Life

Thoughts and insights about life. Philosophy. Sociology. Politics. How to live life and get the most out of it.

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by William Ernest Henley, an English poet, writer, critic, and editor. 23 August 1849 – 11 July 1903.

Out of the night that covers me
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

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In a article in Vox1 summarizing a podcast with Yuval Harari, I noted the following quote from Yuval:

For most of history, there was no possibility of creating large-scale democratic structures because the information technology was missing. Democracy is basically a conversation between a lot of people, and in a small tribe or a small city-state, thousands of years ago, you could get the entire population or a large percentage of the population, let’s say, of ancient Athens in the city square to decide whether to go to war with Sparta or not. It was technically feasible to hold a conversation. But there was no way that millions of people spread over thousands of kilometers could talk to each other. There was no way they could hold the conversation in real time. Therefore, you have not a single example of a large-scale democracy in the pre-modern world. All the examples are very small scale.

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King James Bible creation and brief history.

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... and they are gone from American public life.

Principles used to matter in public life. They were applied to make decisions and often valued at least as highly as wealth gain. We have lost this. The gospel of greed has replaced them.

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American Christians seem to have lost their understanding of how to be, and what it means to be, a Christian. The definitive source for these questions should be the Bible. A review of a few relevant Bible verses will provides light on what it means to be a Christian.

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I'm not unique in observing the increased level of polarization, division and tribalism in current day American life. We all see this. Much has been written about it and why it is happening.

But, my continuing mental challenge has been determining what to do about it. What can I do (not just say) beyond complaining about it and blaming others for acting tribal. How can I reduce the level of polarization?

I have arrived at my formula to reduce tribalism. The three points below are my plan to reduce the "me vs. them" that I feel or speak about. If you find our current state equally troubling, and want to take action, maybe follow this formula as well.

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They laugh at me because I'm different; I laugh at them because they're all the same.

Kurt Cobain

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When should the Constitutional prohibition on holding certain federal offices be applied?

Why is this a question at all? If there is a prohibition then it should apply right? It's an issue because of our strong desire to give supremacy to the citizens of the U.S. to select their leaders and thus protect the sanctity of the voting process. Simply, it should worry any U.S. citizen whenever a law or rule removes or limits the choice of our leadership from the democratic process. Democracy is our first principle.

When this issue first came to my attention I reacted very negatively. I dislike the idea that a rule of any kind, particularly one that few Americans were familiar with and view as a "technicality", would be the deciding factor regarding who could be our next president. But, over time, my view has changed. Let's explore.

First, the relevant portion of the Constitution.

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Think before you speak. Read before you think. This will give you something to think about that you didn’t make up yourself–a wise move at any age, but most especially at seventeen, when you are in the greatest danger of coming to annoying conclusions.Try to derive some comfort from the knowledge that if your guidance counselor were working up to his potential, he wouldn’t still be in high school.

From "My Turn" column in Newsweek, January 1, 1979 issue, titled "Tips for Teens" by Fran Lebowitz

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This is about Donald Trump the person. It is not a comment about any of his policies. It is not about politics. It is not about political parties or tribes.

It is about ...

His lack of character.
His lack of skill—business or personal.
His lack of supporters among anyone that has worked with or for him—those that know him best.

I think I understand the anger and frustration many of his supporters feel.
I think I understand the positions of the current administration that his supporters disagree with.
I think I understand that many folks feel "the elites" have failed them.
I think I understand that those people feel exploited and see Trump as their savior and retribution.
I think I understand that some people believe they are loosing a culture they grew up with.

I might even agree with some of these perspectives. But you don't cut off your nose to spite your face. You don't choose Donald Trump to lead when you've already seen how he "leads". You don't solve these problems by putting a con-man in charge. You don't choose Trump after hearing everyone that has worked with him plainly warn us to never let him return to national leadership.

To help, I've summarized below what 17 people from government that worked closely with him over recent times, and two family members, have to say to us all.

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California has been cited recently as a disaster and a total "basket case" that everyone is deserting. This narrative is particularly common in right wing political media. It is referred to as a state full of rampant socialism and communism. California is a state that is dying due to it's liberal policies, crazy people, and huge immigration. Right?

Well, at least economically, the facts don't support such statements and conclusions. Other states should be so lucky as to be the economy that is California. Let's review.