or Event, where Someone Attending is making a Fool of Themselves, Blurting out Meaningless Drivel that has everyone Rolling Their Eyes and Walking Away.  If it is within a group of Fairly Well- Informed People, They will see the Individual for what He Is;  Ill-Informed, Ignorant, and Lacking the Basic Skills for Intellectual Discourse.  No Opinion They Offer will be Taken Seriously, and Hopefully it is on the Opposite Side of an Issue that you land on.

3.  The Most Important Disagreements to Confront Immediately are Deliberate Falsehoods and Bad Information-  Before you can point out an IRRATIONAL AND INVALID ARGUMENT, MAKE SURE THE SPEAKER CAN BACK UP ANY FACTS AND FIGURES THEY ARE STATING AS FACT.  Don't point out the Flaws in the REASONING AND STRUCTURE OF THEIR ARGUMENT, AND IGNORE ANY MISINFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PREMISES.  THEY CAN JUST REFORMULATE THE ARGUMENT TO MAKE IT VALID, BUT IT MAY STILL CONTAIN THE SAME FACTUAL FLAWS.

HERE IS A BASIC EXAMPLE;

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS DOGS.

SPOT IS A  VICIOUS DOG.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

THEREFORE, SPOT IS A ROTTWEILER.

This is an INVALID ARGUMENT.  SPOT MAY 

BE A VICIOUS DOG, BUT ANY BREED OF DOG 

CAN BECOME VICIOUS, IT IS NOT A BEHAVIOR 

EXCLUSIVE TO THE ROTTWEILER.

TO MAKE IT A VALID ARGUMENT, IT IS CHANGED

TO THIS;

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS DOGS.

SPOT IS A ROTTWEILER.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

THEREFORE, SPOT IS A VICIOUS DOG.

NOW THE ARGUMENT IS LOGICALLY VALID.

HOWEVER, THE BASIS OF TRUTH FOR THE CONCLUSION

THAT SPOT IS VICIOUS, LIES IN THE PREMISE THAT 

ALL ROTTWEILERS ARE VICIOUS. THAT IS A FACTUAL

CLAIM THAT MUST BE BACKED UP WITH PROPER

DATA.

Whenever someone Draws a Conclusion about a Specific 

Subject, make sure the Supporting Information backs it up.

FIRST PUBLISHED ON 2/10/2015.

FEATURE ARTICLES. THE PRESIDENTS STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH; A CHALLENGE TO THE INTELLECTUAL AND MORAL OPPOSITION. PT 1.

Having Listened to President Obamas STOTUS, and read the Full Transcript, to me the MOST IMPORTANT WORDS COME NEAR THE END.

Don't get me wrong, the POLICIES and ISSUES he Discusses are Very Important, and I will look at these in the Near Future.  Unfortunately, if the Attitudes Toward Properly Addressing Divisive Topics doesn't change, it will be an uphill battle to Find and Pass Solutions that are in the Best Interests OF THE PEOPLE LIVING, WORKING AND RAISING FAMILIES IN THE U.S.

Line #1-  

"Understand – a better politics isn't one where Democrats abandon their agenda or Republicans simply embrace mine."

Translation-  "You're not Always Right, and Neither am I.  Lets find Common Ground and Work from there.  The "IT'S MY WAY OR NOTHING ATTITUDE, IS THE ROAD TO FAILURE."

Line #2-  

"A better politics is one where we appeal to each other's basic decency instead of our basest fears."

Translation-  "If we Live in the Gutter, nothing gets accomplished, and Failure, Distrust, and Enmity is the Result.  IF WE LOOK FOR THE GOOD, INSTEAD OF PROMOTING IRRATIONAL  HATE AND FEAR AS AN AGENDA, THE RESULT WOULD BE SOMETHING WE WOULD ALL BE PROUD OF."

Line #3-  "A better politics is one where we debate without demonizing each other; where we talk issues, and values, and principles, and facts, rather than "gotcha" moments, or trivial gaffes, or fake controversies that have nothing to do with people's daily lives."

Translation-  "As Lawmakers, and Elected Representatives of the American People, OUR JOB IS TO PRIORITIZE REAL ISSUES THAT AFFECT PEOPLES LIVES, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.  THE ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL APPROACH IS THE BEST SOLUTION, NOT IMMATURE INSULTS AND GLIB ONE LINERS THAT DO NOTHING TO ADDRESS REAL PROBLEMS. CONCENTRATING ON NON- ISSUES IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF 'POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING', AND A CONTINUATION OF THE TYPICAL 'POLITICS AS USUAL' BRAND OF GOVERNMENT THAT SO MANY AMERICANS DESPISE.'

(FIRST PUBLISHED ON 1/22/2015)

FEATURE ARTICLES. CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING- FIGHTING THE WRONG BATTLES. PT 1.

(CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING- 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.

FIRST PUBLISHED ON 11/11/2015.