{"id":1098,"date":"2017-01-19T03:00:37","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T07:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/?p=1098"},"modified":"2017-01-19T04:13:31","modified_gmt":"2017-01-19T08:13:31","slug":"sifting-through-the-ashes-part-eleven-should-we-change-to-survive-if-so-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/blog\/2017\/01\/19\/sifting-through-the-ashes-part-eleven-should-we-change-to-survive-if-so-what\/","title":{"rendered":"Sifting Through The Ashes, Part Eleven – Should we Change to Survive? If So, What To Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Greetings and Salutations;<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, \u00a0one never knows when an interesting topic will pop up. \u00a0 An acquaintance of mine posted a rather thoughtful post on Facebook a bit ago. \u00a0Dealing with the train wreck of America over the past 18 months, \u00a0it raises some good points. \u00a0 So, \u00a0of course, \u00a0 I got to thinking about it and discovered that I had more to say than a Face Book posting should have…So…Here we go. \u00a0The original topic was on a post about Rick Perry being appointed by the President-Elect to the Cabinet position over the Department of Energy. \u00a0 The original article was pointed out the fact that the D.O.E. \u00a0does not just deal with oil and such, \u00a0but has charge of our Nuclear resources…including the weapons. \u00a0 \u00a0Since Mr. Perry is (like all the Cabinet appointees) \u00a0singularly unqualified for running this agency, \u00a0there are a number of people who are concerned about the next four years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The original comment was this:<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there no handbook explaining that cronies are supposed to be given jobs as ambassadors to some small tropical or interesting country? And, NOT cabinet positions. Cabinet positions actually require important work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ideally we would create some number of official do nothing jobs to fill with friends and donors of the President.<\/span><\/p>\n

I just learned that Parliament chooses the secretaries filling the cabinet positions in the UK. The Prime Minister is the appointed presiding officer of the cabinet <\/span>but does not have any official hire \/ fire role for other cabinet members. As a matter of practice they do have a large influence. Of course, the Prime Minister choice is also driven by Parliament. As a formal matter they serve at the pleasure of the King or Queen. As a practical matter the ruler takes direction from the Parliament on choice of Prime Minister. To do otherwise may be a good way to end the monarchy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0I’m a fan of the Parliamentary system since the President or Prime Minister is then more aligned with Parliament so as to get something done. Reducing the power of the President to be more in line with the UK Prime Minister seems like a good idea. I really like cabinet members being more like peers with the President too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0I find it ironic to think the founders worked to ensure the USA did not have a monarchy. But, in modern times monarchs of major world powers have mostly taken symbolic roles (still important). The USA has a President who wields more power than monarchs and Prime Ministers not just because the USA is a great power, but because our structure of government. We may not call our President ruler or king but they may as well be.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0It’s about time for a 2nd Constitutional Convention to fix some of these issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And my commentary on it is this:<\/span><\/p>\n

Interesting points.<\/span><\/p>\n

I tend to agree with the first couple of paragraphs. \u00a0 In the past, \u00a0 this has resulted in folks being appointed to ambassador to Monaco, and such. \u00a0 I would be all for that. \u00a0 \u00a0In a perfect world, \u00a0cronyism would not happen…but, as we all learn early on in life…the world is far from perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the few good things about the past few months is that it has given me a LOT of topics to discuss in my blog. \u00a0 I touched on ways to change our Federal Government without the pain of a Constitutional Convention \u00a0 in THIS entry – https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/blog\/2017\/01\/10\/sifting-through-the-ashes-part-2-a-instead-of-the-electoral-college-what\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

However, \u00a0I am also of the opinion that changing the political process will not address the root problems with America. \u00a0 I see some major issues that will have to be addressed before our Government, \u00a0and our Nation, \u00a0will turn back towards a more positive path for the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

1) \u00a0The Extremest elements in Congress will have to be voted out and replaced with more moderate views. \u00a0I am fine with having at least two parties represented, \u00a0as a diversity of views is the ONLY chance we have of finding the best path for the country. \u00a0 However, \u00a0alas,\u00a0 since before Bill Clinton\u00a0 almost everyone has evolved to a view that the other side are foul demons from the depths of Hell. \u00a0 They are not Opponents with differing views…but <\/span>Enemies who must be destroyed before they destroy US. \u00a0 \u00a0This has, among other things, resulted in a Balkanization of Congress, eroding the concepts of civil discourse and compromise.\u00a0 This has brought us to the point that the attitude of almost all (Elected officials and Voters) is\u00a0 “Our Way Or The Highway”. \u00a0 \u00a0The Left-Wingers are not without sin here, \u00a0but, the Right-Wing is FAR more fanatical about this and has proved it time and time again. \u00a0 For example…Look at the way they dealt with the ACA. \u00a0Not only were there huge delays in the process of getting it to a vote, \u00a0but, \u00a0in the process, it was stripped of so many of its provisions, leaving but a skeleton of what it started as. \u00a0 President Obama had a pretty great bill to start with. \u00a0Yet, \u00a0for a variety of reasons, \u00a0the Republicans refused to negotiate on a fair basis. \u00a0It was “our way or nothing”.\u00a0 What finally got passed was a great improvement,\u00a0 but, it was far from what could have been, and, its gutting has left us with problems that still affect all citizens.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Merrick Garland
Supreme Court Justice
nominee ignored by Congress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The other example I submit is the Confirmation of a replacement Supreme Court Justice. \u00a0 It has been 11 months that the appointment of\u00a0<\/span>Merrick Garland<\/a> as a replacement Justice.\u00a0\u00a0 This has been blocked by Congress and allowed NO movement<\/span>.\u00a0 This is an UNHEARD<\/em> of length of time that has hurt the court’s ability to rule, \u00a0and by extension, \u00a0damaged the country. \u00a0 This blocking happened\u00a0 in spite of the fact that Pres. Obama’s choice IS a moderate, \u00a0who (supposedly) everyone respected and h<\/span>a<\/span>s a strong reputation as a good Judge. \u00a0 He would have likely been an excellent Justice. \u00a0Yet, \u00a0the Congress not only refused to confirm him, \u00a0but, they would not even give him a hearing to examine his qualifications. \u00a0Now, \u00a0in my view, \u00a0this was one example of many of the Republicans in Congress failing to govern, and failing to do their appointed job.\u00a0 The unreasoning hatred that the Republicans in Congress have for President Obama and the Democrats\u00a0 ensured that they ignore what is best for the country,\u00a0 and instead do what they think is best for their Party.
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

2) The education of the population in general, and the Voting Public in specific needs to be addressed. \u00a0 the President-Elect did not win on rational debate, \u00a0nor a solid, \u00a0well thought out platform, nor, even, \u00a0a respect for his character. \u00a0 He took the Office because he used inflammatory speech to dizzy and enrage his followers, \u00a0to the point of being a lynch mob…not a group that should be electing a President. \u00a0 He also used the weaknesses of our Electoral System \u00a0to take enough Electoral College Votes.\u00a0 He based his campaign on name calling and lies that would embarrass five year old children spatting on a playground.\u00a0 \u00a0 Finally, \u00a0he had the help of America’s opponents who worked to spread lies and evil stories about his opponent, \u00a0so as to undercut \u00a0her reputation, creating mindless distrust.<\/span><\/p>\n

These factors worked with the fact that (as with Congress), \u00a0too many Americans have developed Extremest views. \u00a0 They have been failed by our educational system, \u00a0which has not taught them the concepts of skeptical thinking, \u00a0and using library skills to verify the truth of the statements made by a politician. \u00a0 \u00a0The system has failed to teach them the concepts of civil discourse, \u00a0examining facts, and being OK with changing one’s belief as one learns more about an issue. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their parents and whatever source of ethics they grew up with (church, \u00a0etc) \u00a0have failed to instill a sense of tolerance for others and their views. \u00a0This means that instead of respecting those people, \u00a0we look upon them as ENEMIES to be destroyed. \u00a0 \u00a0It has left us so limited in our view of reality and strength of character \u00a0that while we may not BE \u00a0misogynistic, \u00a0racist, \u00a0abusive, greed driven people \u00a0for whom lying is such second nature that we have to WORK to tell the truth, \u00a0 those traits are not a deal breaker because we have convinced ourselves that the ONE issue we believe the candidate will go our way on \u00a0overrides everything else.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) \u00a0The erosion of the roll the Electoral College plays in our system.\u00a0 It has moved\u00a0 too far from Hamilton’s view of its role in the process. \u00a0 In short..it has become a rubber stamp, constrained by (possibly \u00a0unconstitutional) state laws, and political agendas, moving far from its original role as a firewall to keep a demagogue from using smoke and mirrors to take power in our country. \u00a0I write at more detail on this in this blog post –<\/span> https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/blog\/2016\/12\/19\/hamilton-weeps\/\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0And in this post –\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/blog\/2017\/01\/10\/sifting-through-the-ashes-part-2-a-instead-of-the-electoral-college-what\/<\/a>\u00a0Note that these posts also touch on whether we should have to hold a Constitutional Convention or not. \u00a0I believe that it would not be necessary if the state laws were repealed and the other changes I mention implemented.<\/h3>\n

Now…what can we, \u00a0as Citizens who love our Country, what can we we do to keep the events of the day being such a train wreck that America will end up a smoking pile of debris on the great path of history? \u00a0 I suggest that here are some steps we can take.<\/span><\/p>\n

First off…it is vital that we ALL become more politically active. \u00a0At the very least, \u00a0make a point to go to the polls on the coming election days and cast a vote for the candidates that reflect your views. \u00a0 A step up would be to keep an eye on what your Representatives are doing, \u00a0and give them feedback. \u00a0 If you follow me on Face Book, \u00a0you will likely have seen this post:<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Understand that anyone that tells you that a communication from you as a Constituent, to your Representative is a waste of time, because the politicians only pay attention to the lobbyists that write them the big checks, \u00a0is lying to you. \u00a0They are likely fearful that if you DO contact your Representative, \u00a0it will destroy their chances for some big score from the Government.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Now…to help change your government and what it is doing, \u00a0there are some simple things to do.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

1) Use this tool –<\/span><\/i> https:\/\/www.govtrack.us\/congress\/members<\/a>\u00a0to track down YOUR Representatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

2) Email or call them to let them know your objection or support for the item of interest. When you do this, \u00a0be SURE to follow these guidelines:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

…..a) Be Clear about what you are talking about.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

…..b) Do not write a lengthy, emotional rant. \u00a0Be polite, and simply tell them whether you support or oppose the issue, \u00a0and give them a single reason why you feel that way.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

…..c) Repeat as necessary.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0CLING to the basic truth that “All that Evil needs to succeed is for good people to do nothing” \u00a0and use that as motivation.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0Your Elected officials pay attention when 10,000 emails show up. \u00a0 They pay attention when thousands of constituents call them up. \u00a0Why? \u00a0Well, it is fairly simple. \u00a0They like their jobs! \u00a0They know that the folks that are contacting them are the voters that care and are paying attention to what they are doing. \u00a0They are also the people that can vote for someone else if they are sufficiently unhappy with the job the incumbent is doing.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0Politicians might ignore a petition with 10,000 signatures, but, 10,000 emails, phone calls, \u00a0or snail mail notes make a big impact and will get their attention.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/i>While the above post focuses on the Federal level, \u00a0your state and local governments work the same way. \u00a0It is quite easy to get Email addresses for these politicians by using search engines. \u00a0Take the same sorts of actions mentioned above with your local government. \u00a0 While the Federal levels make decisions that WILL affect you, \u00a0your local governments take actions that may well affect you sooner, and in more profound ways.<\/span><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, \u00a0contribute to the candidates who represent your views. \u00a0Small donations are meaningful; \u00a0time spent volunteering is meaningful; \u00a0talking with folks about the views of your candidate and why you support them is meaningful. \u00a0 \u00a0Finally, \u00a0 consider running for office. \u00a0 There are no better ways to get what you want done, than to do it yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Educate yourself and others. \u00a0 Support your school systems, \u00a0and push them to teach your children the vital skills of life I mentioned above. \u00a0 As for y’all…It is NEVER too late to learn something new. \u00a0There are online courses available that are self-paced, \u00a0and cover many of these topics. \u00a0Most, \u00a0if not all of them, \u00a0are free too. \u00a0 Then, \u00a0there is the alternative of Community College. \u00a0There are excellent, \u00a0small Colleges out there that can help us learn new things and they are not scarily expensive. \u00a0 Finally, \u00a0when online…read and consider the alternative views out there. \u00a0 We all see things differently. \u00a0 Now, \u00a0this is the Net, \u00a0so, alas, \u00a0it is likely that you will encounter a lot of folks who are closed minded, \u00a0and have no valid arguments, \u00a0so resort to name calling, \u00a0and denigrating language. \u00a0That is sad for them, \u00a0but, I simply state the truth, \u00a0and move on. \u00a0Speaking of the truth…the Net is a complicated and deep Cyber-Ocean that contains truth and lies. \u00a0When reading a web site, \u00a0be aware of this, and make sure that any claims are backed up with evidence from reliable sources, \u00a0and, that you can find at least two independent sources that provide that evidence. \u00a0 Also, \u00a0read some of the other articles and see if they pass the smell test. \u00a0 If they seem kind of crazy…perhaps everything on the site is without basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Work to be tolerant. \u00a0Try not to immediately reject another person completely because they have different views. \u00a0Consider the points they are making, \u00a0even if they disagree with yours. \u00a0 However, \u00a0be strong in your beliefs, and if a person is being hateful, or basing their opinions on lies, \u00a0do not put up with it. \u00a0In a case like that, \u00a0I will simply state the truth, and move on. \u00a0Which, \u00a0gets us back to the candidate question…I submit that if a candidate has many \u00a0negative, \u00a0abusive, \u00a0hateful traits, \u00a0 even if they guarantee milk and honey will flow through the streets…reject them and DO not be sucked in by their lies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The next few years are going to be a challenge for America. \u00a0 How we survive as a country will depend a great deal on how we, as individual citizens, \u00a0react to the events that will happen. \u00a0 Will we throw up our hands, \u00a0and walk through, staring at our Smart Phones and fuming on Facebook and other social media \u00a0until we fall into a cesspool and drown? \u00a0 Will we end up a fanatical Theocracy that oppresses people whose life does not match ours? \u00a0 Will we live strong, \u00a0and oppose the flood of Darkness and Evil that is coming? \u00a0 The answer to these questions depend on US as individual Citizens of what COULD be the greatest Country On Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

One day to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

God Help Us All<\/span><\/p>\n

Bee Man Dave<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

=-=-=-=-=
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Greetings and Salutations; Well, \u00a0one never knows when an interesting topic will pop up. \u00a0 An acquaintance of mine posted… Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,386,10,12,13],"tags":[646,643,644,641,293,645,642],"class_list":["post-1098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ethics","category-general-thoughts","category-nuttiness","category-politics-2","category-questionable-decisions","tag-cabinet-appointies","tag-changes","tag-cronyism","tag-merrick-garland","tag-republicans","tag-rick-perry","tag-supreme-court"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1098"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1108,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1098\/revisions\/1108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beemandave.com\/beemanblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}