FEATURE ARTICLES. WHAT PROGRESSIVES MUST LEARN. PT 10.

What could PROGRESSIVES DO, TO SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THE IRRATIONAL AND OFTEN IMMATURE ATTACKS OF THE OPPOSITION?

1)  Do not Adopt the same Strategy. Trading Insults, and Using Invalid Arguments meant to Stir Up Prejudicial and Discriminatory Attitudes among Voters, is Intellectually Dishonest and Morally Reprehensible.  Progressives must give the Public a Real Alternative to the Irrational Scare Tactics of the Opposition. 

In Other Words, When Discussing Policy Issues that Affect every Citizen, give the Audience an Opportunity to see the Opposition for what They really Are.  If They want to live in the Gutter that is created by Their Attitudes and Arguments, don't join Them.

2)  Make the Opposition Clarify and Defend any Assertion or Conclusion that They are making, regarding Their Support or Opposition to any Law or Policy Change.

Lets Face it, Many Politicians and Lawmakers live for the Opportunity to Hang Certain Tags on Their Opponents. Call Them on it. Make Them JUSTIFY WHAT THEY ARE SAYING, AND ZERO IN ON THE ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS THAT ARE ESPOUSING.  THESE ARE OFTEN INDICATED BY THE TYPES OF CRITICISMS BEING LEVELED AGAINST THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO SEE THEM CONTROLLING PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW.

To put it another way, do not let any Person, Group or Political Party get away with Baseless Accusations, or Irrational Conclusions.  DON'T FEAR THE OPINIONS OF THOSE WHO TOSS CRITICAL THINKING AND LOGIC OUT THE WINDOW, THEY REPRESENT THE WORST OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM HAS TO OFFER.

Date-  3/1/2015.

ETHICS AND MORALITY. RIGHTS- WHAT THEY ARE, AND WHAT THEY ARE NOT. PT 4.

A few things we should remember about the concept and definition of 

RIGHTS;

-  Virtually no nation legally defines "Rights" the same way, and the word may not even exist as a separate and distinct element within the laws of a given country.

-  The U.S. generally considers Rights as protections the individual has against abuses by government, or illegal actions that may occur in the private sector.  However,  the code of law in other Jurisdictions may define Rights as actions government can take to protect itself from harm.  This may be done regardless of the impact on the individual or society as a whole.  Usually, it is just a way to maintain the status quo, and ensuring the continued existence of those in power.

This places Human, Citizen or Civil Rights, ( If such things are even acknowledged), as secondary in importance. 

-  In what is becoming a familiar theme inside the U.S., especially around election time, is the charge by some groups that their Rights are being violated.  This may be recent , or a claim that was also made in the past.

However, it is usually hyperbole, with the goal of electing like minded candidates.  This situation brings up a frightening, but all to often glimpse into the mindset of many Americans:  THAT WHEN CERTAIN "RIGHTS" ARE EXERCISED, THEY AUTOMATICALLY NEGATE OR DISQUALIFY OTHERS.

What is the source of this way of thinking?  Is it a lack of understanding about the wording included within the body of the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights? Could it represent the desire to accept without question the opinions of those with questionable motives?  Most frightening of all, the unspoken wish to abolish many parts of the Constitution, and that freedom should be limited to the chosen few.

End of PT 4.

Date-  9/10/2014.

QUICK HITTERS. POST #1. CAMPAIGN SLOGANS, PHRASES AND OTHER NONSENSE.

            

  


                                                                         

As another election approaches, the same old tired rhetoric is out in force.  How come we are still bombarded by phrases and slogansthat add nothing new to the latest election cycle?

"I'm Pro- Family"-  I love this one.  Oddly enough, I have never heard of anyone running on an "Anti- Family" platform.  Of course, many of those who trot this slogan out are happy to define "Family" for you.

"I Support Traditional Values."-  What?  A value system differs from individual to individual, and group to  group. In addition, are these "values" taken from what was considered the norm in 1900, 1950, 1980 or 2010?  History shows us that each generation learns from the past, and develops its own set of values.  This is a phrase with no real meaning.

"I'm Pro- Choice", or , "I'm Pro- Life."-  These are perhaps, the most divisive phrases of all.  Whatever your stance on abortion is, the implied meaning is clear;  These two short sentences are not meant to promote what their speakers stand for, but to point out what they oppose.  "Pro- Life"- is another way of saying the opposition is "Pro- Death or "Anti- Life."  When someone says they are "Pro- Choice", the implication is that to be against them you are "Anti- Freedom" or "Pro- Government Intervention" into personal privacy.

When deciding which candidates to chose, we must look beyond simple catch phrases.  Find out the reason or process that led them to take certain stands on issues you think are important.  Don't buy into worn out campaign slogans, it's a disservice to the entire electoral process.

Date-  8/21/2014

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THE CLASSROOM 2. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL. U.S. SENATOR. TAKE ACTION: Equal pay for equal work. #21.

If you follow soccer, you know two big things happened recently: One, our U.S. Women’s National Team stormed to a 7-0 victory here in Connecticut. Two, we learned that despite this triumph, the incredible women on that team are paid just a fraction of what’s paid to members of the men’s team.

Unfortunately they are not alone: On average, American women earn just 79 cents for every dollar men are paid for completing the exact same work.  I need you to join me and send an unequivocal message: Whether on a soccer field or an oil field, in a corner office or a corner store, every person deserves to be paid equally for completing equal work.

Will you join me.. in demanding Congress take action to right this wrong?

When extremists in Congress block efforts to reduce wage disparities, they tell women in Connecticut and across the country: Your work may be just as good, but you are worth less than men. We marked Equal Pay Day this week, and we must be 100% clear: Women are notless than, and inequality is not an American value. This is not a complicated issue, and it should not be a debate.

I’ve fought to end discrimination like this my whole career, and I won’t stop now.

Tell Republicans in Congress it’s time to close the gender wage gap.

Thank you.

Date- 4/14/2016.