In times of uncertainty and fear, we notice all kinds of 'conspiracy theories' advanced to explain reasons why. Several psychological studies have concluded that when folks feel they lack control over circumstances they have a heightened need to connect some dots. The conspiracy theories, which are advanced permit dot-connecting even though the 'theory' may be far from the reality.
Republican Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump has turned this 'conspiracy theory' dot connecting messaging into an art form. You recall Trump's 'mission from hell' birther conspiracy regarding Obama's Presidency. As a candidate, Trump has manipulated susceptible minds to blame Hispanics and Mexico for the illegal immigration problems along the American/Mexican border. His 'theory' that Mexico is sending just bad people completely ignores the fact that Democrats have not rushed to enact immigration reform for fear of alienating Hispanic voters while Republicans hold back on reform because cheap labor aids their voting base.
Trump now suggests that all terror attacks are owned by Muslims. Therefore, people simplify the dot connecting by using Muslims as scapegoats. Trump also suggests that President Obama is complicit regarding these terror attacks. Understand that Trump is therefore advancing the conspiracy theory that our President is involved with these terrorist attacks. This is perhaps one of the most bizarre and harmful conspiracy theories ever uttered. A Presidential candidate has accused the sitting President of treason.
Keep in mind that Trump has demonstrated he will say anything to get elected. His hedge is simple. He believes there are enough angry minds and simple minds needing the dots connected.
Thanks but no thanks, I'll connect the dots myself.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Stop the Hate Talk
So very predictable! A mass shooting tragedy happens and the talking heads of the conservative folks, Donald Trump and the liberal leaners, Hillary Clinton gibber-jabber away. As expected, Clinton wishes to speak to the plethora of assault guns available and Trump wishes to double-down on his Muslim hate rhetoric.
I would suggest listening to two 'other' voices weighing-in on this terrible tragedy; the shooters ex-wife stated that Omar Mateen was a loose cannon who abused her emotionally and physically. She went on to describe him as mentally sick with hatered. The shooter's father profiled his son as being filled with hate for gays, Hispanics and Muslims.
Go figure how this mad man could be on the FBI 'terrorist watch list' and pass a gun purchase background check. It makes absolutely zero common sense. Of course, don't forget our federal government agency had its computers hacked by the Chinese while our own FBI is wasting resources chasing Hillary Clinton's private server emails.
I am old enough to remember when elected politicians both Democrats and Republicans cooperated chasing and solving real issues, which benefited the American people.
We should admonish those who continue to speak ill of gays-lesbians and minorities. Just maybe if there was less hate-filled language bantered about, we might have fewer mentally-ill people ginned up to act out these horrible killings.
The FBI has described the Orlando attacker as being 'self-radicalized.' Now, immediately people assume that means a radical Muslim. Stop and re-consider that 'radicalized' means one has been caused to adopt a certain political or social issue position. However, this particular mass killer adopted radical negative social attitudes about gays and also a supportive attitude towards ISIS on his own; he did this radical transformation 'alone'...by him 'self.' Not my words but the FBI's words. Therefore we can conclude that most individuals who kill are 'self' radicals.
The unanswered question in the Orlando mass shooting remains: Did this killer kill for ISIS or because he hated gays? Americans are so lucky...they can embrace the answers offered by either Hillary or Donald...And nothing changes.
I would suggest listening to two 'other' voices weighing-in on this terrible tragedy; the shooters ex-wife stated that Omar Mateen was a loose cannon who abused her emotionally and physically. She went on to describe him as mentally sick with hatered. The shooter's father profiled his son as being filled with hate for gays, Hispanics and Muslims.
Go figure how this mad man could be on the FBI 'terrorist watch list' and pass a gun purchase background check. It makes absolutely zero common sense. Of course, don't forget our federal government agency had its computers hacked by the Chinese while our own FBI is wasting resources chasing Hillary Clinton's private server emails.
I am old enough to remember when elected politicians both Democrats and Republicans cooperated chasing and solving real issues, which benefited the American people.
We should admonish those who continue to speak ill of gays-lesbians and minorities. Just maybe if there was less hate-filled language bantered about, we might have fewer mentally-ill people ginned up to act out these horrible killings.
The FBI has described the Orlando attacker as being 'self-radicalized.' Now, immediately people assume that means a radical Muslim. Stop and re-consider that 'radicalized' means one has been caused to adopt a certain political or social issue position. However, this particular mass killer adopted radical negative social attitudes about gays and also a supportive attitude towards ISIS on his own; he did this radical transformation 'alone'...by him 'self.' Not my words but the FBI's words. Therefore we can conclude that most individuals who kill are 'self' radicals.
The unanswered question in the Orlando mass shooting remains: Did this killer kill for ISIS or because he hated gays? Americans are so lucky...they can embrace the answers offered by either Hillary or Donald...And nothing changes.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Really Important Times
The 'theme' I keep hearing from Republican leaders, i.e., Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is (I paraphrase): 'Yes, Donald Trump's remarks about a Indiana born judge with Mexican heritage is textbook racism but he ((Trump) is still better than Hillary Clinton as a Presidential choice.' Really? REALLY?
This great nation, The United States of America has fought back against a history of bigotry and racism against American-Indians, Haitians, Chinese, Jews, African-Americans, Japanese-Americans, Southeast-Asians, Koreans, Hispanics, East-Europeans (Slavic), Southern-Europeans (Italians/Greeks) and Irish. Really!!! Read your history books. And today in this 2016 American Presidential election we have people who will vote for a man who has demonstrated without question that he is a school yard bully racist. Add to that mind boggling sickness those who would vote for a hate-racist pitifully defend their position saying, "Trump is better than Hillary Clinton." REALLY? Hillary Clinton's 'sins' are so great that, we Americans prefer to elect a President who is a bigot...a racist? May God forgive us from such ugliness towards our brothers and sisters.
For whom shall I vote? This may, indeed, be a defining question for the next generation. I just hope my voting-age grandchildren, when asked by their children years from now, "Which side of history were you on back in the year 2016," they have the caring, loving and Christ-like answer.
Making America Great Again is NOT taking our attitudes and thinking back fifty years but ensuring that bigotry and discrimination is pushed further back in our history...Really.
Just a few days ago, two university studies were released confirming that Donald Trump's Presidential Candidacy is driven by 'racial anxieties.' Surprise Surprise!
If you're one of those 'bottom-line' thinkers then think of this: A racist should always be unfit to hold any elected office in the United States. REALLY.
This great nation, The United States of America has fought back against a history of bigotry and racism against American-Indians, Haitians, Chinese, Jews, African-Americans, Japanese-Americans, Southeast-Asians, Koreans, Hispanics, East-Europeans (Slavic), Southern-Europeans (Italians/Greeks) and Irish. Really!!! Read your history books. And today in this 2016 American Presidential election we have people who will vote for a man who has demonstrated without question that he is a school yard bully racist. Add to that mind boggling sickness those who would vote for a hate-racist pitifully defend their position saying, "Trump is better than Hillary Clinton." REALLY? Hillary Clinton's 'sins' are so great that, we Americans prefer to elect a President who is a bigot...a racist? May God forgive us from such ugliness towards our brothers and sisters.
For whom shall I vote? This may, indeed, be a defining question for the next generation. I just hope my voting-age grandchildren, when asked by their children years from now, "Which side of history were you on back in the year 2016," they have the caring, loving and Christ-like answer.
Making America Great Again is NOT taking our attitudes and thinking back fifty years but ensuring that bigotry and discrimination is pushed further back in our history...Really.
Just a few days ago, two university studies were released confirming that Donald Trump's Presidential Candidacy is driven by 'racial anxieties.' Surprise Surprise!
If you're one of those 'bottom-line' thinkers then think of this: A racist should always be unfit to hold any elected office in the United States. REALLY.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Don't Buy It
I'm a little concerned with a message coming out of a recent survey of American youth regarding the perception of hard work or luck leading to success. The survey picked the minds of 18-to-25 year olds. It appears that the once believed perception that hard work is the key to 'success,' (whatever success may be) is a myth amongst this younger generation...you need 'luck' to succeed they claim.
Let me say that I understand luck sometimes happens. However, I have witnessed too many self-made successful people because of hard work ethic and not dependent upon luck. I also get it when we factor in 'blessings,' such as good health, etc. That said and acknowledged, I still preach to younger folks that 'you' are only in control of your application-effort, commitment and dedication. Only a fool sits around waiting for good fortune.
This survey-message seems to fit the 'entitlement' mentality, which has seemingly robbed us of our imagination, passion and connection with accountability. Unfortunately, I can readily understand that in a society where instant gratification is desired and expected, we would rather believe we can wait for luck to smile upon us rather than us getting after it and 'making it happen.'
Call me old fashion but I still believe that 'the harder one works the luckier one gets.'
Let me say that I understand luck sometimes happens. However, I have witnessed too many self-made successful people because of hard work ethic and not dependent upon luck. I also get it when we factor in 'blessings,' such as good health, etc. That said and acknowledged, I still preach to younger folks that 'you' are only in control of your application-effort, commitment and dedication. Only a fool sits around waiting for good fortune.
This survey-message seems to fit the 'entitlement' mentality, which has seemingly robbed us of our imagination, passion and connection with accountability. Unfortunately, I can readily understand that in a society where instant gratification is desired and expected, we would rather believe we can wait for luck to smile upon us rather than us getting after it and 'making it happen.'
Call me old fashion but I still believe that 'the harder one works the luckier one gets.'
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Be Gracious, Will You?
These subliminal tongue-in-cheek racial-baiting comments 'cuts' both ways. Whereas I am ready to point out such comments from the lips of white people, let me call out hip-hop icon, Snoop Dogg. I caught the tale end of a recent Jimmy Kimmel NBA promotional television clip showing excerpts of the 1954 NBA Title game between Syracuse and Minneapolis. Of course, all players in 1954 were white players. At the conclusion of the TV clip, Snoop Dogg appears and begs the question, 'One might ask who won...then Snoop Dogg with smug indignation says, "Who cares?"
Snoop Dogg is no better than the white smart-mouth who would suggest, 'Who cares who won Miss Black America?"
The people 'in-the-moment' care and we should celebrate their achievements and appreciate their joy.
Snoop Dogg is no better than the white smart-mouth who would suggest, 'Who cares who won Miss Black America?"
The people 'in-the-moment' care and we should celebrate their achievements and appreciate their joy.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Changing Times
A few days ago, I accompanied my wife to the local Dollar Tree Store. The establishment advertises that 'Everything is a Dollar.' Unlike the restaraunt business where the ownership has two money making options; increase price or decrease portions, the Dollar Tree folks must control portion amounts. Some stuff figures to be a good buy while some things ain't so hot a deal.
As we stood in the checkout lane, I glanced at the items nearby and was somewhat surprised to note one particular item...a 'Drug Test Kit.' I suppose the teenager who gets the call to stop by Burger King for a interview can swing by Dollar Tree for a pee pee stick to determine if he's good to go.
I could not help but think just how 'product-pitching and displaying has changed drastically through the years. I recall my first teaching/coaching position in the very small, engaging community of Assumption, Illinois. As a newly married couple, we practiced simple birth control methods. We gave attention to my wife's cycle and during those fertile days we used condoms. OMG, I just realized many of my grandchildren read this blog and they are now, at this moment, attempting to come to grips with Nana and Boompa 'he'in-&-she'in.'
One summer day 1962, I walked into Assimption's only drug store to purchase condoms. I expected the transaction to be the same in that community of 1,300 as it was in the 85,000 city dwelling East St. Louis. It would go something like this: the customer whispers his verbal purchase request and the clerk discreetly reaches beneath the counter and places the condoms in a bag. Well, surprise, surprise. Unknown to me, druggist, Mr. Haffner was a devout Catholic and began lecturing me about using any birth control method. I'm sure I stood there a bit red faced. I can only imagine today, Mr. Hafner having a stroke knowing that most smaller Catholic families today have obviously adopted the contraceptive mentality.
I think of Mr. Hafner every time I enter a drug store and walk by the open view colorful condom display. I wonder... Can male enhancement pill displays be far behind? A thought just ocurred to me. Had I stayed more than two years in Assumption, Illinois, we'd might be a much larger family.
As we stood in the checkout lane, I glanced at the items nearby and was somewhat surprised to note one particular item...a 'Drug Test Kit.' I suppose the teenager who gets the call to stop by Burger King for a interview can swing by Dollar Tree for a pee pee stick to determine if he's good to go.
I could not help but think just how 'product-pitching and displaying has changed drastically through the years. I recall my first teaching/coaching position in the very small, engaging community of Assumption, Illinois. As a newly married couple, we practiced simple birth control methods. We gave attention to my wife's cycle and during those fertile days we used condoms. OMG, I just realized many of my grandchildren read this blog and they are now, at this moment, attempting to come to grips with Nana and Boompa 'he'in-&-she'in.'
One summer day 1962, I walked into Assimption's only drug store to purchase condoms. I expected the transaction to be the same in that community of 1,300 as it was in the 85,000 city dwelling East St. Louis. It would go something like this: the customer whispers his verbal purchase request and the clerk discreetly reaches beneath the counter and places the condoms in a bag. Well, surprise, surprise. Unknown to me, druggist, Mr. Haffner was a devout Catholic and began lecturing me about using any birth control method. I'm sure I stood there a bit red faced. I can only imagine today, Mr. Hafner having a stroke knowing that most smaller Catholic families today have obviously adopted the contraceptive mentality.
I think of Mr. Hafner every time I enter a drug store and walk by the open view colorful condom display. I wonder... Can male enhancement pill displays be far behind? A thought just ocurred to me. Had I stayed more than two years in Assumption, Illinois, we'd might be a much larger family.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
The Moment is Filled with Riches
The months of April through October usually find me in the backyard. There the quiet serenity allows for relaxing reflections as I gaze about the plethora of colorful flower beds planted and maintained by my wife. The sunlight flickers through the three large Ash trees, which umbrella high above providing shade during those dog days of summer time heat and humidity. Hummingbirds suspended midair drink from various concoctions as Finches, Robbins and Cardinals dart about the feeders.
Our backyard is adjacent to a Catholic elementary school's playground. During the spring and fall months, the playground finds first through eighth graders engaging the various games and playground apparatus. The different youthful chatter-expressions suggest the various grade level of social maturity and interests. Occasionally, younger children will approach my backyard fence to engage a moment of petting Toy Poodle, Yodie. Whereas the children don't know my name, many seem to know the puppy's name as they call him near.
With no houses at the back of our property, we often enjoy a gentle breeze moving across the yard. This day, I sit on the swing and listen to the children's voices as they call out a friend's name or proclaim some rules infraction of their competitive game. I close my eyes for a moment and the voices seem to sound familiar...voices from my past and suddenly, my thoughts begin to dull all other senses as a myriad of recollections take me back across the many years.
Soon, I hear the voices fading as the children leave the play area to return to other demands. I pause in thought and whisper a prayer. I ask God to bless each child as they continue their journey I hope and pray for a fulfillment, a life lived gloriously in love and service. It is only natural that I would want for them that which was mine.
Our backyard is adjacent to a Catholic elementary school's playground. During the spring and fall months, the playground finds first through eighth graders engaging the various games and playground apparatus. The different youthful chatter-expressions suggest the various grade level of social maturity and interests. Occasionally, younger children will approach my backyard fence to engage a moment of petting Toy Poodle, Yodie. Whereas the children don't know my name, many seem to know the puppy's name as they call him near.
With no houses at the back of our property, we often enjoy a gentle breeze moving across the yard. This day, I sit on the swing and listen to the children's voices as they call out a friend's name or proclaim some rules infraction of their competitive game. I close my eyes for a moment and the voices seem to sound familiar...voices from my past and suddenly, my thoughts begin to dull all other senses as a myriad of recollections take me back across the many years.
Soon, I hear the voices fading as the children leave the play area to return to other demands. I pause in thought and whisper a prayer. I ask God to bless each child as they continue their journey I hope and pray for a fulfillment, a life lived gloriously in love and service. It is only natural that I would want for them that which was mine.
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