Book Review – The Monarchy of Fear

The early rumblings of the 2022 political campaigns call for some serious soul searching including an in depth look at WTF (What the F..)  or HTF (How the F..) did this happen.  Martha C. Nussbaum presents a philosopher look at our current political crisis and the retributive response to fear that has polarized American for the last twenty years.   In the book titled “The Monarchy of Fear”, Nussbaum untangles the web of emotions and fear and articulates the politics of constructive work and hope.

Nussbaum first look at fear begins at the everyone’s beginnings, when we first enter the world and are confronted with unknowns that we can’t understand but only respond with emotional outbursts that apparently always gets someone’s attention.  The author draws from historical and contemporary examples of fear-based motivations and traces likes and dislikes and value assignations to emotional responses to fear.  It is a fascinating read and may upend the world as you know it and understand it and it will take you out of your engrained comfort zone.

Dr. Nussbaum discusses the book at length at a Politics and Prose event at the Bookstore Coffeehouse. Please watch this short video:

 

Martha C. Nussbaum is the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, appointed in the Philosophy Department and Law School of the University of Chicago.

Elections 2020 – Its almost Final

The opportunities to put a voice to your choice will be gone in less than ten days. If don’t do it now what will you tell those that will write about it in the history books. What will they say about you if you decide not to be heard.

Is it clear that this is about voting for the good guys or the other guys. You know who they are! There is a lot of real information available.

Lets start with a speech made at Gettysburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and end with one of the many episodes of the other guys deeds.

Don’t forget that there are others involved and they want you to help them get back into office. By now you know who they are and you know if they live on the bright or the dark side of the moon. Let sunshine always shine on those that have your back especially when you are hurting. This time may be the last time that you will be in a position to save the soul of the nation and the light of the world we still hope to have tomorrow.

Elections 2020 – America’s Most Consequential Election Contests

Elections 2020 – America’s most consequential election contest will be decided in less than two weeks. The election will decide what the future will be for America and also for the world. We witnessed the best and the worst of Americans during this struggle.

However a plague is upon us and for many of us our entire being is focused on the existential matters presented by a pandemic that is raging in the United States and most of the world.

We are again looking at disasters facing us like never before and the dire situation in Utah appears to be only the beginning and an example of what is yet to come. Today, October 19, 2020 in the state of Utah began like the last three weeks with COVID cases in excess of 1,000 per day. COVID deaths have doubled in less than two months. The State of Utah and the Trump administration seem to want to stay the course. No change in plans or better stated:  No plans at all. Utah hospitals are at or above capacity. Hospital ICU units may have to turn away, not just COVID patients, but patients with other potentially fatal conditions.
This drama has been reenacted since February 2020 in almost every state of the United States and in most of the world. Our fight against this pandemic and our climate crisis have not yielded a plan to resolve these critical life and death matters for every human being on our planet.

America and the world is in search of a plan. It is within our power to determine this plan and demand this plan of action to address our health and our ability to continue to thrive in our country and on our planet.
A proposal was made in July 2020.  The proposal outlines the deliverables that will stop our downward spiral into an abyss that will darken our nation for generations to come.

It is we that must enable this plan.  It is we that must demand this plans deliverables.  It we that must work together to execute this plan.    It is all within our power and all we need to do is just say so.  We have less than two weeks to speak up.

Elections 2020 – Nevada’s most consequential election contests.

Notwithstanding the local election contests, the most consequential election contests in Nevada are the congressional races and election races for Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court.

Steven Horsford the incumbent running for the US Congress in the congressional district 4, has served our area for two terms and is seeking a third.  We have recognized Horsford’s dedication to our district and he has served his constituents well in many consequential congressional initiatives and support for congressional actions that protect the rights and freedoms of our Nevada and our country.

We are pleased to have the congressman as our guest on the Mesquite Weekly.

 

Well know for his service to the state during his last two terms in the Nevada legislature and in criminal, civil and judicial law practices and services, Ozzie Fumo is seeking a position on the bench of the Nevada Supreme Court.  Fumo is a professor at the UNLV Boyd School of Law and has practiced law in Nevada since 1996.  He is well qualified and will bring a fair, balanced, reasoned and a non political voice to the rulings that will impact all Nevadans in these most challenging times.  Ozzie Fumo was our guest on the Mesquite Weekly on October 9th. We are pleased to present this interview.    

 

Clark County elections races that we also should pay special attention to,  is for a seat on the Clark County School Board.   Jeff Proffitt is seeking a position as Trustee on the School Board District B.  Proffitt’s election campaign message “kids over politics” is the driver of his campaign.  It is our pleasure to present the Mesquite Weekly interview with Jeff Proffitt.

Democratic Party Gains Voter Share Despite Voter Registration Maintenance

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform

It may be another month before we know the impact of same-day voter registration during early caucus voting and on caucus day, however, if the February voter registration numbers are any indication, voters wanted to participate.

February was a routine voter roll maintenance month. Normally, with very minor exception, raw numbers and voter share percentages decline across the board. Not this time.

Statewide, in Clark and Washoe counties, in the rurals, and among voters 18 to 34 and over 55 years of age, the Republican Party, Non-Partisan, the American Independent Party, the Libertarian Party, and other minor parties all lost voter share (Non-Partisan gained share in the rurals) while the Democratic Party recorded sizeable gains across the board. Since the processing of same-day caucus registration reportedly is still underway, we have to assume most of the Democratic gain is due to voters registering or changing party affiliation before the caucus so they could participate in the process.

State-Wide

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 444 0.07% 38.34% 0.20%
R -2,989 -0.57% 32.90% -0.04%
NP -2,401 -0.66% 22.61% -0.05%
IAP -1,195 -1.68% 4.40% -0.05%
LIB -467 -2.88% 0.99% -0.02%
Other -724 -5.60% 0.77% -0.04%
Total not D or R 28.76% -0.16

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Clark County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D -3,145 -0.68% 42.00% 0.25%
R -4,494 -1.40% 28.75% -0.04%
NP -4,158 -1.58% 23.47% -0.07%
IAP -1,300 -2.76% 4.16% -0.06%
LIB -452 -4.41% 0.89% -0.03%
Other -686 -7.87% 0.73% -0.05%
Total not D or R 29.25% -0.21

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Washoe County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 2,755 2.76% 35.61% 0.48%
R 514 0.50% 35.83% -0.31%
NP 590 0.95% 21.75% -0.09%
IAP 18 0.14% 4.46% -0.04%
LIB -17 -0.47% 1.26% -0.02%
Other -21 -0.67% 1.09% -0.02%
Total not D or R 28.56% -0.17

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Rural Counties

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 834 1.84% 22.48% 0.08%
R 991 0.96% 51.12% -0.28%
NP 1,167 3.06% 19.17% 0.29%
IAP 49 0.43% 5.58% -0.06%
LIB 2 0.09% 1.13% -0.02%
Other -17 -1.61% 0.51% -0.02%
Total not D or R 26.39% 0.19

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

18 – 34 Year Old

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 1,046 0.63% 39.45% 0.51%
R -1,306 -1.40% 21.62% -0.16%
NP -1,520 -1.12% 31.63% -0.14%
IAP -505 -2.54% 4.55% -0.09%
LIB -258 -3.50% 1.67% -0.05%
Other -347 -7.00% 1.08% -0.07%
Total not D or R 38.93% -0.35

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and other

55+

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 15 0.01% 38.34% 0.08%
R -610 -0.22% 41.12% -0.01%
NP -188 -0.18% 15.46% 0.00%
IAP -332 -1.17% 4.15% -0.04%
LIB -82 -2.63% 0.45% -0.01%
Other -126 -3.71% 0.48% -0.02%
Total not D or R 20.54% -0.07

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 0 4 0
Republican 2 2 0
Non-Partisan 3 1 0
IAP 4 0 0
LIB 4 0 0
Other 4 0 0

In all Congressional districts (100 percent of the districts) the number of voters not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

State Senate Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 0 21 0
Republican 17 3 1
Non-Partisan 14 6 1
IAP 20 0 1
LIB 20 0 1
Other 21 0 0

In 16 districts (76.19%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties. This is a decrease of one.

State Assembly Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 2 40 0
Republican 35 6 1
Non-Partisan 24 18 0
IAP 39 1 2
LIB 38 0 4
Other 38 1 3

In 34 districts (80.95%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties. This is a decrease of two.

The end of March numbers should provide the total impact of the Democratic Party’s registration efforts leading up to the caucus, including same day registration. They will also give us another look at the impact of automatic voter registration. We’re also less than three months from the start of early voting for the state and local primaries and the implementation of same-day registration for all elections.

Debates. Debates, Debates ! SUU Joins the Debate Frenzy

The Southern Utah University (SUU) student organizations also got caught up in the debates frenzy of this politically unpredictable election year. The Student organized Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service hosted a debate between Socialist, Democratic and Republican party elements of the student body at SUU.

Tom Cloward a member of the Leavitt Center executive council served as the debate moderator. Cloward is in his first year at SUU studying history. He is from South Ogden, Utah. He loves comedy and making others laugh and understand things just a little clearer. His main political interests include foreign policy, wildlife conservation, and health care.

Tanner Faddis, a fellowship intern and first year student at SUU served as co-moderator.

 

 

Taking the stage are the debaters:

Savannah Robinson, also a member of the Leavitt Center executive council, took the debate stage represented the Democratic party. Savannah is a junior philosophy major from Las Vegas. Some political topics she is passionate about are civil rights, gun control, and mental health. She completed a study abroad during the spring 2019 semester in Greece. After college she plans on attending law school to continue her studies.

 

 

 

Sam Cook, a senior majoring in philosophy and history, represented the Socialist party.

The Republican party was represented by Nick Piedmonte, a senior majoring in political science.

 

 

 

 

The debates centered on the following questions:

“Should the U.S. fund foreign wars?”
“Should the U.S. participate in the Paris Climate Agreement.?”
“Should the U.S.’s immigration system be changed?”
“Should student debt be forgiven?”

The audience was encouraged to provide feedback by determining the winner via an app (like in Iowa?). While some of the audience saw Cook as the clear winner of the debate, many were surprised when Piedmonte was declared the winner of the debate.

The Leavitt Center debate was refreshing in that the usual rhetoric, name calling and tribal nonsense we find so often in our politically charged world was kept to a minimum. The issues while debated with some passion, were discussed within the boundaries of reason and civility.

Please view the full debate here:

Legislative Session Ends – Major Party Voter Share Down

By Doug Goodman -Founder & Executive Director Nevadans for Election Reform

Last month we asked if the political maneuvering during the legislative session would drive voter share of the major political parties down. Based on the voter registration numbers for June 2019 just released by the secretary of state, that could be the case.  

Across all tracked demographics; Statewide, Clark County, Washoe County, rural counties, among younger and older voters, both the Democratic and Republican Party lost voter share. The only exception, the Democratic Party held steady among those 18 to 34 years of age. At the same time, Non-Partisan gained share among all demographics and the minor parties (Independent American, Libertarian, and others) were mixed, either holding steady or gaining.

Raw growth was not any kinder to the major parties. Their percentage of growth lagged behind Non-Partisan and the minor parties. The highest rate of growth was seen by the Independent American and Libertarian parties.

State-Wide

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 3,073 0.52% 38.06% -0.01%
R 2,054 0.39% 33.55% -0.06%
NP 2,785 0.81% 22.11% 0.06%
IAP 602 0.88% 4.41% 0.01%
LIB 153 0.97% 1.01% 0.00%
Other 16 0.12% 0.86% 0.00%
Total not D or R 28.39% 0.07

 Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Clark County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 2,708 0.60% 41.78% -0.02%
R 1,526 0.48% 29.30% -0.05%
NP 2,245 0.91% 23.02% 0.06%
IAP 483 1.08% 4.15% 0.02%
LIB 124 1.26% 0.92% 0.01%
Other 7 0.08% 0.83% 0.00%
Total not D or R 28.92% 0.09%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Washoe County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 318 0.33% 34.92% -0.02%
R 299 0.29% 36.85% -0.03%
NP 350 0.59% 21.32% 0.05%
IAP 61 0.49% 4.47% 0.01%
LIB 14 0.40% 1.28% 0.01%
Other 2 0.06% 1.17% -0.01%
Total not D or R 28.24% 0.06%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Rural Counties

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 47 0.10% 22.52% -0.04%
R 229 0.22% 51.69% -0.03%
NP 190 0.51% 18.37% 0.04%
IAP 58 0.50% 5.72% 0.01%
LIB 15 0.65% 1.15% 0.00%
Other 7 0.63% 0.55% 0.00%
Total not D or R 25.79% 0.05

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

18 – 34 Year Old

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 1,019 0.63% 38.45% 0.00%
R 327 0.34% 22.75% -0.07%
NP 1,090 0.83% 31.20% 0.06%
IAP 210 1.10% 4.58% 0.02%
LIB 53 0.73% 1.74% 0.00%
Other -8 -0.15% 1.27% -0.01%
Total not D or R 38.80% 0.07%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and other

55+

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 1,213 0.48% 38.38% -0.02%
R 1,291 0.48% 41.43% -0.03%
NP 783 0.80% 15.07% 0.04%
IAP 199 0.73% 4.15% 0.01%
LIB 25 0.85% 0.45% 0.00%
Other 15 0.44% 0.52% 0.00%
Total not D or R 20.194% 0.05%

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 4 0 0
Republican 4 0 0
Non-Partisan 0 4 0
IAP 0 4 0
LIB 0 2 2
Other 1 0 3

CD 1, CD 2, and CD 4 (75 percent of the districts) continue to show the number of voters not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

State Senate Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 16 4 1
Republican 18 1 2
Non-Partisan 2 19 0
IAP 1 16 4
LIB 3 8 10
Other 7 0 14

In 16 districts (76.19%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

State Assembly Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 28 11 3
Republican 35 4 3
Non-Partisan 4 36 2
IAP 4 31 7
LIB 8 21 13
Other 14 3 25

In 34 districts (81%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

We are now entering the presidential election cycle. The Democratic Party held their first candidate debate. Automatic voter registration approved by the voters in 2018 will be implemented. Beginning with early voting next year, voters will be able to register to vote or update their voter registration when they go to the polls to vote; same-day voter registration signed into law by Governor Sisolak. We don’t know how both these programs will impact voter registration or turnout. We will be watching.

Non-Partisans Will Decide Who Wins in November as Major Party Voter Share Falls

With less than two months before the close of voter registration for the general election, it is becoming apparent neither the Democratic nor Republican Party control the outcome. That honor belongs to those voters registered as Non-Partisan.

An analysis of the voter registration numbers for August 2018 show both major parties losing significant voter share while Non-Partisan registered corresponding gains. The rate of growth for Non-Partisan also over-shadows that of the major parties with the Libertarian Party also showing large growth.

In 15 districts (71.14%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties. There was no change from June.

State-Wide

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 9,513 1.69 38.40 -0.05
R 7,535 1.51 33.84 -0.10
NP 8,398 2.70 21.40 0.18
IAP 1,272 1.40 4.39 -0.02
LIB 360 2.47 1.00 0.01
Other 7 0.05 0.95 -0.02
Total not D or R 27.74 0.15

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Clark County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 8.876 2.07 42.01 -0.10
R 5,959 1.96 29.66 -0.10
NP 7,469 3.31 22.33 0.22
IAP 1,171 2.00 4.13 -0.02
LIB 308 3.33 0.91 0.01
Other 15 0.15 0.95 -0.02
Total not D or R 28.32 0.19

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Washoe County

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 682 0.76 35.22 -0.05
R 846 0.88 37.38 0.00
NP 672 1.29 20.40 0.08
IAP 91 0.52 4.48 -0.02
LIB 29 0.89 1.27 0.00
Other 2 0.06 1.25 -0.01
Total not D or R 27.40 0.05

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

Rural Counties

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D -45 -0.10 23.05 -0.14
R 730 0.74 51.86 0.12
NP 257 0.76 17.72 0.05
IAP -3 -0.03 5.71 -0.03
LIB 23 1.09 1.11 0.01
Other -10 -0.93 0.55 0.00
Total not D or R 25.09 0.03

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

18 – 34 Year Old

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 4,663 3.18 38.47 0.03
R 2,039 2.27 23.34 -0.19
NP 4,435 3.85 30.35 0.22
IAP 728 2.67 4.60 -0.02
LIB 236 3.54 1.75 0.01
Other 21 0.36 1.49 -0.04
Total not D or R 38.19 0.17

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

55+

Party Change in # Voters % Change % Voter Share Difference in Voter Share %
D 2,243 0.92 38.90 -0.09
R 3,394 1.32 41.29 0.06
NP 1,388 1.52 14.68 0.05
IAP 238 0.80 4.12 -0.01
LIB 34 1.22 0.45 0.00
Other -2 -0.06 0.56 -0.01
Total not D or R 19.81 0.03

Other includes Green Party, Natural Law Party, and others

By district voter share changes.

Congressional Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 4 0 0
Republican 3 1 0
Non-Partisan 0 4 0
IAP 3 1 0
LIB 0 4 0
Other 4 0 0

CD 1and CD 2 continue to show the number of voters not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties.

State Senate Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 20 1 0
Republican 14 7 0
Non-Partisan 1 20 0
IAP 14 6 1
LIB 2 10 9
Other 18 0 3

In 15 districts (71.14%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties. There was no change from June.

State Assembly Districts

Party # Districts Lose Voter Share # Districts Gain Voter Share # Districts No Change
Democratic 38 2 2
Republican 26 16 0
Non-Partisan 1 40 1
IAP 26 12 4
LIB 11 23 8
Other 36 3 3

In 31 districts (73.81%) the number of voters registered as Non-Partisan or the total number not affiliated with either major party is greater than or within 5% of the number of voters registered to one of the major parties. There was no change from June.

Monthly changes in excess of one-tenth of one percent (0.10) are significant. Changes of nearly one-quarter of one percent (0.25) are rare. Yet we see type of swings in several places through the tracked demographics. If this trend continues through to the close of voter registration in October, the outcome of key races should be interesting.

Grass Roots Politics – Tomorrow Will Be Negotiated in The Lobby

When the hate mongers speak of separating us with walls and herding many of us like cattle into pens for later disposal. Many aspiring lawmakers shout in support of the slogans of the past and illusions of national greatness and racial and ideological superiority. Compassion and caring even for those that meet nefarious standards for racial and ideological inclusion are cast aside in favor of those that have the wherewithal to spout lofty platitudes of self-determination and self-righteous protection of wealth and gains obtained at the expense of those less capable. Barriers, physical walls and social constructs prohibit interactions and powerful messages are propagated and repetitively shouted over every message channel drowning out any attempts to curtail the insanity.

But let us return to the subject of parties. Political parties? There are parallels to be construed here. And here also we are beginning to see a demise of what used to be and a replacement with that which is yet to be determined. We are still hampered by political party loyalties, but shifts in those norms have shaken the foundations of political, cultural and social structures during 2016 starting with Great Britain and culminating with our own 2016 election. The realignment of national powers is just as unpredictable and contradictory of traditional comfort zones as those of political constructs and associations. Alliances are forged with a singular direction regardless of the ideological, sociological and even political basis from which they arose. A moral compass is not in play and a populous stampede with a singular purpose is leading, like lemmings, blindly to a precipice destined for self-destruction.

It is in the hope of the events of 2018 that I look toward foreign lands and the renewal of the dreams and the celebration of the totality of our common humanity. Recent elections in European countries and worldwide movements of resistance have resulted in turning away the tide of fascism, finding a foothold in the populous movements in a United Europe. However, that less insane political climate is facing strong headwinds whereby the future direction of the European as well as the world political movements are best described as very uncertain.

Our own next elections will be in November 2018. And so, we are here again. At another crossroads and a choice of directions. Or so it seems!

Election victories have come at a price and the choice is a not one for the party of choice, but the candidate of choice. The candidate that matches the electorates’ whims will succeed. However, no single issue will rise from the ashes of burnt out America and result in the progress that we expect from our legislators. The parties will support any issues that may result in a victory at the cost of any party direction because the party will support the direction of the candidate. Republican ideals concerned with a burgeoning budget and a bureaucracy set aside for the dictates of a few super rich power brokers. Democratic ideals are set aside for a few marginal votes by displaying AR-15’s and a disregard for the Rowe vs Wade supreme court ruling.

What happened to the party? And I do mean the party or the celebration of freedom, liberty, justice, and truths that were self-evident. We didn’t feel the need to make this country great again, for we knew how great it was. We reached out to all with empathy and compassion and love. But now we are faced with a change that has altered that celebration of our many accomplishments and replaced that celebration with a fear of impending doom and a longing for conquest and enforcement of dogmatic ideas and values with the point of the sword.

The new-found wealth resulting from the recent tax windfall will not be invested in trickle down anything but will be paid to legislators to assure that the tax windfall will remain intact and that further power swings will turn even corporate America into that of oligarchs. The anticipated blue wave will constitute a sham and will be blue in name only. Senator Sanders may have captured the hearts of our youth, but his ideals have not swayed the minds and the pocket books of voters who are not concerned with the day after tomorrow.
Our own national security apparatus is minimalized and being dismantled at the whims of a few who do not want their affiliations with foreign dictators exposed. Our corporations are increasingly closely affiliated with legislators who dish out policies which do not have middle America interests at heart and are being passed into law by elected officials regardless of party affiliation.

What are we to do? Well not unlike any other kind of problem resolution method, a bit of homework and inquiry will help to send you in the right direction. It is usually easy to ascertain the rights and wrongs of any candidate’s position with three questions. What will you do for me? How will you do it. And when will it be done? Never ask why it will be done. I repeat never ever!! Ok give it a shot and if you are not inundated with a barrage of rhetoric (bullshit in other words) which attempts to circumvent any of the what, when and how questions I will be extremely surprised. Be sure to ask if the candidate will agree to a expedient and efficient method of recording their answer. Video records are the most efficient and expedient in assuring that spoken comments can’t be denied later. Feel free to point out that recordings have not dissuaded Trump or his entourage of clowns from appealing to the crowds that can’t seem to get enough of his theatrics.

Party politics will continue to be played in picking a party candidate during the primaries, but the real game begins after that. Now you are totally confused because what choices do you really have after that? Well none really, unless we can start to wrap our heads around supporting candidates that do not spout the rhetoric of party politics and anything goes ethics (actually – unethical practices) to win an election. Can we really start to demand specific directions and ask specifically what our representatives are to represent and demand a recall if they don’t comply? A simple three step will get you there!

Step 1:   Clearly state your demands (what) and get how and when answers

Step 2:  Don’t bother to listen to what they are opposed to, because it is a step around or more like a reach around.

Step 3:  Keep track of what they do while in the elected position.

Step 3 is where they will get you all the time, because they know that when they do not do what is promised no one remembers. Do not forget that you need to repeat the question before during and after the election cycle and meticulously keep track of their answers. Let them know you are doing exactly just that. Let them know their promises are the sole reason for their representing you in their elected capacity. This is the real work of democracy and it is not at all political, but simply is what it is. That being said, the only recourse after election is a recall, impeachment, or forcing a resignation. A bit like closing the barn door after the bull has left the building.

These are the reasons for lobbyist. These methods are tried and true and with appropriate funding the individuals that have much to gain finance an army around each and every local, state and federal legislator to make sure that they do their bidding.

How can I conclude? With a heavy sigh of despair? Well I can and so can you, but it may be more productive if we demand that your representatives do your bidding. A lobbyist is nothing more than just someone who demands that their representative does what they asked them to do. Remember to ask what, how and when and hold them to that promise. Let the lobbyist in you come out and make demands. Share your hard work with others, by simple letting your friends and neighbors and the world know who stands for what and how and when they intend to bring us a future that we want for ourselves.

Don’t Just March – Run for your Lives !

While the nation demands specific action, many NRA supported politicians or potentially targeted by the NRA politicians continue with offering thoughts and prayers to weapons violence victims and read their cue cards with obviously feigned sincerity “We hear you”. They call for “sensible” gun controls and claim to want to find a “common ground” for legislative action. For the last two decades not one of them has declared as to what is sensible and where the common ground is to be found.

A group of high school students whose friends and colleges where among the victims of the Parkland Florida massacre, organized the “March for our Lives” and are receiving national attention of unprecedented proportions. Millions participated in the “March for our Lives”, not only in every city in the United States, but around the globe. On Saturday March 24, 2018, an estimated crowd of 1200 demonstrator gathered at the Smith Center and marched to the Las Vegas city hall. While most Nevada politicians did not attend or participated by keeping a low profile, we did note that Dina Titus (Congresswoman-CD1) made a brief appearance along with Nevada State Senator Aaron Ford but did not speak at the rally. We did meet Michael Weiss a Democratic Congressional Candidate for District 3 who offered his support and detailed his stance on weapons control by explaining what he means by “sensible” weapons controls.

A vocal religious group was also on hand and joined in with loudspeakers supporting the demonstrators’ demand for action.

The call for political action was expressed by the demonstrators and we noted many signs calling for changes in who we elect to political office. The marchers also expressed their outrage and contempt for elected officials that continue to do nothing, with chants of “Vote them Out”.
We noted the crowd to be mostly elderly citizens and the demographics of all the marches across the country also indicated that the average age of the participants to be around 50. Seventy percent were female and 75% were college educated.

We asked some twenty-five of the marchers as to what aspects of weapon controls they want the legislators to enact. We were not surprised that most wanted to have sensible weapon control laws, but when we asked for more specific controls the majority (19/25) favored assault weapon bans and agreed that semi-automatic weapons are assault weapons. The following aspects of weapons controls were also specifically targeted for legislative action by lawmakers by most of the marchers and these include:

  • Require permits and background checks for all weapons purchase transactions (private or by dealers).
  • Require registration of all weapons in a federal data base accessible to all law enforcement authorities.
  • Require permits and background checks for all ammunition purchase and registration of the purchase transaction in a federal database.
  • Vetting of all weapons purchasers by mental health authorities before taking possession of weapons.
  • Vetting and clearance by local police departments of all weapons purchasers before taking possession of weapons.
  • Ban on all semi-automatic weapons.
  • Ban on all semi and/or automatic magazines.
  • Require liability insurance coverage for all weapons owners.

A minority (4/25) also favored the repeal of the 2nd Amendment. The 2nd Amendment is a strange proposition in that is establishes the right to bear arms to violently overthrow the federal government if deemed necessary. The scenario that calls for a violent overthrow of the federal government has only been attempted once and that was over 150 years ago. A violent and armed overthrow of our federal government in our time even by a heavily armed (AR-15) militia is absurd. So, if not for the overthrow of the federal government, then what purpose does this nonsense of a constitutional amendment serve? Some weapons enthusiasts claim that the 2nd Amendment is a God given right. It should therefore remain a God given right and not a right given by the state. We therefore should call for the immediate repeal of the 2nd Amendment.

A second question posed to the 25 surveyed participants was about how they would “vote them out” and who they would vote into office for support of their call for a safer America. None of the respondents could identify an elected official or a candidate at the federal or the state level that supports any specific weapons control legislation. Marco Rubio an NRA man fully paid for and has therefore done absolutely nothing to make “America Safe Again”. Rubio is a sitting US Senator for the state of Florida which has witnessed some of the more tragic AR-15 massacres.  Rubio has always called for “sensible” weapons control, which resulted in nothing but voicing opposition to any weapons control legislation.  Rubio however continues to maintain a stance calling for ‘sensible’ weapons controls and is looking for a common ground to pursue such measures. Our prayers and thoughts will not be with this totally ingenious buffoon and lacky of the NRA when he is “voted out”.

The movement hailed as one that will make a difference in making “America Safe Again”, may again fail in the end, not because we haven’t been paying attention, but because we have not been able to make our politicians pay attention. For the most part they expect us to vote for them no matter that they will do nothing. A brief comment about how they favor “sensible” gun control continues to be an insult to those that know that it means absolutely nothing. Keep watching this space and find out how our own Nevada politicians are perhaps changing their stance on weapons control or not. Hopefully when we go to the polls we shall know them by what they have done and said. We also need some good people to run (for political office) for our lives.