Monday, June 18, 2018

Reasons For Optimism


I know, I know. Things are not looking good for the ole human race at the moment. Short term thinking oligarchs are doing their level best to maximize profits no matter the cost to the rest of us. This is a civilization killer according to Jared Diamond. The Donald, AKA 45, may be the best thing to ever happen to the Left here in the USA! Hold on, keep reading. We need to look beyond politics. Keep in mind the Democratic Party is in the death grip of Big Bankers and Wall Street types who lack vision beyond this quarter's bottom line. They offer capitalism lite (repackaged more of the same). Bernie thinks reforming this sad bunch is the best way to go. My gut tells me this cannot happen. They are far too heavily invested in the status quo to offer any real change. I think there is a good chance they will lose to Trump again for this very reason. "I'm not Trump," is not a winning strategy as we have seen. They have to do better. They will not. The Democrats have no alternative vision as of this writing. But there is still reason to be hopeful and get up in the morning. Why?   


Teachers Saying OH, HELL NO to business as usual. They are getting results. Sure, public education has deep problems but consider the alternative; "For Profit" schools teaching the blessings of subjugation and the joys of the free market. Don''t quit on us now, teachers. We need you more than ever.

Students have also had enough of business as usual. School shootings have become American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. Yet, our so called leaders continue to sit on their hands simply refusing any reasonable response. They offer absurdities as solutions like arming teachers or letting God back in schools. The kids have had enough of adult bullshit and are standing up for themselves. Join them! Don't quit on us now, students. We need you more than ever.     

Black Lives Matter formed in response to on going extrajudicial killings (murder) by police of African Americans all across America. They too are saying OH, HELL NO to business a usual. African Americans should not have to fear for their lives at a traffic stop. Don't quit now! Stan up and be heard.

I thought I knew how racist this country was until the election of 2016. Man, have we got some work to do. A good first step is to step back, sit down and listen. Just listen...      

Poor Peoples Campaign and Reverend Barber are shining a bright light on economic inequality. Those who don't see this the ever widening gap between rich and poor as a huge problem are unknowingly playing with fire. Criminalizing poverty is no solution to poverty. There are better ideas. If we can fix this problem a lot of other problems diminish.   

There are more good things to get involved with. Find your passion and go make something good happen. Quitting and relinquishing your power only serves those who don't have your best interests at heart. Get up and get involved. It is our duty.