Fantasy And Reality - Our Number One Problem - The One Constant

To varying degrees we are clueless and we will remain clueless until we exit this life.

Sometimes we can educate ourselves about aspects of our realities.

Unfortunately that is not always sufficient for some people. Some folks just don't know how to agree to disagree.

Some folks don't allow themselves to consider things because considering things would make them uncomfortable.

I watched a little bit of the Democratic candidate debates on both nights. Let's just say for the most part the candidates were lackluster. They did not exactly inspire.

For the most part, there was no class, no elegance, no cohesion.

There wasn't even a central unifying theme - no main rallying call. Why bother?

Kathy fell asleep both nights and I couldn't stand to watch them after a little. There was really nothing to see. I enjoyed what I saw of Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.

I would think everybody running as a Democrat would be laser focused on the Number One Problem facing our country today.

Any leader or wannabe leader should be on top of that. Our government and our laws are being taken apart on an escalating basis each and every day.

Our planet is also being destroyed at an alarming rate. Our Number One Problem has a lot to do with that as well. Water pollution, air pollution, climate change, species extinction and destruction of habitat are overtaking us and our ability to survive and coexist. 

Our Number One Problem is also bringing us closer to war. Yep, we almost got into a shooting war with Iran. I won't even mention North Korea, China and Russia.

So, I would say that everyone who wants the Democratic nomination should say they are, first and foremost, advocating for the House to remove the greatest threat (Our Number One Problem) to both our national security and the global environment. They should come out publicly for Impeachment hearings now.

Then, and only then, I would address the real political issues that need to be addressed - issues that are all rooted in class warfare. Issues that rarely ever get addressed because both political parties are too busy trying to set us at each other's throats.

Hey wait a minute. Where have I seen this before?

Yeah, well, truth is both political parties just want our votes. After that they could give a shit. They want us to follow them without question.

They don't represent us. They represent the big money donors who contribute to them. Those big money donors actually contribute to both parties.

Issue: income inequality and poverty - Solution: progressive taxation.

Issue: corporate and industry abuse - Solution: regulation.

Issue: immigration - Solution: comprehensive immigration policy.

Issue: health insurance - Solution: for starters, make for-profit health insurance against the law.

Issue: environment - Solution: restore, expand and fully fund the EPA.

Issue: gun violence - Solution: ban assault weapons and large magazines, full background checks, gun registration, and gun safety training.

There are lots of legitimate issues, but they never get addressed. There is no bi-partisan support by design. Both parties can blame each other for things not getting done.

Issues about discrimination based upon anything (race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin,etc.) issues about salary discrimination, issues about equal opportunity, issues about fair campaign practices and funding, issues about voter suppression, issues about education funding, issues about maintaining infrastructure, issues about renewable energy, etc. - ain't nothin' hard if your first loyalty is to your country and your people.

Think about it. You have a full car and flat tire with a spare in the trunk. Do you fix it or debate about why it happened and who should actually do the job.

We are all being played by both parties. Maybe it's time for us to wise up and deal with it? Maybe it's time for us to treat each other as neighbors as opposed to adversaries?

I've lived in communities all across this country - urban, suburban, rural, you name it. I always had neighbors who disagreed with me over issues. Despite that, it never prevented us from getting along and helping each other when there was a problem - more so when there was a crisis.

Political parties are a monster problem. Want to know who they really serve? Want to know who they truly work for? Read a book. I suggest starting out with "Friendly Fascism" by Bertram Gross. 

Need a break - some R&R? Read a book. I suggest "The Sirens Of Titan" by Kurt Vonnegut.

Apparently Our Number One Problem attended the G20 and joked sarcastically with Putin about not interfering with or meddling in our 2020 elections.

Since our inception as a country, the one constant regardless of who's been in what office has been the rich get richer and the poor get fucked.

For those in the bleachers, the poor is anybody who ain't rich.

Holy Moly!