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While We Still Have Time

In spite of the grimness of the times in which we live, there is still hope. If you feel, like I do, that the usual discourse about matters of critical concern tends to be superficial, misguided, and false, then you might find some solace and inspiration here. I will try to offer insight and a holistic perspective on events and issues, and hopefully serve as a catalyst for raising the level of dialogue on this planet.

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Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

I was born in 1945, shortly before atom bombs were dropped on Japan. I served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971. I earned master's degrees in Economics and Educational Psychology, and certificates in Web Page Design and as a Teacher of English as a Second Language. I followed an Indian guru for eight years, which immersed me in meditative practices and an attitude of reaching a higher level of being. A blog post listing the meditative practices I have pursued can be seen here.

Friday, April 06, 2018

#BlueWave

I read with bemusement that Wisconsin governor Scott Walker is resorting to fear mongering, scapegoating and paranoia to rally gullible voters for the fall election. Warning of a "#BlueWave," our ethically challenged governor tweeted before the polls closed that "The Far Left is driven by anger & hatred," and that "we must counter it with optimism & organization." Translation: Democratic voters are energized to show up on election day, and Republicans must overcome them with voter suppression and massive amounts of money.

It wasn’t clear to voters in Walker’s previous campaigns that he is essentially a scam artist, much like his counterpart in the Oval Office. It is becoming clear now, similar to the slow awakening about Trump. His supposed "bold reforms" against unions, against public education, against voting and against poor people were all attempts to disenfranchise those who voted against him. His efforts to weaken corporate responsibility and protection of the environment were rewards to those who voted for him – at least some of them. The rest were fooled by Walker’s phony portrayal of his opponents as the enemy.

So the question for the November election is will it work again. It worked for Walker three times, and it worked for Trump, another scam artist. The voters appear to be tired of it, but that is no guarantee of victory for Democrats. They have to show a belief in principles of governance and of how a civilization functions properly. In recent decades they have chosen to play it "safe," not standing for anything, but relying on getting out the vote among reliable constituencies.

If Democrats listen to their highly paid consultants they will squander this opportunity, same as they did in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The saving grace this time around is that at the grass roots level new candidates are running for office – in areas previously assumed to be "Red." In other words, written in stone as Republican parts of the state. Who makes this all-knowing assumption? Political consultants. This is what they get paid to assume.

It’s a vicious circle. In counties "Up North" citizens have voted for Republicans in the past. Therefore, they will always vote for Republicans. Ante-up, Democratic candidates. This is the knowledge we, the all-knowing consultants are paid to all-know. Thankfully, new candidates can’t afford these all-knowing consultants, and are running for office - in places Up North and throughout the state. They may save the Democratic Party, and in so doing, save us from Scott Walker.
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Here's a song about Walker and Trump.