This presidential election is nearing an end and most of us are more than ready for that. Except there's one more problem to consider: Now we have to deal with whoever is elected and whatever repercussions come along with that. The real craziness might just be beginning with the election results. It can be interesting to look back to see what sentiments were in previous elections so I've dug back into the archives to revisit a post I did after the last election in 2012. Was I right then? Or will this election surprise us bigly? Read on and share your thoughts if you are willing to do so...
Flashback Friday, introduced by Michael G. D’Agostino of A Life Examined is a monthly blogfest, occurring on the last Friday. Michael’s directive: “Republish an old post of yours that maybe didn’t get enough attention, or that you’re really proud of, or you think is still relevant etc.” Please add your link to the list at the end of the post if you’d like to join in.
THE POST I'VE CHOSEN FOR THIS MONTH FIRST APPEARED ON TOSSING IT OUT ON Friday November 9, 2012--a few days after the presidential election of that year. . TO SEE THE ORIGINAL COMMENTS TO THAT POST YOU CAN CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO BE TAKEN TO THE ORIGINAL POST...
Why We May Never See Another Republican President
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| The Barnum & Bailey greatest show on Earth, the world's largest, grandest, best amusement institution. General view of the twelve colossal water proof canvas pavilions, ... (Photo credit:Wikipedia) |
I didn't want to do this post. I told myself I would not, but here I am doing it anyway. I guess I just can't keep my big mouth shut. I'm sorry if I'm turning anyone off by posting this. If you click away from this post I'll understand--not completely, but I do understand that some readers don't want to deal with topics like this. Besides, I'm asking you to think and God forbid that anyone hurt themselves by thinking too much.
Don't let me lead anyone to believe that I think I know much about any of this topic of politics. Like many of you I'm just an observer of this whole mess with no direct personal investment in the process. I listened to what the media and the candidates had to say and then I voted. This post is only a matter of my interpretation of what has transpired in the 2012 U.S. elections and what I think it could mean for the future of this country. I hope you will read this, consider what I have said, and give us your thoughts. I hope we can start a dialogue and come to some rational conclusions.
The way I see it the Democratic Party of today is quite a bit different than what it was 50 years ago or so. Not that I've paid that much attention over the years, but I think the Democrats of yesteryear might be a bit confused if they were to suddenly appear on today's scene. There have been big changes in the Dems whereas the Republicans have held a steady mostly focused course since the mid-1800's--Grand Old Party is a fitting title indeed.
Along about the 1970's the Democrats opened a Pandora's Box and started unleashing a whole hodgepodge of issues. It's been a process that has continued until this day. But let me stop and back off of this analogy. After all I'm no big fan of Greek mythology and Greece is no model to emulate seeing as how they have all of the problems they've been having. Instead let me return to my favorite analogy, one that is in a more capitalistic vein--the circus.
Ah yes, the political parties and the elections are like circuses. Just as in the real world of circuses there are many different circuses. For now the main circuses of influence that we will concern ourselves with are the Democrats and the Republicans. And it's starting to look like the Democrats are the greatest show on Earth to borrow the slogan from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey, the great American conglomeration of circusdom. The Democrats are poised to become the constant winners in all future U.S. Presidential elections.
Why do I say this? The Democrats have a bigger tent.
The Republicans might be likened to something more of an old-timey mudshow traversing the countryside playing to the crowds who are looking for more traditional fare. They pitch a tiny tent and put on their show with a few clowns, some standard political circus performers all performing variations of the same act, and one old tired elephant. The crowd mostly knows what to expect throughout the performance because there is a predictability and an agreed upon standard of values. The audience consists primarily of hard-working Americans who value independence and would prefer the government to stay out of their business as much as possible.
The Democrats on the other hand pitch a gigantic tent amidst a massive midway. A pompous parade lures their crowds to the celebratory grounds where hot dogs and cotton candy are doled out freely before the big show begins. And that show! What a show it is. Three rings of dazzling displays with action at the tent top and everywhere you look. Everyone is excited with so much going on--so much that no one can take it all in. The audience members keep their eyes on their favorite acts and miss most of the others. The important thing here is that everyone goes away happy because they all got want they wanted. It makes no difference that they didn't see everything in the show. They saw what they came to see and that's what matters to them.
So what am I getting at? You tell me. It's my circus metaphor and I think it makes sense, but then again I wrote it. If I started dissecting this and started getting down to specifics then I might offend somebody. I might make someone mad. I might lose another reader. If I started getting too open and honest then I might start sounding like a Republican--or at least what an unafraid Republican should sound like. But let's face it--honesty and forthrightness can be risky business in our society.
What does the Republican Party need to do to win another U.S. presidential election barring any major missteps on the Democrat side? Do they need a bigger tent? I think that would just make them Democrats. I'd say they need to find more ways to cram more people into that little tent. Republicans will need more numbers to win the next presidential race, but I don't think they need a bigger tent to do that. However if the Republicans don't find a way to outsmart the big tent circus party then we may never see another Republican president.
Do you think the Republican tent is bigger this election? Is the message of the Democrats truly resonating with people or will most who vote Democrat do so based on habit and tradition? What do you dislike most about presidential elections?
A great post Lee, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, with an election coming up life must be uncertain I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, thank you for making the important point with the first comment for this post that we're entitled to our opinions. Judging from opposing sides these days there are many who would like to shut the opposition up in any way that they can. A better argument is the best way to do this and sometimes both sides have good arguments so the conclusive answers aren't always easy to settle on.
DeleteLee
I think this election is quite interesting because I think many people are quite dissatisfied with their party's candidate (whether Republican or Democrat) and we may have people not voting their party this year in protest. It will be fascinating to see the impact of this election on both parties going forward.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Ellen. Anything can happen, as this campaign has shown us all along! ;)
DeleteEllen & MLQ, I've never been a big party guy and I think there are many like me. We might see some fractionalizing of parties in the years to come, but right now it's difficult to say until the smoke clears.
DeleteLee
I remember that post. Of course, a bigger tent just means more clowns.
ReplyDeleteHowever the election turns out, we really need to pray for this country.
Alex, I don't mind the clowns, but corruption needs to be cleaned up whether it be the clowns, the acrobats, or the guy who cleans up the animal poop.
DeleteI've been praying and we need to pray for this election to stop the trend of Godlessness in this country.
Lee
Write on!!! Love your analogy and I think this is the first election in a long time that the Republicans have a bigger tent with a better show. I find myself, like you, tip-toeing around this election trying not to offend people just because of my views. Nice to see your passion in this post.
ReplyDeleteEm-Musing, so many people get offended these days about the election and so many other things. I find myself getting less involved with people on a face to face basis. Online interaction gives me a voice while providing me an opportunity to shut things down when they get too nasty and confrontational and I've been encountering that a good bit. I agree that the Republicans not only have a bigger tent, but it's actually a new one which might make a big difference in future elections.
DeleteLee
Life is 'messy' and our Country is 'messy'. That doesn't mean that Life isn't great or that our Country isn't great. You're right, Lee, in that the Republicans have a small tent and attempts to stay committed to 'tradition'. The thing is our Country has many citizens today that feel their voice is not represented under that tent. The Democrats have a huge, messy tent in an attempt to represent all of America according to the principles of our Preamble/Constitution. It get very messy! I'm an independent voter and I get frustrated with the social issues that always put a 'wedge' in our election campaigns and are played by both parties to divide us and distract us. None of the important stuff found in our Preamble/Constitution are covered at all. What an opportunity is missed to inspire all of our citizens. It looks like your prophesy is going to come true, at least in this election 2016. Republicans appear to be headed for a loss in both the presidency and the senate. Thanks for the great, thoughtful post. Mary Lou
ReplyDeletehttps://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2016/10/28/me-in-the-middle-of-writing-flashback/
Mary Lou, I always voted as an independent until the last 4 elections when I went mainstream. I'm not a fan of either of the big parties and will likely go back to independent after this election because other parties might become more valid from this point on. I agree about the social issues tainting what should be the real mission of either party. The Constitution as originally intended seems to mean less to many who want their misguided agendas to take hold and be thrust down all of our throats.
DeleteLee
If they just had a decent candidate, either side, it would be nice. People may then pull their head from their butt, doubtful, and vote for the decent candidate, not matter the side. That is their only chance of winning it seems.
ReplyDeletePat, at his heart I think Trump has the best intentions for our country. However, a certain amount of ineptitude has often stalled and threatened to derail his train. If he could only have stayed steadily on track from the beginning I think he would have a huge lead because Hillary is one of the worst, most despicable, and least liked of any candidate in our history. If she gets elected I really can't see her finishing her first term without impeachment, resignation, or some other situation occurring.
DeleteLee
Love this post, Arlee! I'm not an American so I don't get to vote in this election (or maybe I could because it's rigged...?). But we are certainly very interested up in Canada in how this election will play out. Your analogy is relevant, not just in 2012, but in 2016 as well. And now I finally know what GOP stands for!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I am sure of: whoever wins on November 8 God will use for His plans and purposes...
Best wishes to my American friends!
P.S. I am sharing your post on Facebook :)
DeleteSusan, thanks for sharing! I think our elections are always on the world stage, but this year more than ever I think it's true mostly due to dishonest reporting and a proliferation of lies about Donald Trump and the sinister dark evil coming from the Clinton camp that exposes the corruption of U.S. politics which is something we've always associated with certain other countries.
DeleteLee
I find that many of the Republicans are rich, mean, old white men who don't care about women, children or the poor. They only care about giving themselves raises and bonuses while gutting the middle class. At least the Dems appear to care more about everyone. Women need to have the right to choose, not this nonsense about being forced to hold funerals or get punished for having an abortion. The LGBT community needs equal rights. Religion needs to stay out of public schools. That said, I loathe both candidates and I'm writing in Bernie Sanders.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, Glad to hear you're writing in Bernie Sanders. One less vote for the pernicious witch who represents her party. Now I hope you'll get to know more Republicans and investigate more deeply into the issues so you'll be better educated for future elections. Your picture of Republicans is highly stereotypical and untrue. The Democrats have far more money backing them and it comes from far meaner and more pernicious rich old guys like George Soros. The people need to get more informed and sadly most of the media is in the tank with Dem sharks.
DeleteLee
Speaking as a foreign observer, it appears that many people dislike both candidates. In my opinion, the Republicans have moved further right and the Democrats further left in recent decades. What's needed here is a more reasonable, "centrist" candidate. Funny (or not) personal anecdote: I'm a Canadian Liberal (more right than an American Democrat) and my father was a Canadian Conservative (more left than an American Republican). When my parents moved to California, he started watching Fox News and became a card-carrying member of The Tea Party. We had some "interesting" discussions. ☺ He hated Hillary with a passion and would be beside himself if he were alive today, knowing she's running for President. He finally became an American citizen in 2008, saying (facetiously?) it was for the specific purpose of being able to vote against her. It will be interesting to see what you come up with for the next BOTB.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D., I think your father was absolutely right. Hillary and the Clinton machine has been a dark evil force comparable to Darth Vaderites. They have been sullied with scandal and followed by a trail of corruption that through the "illegal" efforts of Wikileaks is coming to light to more people. I'd like to see this election finally squash the Clintonista movement.
DeleteTrump has brought the Republican movement to a more centrist place which is why so many establishment old-liners fear and dislike him. He is turning our system on its end and exposing that underbelly of corruption that needs to be cleaned up and set right. But we'll see. I'd like to think there are more Americans who see things like I do, but I fear there are a lot of folks who have fallen for a false hope based on lies and misconceptions.
Lee
I was hoping we could keep this to generalities, but....I do not understand how you can say Trump is more centrist! He still toes the party line when it comes to women's rights (wanting to throw us back into the dark ages) and this whole Mexican wall idea is horrific (shades of the Berlin wall!), just to mention a couple of things. We're never going to agree here, so I'm leaving it at that. It's disturbing that so many friendships are being ruined by this bloody election. I only hope that all eligible Americans get out there and vote their consciences!
DeleteDebbie D, so much about Trump's platform is misreported and misrepresented that no wonder he is so unpopular with so many. But this is the disgusting trend we've been seeing in the media. We expect it from the politicians, but even they seem to have become more deceitful than ever.
DeleteI've been following Trump's speeches and platforms from the beginning so I can counter any argument people have against his positions as they have been reported by the media. I hear this litany of lies and distortions continually recited by the media and his opposition and can only shake my head in incredulity. Massive amounts of Kool-Aid are being served to the world with people and media outlets guzzling it by the metaphorical gallons. Where is truth and honest reporting?
I heard it from Bernie Sanders before I heard it from Trump, but the system is massively rigged. The Obamas and Clintons and others can ridicule the concept of a "global conspiracy" but I think there is far more truth to the conspiratorial claim than not.
You're right about the tearing apart of friendships and even families. The art of rational discourse has disintegrated into anger and refusal to examine truths and that's a sad thing for all of us. Fortunately my wife, who is a Latina immigrant who came to this country through legal channels and became a citizen the correct way, agree on this election and I respect her so much for seeing the truth and not falling into the more popular trending that surrounds us here in Los Angeles.
Elections and opposing opinions don't ruin friendships, but it's the people themselves who do that by the way they handle these things.
Lee
I'll have to go with Debbie on your centrist comment, Lee. Trump has brought the extreme right out of the woodwork. It's very worrisome. If his platform is more like what he said at Gettysburg and he had consistently expanded on that he would've been a centrist in my eyes. Instead, as I listened to that speech, it sounded like he was rotely reading off a teleprompter. He's too vague and inciteful for me to be comfortable with. ML
Deletehttps://meinthemiddlewrites.com/2016/10/28/me-in-the-middle-of-writing-flashback/
Mary Lou, it's all a matter of perception really. What one mind hears and processes can be radically different based on upbringing, personal values, and adherence to belief systems. I try to process what I hear with an analytical mind and keep out feelings as much as possible. True, some of what Trump has been saying goes along with rightist thinking, but other things are so centrist that the hard line establishment right is disturbed. "Vague and inciteful" sounds like a description of nearly all political speech I've heard--is there a candidate that doesn't use this approach to some extent?
DeleteLee
I watched every single debate from beginning to end, Lee and was disturbed by several things that came directly out of Trump's mouth, not the media stories. The system could well be rigged; just ask Al Gore about hanging chads. ☺ Seriously though, with such a large population as the U.S. has, I'm sure there is great potential for voter fraud. Can it be proven?
DeleteDebbie D., it's likely too late to do much about voter fraud before this election, but it is an issue that needs to be addressed for future elections. Much of the fraud comes in the registration process as well as early voting--specifically absentee voting. I'm definitely in favor of voter ID laws which the Democrats usually oppose. ID just seems like the most logical thing to do and I've yet to hear a logical argument against it.
DeleteLee
I was surprised to read that photo ID is not mandatory to vote in the U.S. It should be and is most everywhere else in the world.
DeleteDebbie D, I was rather amused recently when I found out that Mexico requires voter IDs. My wife, who is from Ecuador, has told me that in her home country voting is mandatory for all literate citizens from 18 to 65. I confirmed this at an online site about ID laws and they point out their that this law has been on the books since 1936 and those who don't vote can face fines.
DeleteLee
Mandatory voting is a good idea. It's our civic duty and those who don't do it should be ashamed of themselves! If you don't vote, then you don't have the right to complain, in my opinion. ☺
Delete>>... I'm sure there is great potential for voter fraud. Can it be proven?
Delete~ Debbie D.
Well, if full-blown, voluntary confessions of vote fraud on hidden camera count as proof (and if they don't, what does?!), then, yes, it can be proven.
Extreme sarcasm on display in every video title below:
(Link>) The Election WON'T Be Stolen!
(Link>) The Election CAN'T Be Stolen!
(Link>) The Democratic National Committee Cares Deeply About "Legalities And Ethics"!
(Link>) A Stolen Election? "INCONCEIVABLE!"
(Link>) Hillary Is Innocent. Then. Now. Forever!
But when in doubt, ALWAYS take (Link>) The COMMUNIST PARTY's Voting Advice!
~ D'plorable D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Hi Lee! I love this blog post, (I didn't see it the first time) and how appropriate it is again for this election. Talk about a circus! I've kept my mouth shut (pretty much)about politics because I have some really good friends who are on the opposite side of the hemisphere, in their beliefs and they actually think THEY are right! Imagine that! :) This is the first time in years that I've actually been excited about voting and watching the results on TV, and no matter who is elected, I believe politics will never be the same again. I'm really glad that things have gotten shook up and made people sit up and take notice and maybe go and vote this year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if an all-time high percentage of people vote?? P.S. Today 10/28 is National Chocolate Day! Let's all go have a candy bar. Chocolate always makes ya feel better ;)
ReplyDeleteBecky, the presidential election of 2016 could be the political equivalent to a 9.5+ earthquake that hits the nation all at once. Then again it might be another more of the same old crappy people who prefer things to ever remain the same unless it leans in favor of their agendas that might not be the best thing for the people.
DeleteI've got some chocolate in my stash that I'll undoubtedly hit later, but right now it doesn't sound so good to me.
Lee
I don't think the democrats have as much of a bigger tent but more options. Republicans to me have become more closed off than traditional over the years. The good old family table days I agree with have been replaced with seats at an exclusive restaurant. Sure I could go, but where do my friends with different values get to sit. Democrats simply have more options and people love a buffet table. You just have to remember to stop eating before you barf. Not a good look. Also I'm tired of speeches that have obvious glares in them. Hillary's avoiding explaining what WikiLeaks found and Donald Trump seeming to go more for his base than expanding. Yes the media is biased to one candidate. But sometimes both of them shoot themselves in the foot.
ReplyDeleteSheena-kay, your analogy is a good one, but I think it basically comes to a similar conclusion as mine. We can always find something to please us on any buffet--or at least something that will allow us to leave the table feeling full--but will we be likely to return to that buffet if we aren't really pleased or satisfied. No perfect candidate has ever run for office and if one ever comes along who appears to be perfect then I will really get suspicious and start asking more questions.
DeleteLee
I think the one thing that has come across loud and clear this year is that many in both camps are tired of the status quo, hence the nomination of Trump and Bernie's strong showing. I am sure Clinton will take what I expect to be a sound victory as a "mandate from the people," and yet I wonder how many people pushing the D lever are really just voting against Trump?
ReplyDeleteI said this on one of my last posts-I think Americans should be pissed off at the choice they have been given. The media engineered the outcome of the Republican primaries, and probably (I paid less attention) the Democrat as well.
For my money, they are engineering the final outcome, or is it just a coincidence that all these women forgot they were offended by Trump until mid-October?
I stand behind my last post-if you are voting a lesser of two evil votes, now is the time to consider a third party.
Will it change the outcome? Doubtful. But maybe Washington will get the message that the people are fed up.
LC
Larry, the news of the past hour or so might change a lot of what you say here. The Clinton Cartel is corrupt and maybe the curtains will be thrown wide open in the next few days. We can hope and we will see.
DeleteLee
Although we are still left with a "lesser of two evils" candidate if Clinton falters, maybe having an outsider would be a good thing.
DeleteI just wish Trump would learn to take a breath before spouting off. He is really not as bad as his soundbytes if you go read the positions on his site.
I know asking most Americans to spend time reading is sacrilege, but maybe the presidency is more important than whether or nor Kapaernick will kneel this week (and then sit).
You can forget about the "R" next to his name, because Trump obviously IS the outsider.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
That's what I meant-even as the Republican candidate he's a maverick and an outsider-which may be good thing although I still believe Americans will choose to continue the Clinton dynasty.
DeleteTrump's sound bytes kill him. And a lot of people will go the "first women president" route.
Larry, anyone who votes for Hillary on the basis of being the first woman U.S. president is an absolute idiot who should be stripped of their voting rights. That's the kind of voting that gave us Barack Obama.
DeleteLee
The idea that the Democrats have a bigger "tent" is an illusion. They have the support of people who *say* they represent large chunks of the population (or are touted as representative of those communities by the media) and assume that means those chunks of the population will follow along. Oprah is a Democrat, ergo all blacks are Democrats; the gals on "The View" are Democrats, which must mean all feminists are Democrats; union leaders are Democrats, and that means the rank and file marches in lockstep with them; etc.
ReplyDeleteIf the Republican "tent" has gotten bigger, it's no thanks to the Republican party elite, who assume that because certain communities appear to be represented by Democrats, those communities are off-limits. They don't see the blacks that don't agree with Jesse and Al and Oprah, the feminists that don't agree with Whoopi and Joy, the union guys that reject the message given them by their leaders, etc. as "in play," as it were. Donald Trump, to his eternal credit, doesn't see it that way and has been courting those communities -- and the Republicans hate him for it. Think what you will about Trump (I think he's a boor), his message seems to be getting through. Michael Moore will swear up one side and down the other that what he said about Trump voters was not an endorsement of the guy (and I believe him), but the clip that has been going around where he talks about people who are going to give the political establishment the biggest "fuck you" in history by electing Trump was dead on.
People are waking up to the fact that representative democracy no longer represents them, and it's not just in this country, it's worldwide. Politicians and the news media have corrupted the meanings of both "socialism" and "capitalism" and we've ended up with both and neither. The duopoly that controls politics in this country are less interested in governing than they are in beating the other guys, leaving most of us spectators to a game that affects our lives greatly because we're the poor bastards that have to live with the results, but we have to make a choice between "damned if you do" and "damned if you don't" every four years so they know who won.
Right now, better than half the eligible voters are saying to themselves "I don't want either of these assholes to be president" and will find a reason to stay away from the polls on November 8, because they don't have a way to tell the politicians that their offerings suck. Most of the remainder will vote against the candidate they like the least, or will base their vote on whether or not the candidate has a penis. Heaven help us all.
John, you make some good points though I don't know if they are all particularly valid. I think the real illusion is what the Democrat party stands for--they stand for whatever people want it to stand for and therefore essentially stand for nothing.
DeleteThe electorate is usually either uninformed or misinformed and therein lies the real problem. The mere fact that the Clinton machine has managed to retain so much power and influence addresses the corruption in DC and throughout the system. The simple idea of draining the swamp in Washington is enough for me. The other parts of Trump's platform are typically not understood my many who will parrot what the media feeds them whether it be right or wrong.
As for the smart-ass Michael Moore I think he got trumped by the Trump campaign who has played the same game he and the Dems frequently play to misinform people and twist the truth. It was kind of a smart move because Moore's rinky-dink routine explained the Trump movement when taken out the context of the bigger whole. Sure, it did help Moore a bit, but probably it helped the Trump campaign to a greater extent.
Lee
Shelly, and an Amen! to your comment.
ReplyDeleteLee
It will be interesting
ReplyDeleteMike, it's been interesting and getting more so everyday. The next few days might be a crazier ride than we've seen so far.
DeleteLee
You make a very good point here. I read an infographic from MSNBC or CNN or something 8 years ago. It showed that, of the registered voters who voted (a shameful percent), the majority were Democrats. It was something like 75% of registered Dem voters actually bothered to go vote, and 15% of Rep voters went.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that's the case this time. I think there might actually be a more even turn out.
But who I want to see win...
I'm a Native American who gets mistaken for several foreign countries. Been told to "go home" many times in my life. (Thousands of years of my bloodline under you... not bitter...nope.) For me, it's less about voting FOR someone this time as it is about voting against someone who probably would tell me I live on the wrong side of a wall.
J Lenni, then again you may be misinterpreting some things if I am interpreting what you've said correctly.
DeleteLee
We're watching from afar with keen interest. It's a real neck and neck race as I see it. Personally I wish Bernie was in the running. Politics is a nasty business whichever way you swing it, as I can testify re South Africa and our current ruling party. I say 'ruling' - and I wish that word was NOT used - the party in power is there to SERVE, not to rule some some tin pot pol ...
ReplyDeleteGood luck Lee - and to all in the US.
Susan S, if Bernie's ideas had been instituted this nation would go down the tubes unless there was a rebellion within and without the system. He sounded good to me also just listening on the surface, but when reasoning out his platform I found it to be absolutely impractical. "Service" is what our leaders should be doing, but for them it has been serving themselves and helping themselves to double portions or more and they merely creating some illusion that they were serving the people. I think there are going to be major changes ahead for the U.S., but I hope they are good ones--good ones will not come from another Clinton/Obama administration.
DeleteLee
I believe most people vote Democrat either out of habit or (if they're young) because all the celebs they follow do.
ReplyDeleteMost choose to ignore the volatile/racist history of the party and instead vote for the party that will allow them to be the victim, all the while not know their vote doesn't mean anything to the party, save for staying in power. And this logic applies to all levels (local, state & federal) of government.
Father Nature's Corner
GB, a truth well written and one that I wish everyone understood.
DeleteLee
In recent years, it seems more obvious than ever that we should've paid attention when President Washington warned against the danger of political parties in his Farewell Address. It's not that it's necessarily bad to have a party which most represents one's values and ideals, but it can lead to divisiveness, misunderstanding, and bad blood between even lifelong friends and relatives. Whatever one's party, we shouldn't feel afraid to out ourselves as belonging to or mostly sympathizing with it while in the company of people who have nothing good to say about it. I almost never bring up politics or potentially polarizing issues on my blog because I don't want to risk some angry comments war. Although, funnily enough, the only post I've had to disable comments on to date is my anti-Arbonne post, not any of my posts where I've mentioned politics!
ReplyDeleteCarrie-Anne, there is such a vast divide between what people believe that it can lead to great passion. I guess that's how the party system might make sense, but still the differences are so sharp and each side so firmly ensconced that it brings to tension whether they are colliding or settling into an easy agreement.
DeleteI don't mind the controversy on my posts since that was part of my early aim on this blog. But you're right that it can lead to confrontational circumstances. I think that's sad since we all have questions and disagreements that never get addressed properly until they are discussed. There is so much to talk about, but so many can get offended and angry that it can be difficult maintaining civility on a blog or anywhere for that matter.
Lee
Lee, politics has changed a lot in 50 years. Mind for many of the last five decades I didn't take notice of what was going on in the political arena. Democrats from the 60s are not the same as today. Case in point, JFK. To hear him, you'd swear he's Republican. Dems were more conservative then than now, but so were Republicans. Washington DC has gotten away from serving, we the people, to serving only themselves. We have too much big government who are primarily filled with a lot corruption. Every small step the liberals took starting a 100 years ago moving forward was just enough to cook the frog (voter) without its victim knowing what's going on. Prayer is removed from school, it's ok to kill unborn babies, don't show respect to the American flag/national anthem, a country crippled and controlled through various social programs for politicians to hold on to votes.
ReplyDeleteThings have changed but the biggest change is how liberalism changed people's hearts to not really care or think for themselves. It's important for us look at history, especially European history to see how communist rule destroyed many of those communities and to never think THAT can't happen in America because it is happening here. Take off your blinders people!
It's time to take America back from the self-centered elitist liberals (both sides) and make America a safe and prosperous country again. I feel with this election there is an awakening and people are saying, enough is enough and it's time to end the corruption in Washington.
Good thoughts on a past election (post) that's very much relevant this time. May God bless the USA.
Cathy, there is nothing that you have said that I would dispute or disagree with. I forget where exactly the Bible says it, but there is something that I remember about how in the last days the people will be deceived into believing that what is wrong is right. We see more evidence every day of morality being turned topsy-turvy in the minds of many. Even many who call themselves Christian have been duped by the devil and accept sin as just fine. These are the end times--more than ever before in history have the signs lined up correctly.
ReplyDeleteLee
ISAIAH 5:
DeleteWoe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
2 TIMOTHY 3:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God...
LEE, I promised my friend Br'er Marc that once this election is over, I am going to do a major post at F-FFF detailing why I think the Second Coming of Christ will occur in 2028 or 2029. You might want to read that one.
In the meantime, I'm keeping that blog focused on the election. (Did a number on that fraud Andrew LOLeon in my last blog bit there. I'm sure you saw that he deleted my comment of a week ago from his blog -- the one I posted right under yours.)
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC, I didn't see the deletion, but I'm not surprised. I've noticed on a few blogs that my comments are sometimes ignored when all others seem to get a response. Not sure what all that means--maybe nothing.
DeleteI'll have to remember to keep checking the FFF site as Blogger eliminated my blogroll and I haven't replaced it.
Good verses to describe things much as they have become in our time. Not the one I was thinking, but important verses. I'll try to remember what I was thinking of.
Lee
Circus, tents, clowns and a tired old elephant, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI am Swiss, and I was following the debates on youtube, so I may not get the whole picture.
I'm still trying to answer your question on what the Republicans need to do to win: come up with a decent candidate! IMHO the Donald is not sustainable as the president of the U.S. for a number of reasons. (Neighter is Hillary, which makes the whole situation such a mess.)
Tamara, many people don't seem to think that Trump would make a good president however I'm not sure I understand that reasoning and am guessing the opinion is based on misconception and lies told by the media and other candidates. On the other hand, the ways Obama has led the U.S. on a downward slide are observable and it's a proven fact that the Clinton machine is filled with corruption and a tendency toward globalist thinking. Yet they both have a large amount of support which I think can only be attributed to ignorance and/or fear of losing entitlements.
DeleteThe U.S. is in a sad state that reflects a general world view of the expectations of a populace that leans toward socialist and even communist thinking. The idea of the strong independent American has been lost in a haze of self-love combined with false ideals of a world community where everyone is merged with a common goal. This, to me, is a recipe for an ultimate conflict that will result in totalitarian rule--or the utter annihilation of this world.
The debates were essentially empty exchanges of vagaries and distorted political posturing.
Lee