On Ignorance, Willful Ignorance, Or Just Being Uninformed

We’re in an obviously critical time in our Nation’s history, and it’s way past time for us to step out of our comfort zones to rescue/salvage democracy, civility, compassionate governance and a more optimistic future for our children and grandchildren. We’ve allowed ourselves to be exploited and manipulated by those with the bully pulpit at National and State levels, and we have no more logical alternative than to rise to our occasion. Many of these elected/appointed officials are are so blatantly incompetent that they’re making their own cases for removal from office, but We The People must summon our courage to speed the process.

An old political axiom is, “You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, and those are pretty good odds.” Donald Trump is a master, having learned from his dad, Roy Cohn, Steve Bannon, Kellyanne, Mitch McConnell, et.al how to lie, misrepresent, repeat several times with loud confidence, denounce critics, and imply or specifically pledge retaliation for all adversaries. They play the odds to count on a sufficient level of real ignorance, and a supportive level of willful ignorance from fearful partisans (McConnell, Graham, Cornyn, et.al) to control the agenda and distract with rhetoric what they cannot address with competence.

There are a number of others of our family, friends and fellow citizens who are just uninformed. We can help with civil discussions, sharing of thoughtful pundit insights and encouragement to broaden their information sources.

How We Got Here…A Quick Recap

Again, it wasn’t just “W,” Bill/Hillary, Obama or Trump who brought us to this point. They were the figureheads, the buck occasionally stopped there, but the culprits were a much larger group. Our main source of blame rests with a BIPARTISAN Congress and We The People who supported them, by fault or default, or ignored them over several administrations. DEMOCRATS and REPUBLICANS. Yes, McConnell, Ryan, Graham, Cornyn, McCain…but also Biden, Hillary, Sanders, Pelosi, Klobuchar, et.al who were too distracted by the NRA, other special interests and reelection fundraising to attend to the most important business at hand…Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Immigation, Gun Regulation, Trade, Economic Opportunities and International Alliances.

Are You And Your Family Better Off Under This Administration?

That’s the question. For any of your family/friends/community colleagues who still support this current administration. Here are some issues for them/us to consider:

GREAT ECONOMY? No…a corporate windfall with the “middle-class tax cut” boosted corporate earnings, which they plowed back into stock-buybacks and executive bonuses…not significant worker pay increases. This corporate boost, plus a gutting of health and safety regulations, gave the windfall bounty that boosts the stock market in the short term, costs us dearly in the future. Are YOU better off?

GREAT JOBS MARKET? No…Most new jobs are low-paying with fewer benefits. Workers have to take multiple jobs to survive. Thus, low unemployment. Better jobs taken offshore, with lack of job retraining and education to prepare willing workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Robots and AI taking over many previous middle-class jobs. Increases in health premiums and childcare costs negate most wage increases. Are YOU better off?

TRADE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS…Trump and his Cabinet are politically inept, critical agencies are poorly staffed to honor their mission. Trump’s incompetence and bluff and bravado have made him an international joke. China, Korea, The EU and Russia have all bested or ignored this Administration time and again. We’re alienating our most important allies and trading partners. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!

BUT, “WE’RE GETTING CONSERVATIVE JUDGES”…Yes, and in the rush to do so, have many who are unqualified. I’m disappointed, but not defeatist. Fortunately, many are good folks who ARE qualified, will honor the constitution, letter of the law and be thoughtful judicial reps. If conservatives think they’ve got an automatic conservative phalanx against LGBTQ, women, Muslims and others of color, they’ll have a big comeuppance. Thank Goodness.

BUT HE’S A CATALYST FOR CHANGE… REALLY?… Government has not been working in the best interests of our citizens. Thus, the angry, but well-meaning (in most cases) election of Trump to create change…be a disruptor. Many thought he was a successful businessman/investor with great persuasive skills who could reshape Washington. But, we’re increasingly finding that his wealth, business success and personal brand are basically a sham. And he’s a pathological liar. The Rub…He could break it, tear it up, but had no idea how to create something better. And, we’re all the beneficiaries of this dangerous incompetence and inhumane disinterest in responsible governance.

BUT, WASN’T HE EXONERATED FROM THIS WITCHHUNT?… NO! Mueller provided considerable factual evidence that is currently being reviewed for action by Congressional committees and other State judicial jurisdictions. Trump will not serve another term, and he and his family and friends will be prosecuted for a number of crimes over the next 1-2 years. Some have already been. The arrogance, entitlement, cash and power grab will be rewarded accordingly.

A MOSEY CLOSE…IF WE’RE NOT BETTER OFF, WHAT DO WE DO?

Again, that’s the question. To start with your friend in the mirror, then prepare responses for family, friends and colleagues. We MUST turn this around, and develop critical mass of compassionate, thoughtful, well-informed, engaged citizens to make government work as it should. Where do we start? We become informed on the candidates and the issues of the day. Then, we VOTE, and encourage all within our influence to do likewise. This wonderful, sobering and timely reflection below by Octavia Butler bears repeating, so I will.

I love this State and this Great Country. They are what we make them. Let’s work TOGETHER to reclaim our government with high-minded values that incorporate compassion, inclusion, education, economic opportunity and environmental integrity. A challenge, but let’s honor our moment in history. Let’s Mosey!