Our Veterans (WHY??)

Memorial weekend was an uplifting weekend for me as I saw many well-produced programs honoring our fallen, as well as living veterans from all wars. You have to be impressed with the valor, sacrifices, and commitment of our enlisted and veterans. In fact most of those honoring them, and certainly the Politicians to a person: –“Thanked them for their service”.

Subsequent to Memorial weekend, I have had number of solicitations requesting donations, to help our veterans. and their families.  The Wounded Warrior Project, I was familiar with, as they are the most ubiquitous of these organizations. However I’m totally unfamiliar with those whom I’m hearing from now.  I’m told that there are a number of bogus groups taking advantage of the veteran’s plight!  It occurred to me - why in the hell do we need any volunteer or civilian group to provide services for our veterans?  If we ask them to give their life, limbs and minds to protect this country, we owe them and their families whatever they need, to live a full productive life without having to depend on handouts.  I’m not suggesting that legitimate volunteer groups not be able to solicit funds to enhance their lives. Charity is part of the American culture.

A review of their needs astounded and angered me about the level of neglect they are experiencing.  WHY???

• Why is it that 13% of all homeless in America are Service Men and Women??
• Why is it that approximately 800,000 veterans receive food stamps and or rent subsidies each month??
• Why is it that veterans have to wait months to get to see a Doctor??
• Why are we loosing more veterans to suicide each day than in combat??

These are just some of the questions should be asked of the Veterans Administration and every Political Official.  When they tell you they “Appreciate Your Service” Your response should be SHOW ME!!!!

I’m well aware that the VA. Is one of the biggest agencies in Government, it is also one of the oldest.  This fact does not give them a pass to perform as required.  Are these problems systemic or cultural?  My next post will explore each. But I implore you, Charley Citizen and all Veterans to keep asking this question of your elected officials as well as VA officials. This is good time especially contact your elected official as voting season will soon be upon us!!! Always VOTE!!

I wonder if we would be experiencing these problems if this was a conscription army and we all had skin in the game as oppose to a volunteer Army

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’. ~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

History Repeats Itself

Our current Legislative Branch of Government behavior reminds me of similar behavior experienced by the Harry Truman, legislature during his presidency. His legislature as well as the Senate was controlled by the Republican Party. Then and now the Republican opposition was intended to defeat the President, and make sure his presidency failed. The parallels are eerily similar!

In the Harry Truman example, he became President upon the death of F.D. Roosevelt, in 1945. He was seen as nothing more than a figurehead V.P. as FDR consumed all of the attention of the presidency as well as the Democratic Party.  The Republicans were both delighted and like everyone else, concerned with whether President Truman was capable of succeeding as President. Immediately the Republicans started demonizing President Truman as a political hack, a product of the Kansas City Pendergrast Political Apparatus, not very intelligent, and totally unsophisticated. Other wise a hick and an empty suit. No pun intended, as President Truman was a Haberdasher prior to entering politics. They deliberately decided to make sure his Presidency failed, by doing nothing legislatively that would support his initiatives. Their reasoning was that since he had only a coupe of years left before elections, he would have a dismal record of accomplishments.  Does this sound familiar? This was also the Republican strategy to make Obama a one-term President.

In both cases the strategy backfired as Truman went on to defeat Thomas Dewey, well known Republican and successful New York City Prosecutor. He was thought to be a shoe-in. Truman catagorized the Republican as the “Do Nothing Congress” and took this message to the people, which struck a cord as they reelected him. The polls, pundits and press were aghast of this outcome.  The Chicago Tribune printed an election edition, declaring that Dewey was the winner, before the results were official. Oops!

Truman went on to be one of the most transformative Presidents in America’s History.  He presided over the defeat of Germany, Japan, and Korea. He had to make the one of the most difficult decision a President has ever had to make , in approving the use of the Atom Bomb to defeat Japan. He was later supported by most Americans, as it was believed that by doing so, he saved several millions lives in forgoing invading Japan.  Truman enabled, the establishment of the Marshall Plan, conceivably one of the most successful stimulus programs in history as it brought Europe back from total destruction of World War Two. The formation of  N. A. T. O.,  creation of Israel as a Sovereign Nation, Integration of the Armed Forces. Pretty Impressive for a discounted Political hack from Kansas!!

As we know Obama experienced the same Republican strategy during his first presidential term is office. It was almost two years before Mitch McConnell the minority chairman of the Senate. The McConnell narrative, explicitly stated that was the Republican Party’s objective to make sure President Obama would be a one-term president! Obstruction would be the weapon to marginalize any and all of President’s initiatives. Even those who had been offered by Republicans, like Truman - President Obama was reelected by even a larger margin than his first term.

Given the state of today’s technology, the Republicans have doubled down and began attacking Obama personally as well as politically. There is nothing Obama can do, weather it benefits its’ citizens or not is discredited. What is it about Obama that illicit such hate and disrespect?  Is it because he was dealt one of the most formidable task that any president has had to deal with i.e., an economy in free fall, an unpopular war, the abuse of unregulated practices in agencies and institutions, economic apartheid (Haves and Have-not's?) Or was it because he has taken on these challenges and done a remarkable job in eliminating or moving them toward a positive outcome. i.e., With TARP saving the banking industry, the automobile Industry, winding down the wars, creating 13 million jobs, reducing unemployment to 5%, record stock market highs, consumer protection, etc.

Is this angst caused by the President pursuing his promised objectives - which are frequently in conflict with the long-standing neglected issues? i.e. Health care, the environment, climate change, clean energy, diversity, a new protocol in engaging our allies as well as our perceived enemies, investing in the physical as well as the educational infrastructure of our country.  All of these initiatives, are seen by Obama, as necessary to poise our country to embrace the challenges of the 21st Century, and remain the greatest country in world. 

Could this angst be because Obama is not a knee jerk, shoot first, then aim person?  (No Drama Obama) He has a thoughtful process, which deals with the facts, not the heart, or emotions.  I know this is antithetical to the American psyche, that of instant gratification and a need for visceral satisfaction. I.e., kick ass?   Which may or may not be a sustainable solution. 

Could it be that this angst is a result that Obama was born in Hawaii? Or maybe its his name, or maybe its because he was educated at Harvard, or because he is handsome with a killer smile, or is it because he is God-loving an a dedicated family man. Come on fess up which is it???

With Truman, back in the day their angst was obvious, as were the reasons. Like Truman, President Obama will be seen as a Trans formative President despite the current angst and demonetization of his presidency. His legacy will show that he respected the past, dealt with the present and looked out and planned for the future. He recognized that the world was truly a village, his initiatives reflects this phenomena.

What Obama's presidency warns us that the paradigm of obstruction of the President and the office to the presidency, by the opposing party because you don’t like the President because of race, gender religion, class or whatever is a dangerous and destructive protocol for serving the needs of this nation and its citizens. We have lost seven years with this foolishness. We don’t have this luxury to allow our elected officials to put their needs above in some cases, our nation, as well as ours.  If this situation does not motivate you to vote, then maybe this is the kind of government you want. Remember that our vote is all we have to take away our elected officials key to their paradise! Please vote even if our vote is marginalized by special interest.

Like the Truman “Do Nothing Congress” Our congress has a 13% rating. Obama’s at least in spite of the angst has a slightly above 50% rating. It appears that he is governing for all of the people.  It represents the divisiveness that our country is saddled with. By the way I think I know what really upset Obama haters. He is not only bright and intelligent He is funny!!

President Obama is: faster than the second guessing pundits, can bound tall congressional obstructions, and can see through everything but Cable News!! 

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’. ~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

The next post will deal with, round heels!

Checks and Balances

Our current Branches of government seem to be overwhelmed with our country’s challenges of the day. The checks and balances that the Framers of the constitution intended by establishing the 3 branches of government were to guarantee personal freedoms and constrain excessive power of government. They are not operating as intended. Currently the politics are so toxic, that the branches aren’t able to function, principally because of special rules that our politicians engage in to acquire and exert their own advantages.  In doing so they have brought the government to almost a standstill.

To give some understanding to our current state of affairs may require a review of how our government began. At the time our constitution was framed and ratified, we were a white homogenous country.  Mostly Christian and European. We were a newly formed nation with 13 states and a population of approximately 3 million people (not counting the Native Americans.) The Framers created a rather rigid infrastructure to manage our organic democratic system, a system that is never static, as democracy is always becoming. Remarkably this system has survived with almost no change since ratification in 1787.

Fast forward to 2016.  We are now a nation of fifty states, 330 plus million inhabitants and the most diverse country on the planet! Our branches of government are now being challenged to create a level playing field for all of its citizens. To accommodate this diversity, exacerbated by an economic apartheid system, creates a challenged never experienced before by our government. In attempting to level the playing field, it is alienating those who enjoyed the field being tilted in their favor versus many of those who have been toiling uphill for whatever reasons all of their lives. 

During this Presidential political cycle, the level playing field, is the focus.  It has morphed into two primary factions, the franchise holders versus the franchise seekers. The only issue that they agree on is that our systems of government are rigged and corrupt.  Unless and until our elected officials understand that the challenge of economics and diversity has to be dealt with realistically the problem will always kick our ass!! Could the original framers of the constitution ever envision the challenges of the 21st century?  

As we all know, we have just lost one of the most ubiquitous Pop Stars on the planet. He was the most influential chronicler of life’s theater for almost four decades. He was the freest soul on the planet as well. He has been framing the challenge that we are currently grappling with all of his life, extremely adroitly... that of “Diversity”. He empowered us in lyric as well as how he lived his life. He had no problems with race, gender, religion or class, as he loved us all unconditionally. We are now learning how truly generous he really was as he quietly helped many people level the playing field in their personal lives, everyone… including the rich. His only requirement that his largess was anonymous, as he wanted the focus to be on the gifts intent-- rather than the giver!  Again I ask, who is the best and most objective person to frame our current state of affairs? 

He was a remarkable human being who left us much too soon. REST IN PEACE MY GOOD BROTHER.  It is incumbent upon us to carry forth the positive legacy he left us with.

~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

Political Silliness!

I was discussing the title of this post with my daughter -- an active observer of the current political theater --  about it’s silliness.  We agreed that it had surpassed dumb, and stupid.  Her take was not silly -- but crazy!  A deeper analysis of what was really happening, crazy better describes the actual behavior.

There does not appear to be any adult in the room. The politicians are acting like over indulged children, which by the way is the worst kind of parental neglect, all want their way. Until adults supervise this behavior, their tantrums will continue to manifest themselves in crazy  and destructive rules that rigs the system in ways that are preventing any ability to arrive at any harmonious outcomes.

The sum result of the political parties, bickering is political gridlock.  These behaviors prevent the kind of positive actions we average citizens need, and expect from our elected officials and standing institutions, rather than continuing being used as chattel, for bargaining chips for power and control!

At one time, during my 85 years on this earth, I worked in Washington D. C., as the interface between my agency an the Congressional Representatives and their staffs, as well as National Organizations. This was in the 1970s. Even then, I challenged what I perceived to be a disconnect with their constituents. I expressed this concern frequently.  They attempted to insure me that was not case, but their actions were how they played the “Game”.   I was somewhat taken aback as I thought this was a rather cavalier way to describe how they did their constituents business. This was the first time I heard, what was considered at that time the congressional mantra “To get along you had to go along”! They further explained to me that the “Game”, allowed them to disagree civilly and work toward solutions that many times concluded in harmonious outcomes. There seem to be genuine pride in their intuition. Their culture as they describe, was fostered by the integrity, collegial and civility expected and demanded by their institution. 

What in the hell happen in the last 50 years?? Where have the adults gone?? 

Today nobody goes along and they sure as hell do not get along! Obstructionism seems to be how the "Game" is played today. Unless an or until we find a way to rid ourselves of this gridlock, we citizens will be robbed of our country’s true greatness and bounty.

This reminds me of when I was a preteen, when I would feel full of my self and would get a little cranky and sullen, my Grandmother would say “Charley you need a Working”... your system must be clogged up!! This mean she was going to give me a laxative. Now my Grandmother did not have a degree in Behavior Modification, but a dose of Epson salt, which is the nastiest tasting stuff in the world, definitely cleaned me out.  I was more than squeaky clean as there was not even the squeak left! This definitely produced a more Harmonious Outcome in my household!  You know where this metaphor is taking me. The current gridlock that our institutions and electives officials have generated needs my Grandmother's remedy!
They need a “Working”!!

I don’t know what the most effective cathartic is.  However given the vigorous support that THE DONALD AND BERNIE campaigns have generated by them both calling out the current players in the system. Could it be that THE DONALD and BERNIE’s followers are the dose of salt -- that is metaphorically needed to “Work” the system.

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’. ~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

Up next wekk, Checks and Balances. 

The fourth Branch of government—“Special Interest” (He who has the gold makes the rules

The fourth Branch of government—“Special Interest”  
(He who has the gold makes the rules.)

The US Constitution provides for three branches of government. The Legislative branch, The executive branch, and the judicial branch.  It was determined by the Framers of The Constitution that in order to insure personal freedoms, and prevent the government from abusing its powers, there needed to be a division of powers to insure checks and balances. This has been our form of governing from 1787 until 2010.  The Supreme Court in 2010 ruled in favor of Citizens United petition to the court. The Court found that essentially that Corporations were people and Money was speech. This gave constitutional standing to the special interest exercised by Corporate America, and others. We have always known that Special Interest was the fourth rail of government.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       This ruling in fact created the Fourth Branch of Government. Its power vitiates the balanced of power that the Framers intended. This powerful force, pardon the expression, Trumps or for millenniums pimps the power of the three established branches. They are able to do in the light, what use to be done in the dark. I don’t think the Framers intended, for this occur. However Charley Citizen as well as all Americans suffer the greatest impact and harm. This assaults one of the most treasured rights guaranteed by the Constitution.  One Person, one Vote! This all but nullifies our vote. How can we off set the power of Special Interest?  Too many of our elected Official are Takers and act in their own self interest, which often does not represent our best interest.

The Supreme Courts in their ruling was somewhat of a shock to many of us as well as legal scholars. It was the Conservatives Members of the Court that so ruled. This was surprising as they prize themselves as strict constructionist of the Constitution, being influenced by the intent of the Framers. I don’t think the Framers intended to put a sacred right in jeopardy “ One Person, One Vote “, and pervert the process of the fair and legal election of our political representatives.

A former Supreme Court Justice allegedly said, that Lady Justice was suppose to be blindfolded, but sometimes he believes the Bitch was peeping!!  What's happening? The Court has made the Corporation a dude and Money can talk!  Do you suppose the Bitch was really peeping? 

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’. ~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

Up next week “Political Silliness”

Trump, President???

Donald Trump has portrayed himself as an incredible businessman. As a businessman he has some business failures as well, not uncommon for business owners over time. However lets assume that the Trump Enterprises, are as successful as he boasts. He indicates this success is the result of his considerable business acumen. He is of the opinion that these skill sets qualifies him to be a successful President Of The United States of America!!  Wrong— You can’t deny his success with his business, however what is not discussed or explained is that Mr. Trump runs his business as an autocracy not a democracy.

Mr. Trump has complete control of all the levers of his business, he suffers no challenges or dissent. Fortunately, or unfortunately, these skills do not work in a democracy.  With his business model, everybody kisses his ass.  Whereas in a democracy, he would have to kiss 500 assess to get a maybe!! Many, whom he has already pissed off.  Given his combative nature and tendency to bully the opposition, I don't see a Harmonious Outcome… EVER!!

You are probably aware that the President of Mexico, as well as pundits compare him to Mussolini and Hitler, because of his ability to tell the “Big Lie“, often enough like Hitler and the swagger and omnipotence of Mussolini. I understand that he does or has read some of their utterances. 

There is an iconic picture of Mussolini, standing on a balcony, with his head tilted somewhat upward, looking so full of himself, “A Real Kick Me“.  It was not too much longer before the Italian people did him. Sometimes the camera catches a profile of Trump, with his pouty lips looking up, emanating a similar Mussolini aura, really full of himself!!

  

 I sincerely hope The Donald is not a devote of the North Korea strong man Kim-Jong-Un. Who knows? He may be influenced to get a similar haircut!!

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’. ~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

 Next week  “The Fourth Branch of Government” (He who has the gold makes the rules)

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!

I am confidently convinced that Trump does not want to be President of The United States of America.  I firmly believe this is a case of being more enamored with the journey more than the destination.

Why would a man who says and appears to have everything a mortal man could ever wish for in his life want to be president these days?  He appears to be in good physical health, has a trophy wife, I’m told wonderful children, a thriving and successful profitable business and a zillion dollars!—President!!!  You, have to be suspicious of his motives to become involved in the continuous politics of becoming President. 

I have to confess that he has far exceeded the level of engagement that I anticipated.  If you will recall that in previous presidential cycles, he would inject himself in the debate, by saying outrageous and divisive statements.  Sucking out as much of the air of serious political discourse allowable, then flaming out and aligning himself with the favorite candidate. During this period of time he was able achieve the goals he was really seeking i.e., National public stage, which enabled him to repeatedly tell the world what he had and how great and successful he was, and promote the Trump brand.  Most of all feed his insatiable ego.

During this presidential cycle I anticipated his usual modus operandi of entry and departure.  Boy, was I ever wrong!! This time his proclamations struck a cord with many people who are feed up with the corruption in POLITICS and Wall Street and special interest. I have to confess I was interested in him calling out the politicians, Wall Street and special interest. My interest disappeared when he engaged in pure fiction as to how he was going to fix things, demeaning races of people and religions.

I thought that by now reality would take over.  In fact I said metaphorically “That a horse that shits fast, don’t shit long” Boy was I ever wrong. This horses’ capacity for poop is unlimited. His timing could not have been better. The planets lined up for him i.e., a large number of disaffected people, a set of candidates seen as impotent, a PRESS so enamored with the buzz he causes features him 24/7. He has gained traction and is now considered a serious candidate!!?!

He is now being called out, not only by the other candidates, but by the Republican Establishment. They are pressing him on his character, the fantasy fixes he has proposed. They too fail to realize that his followers have been cultified. It does not matter what he is called, or the attempts to discredit him as a viable candidate for  the general election. Everyone knows that “The Emperor Has No Clothes”. But his followers don’t care .  In fact it makes them circle the wagon. I am afraid Trump with his combative nature, now feels he has to go all the way.

I am wrong again, in spite of him achieving a place in the annals of history and making the Trump Brand ubiquitous, his ego will not permit him to not go all the way. There  you have it. A maxi ego, whose opponents accuse him of having a mini appendage!!

I don’t know, I’m just sayin’

~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

Next week... Trump,President???

The PRESS and the TRUMP CULT (Drinking The Kool-Aid)

The PRESS and its PUNDITS seem so perplexed about TRUMP’s appeal! 
I don’t know if it’s because they don’t recognize, the elements of a CULT, and have not connected the dots, or they like the activity levels it produces for their economic business model?

Metaphorically, TRUMP pimp slaps them every day and they cry like little bitches, but can’t wait until the next news cycle to trumpet his outrageous messages to cult followers. What is it?? Maybe they have a strong masochistic inner need.

• The primary elements of a cult are a group of disaffected people who are dissatisfied with their lives and feel anger, fear and despair and trending toward hopelessness.

• A charismatic message and/or messenger, who taps into their pain, and convinces them that he feel their pain and know what it takes to eliminate this pain and promises them he will make them all well. (TRUMP)

• A need for a forum where they can meet and hear this message and be validated by others who have the same pain, as they are not alone. Town Halls and the virtual forums.

• They then have to make a commitment before the group that they are all in. The forums allow this in the form of cheering making signs and chanting. (This is the first sip of the Kool-Aid)

• Continuous messaging, that he is their savior. Offering more outrages promises.

• They now began to abdicate their own reasoning and surrender questioning their savior about anything, regardless how prosperously it may have once sounded. (They have now drunk the Kool-Aid)

Once this happens the savior becomes more omnipotent as he too has drunk the Kool-Aid and becomes delusional and really believes that he is the “GREAT GODDAM, I AM”

The PRESS is TRUMP’s greatest enablers it’s no wonder he feels he can do anything.  As you know, he has made outrageous statements even metaphorically saying he could shoot somebody and no one would care.  (I think this was metaphorically?) 

I don’t see a HARMONIOUS OUTCOME happening here. Remember Jim Jones??  I don’t know.  I’m just saying.

~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen

Programming Model

It is apparent that the CABLE NEWS PROGRAM MODEL, deals almost exclusively with bad an or negative news.  Good news to the press is like kryptonite to Superman!  Rather than continually cherry picking the most horrific news every news cycle, at least occasionally pick the most positive and uplifting news as well?

The CURRENT CABLE NEWS MODEL, wakes you up each morning, showing you the most horrific events that have or are occurring in living color.   It is produced like a reality program.  The reporter describes the horror you are watching.  They then count the causalities and show the victims, focusing on women and children, by the way with great empathy.  Then comes the blame game. Who is responsible? What is going to be done about it? Then enter the PUNDITS, offering all kinds of opinions, and second guesses, about causes, and blame. Then enter the POLITICIANS, and take their turn in determining cause and placing blame. Seldom, if ever agreement is the outcome.

I guess this what fair and balance mean to the press.  It in fact, creates the most strident and divisive forum one could create. Unfortunately, the differences are what are emphasized, not the areas of agreement.  And the differences are many times exaggerated, even sensationalized at the expense of arriving at a HARMONIOUS OUTCOME! 

Why is it always Americas’ fault? Why is it always Americas’ responsibility to fix it right now?  This program model only exacerbates the angst that is so prevalent in our country today.

In summary:

• You wake up to great horror.
• They scare the crap out of you.
• They tear your heart out.
• You are then conflicted about cause and responsibility -- which makes you angry and frustrated about our country's seeming inability to come together and arrive at a HARMONIOUS OUTCOME!
•  

After 24|7 every day – How in the hell can you ever have a nice day? At the end of each day you feel like curling up in the fetal position, and wishing someone would tuck you in!! 
I don’t know.  I’m just saying.

~ Sincerely, Charley Citizen