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THEY SAY WE LIVE IN A DEMOCRACY. WE ARE FREE AND WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL...
But just how "Free" are we? How democratic are our so-called "Democracies"?
Is it enough to simply elect our leaders and sit back, helpless, as they rule over us like dictators? What good is selecting our politicians, if we cannot control our media, police or soldiers? If we must blindly follow our teachers' and bosses' commands, whilst at school and in the workplace, is it not a little naïve to believe that we are the masters of our own destinies? And if our resources are controlled by a tiny cabal of plutocrats, bankers and corporations; can we honestly say that our economies are being run for us?
Could things not be a little bit more, well, democratic?
Indeed they can! “Democracy: A User's Guide” shows us how...
Within the pages of this story-filled book, we shall visit Summerhill, a democratic school in the east of England, before stopping off in Brazil to check out Semco, where workplace democracy is the name of the game. We will travel to Rojava, to explore life in a democratic army, and head to Spain, to see why Podemos is giving liquid democracy a go. We shall travel back in time, to see democracy at work in hunter-gatherer societies, tribal confederacies, the guilds and on the commons. We will consider the case for participatory budgeting, deliberative democracy, collaborative hiring, community currencies, peer-to-peer lending, and much much more.
The message is clear and concise: Democracy does not have to be a pipe dream. We have all the tools we need to rule ourselves.
~~~
Other Worlds Were Possible; a literary masterpiece, which dramatises the effects of European Imperialism.
THE STATUS QUO IS JUST A PASSING PHASE!
Sunny and his kinfolk were content with their way of life. During the dry season, their clan lived alone. They hunted whenever they chose, gathered an array of plants, told stories, and took part in debates. In the rainy season, they united with the rest of their tribe. They formed a temporary city, feasted, held dances and played games. They could have lived like this forever. But a strange and foreign people had ideas of their own... Appearing out of nowhere, these aliens looked completely different. They smelled different. They even dressed differently. And they had the most peculiar habits. These people did not live with the earth. They exploited the earth, imposing monocultures and intensive farming. They were not content with their lot. They were possessed by an insatiable desire to consume. And they had no sense of freedom. They were beholden to a never-ending list of outlandish concepts; things such as “Hierarchy,” “Patriarchy,” “Monarchy,” “Monogamy,” “God,” “Punishments,” “Ownership,” “Inequality,” “Money,” “Work,” and “Tax.” Sunny and his kinfolk faced the toughest decision in their history… They could wage war on these imposters. But their enemies were strong. They had killed hundreds-of-thousands of indigenous people. They could flee. But these imperialists would surely follow. They would push them into the sea, the mountains or the desert. Their clan needed another solution. But what could it be? Could they negotiate with this violent foe? Could they form a pact? Could they create a kind of alliance? Sunny had no idea. But he was compelled by a duty to find out. This was his time. And he was willing to risk his life, to save the people he loved…
THIS IS NOT THE END OF HISTORY. OTHER WORLDS WERE POSSIBLE...
~~~
SOME PEOPLE LIVE UNDER OCCUPATION. SOME PEOPLE OCCUPY THEMSELVES. NO ONE IS FREE.
Step into a world which is both magically fictitious and shockingly real. Walk side-by-side with a refugee, native, occupier and economic migrant. And watch on as the world around you transforms from a halcyon past into a dystopian future.
Inspired by the occupations of Palestine, Kurdistan and Tibet, and by the corporate occupation of the west, ‘Occupied’ is a haunting glance into a society which is a little too familiar for comfort. Powerful, dark, dystopian and magical; Occupied truly is a unique piece of literary fiction…
"Darker than George Orwell's 1984" - AXS
"Candid and disquieting" - Free Tibet
"Genre-busting" - Pak Asia Times
"Brilliant" - Middle East Monitor
"A must read" - Buzzfeed
With several positive reviews to his name, Sheldon had caught the writing bug. He visited Palestine and Kurdistan, to research his second novel, 'Occupied'; a masterpiece unlike anything you've ever read!
~~~
THE #1 BEST-SELLER THE ESTABLISHMENT DOESN'T WANT YOU TO READ!!!
Our three heroes are born on three adjacent beds, a mere three seconds apart. United by a shared nature, they often feel each other’s emotions, as if those emotions are their own. When a fire burns through their homes, killing their families, they are cast apart. Mayer is adopted by a wealthy couple, Archibald by a loving uncle and aunt, and Hugo is dumped in the workhouse. They finally reunite, many years later, only to fall in love with the very same woman, at the very same time; feeling each other’s love as if it is their own. But, turned into three very different people, by three very different upbringings, they court her in very different ways. The consequences are extreme; inspiring our heroes to spend their lives chasing money, power and love, in the vain hope that these things will help them to win the girl. We romp through history; watching on as bankers create money out of nothing, and the British Empire takes over the world, before arriving at the most exhilarating of finales. This is a story which will make you laugh, cry, cringe, smile, scream and shout. It truly is a modern masterpiece, unlike anything you’ll have ever read before...
"Breathtaking" – The Huffington Post
"Picaresque" – Scottish Left Review
"Unputdownable" – The Avenger
"A work of art" – Pak Asia Times
"Strangely kind" – The Tribune
"A roller-coaster" – BuzzFeed
Money Power Love; a love story that charts the rise of the British Empire, and the way in which bankers, with the power to create money out of nothing, were able to shape the world we live in today.
~~~
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS SOCIETY!!!
Beloved friend,
The year is 2084, and that famous Margaret Thatcher quote has become a reality: There really is no such thing as society. No one speaks to anyone else. No one looks at anyone else. People don't collaborate, they only compete. I hate to admit it, but this has had tragic consequences. Unable to satisfy their social urges, the population has fallen into a pit of depression and anxiety. Suicide has become the norm. It all sounds rather morbid, does it not? But please don't despair, there is hope, and it comes in the form of our hero: Renee Ann Blanca. Wishing to fill the society-shaped hole in her life, our Renee does the unthinkable: She goes in search of human company! It's a radical act and an enormous challenge. But that, I suppose, is why her tale's worth recounting. It's as gripping as it is touching, and I think you're going to love it...
Your trusty narrator,
PP
Praise for Individutopia:
"Gloriously colourful" - The Canary "An exciting tale" - The Dallas Sun "Outstanding" - We Art Friends "Riveting" - Publishers Weekly "An epiphany" - The Avenger "A must-read" - The Bay Net "So relevant" - Medium
Sheldon released what is arguably his greatest story to date, 'INDIVIDUTOPIA: A novel set in a neoliberal dystopia'. Fans of 1984 will love this fast-paced classic, set in a world in which corporations rule supreme
And, of Course... the one book I've also read by Joss is...
But it was with his third novel, 'The Little Voice', that Sheldon really hit the big time; topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, and gaining widespread critical acclaim.
THE #1 BEST-SELLER THE ESTABLISHMENT DOESN'T WANT YOU TO READ!!!
"Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be."
Dear reader,
My character has been shaped by two opposing forces; the pressure to conform to social norms, and the pressure to be true to myself. To be honest with you, these forces have really torn me apart. They’ve pulled me one way and then the other. At times, they’ve left me questioning my whole entire existence.
But please don’t think that I’m angry or morose. I’m not. Because through adversity comes knowledge. I’ve suffered, it’s true. But I’ve learnt from my pain. I’ve become a better person.
Now, for the first time, I’m ready to tell my story. Perhaps it will inspire you. Perhaps it will encourage you to think in a whole new way. Perhaps it won’t. There’s only one way to find out...
Enjoy the book,
Yew Shodkin
Psychological, radical and irresistible; The Little Voice will make you question everything you take for granted. It truly is a modern-classic in the making.
"The most thought-provoking novel of 2016" - The Huffington Post "Radical... A masterclass... Top notch..." - The Canary "Magnificent" - Global Education Network "A pretty remarkable feat" - BuzzFeed
As a boy, I used to stay up late and watch Jack Paar, when I could and on Friday nights "The Best of Paar." He was very witty and just an interesting guy. He also was not afraid to talk about his fears, "I'm no fighter" he would say. I had plenty of fears growing up but often I was fascinated with them and it would seem that I ran toward them sometimes rather than away.
I spent two years in a tropical setting as a young man and though snakes terrified me usually, I lived among them to the point where we sort of coexisted peacefully. The sight of a snake didn't give me a start like it always had. I wondered about this and finally realized that I didn't because there was no music to tell me to be afraid.
It began with the famous composer Wagner. He noticed some people falling asleep during his compositions, especially when his story would present a villain or a dangerous situation presented itself. So he created a Leitmotif. It is a break in the music that tells the audience to be afraid in the story. Growing up in St. Paul, watching our black and white Muntz TV, whenever a snake came crawling around, dramatic music would play and I would become scared. But living in or near the jungle where I was, there was no music so I learned not to be afraid. Aware, yes, but not afraid. These snakes I speak of were all poisonous but usually just minded their own business.
Achieving that understanding, of not being afraid of something was empowering in some ways. One less reason to be afraid. Besides, where I was and what I was doing there were plenty of other things to be afraid of. Snakes fell lower and lower on the list.
~~~
Three Was No Accident!
When I first saw Jack's reference to Wagner, I knew I wanted to read and respond, together with one of his paintings. I picked the above to share--"Three Was No Accident..."
I first became enthralled with classical music when I visited my favorite aunt and uncle, who had cared for me so often while my mother was working. There was a complete set of all of the major classical composers. Wagner was one of them... I found that of all the genres of music, my most preferred for "listening times" was classical. And, so I was intrigued by Jack's early response and obvious later thought and appreciation, when he acknowledged that Wagner was a "trigger" of fear for him..
How sad I thought. For me, I always reveled when the more dramatic portions of a symphony started. Still, in deference to Jack, I chose a set of overtures and preludes, which are normally more sedate... While beginning my response of my choice, "Ride of the Valkyries," which never could bring fear to me, rather, anticipation and excitement. On the other hand, although I may not fear them (unless poisonous), I am quite willing to not see big crawly spiders and snakes...and rats... and...
Then I picked up on the ending of Jack's article. Sadly, I realized that where he was, during a war that should never have happened, that he had learned that there was much, in that place, to fear. My heart was greatly saddened...
Facing fear, for me, was never really an issue. Real fear has only come to me when something suddenly happens; for instance, having a near accident when driving, which is normally an instinctual response rather than learned. Instead, my triggers are based upon seeing "wrong" in business, politics...the world. Going into Job Burnout, after trying to solve all the problems being thrown at me, even if, perhaps, unintentionally has then and thereafter, caused me to go "on alert." Now, normally, my level of faith also brought a calm through music which was, and is, often deliberately chosen in times of trouble and concern... I wonder, how does music affect you?
Here are a few of my favorites during those times:
I chose "Three Is Not An Accident" for it makes me realize that there is so very much evil in the world these days, (or maybe it is just more visible) much based upon religious fervor as opposed to Truth, including common sense, logic and reasoning... It is purposely being used by those seeking power, attempting to use fear, lies, and disinformation to result in many individuals who have "fallen over the waterfall" into a den full of snakes and spiders, figuratively, that could lead to even worse violence, mass murders, and hatred toward those who speak out against political extremists who continue to force their will on America.
While blaming others for fascists' actions while the instigator(s), himself, is already projecting planned Fascist actions... Read the definition. Do you not see that what is happening is not within the realm of a Democratic nation?
Fascism (/ˈfæʃɪzəm/ FASH-iz-əm) is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived .
Fear comes when politicians plans an insurrection
that still is supported by one major party for re-election.
According to yesterday's election results...
MAGA is losing.
Fear means that more violence will occur...
We must fight before our Democracy is lost!
It seems to me we have no option...
Fear, Self-pride, and Selfishness has Erupted Across the World -
Use Logic, Reasoning to Find Truth!
Gabbie Wonders...
Do You know God is Truth!
Stop and Listen to your Own Mind!
Is this what is supposed to be happening in a Democracy?
Those of us who love fiction or movies have come to know the phrase, Follow The Money... But it is only in recent years that we've begun to really watch how "our" money is being spent... Yes, it is our money, each citizen who pays taxes knows that it is WE who pay for the government that leads our nation...
I became more personally involved when I began working with a capital budget for facilities at a local university... In most ways, problems arose because of mistakes made... but, sometimes, I wondered--why did some jobs get priority over other projects that seemed to go on forever...
But others turn out to be done on purpose...
I could go on with video after video, but these are just a few of showing the scope and breadth of how criminals will find ways to defraud the government-- To Steal!
Still, there is one area of criminal shenanigans that I had not heard of prior to reading Hart's book... While, even at the same time, a similar action is being investigated for the long-held belief that China steals ideas from America...now they are stealing back scientists with American knowledge by paying them large salaries...
But, could it be that practice also happens in America? Yes, according to Gary Hart! Think about it... Even though there is now an attempt to separate our nation, we, all of us, have much in common. That is, for example, the services we need performed for our safety and well being, such as the FBI and other environmental safety agencies that protect our physical lives... Then consider the interstate highways, parks, public research agencies, the postal service, to name just a few. All of these agencies serve ALL of us... So, why are some always trying to privatize them?
The first thing that pops into my mind is that we KNOW for a fact that public education has been sadly underfunded--all I ask of you who are reading these words is this--as you read, stop and think, which party has spoken out for programs that support the commond good of all people...
Hart is making what should be an obvious awareness by all of us, if we only had stopped to think about it... As the constitution was being considered for the first time, it was to these areas of common use that led them to develop the framework of our government. Otherwise, all of these facilities--areas of infrastructure would deteriorate, be forgotten and slowly disappear...
And, I have to ask, how many of you--how many of our citizens who choose our leaders, even think about AND realize that it is OUR citizens, right now, that must decide what to do in order to keep America as it is for future generations! Frankly it scares me, especially when I see personal freedoms, fought for by many for so long are now being removed...taking us backward rather than forward in important areas that affect the common good of our nation. For, surely, what we have seen is that these issues have been used so blatantly as tools in and for political gain! While those same people do little if anything to care for the needs of all citizens...
Always allowing actions that are done to make money without regard to the future of our land--our lives--has led, as most people now see--a major shift in climate that can be proven to be because we have used materials such as coal, that have caused damage... And, more importantly, when we learned of that damage, we made choices to continue to make money, regardless of the future... How...Sad... A republic can not stand firm without the citizens of that republic accepting and making choices of what must be done to protect...America...as a democracy! For now and the future...
The Every Man For Himself idea may sound rugged or individualistic, but it soon devolves into cultural fragmentation and social clashes.
Isn't it obvious that we have reached that point?!
Hart notes that corruption can be in different forms other than what we commonly think of, such as theft, bribery or even murder. But it became more within politics as we saw and realized that some place their special needs or desires above the common good...By that broader definition, American government is massively corrupt. The army of lobbyists expands regardless of the political party in the White House or Congress.
Although interests are often about money, there is a difference between a small salary increase for an overworked nurse and the corporate profits and annual salaries for corporate executives...
Special interests are sometimes important, but if it goes to the point of being contrary to the common good, or is struck as "a deal" behind closed doors, and often is done at every level of local government all the way into the top! Then it really is criminal.
The incestuous corruption of republican government at all of these levels is compounded by two other factors: campaign contributions and the revolving door...
I have earlier spoke about my own concern about the solicitation of funds in order to fund political campaigns. To me, it is just plain wrong... Why should we, who pay the taxes in order to fund the government(s) be then harassed to pay for getting "our" candidate into office... Is selecting effective leaders really based only upon how much or little the amount of funds available for campaigning...?
Lobbying is a huge business according to Hart... That entire program has become so powerful it may be beyond getting it under control... And, supposedly it would be the voters who should make any changes needed to that process... Well, let's look at gun control attempts as an indication of this problem... We have still been unable to move some voters, especially of one party, even though military style guns, which are now legal, have been used to kill thousands of our citizens, including many of our children! Choosing more and lethal guns over people is just wrong...and we all know it... But how can we change things?
Still, some changes have been made over the decades... But is it really necessary for we who are most concerned, the voters, to take such huge efforts to get something done that we all want? Clearly, indeed, corruption is behind everything when we have an issue that we all know is NOT for the common good, but cannot get support of those WE PAY to ACT for the common good.
Much public discontent and suppressed anger is due to the perception, and too often the reality, that laws are passed and high court rulings enacted to legitimize undemocratic systems at war with our Republic's principles and values. The Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, giving corporations First Amendment speech protection (namely, unlimited campaign contributions) stands as one of the worst examples of this trend.
Now we know why...and, need to think carefully about what or who works for the common good of the republic...
So, what is "the revolving door?" It is the most powerful of interest groups who use the "revolving door." They (corporations) hire former officeholders, including elected officials and those who have held high level appointive positions to represent their interests.
Former elected officials have (the magic word in politics) access to their former colleagues. They can open doors, call upon old friendships, find time on their calendars, and, of course, wine and dine.
One recent report in the New York Times documented a significant number of senior officials in the US Department of the Treasure in the previous Trump administration who resigned after the 2020 national election and took up senior positions in some of the largest investment firms in the nation with a substantial increase of their personal incomes. They took with them not only access to old colleagues but also, more importantly, knowledge of complex regulations of the financial industry of crucial importance to those firms! This meant they knew how to take advantage of, or, circumvent the very regulations that former public officials had written...it is all about money...
Steps can and should be taken. There can be statutory prohibitions against former elected and appointment officials from representing interests before Congress or regulatory agencies...
Hart presents more options to eliminate the deals that have been made over and over, not only sharing what should be confidential info, but also resulting in public officials depending on those favors to firms to be returned in political actions, favors or monetary contributions...
This last play of criminality--the revolving door--could not only save the government money, but would allow more access to high-level positions in corporations who did not have the benefit of what might well be called insider trading... or The Good Ole Boy Club in Action...
In closing this article, I am reminded of the book by Mary Trump who shared about Donald Trump's father and his developing empire. You may want to check out my review of her book...
The question must be raised... together with the apparent well-known revolving door between the government and corporations, we--you and I--must wonder if there is anything possible to stop the seemingly endless fall of our democracy due to criminal actions?!
If we only have one method, then, my friends, when we do our research and decide on our voting choices, may it be to choose those who have demonstrated truth, justice and the "real" American way guiding these individuals. Check their backgrounds yourself and don't depend upon the lying ads that are often used by opponents. Even wanting to do too much of good things, is far more easily dealt with as time goes by, then to vote for and place those who choose/make their decisions on how much money and power they can gain by working for US... Yes, US... If politicians are making far more money than the least of our citizens, not because of their worth to the common good, but rather for how much they can make by working to divide and thus conquer America (the loss of democracy) may be inevitable--unavoidable!
Plan for voting activities right now. Be sure that you do your research...
After reading this and other books, I am already beginning to believe that, although it is being used, religion has little if anything to do with the problems we really face. Lying, cheating, hating anybody against what they want, lacking empathy so that not even the murder of children is a force strong enough to break the ties developed over the years to ensure a financial security far beyond what the average person could ever make, just by making deals...or... making...steals... These actions are all not of God... vote for what they want to do in response to the country's needs.
Look to your children, your family... if you care about their future, you must consider making decisions based upon the COMMON GOOD OF ALL PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN AMERICA AS CITIZENS... FOR THEY ARE, INDEED, ALWAYS TO BE CONSIDERED EQUAL UNDER THE LAW OF THE LAND!
Vote for the future of the children you love
I recommend Gary Hart's book if you are looking for facts and actions for now and the future. It is short, but impactful...
The self-satisfaction was almost like a physical presence in the theater lobby, a distinct mélange of aromas exclusive to the halls of power—high-priced perfume and expensive hors d’oeuvres, top-shelf liquor and freshly minted cash. It all billowed into a rich toxic cloud that made Charlie Marder’s throat constrict. Charlie generally prided himself on his ease in social settings, but tonight he was on edge, feeling oddly exposed while he waited for Margaret to return from the powder room.
As a professor at Columbia, he’d given countless lectures, lectures, attended dozens of professional functions, and even made a few TV appearances when Sons of Liberty, his book on the Founding Fathers, hit the bestseller list four years before. Tall and broad-shouldered with piercing blue eyes, Charlie had found it easy to navigate the worlds of academia and literary celebrity. But he felt out of his element here, surrounded by political and press powerhouses drinking and smoking and chortling among themselves. He rubbed the back of his neck, scanning the room for any sign of Margaret. The crowd, of course, couldn’t have cared less about his anxiety, busy as they were with their own competing agendas. He ambled around the auditorium to pass the time; bits of conversations flew by his ears: Let’s just say my respect for the congressman knows bounds. If the court rules to desegregate, it’s going to get ugly. No, I don’t hate musicals. I just don’t understand them. Why would people break out in song? And even suspending disbelief, the songs are seldom any good. No kids. She’s a work nun. Has anyone actually gotten a look at the naval records of PT-109? I’ll say it: If Ike was as weak against the Krauts as he is against McCarthy, we’d all be speaking German right now. Did you see it? First issue came out last month. Naked Marilyn Monroe. No, when I said they were bums, I meant the baseball team the Senators, not actual senators. We still have troops in Korea, darling. We’ll have them there forever.
Miserably self-conscious, Charlie gulped his martini, swallowed wrong, and coughed loudly just as Senator Jack Kennedy made his entrance. Heads turned as the handsome senator glided past Charlie, glamorous new wife in tow. Charlie caught a strong whiff of bandages and ointment. He wondered which of them had recently sustained an injury. From his earliest days, Charlie had possessed an abnormally keen sense of smell. He did not consider it a gift. He gave his empty glass to a passing waiter and watched the celebrity couple as they made their way across the plush maroon carpet to join the senator’s brother Robert. The younger Kennedy was deep in conversation with Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Republican from Wisconsin currently about to start the fifth consecutive year of a reckless smear campaign designed to drive the threat of Communism, real and imagined, from every corner of American society. Charlie knew that Robert Kennedy and McCarthy worked together on the committee McCarthy chaired, and from all appearances, they were pals as well.
Charlie’s pondering of their seemingly odd friendship ended when Margaret reappeared. Even after nine years of marriage, Charlie still felt his heart jump when he saw her. Her blond hair was swept off her forehead; a simply cut emerald-green dress made the most of her athletic frame, its color highlighting her kelly-green eyes. Eyes that betrayed no sign of the frayed nerves Charlie felt, he noticed, although she was just as new to this scene as he was; they had arrived in Washington, DC, only three weeks earlier, after Charlie was appointed to fill a congressional seat that had suddenly become vacant.
~~~
I like Jack Tapper as a CNN political world star and I was curious about his writing style... Publishers Weekly spotlights his intimate knowledge and proceeds to encourage those who are interested in well-researched historical fiction to read the book. While I agree, I found my own reading quite difficult. For a number of reasons...
While the novel takes place in the 1950s, I couldn't help but wonder if and how our present House minority leader is connected to the real-life character Senator McCarthy in The Hellfire Club. Many of you remember, right? Joseph McCarthy, the Republican from Wisconsin currently about to start the fifth consecutive year of a reckless smear campaign designed to drive the threat of Communism, real and imagined from every corner of American society. Charlie knew that Robert Kennedy and McCarthy worked together on the committee McCarthy chaired, and from all appearances, they were pals as well. Charlie’s pondering of their seemingly odd friendship... Especially given the many leaked emails/messages from the present House member McCarthy that reveal the two-faces of a leading republican now in congress...
Tapper creates an "outsider" to congress at that time, by having an appointment made upon the death of a former congressional member. He and his wife her very close so, fortunately, she became an anchor for Charlie as he was dropped into the political scene that literally "blew his (and my) mind..."
Soon, he was caught, he was found in an accident where a young woman was dead... He had no memory of what happened and could not even be sure that he had not caused the accident. He was scared, not knowing to whom he could...or...should go.
But somebody came along and took care of everything... put the body into the driver's seat, and then set fire to the car! Then drove Charlie out of the area... Soon, he knew one thing--"they" owned him...
About that time, I was having problems continuing to read the book. But I finished it and thankfully good won out for the main character... and democracy...
But, I wonder, how did our democracy survive what was happening at that time. While Tapper has dramatized much, there was still, for me, such a comparison to what we had seen during the last four years of the presidency of our former incumbent, that I became too caught up in realizing just how bad it could be... Drinking, sex parties and more... Surely we've been having many politically-related encounters in our present lives...
And I had to ask, just how many of our elected officials are also caught up in the exploitation that could occur if an individual even attempted to present opposition. Surely we all saw what happened when Liz Cheney and then another republican voted to impeach the president. They were literally stripped of their duties, just for doing the right thing! But not the republican political party's wishes...
Tapper did include a reference in the back of this fictional book to help readers tell what is true and what was dramatized and includes reference for further information. I have to say that it was necessary because the story became so real that anything that was happening could be actual historical events. That makes it a good book for lovers of history. But, for me, I just became more and more frustrated, hoping that this new, young appointee could get himself and his wife free from all the terrible actions happening around them.
With the continuance of disinformation, lies, sexcapades, and attacks against anybody who is not white...and now, anybody who supports anything that republicans do not, we are all facing a bleak future. Especially, as Putin continues his one-man autocrat attack on a democratic nation... yet nothing has changed the actions of the republican campaigns against women, gays, and non-white races--anybody else they can think of. like Disney! Or even math books!
I admit that I've begun to wonder--Like the autocrat Putin, fighting just because he wants the power, isn't that what the republicans are doing within America? Voting changes are being made across republican run states, books are being banned indiscriminately, especially by Black writers, and religion is being used as both a weapon and an incitement of fear... Tell me, isn't this just the same, since it appears that Trump's Big Lie is being used--an autocrat... working against the American democracy that now is under attack?
I did not enjoy reading this book, but I can attest to its being well-written, thought-provoking, and an excellent reality look of what may be happening within Washington, even today. Only a very few republicans are willing to stand to meet the needs of Americans. Instead, incitement of prejudice, fear, and expansion of disinformation is spreading without restraint, it seems...
Will the majority have to fight to retain the democracy of America? Ukranians are doing a wonderful job, working together and with other nations. I applaud their efforts... But I fear the division of America still looms over our future...
Funny, how the communists played such a big part of politics in the 50s...and has again come alive within America during the last five years... Consider reading this book if you want to see how manipulation routinely occurs when people lie to get or retain power...
Will We Have to Fight to Keep Our Democracy?
Note I am A Christian
I do not support what is happening to divide and continue the division of America!
,,,Franklin understood the inherent value of virtue in society, apart from what it was that made one virtuous, whether religion or simple cultural habit, or a combination of the two.
I believe this is a good historical perspective of the time and writing of the Constitution of America. It seems to cover most of the relevant issues, except... reality...
Today's Reality
People must understand that their responsibilities as citizens are so serious as to be vital to the democracy itself. If the voter is not voluntarily selfless to some extent, and does not merely think of himself but of others; and if he does not think just about the present, but about the future, it all falls apart over time. Self-government will not work unless the citizens bear the responsibility to vote in such a way that continues their freedoms and their ability to have free elections, that continues their economic prosperity. They have to vote in a way that does not trade the future for the present.
How long did it take us to get where we are today? Perhaps it lasted only for a short time? Or, perhaps a century later we begin to see how it really impacts us...
Two issues are dominant for your consideration.
Constructing the Constitution was not an easy task. Yet it was created within 100 days! OK, let's face it, it is rare that anything substantive goes through Congress in as many days. Is that cause for alarm? I think so.
One of the issues was that of slavery... Many of those involved owned other people, called slaves. They were treated as less than human and for their representation? Well, that in itself is mind-boggling... You see, there was significant division among the members, specifically how slaves would be "counted..." Could it be that gerrymandering had already begun?
It was in fact the northern, antislavery states that wanted to put this in the document. That’s because the “slave states” selfishly and cynically wanted their powerless slaves to count toward their states’ official populations—so that these states would have more power in Congress. Because the number of representatives in the House of Representatives goes by a state’s population, counting slaves would give much more power to the slave states.
If slaves were counted, those who owned them would get more power, and of course, the slaves would get none. The northern free states knew that that was wrong. But in order to move ahead, they were forced to compromise, eventually deciding that the slavery states could count their slave populations as three fifths of what they had wanted. So quite contrary to what is often understood, the three-fifths clause was a hard-fought victory for the free states over the slave states. Like many compromises, it had its ugly side...
Could it be that, even after decades of continued disagreement, we are now even more so dealing with the issue of the Black vote, as many republican states are acting against what the constitution guarantees, so that they are making it harder and harder for many individuals, including black voters, to actually be counted in our elections? Lies are being used--the election was rigged, a fraud, and The Big Lie continues to this day as the former president and his republican supporters deny that the election could not possibly have been correct. As we know, the Black Vote for Biden carried him through to The Big Win... And every action which is being taken is an attempt to stop what the country clearly wants...
So what happened to get through the monumental disagreements that needed to be negotiated. Well, once again, the knowledge that God had a hand in what was happening turned the tide... Members began to concern themselves with the good of the many--the good of the country--rather than their own self or state's goals... And after getting it done, it was still not enough. Because, the words of the Constitution had to carry the United States into the future! Into 2020, 2022, and beyond...
If you are an American, you have tacitly agreed to join that group, to keep the republic Franklin spoke of that day. You might say that I’ve written this book to inform you of what you’ve gotten yourself into, because we really ought to know. In fact, if we haven’t known about this, and most of us have not, there has been a profound disconnect in our relationship with our country. If we Americans cease to know that we are part of that group charged with the terrible and wonderful burden of keeping this glorious promise, the promise is already being broken and will soon be irrevocably so...
That flame was passed from them to others, who passed it to others, who passed it to others—and it is at this moment in history in our hands, yours and mine. The burden of “keeping it,” as Franklin said, is excruciatingly important. And here is the main reason for that: Once it goes out, it goes out forever. If the flame given to us goes out, we not only lose the light ourselves forever but will also lose the ability to pass it along to all those others who are waiting for it. That is what makes keeping it so important and the thought of letting it go out so terrible and tragic...
A second issue considered was that of our country being seen across the world as a place where freedom existed. As a leader in the Creation and Ongoing liberty available here in America, even the French and other countries saw what was happening...and that is when "She" arrived on our shores... a gift from France highlighting the welcoming arms of America to immigrants from all countries...all nations...
We even shared words to that effect: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses Yearning to be Free! And our arms have been opened for decades, for centuries... And so, as America we lifted our arms and hearts to those in need of support, just as we are doing for the Ukraine citizens who are being forced from a war led by an autocrat in a country that is not...free...
I hope you've learned enough about what this book provides--a look back at the beginning...and then moving on into specific issues of whether that democracy can exist forever... Right now, we are, perhaps, facing one of the most important times in our history.
“America is the only nation
that is founded on a creed.”
America is still the only one that can be described that way? And yet it is. And the creed upon which it is founded is not a parochial creed but a universal one, declaring that all men are created equal and that government exists only by the consent of the governed. As President Truman put it, “Being an American is more than a matter of where you or your parents came from. It is a belief that all men are created free and equal.” This touches upon another way we are exceptional. We do not give preference based on one’s family or one’s race or beliefs. We are a merit-based society where people of every background can rise as they please. Of course, there are caveats to this idea, but the truth is nonetheless overwhelming.
~~~
So, right now, let's look at some of those caveats of today's history...
January 6th, The Insurrection!
https://youtu.be/otfPps9s8HM
Jews Will Not Replace us March in Virginia
White Supremacists
https://youtu.be/9Urp4Kn0XMQ
Trump/Sessions Separates Children from Parents
https://youtu.be/l7pyQphGoc0
Trump holds money back from Ukraine
https://youtu.be/zQxL6WE3Ob8
Impeachment 2
House Impeaches Trump for Obstruction...
https://youtu.be/pdI4cwaq0j0
Impeachment 1
Women Vote Against Trump for President
https://youtu.be/Nl-KPtcNdIc
Evangelicals Make a Deal with Trump
https://youtu.be/miROBFtuEYE
Trump Support Hurts Christianity
https://youtu.be/O5VTG1NRj-s
Let's again look at the main issue that allowed America to be formed... Religious Freedom. Consider this, Folks, Religion is what gave most us our moral code--the belief in and commitment to basic humanitarian goals. America became The United States of America... With One Creed:
It is a belief that all men are created free and equal.”
All are created Free and Equal
All are Created Free and Equal
All are Created Free and Equal
All are Created Free and Equal
So where does that leave us now? Well, here's what I see... The Caveats (a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations) Have Gotten Out of Control, especially in the last 5 years, but also starting within the 50 last years as stated by Metaxas.
Personally, I started watching when Trump was elected... I was one of those women across America that could not believe that a presidential candidate who talked about grabbing women's genitals, could also be running as a republican...Then talk about how many women have filed abuse suits against him, together with the two most prominent who became top news about his affairs... But that didn't seem to matter, especially to the Evangelical Christians... I kept digging, doing my research, and learned that a deal had been struck... Trump would support the issues of importance to Christians (whatever they were, certainly not the words of Christ who told us to love our neighbors)... and then he could do anything he wanted...
So, what do you think the creators of the Constitution did when they heard that? Yeah...they're turning over in their graves! I've included a series of videos above in case you want to check them out... It begins with the deal-- and moves upward until the Insurrection on January 6th... And the Christians apparently still support him, right?
Wrong...Not me! And many others... We took what America stood for... Our Creed: All...are Created Free and Equal. That means, to me, when Black athletes take a knee in protest because the legal system discriminates against Blacks...that I also take a knee...
That means when Jewish synagogues are attacked because of their religion or ethnic background...that also affects me and my creed...
When lies are made to prevent those seeking asylum into America, even to the extent that children are taken from their parents...and lost in the system, where they are still being hunted...that affects me...
And when the Justice System also tried to prevent the Mueller report from being accepted based on the truth...that vote to show guilt of impeachment for Obstruction of Justice is made by me because I believe in our Creed...
And when money was held back from Ukraine, even though it was approved by Congress, then I also vote for impeachment 2...
And surely you all know that I believe I voted correctly in the 2020 election, freely and in support of the Constitution... And condemn all those involved with the January 6th Insurrection... Because It is Not in support of our Creed.
One major thing I did have come out of reading this book. I became more of an American than I Ever Have Been. Because when you are confronted with the reality of what is happening in America--Right Now! Then you Must also face, that we no longer are considered free and equal... And until those who are doing what they are doing...STOP... America as a democracy cannot stand...
Thanks to all of you who have been reading my articles about the book, If You Can Keep It. This is my final article.
I am more convinced than ever that America is facing a crisis that is uniquely one that no other country can ever face...
We have failed to keep freedom of religion as a right, a privilege,
and the creed of America...
Why Do I Say That...
Because it can't be both ways
We open our arms, our land to all, regardless of...
ethnic or religious background
But, we apparently want Christianity as a State Religion?
No? then why are we allowing Non-Christians, as well as those of ethnic backgrounds to be Terrorized, with religious houses of worship being targeted by domestic terrorists... and the recipients of Violence, so that even the Capitol of our Nation can be Destroyed by Insurrection?
A Final Note:
I Am A Christian
And I do NOT support anything revealed in any of the Videos (and more)
America is my country, Not My Religion
I respect America's Creed to Ensure Ethnic and Religious Freedom for All!
\
When Everybody Can Speak of Liberty
Only Then Will We Stand as in Compliance
With the Creed
With the Constitution...
Are you Able to be a Constitutional American?
Lady Gaga Perform The National Anthem At Biden’s Inauguration
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