To people of conscience, this seems like the ultimate in noncontroversial statements.
Keep in mind, however, that there is a whole political party asking itself, “What do I care about the people of Ukraine?” These are the same people who refer to the people escaping desperate conditions in Central America as an “infestation.”
It’s safe to say that on the face of the Earth today, every single “advanced” culture, i.e., the nations that constitute the developed world, are focused on short-term results at the expense of a long-term, sustainable society. Of course, some countries make better attempts than others in preserving the natural world so that future generations may have a chance to enjoy their lives. Credit needs to be given to the Scandinavian nations and places like Iceland and New Zealand.
For the most part, however, “advanced” cultures are competitive with one another, and their populations are unwilling to make sacrifices for a better tomorrow. As Jacques Cousteau is suggesting, this may bring about our downfall.
Things are divisive in U.S. politics, but they haven’t come to the point that progressives wear shirts like this, if only for the concern about welcoming bodily damage.
Trump supporters are far more likely to be brazen in terms of wearable in-your-face political statements. MAGA hats are passe’ and “Let’s Go Brandon” shirts never caught on, but these folks do do like to distinguish themselves.
Here in California, we have smog tests that are required every few years, and earlier this week, I took my Prius to my favorite auto mechanic for this routine procedure, only to notice that he had the place adorned with a hard-to-miss American flag.
What’s the point, I asked to myself. If you sell guns and ammo, you’re not going to lose customers by establishing yourself as someone who stands behind the former president. But helping auto repair sounds pretty neutral. Why alienate half your client base?
There is no doubt this is true, but that doesn’t make this stupidity and effrontery any easier to watch here in 2022.
There was a pop song about 30 years ago that began, “I believe the children are our future,” which I found amusing. I wish I could have interviewed the lyricist and asked him if his initial idea was that old people were our future, but then discarded the notion when he realized that they’re going to be dead soon. (more…)
The signs of ignorance and oppression are everywhere in American society.
Isaac Asimov said, “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.” That’s if you can get your hands on it, before the Republicans burn it.
Mike Franken grew up in rural Iowa, served 36 years in the Navy, and retired a vice admiral. Now he’s running for a U.S. Senate seat from his home state.
Why?
Because this country has an enormous cult of hate and ignorance.
An entire political party is dedicated to fulfilling its demands.
Yesterday, I made the foolish mistake of flicking on the Senate confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Judge Jackson, at the very moment that Lindsey Graham began his questioning: “As a Protestant, do you believe you’re capable of fairly judging a Catholic?”
The television went dark as soon as I could find the remote. I am far too embarrassed, as an American, to watch our leaders deliver that level of effrontery.
Perhaps she replied sarcastically, “Oh, gosh, that may be a bit too much to expect of a judge, especially of a black women.” I doubt it.
In any case, I could not sit still long enough to find out.
Characteristically, Donald Trump wants your money to help him gain as much power and wealth as possible. This time, however, he’s not asking his fans to pay for the cost of repairing his airplane, but to launch a law suit against “big tech” (meaning the social media giants). His marketing people write: (more…)
