CRITICAL SUCCESS: The 2 Rules of 3

A Critical Analysis Of Why The Cordoba Mosque Should NOT Be Built

DS Brown — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:04:00 GMT

A Critical Analysis Of
Why The Cordoba
Mosque
Should NOT Be Built
By

D.S.Brown

As the Mosque furor recedes into memory and is replaced by the next great thing of the moment, be it re-igniting the emotional sub-cultural rant that is the Birther movement, or the reclamation of our Judeo-Christian nation for the greater glory of Jesus as only one party can, I would like to pause … and take a moment to consider what has transpired with regard to Park 51.
However, before delving into this let me take a stand and clarify my position, my approach. This issue of building a mosque near Ground Zero is asking people to take a side. I have good friends who tell me the mosque should not be built. There are people on either side of the ideological divide that say the mosque should not be built. Even the President flip-flopped and said the mosque should not be built.
So, there you have it. A clear perspective that takes into account the people of New York, the families that were impacted by the cowardly attack of Muslim extremists, and asks that those who seek to build their center consider those of us who see Cordoba as a symbol of all that is wrong, wrong for them, wrong for us, wrong for America. THE MOSQUE SHOULD NOT BE BUILT NEAR GROUND ZERO OR ANYWHERE CLOSE TO IT!
End of discussion.
But wait, I like to pride myself on being an aspiring critical thinker, always climbing the mountain, always striving for better understanding, deeper knowledge. I am Sisyphus struggling mightily on the mountain of critical thinking. The struggle is indeed infinite, but I long ago realized it is not punishment. No, it is joy. For the mountain and the boulder arrayed in my path are life’s challenges, pushed, man-handled, and sometimes thrust aside. The path is a joyous march forward, a walk in which I gain happiness and enlightenment. I step up the mountain knowing that each step is a reward. Why? Because I know I walk the path of wisdom. And the path to wisdom is brightly illuminated by the light of perspective. And in order to walk this path I must embrace critical thinking. And what is the hallmark of the critical thinker? Essentially, it is the ability to sincerely internalize the perspectives of others, most certainly when those perspectives are diametrically, even violently opposed to one’s own. And so, I must consider the differing perspectives. I can’t let it end with, THE MOSQUE SHOULD NOT BE BUILT! I must consider this position, and the opposing position critically.
Let us begin.

First I would like to take a moment to address the images above. Don’t glorify the murder of3000. I would think we can all agree with this sentiment. We in no way want to erect a monument that glorifies for the extremists the tragedy that is 9/11. There can be no symbol of Islamic extremist victory on our soil.
Where does this particular perspective come from? I heard and read Newt Gingrich’s claim that Cordoba is a symbol of Islamic victory, which the naming of the mosque near ground zero symbolizes. I’ve heard this particular perspective repeated several times. The rationale behind this perspective is the purported history of the Islamic Great Mosque in Cordoba, Spain.
So we must understand that the perspective of building a victory symbol, a symbol that would tell the world that Mohammad Atta and his Islamic freedom fighters struck a blow for the faithful must not come to pass.
But what are the facts?
The fact is that Cordoba under Muslim rule was one of the most civilized cities in the world. It was a place of commerce and learning, where people of many faiths(Islam, Christianity, Judaism) worshipped freely without fear of recrimination. The Great Mosque of Cordoba was originally a Christian Church started in 600 CE. After the Muslim conquest in 711 CE it was purchased and over two centuries made into a mosque. It served in this form until 1236, when Cordoba was reclaimed by Christendom. Today, the Great Mosque is again a church.
This does not seem to mirror the claim that the Great Mosque was erected as some sort of victory symbol. The fact that it is no longer a mosque at all does little to lend credence to the name Cordoba as some nefarious symbol of dark conquest. In fact, the facts don’t seem to mirror Newt’s claim at all.
Okay, point considered, rationale not supported. Newt is clearly wrong.
This is no surprise as it is clear that every controversial utterance that pours from his mouth is a provocation utilized to continue interest in the Newt Gingrich brand. This noise he creates essentially puts money in his pocket. Wow, when you think about it like that, the man that is New Gingrich becomes quite clear to the critical-thinking. He most certainly is not qualified to run for President. He is not to be considered a viable critical-thinking source on matters of policy and fact. What he is, is a Great Entertainer. Newt Gingrich should go on reality television. His purpose is, and should continue to be, wild-eyed entertainment.

Laura Ingraham interviewed Daisy Kahn, wife if Iman FeisalAbdul Rauf. At the time Ingraham gave the Cordoba project her blessing. Why would she do such a thing? Why would she encourage and support the construction of a monument to Islamic victory in the heart of Manhattan? Well, let us consider what the Muslims are attempting to achieve with this project.
With critical consideration it would seem the Muslims are attempting outreach, education, the facilitation of learning, the spreading of knowledge at a place of mutual respect and friendship, where love and understanding could prosper, flourish, and eventually propagate outwards. Such a place could quite conceivably shift the paradigm,right? Such a shift would not be in a negative direction, but rather a positive one. The facts do seem to bear this out.
Such a place would move us all beyond stereotypes and generalizations to a mode of thinking where people could gain tolerance, acceptance, and eventually love from those who think differently, who see differently, worship differently, but love no differently from the rest of us. Yes, I think at that time, in that moment, Laura understood the Muslim motivation for Cordoba. I think Laura might have realized the Cordoba House was indeed seeking to reclaim some of what ancient Cordoba was. Based on historical fact we now know it was not a symbol of conquest, but rather a symbol of learning, acceptance, and unity. It was civilized, disavowed of barbarity, aspiring to be the best of us. Yes, I think Laura liked what she heard, and indeed fully supported it.
So why would Laura later come out against her initial stance?
Well, there are at best two points to consider when attempting to answer this question. First, Laura represents a business enterprise. No matter how many times we learn it, it seems we all have to come back and learn it again. The 4^th Estate, a term which refers to our press, our media, still aspires to be objective; to only report the news, not judge the news or the people who make it. Over time, with the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, this personal mandate has magnified greatly. There has always been the human compunction to create the news, be you a reporter with no facts or a William Randolph Hearst himself, creating the truth whole cloth and publishing it for consumption in your vast newspaper empire. This need has not vanished, nor has the desire to remain objective.
However, news is big business, and big business has a need to fill the 24-hour news cycle. You may not outright lie, but you will gladly publish or broadcast that which is controversial. You will gladly color facts to suit a given audience. You will do this because ad dollars, the lifeblood of your enterprise, are on the line. It’s about market share, what you can capture, and what you leave on the table for later, if you can have it. Who’s the most sensational? Who’s the most bombastic? Who’s making the most noise? In this, Laura has made no small amount of noise.
The second point to consider is Newt’s perspective, which we’ve already established as a fallacy, but controversial nonetheless. We all know that once you put it out there you can’t take it back. Obama will forever be a Muslim to some. Cordoba will forever be a monument to extremism to some. The very act of refuting these claims causes controversy, causes increased viewership, creates more ad dollars. Yes, Laura’s change in position makes perfectly good sense, and carries much truth. However, it is not the truth of the Cordoba mission, and all that it means, rather it is the truth of the almighty dollar, the boiling of blood, and the stirring of the soul, all in order to increase viewership.

Before moving on in our understanding we must address this man, this Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, and his endorsement of Sharia law. We all know that Sharia law advocates the stoning of women, and commands Muslims to practice unjust and aggressive Jihad. We all know Sharia law marries strict Islamic law to the political process.   We all know in comparison to Western ideals, Sharia law is inherently evil. Yes, we respect the right to worship Satan, Lucifer, Angels, and Devils. However, we should be allowed to draw a line, right? One man has stated on a YouTube vlog that Islam should erect its mosques only in appropriate areas of America, like Death Valley, or the Arizona desert.   Hmmm, that doesn’t sound hateful … does it?
We must therefore conclude that Imam Feisal, a man who has apparently worked tirelessly on behalf of America and all her people, who has confronted extremism at the behest of the American government, risking life and limb under the threat of being branded a traitorous infidel, of this man who supports Sharia law we can only draw one conclusion. As Sharia law is evil, so too then must be Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.
And here, I must pause. Here is the line I must draw, and from which I must step back … way back.
As an aspiring critical thinker I cannot just adhere to one perspective. I must ask the question, is Sharia truly evil? I must consider the perspective, why would Imam Feisal support Sharia law? Well, let’s start with facts. What is Sharia law?
To consider it without rancor or bias one must settle on what it means to its adherents. Clearly, to Muslims, it is the way of life. It is the law of God, a combination of the Islamic system of law and how a Muslim should live their daily life.
Sharia’s source is the Holy Qur’an and the words of Muhammad that explain the Qur’an, what Muslims call the Hadith. With unbiased study one comes to understand that Sharia law runs the gamut from the very liberal to the almost inhumane extreme.   When this spectrum of moral value is placed in comparison to other religions, most especially biased Western Christianity, we find Christians doing exactly that which they are admonished to not do, “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
Can we and should we agree to integrate Sharia law into our daily legal and political lives? Most certainly not! America is not a theocracy, nor should it be. This statement applies to Christian zealots as well, who are so fond of calling America a Christian nation. The great experiment that is America is most certainly about separation of church and state and religious tolerance for the express purpose of avoiding the codification of zealotry, which most often leads to the must inhumane and barbaric behavior, which extremists conveniently attribute to God’s will.
Christians need to stop and consider this judging of others critically. Much of what we find abhorrent in Sharia law as practiced by conservative extremists derives from personal belief and cultural mores that have been imprinted on the religion. This same behavior has been emulated by Christians. Christians have stoned. Christians chopped off heads. Christians have boiled, drowned, and burned at the stake. Christians have claimed personally the right hand of God, the mantle of the just, and used it to spread blood, not love. Christians say this is our past. However, you need only look inward for but a brief moment to see Fundamentalist Christian groups readying themselves for Holy War, and even taking their positions of power (See Pentagon Generals and Secretary of Defense Daily Briefings), as being ordained by God, bringing peace and democracy to evil tyrants and terrorists through the projected might of blood and steel. Christians, please look in the mirror and paint your own picture before you rush to judgment of others, and please remember just as you rush to judgment, such acts are not your province, but rather the province of the Lord. You have not the right.
When Imam Feisal expresses a belief that Sharia law is compatible with American freedom and concepts of justice, he is not wrong. He is interpreting Sharia law and apparently living it, from his own personal perspective, his own personal belief, his desire to make Sharia law a thing of goodness, beneficial to all its adherents. Who are we, and why should we, tell him he’s wrong? Again, judge not lest ye be judged.
In honesty, we Americans should step away from ignorance and understand his perspective, if only so we can hold all Muslims accountable to it. Why? Because Imam Feisal’s interpretation of Sharia Law is an expression of the good will of God, that we do good things, and be good to each other. There have been so many examples in history where tolerance, acceptance, and love have been the rule, not the exception, as was the case in Cordoba, Spain. We should learn from these examples, and we should all disavow ourselves of the extreme perspective and embrace that which is best in us, that which has been before, and can be again.
So where does that leave us with regard to the Mosque? Should we still protest? Protesting is a great All-American pastime. Sure, why not. She would brandish Sharia Law and the fear that it will be codified into American Jurisprudence as a justifiable reason to protest the building of the Mosque? Sure, if you want to adhere to ignorance. Again, America is not a theocracy, nor will it be, if we remain vigilant. The fear of Sharia Law becoming common in America is not a valid point of protest. It is not critical to the debate. Therefore, it must be abandoned when considered under the light of reason, and the American mandate for religious tolerance. Muslims have the right in America to walk God’s path, and live God’s way, as they interpret it.

And so we arrive at the crux of the matter. The image above is the Cordoba Mosque in its current state. It’s in ablighted neighborhood almost two blocks away from where the World Trade Center towers once stood. This is where the Muslims seek to build their house of understanding with a space for worship. They say it is not a mosque, that it won’t look like a traditional mosque, that it is a communitycenter for understanding, one that will bring life to the neighborhood, as well as jobs.
However, we Americans have a different question to ask, right? We want to know how can the Muslims be so incredibly insensitive? How can they not see the pain they are causing not only the 9/11 victims’ families, but all Americans who hate and despise the Islamofascists that practice aggressive Jihad against all who see the world differently? How can they so blatantly pursue building a terrorist training center in the heart of New York City? How can they not see how utterly evil this pursuit is?
I sorely lament the loss of critical thinking skills. I so greatly lament the lack of focus on fundamental questions, wholistic thinking styles, mental approaches to issues that traverse the ideological divide. I miss … I miss people that think for themselves.
Words like Islamofascists are incendiary and only serve to divide us further. We know the truth of hate, and calling others evil. It does not promote understanding.   It does not build bridges or mend fences. Such words only serve to guide us further down the road to conflict and death.
The perspective that believes the above building is a fomenting hotbed for terror is not rational, and does not take into account the facts. Interestingly enough, not to be impolite here with regard to the violation of privacy, but do we all, by all I mean us Americans, think that a community center in New York, led by an Imam who serves at the behest of the State Department, and any Governmental apparatus that demands his services, will be free of the prying eyes and ears of government? Can we really believe that funds moving into and out of this center will not be scrutinized? Do we really think that a terrorist training facility could operate within the Cordoba center with impunity?
How insensitive are the Muslims for reconstructing so close to Ground Zero? I say reconstructing and not building because you see … they were there already. Are they really being ignorant and insensitive? I have to say yes. However, for our critical consideration, is the converse true? Are 9/11 families and anti-mosque supporters being ignorant and wholly insensitive? Well, without equivocation they most certainly are. In fact, pardon me for saying so, they’re being downright un-American.
Please allow me to clarify.
The Muslims and the mosque-protestors are ignorant, as are we all. Those who aspire to wisdom recognize that we live our lives in a constant state of ignorance. We may be learned in one area, but we are most certainly ignorant in another. None of us knows everything. And so, those who walk the path to enlightenment seek to be in a constant state of knowing, learning, moving from a state of ignorance to one of knowledge. Mosque-protestors are ignorant of the perspective of Muslims because they have not taken the time to understand Islam without the poison of bias and subjectivity. Cordoba supporters are ignorant of the situation they’re in as Americans, as evidenced by their approach to the situation, their acquiescence in changing the name from Cordoba to Park 51, their supposed silence because they are not given to being loud and opposing. They are insensitive to the 9/11 families only in that they continue to remain ignorant of the import of the situation as a whole. They must find their passion. They must find their voice. They clearly must speak, and speak loudly enough without rancor in order to be effectively heard.
Are the families of the victims’ being insensitive? Some of them are indeed being insensitive, to their fellow victims’ families. Muslims died in 9/11, and I’m not talking about the perpetrators. In addition to this insensitivity they are being willfully ignorant and intolerant. America has a long tradition of intolerance, for hate and racism are at the very root of our national genesis. It is something we can and should acknowledge. It is an ancestral lesson for us all, something we must never forget, an ignorance we must readily thrust aside and ever strive to be above.
In stepping back and viewing this aspect of the issue wholistically, utilizing a critical thinking mind, one finds that both Cordoba supporters and detractors should step back and reassess their positions. They should strive for understanding, to truly internalize the perspectives of those that are diametrically, even violently opposed to their own position, and endeavor to come together, to help each other see more clearly. Such a critical thinking perspective dies in the withering heat of hate and intolerance. We must all remember that America, the ideal of America, is about freedom, religious freedom most certainly, even freedom for Islam, and Islamic-Americans.
This stance, this position of denial and intolerance is antithetical to the American ideal, and truly runs counter to our military mission abroad. None other than General Patreaus himself has stated that this anti-Islamic hysteria threatens our national security. It puts our troops squarely in harm’s way. Now, considering how so many seem to readily support our military, one truly questions their level of ignorance when they visibly, demonstrably, loudly join the chorus of Islamic decriers. The language incites. Now, in Florida there is a pastor who’s preparing to hold a bookburning. The book to be burned? The Holy Qur’an. What does this say about intolerance and ignorance? What does this say to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan? What does it say to the people we supposedly seek to liberate, to set free, and share the fruits of democracy? Consider it. Truly consider it.
So why is this happening?
Why are we having to deal with a new divisive issue that starts seemingly from nothing and erupts into a national conflagration every two weeks or so? Is it because our President is black? No. Is it because those in power are defying the American people and redefining America? No. Is it because we’re losing our freedoms by the passing hour? No. However, many do feel this way. They wake every morning and begin the task of regurgitating bile, vitriol, and hate, and decry the great days of yesteryear and an America that has long since vanished, and any remnant of its glory passes into obscurity the longer evil liberals, and the undercover Islamic Communist remains in the White House. Yes,this is what they think, and this is what they say. But is it the truth? Is this why we’re having such an upheaval?
Is it because those in power are turning America into a Hispaniola, Islamic, socio-fascistic, communist, anti-Jesus, anti-God, anti-Christian degenerating quagmire cesspool of hippy-leftist, anti-constitutional contradictions?
Is it?
Or is it because the rabid right is turning America into a jingoistic, self-possessed, hegemonic, authoritarian, elitist, wanna-be theocratic, cro-magnon master state?
We must consider critically the atmosphere in which the strife and consternation of this Cordoba Initiative germinated and prospered, and what either extreme perspective does to our national discourse. My friends, this is primetime politics at its best. The most common of us stand as observers, then internalize this strife, and act accordingly. We’re puppets. We must harness our critical thinking abilities and cut the puppet strings. All this, each and every last bi-weekly controversy is part of the game of brinkmanship leading into November. This is truly unfortunate.
Why? Because I firmly believe that we can, and must evolve into our better selves. We must understand that just like in war, this political game our leaders play with policy costs lives. I’m not being metaphoric. People die, YES DIE, based on the actions taken in our state houses, and in Washington. And make no mistake, these games are played by both Democrat and Republican, so-called Conservative, and so-called Liberal.
Everyday people readily leap to join the voice that yells the loudest, the voice that reaches in deep for those emotions that feed fear and resent change. It’s an old, tried and true tactic. However, as I said, we lack, or do not exercise our critical thinking abilities. If we did, we would know that such tactics have been utilized again, and again, and again. Our history is rife with examples of, hearkening back to a better day. It’s always used as a tool to resist change, change that many fear, do not understand, and have not the courage to seek a good, deep understanding so that they can truly make an informed decision. Should I support this change? Really? Will it benefit me? Will it benefit my family? Will it benefit my community, my state, my nation? Will it … will it benefit OUR posterity.
We must also consider the information itself; information that is conveyed by those who claim to not be part of the Mass Media but are, and those who aren’t. Information, data collected into a constructive format for communicative purposes carries power. We say words only have the power we give them, but we all know truthfully that we so readily give over our power to those very words.
The development of MDC (Media-Driven ConsumerCelebreality) has indeed evolved into a high art form in its cyclic inception, creation, and utilization, but at its core it’s still the old vehicle, propaganda. Now, when entertainers that dress up as pundits, purveyors of truth, patriots of what’s right, and national decriers of what’s wrong, go out and say things that incite … well, that’s just it, their words incite.
Yet, they continue to walk the world with zero accountability. Why? Because as we have just pointed out the entertainers work a part of a business, and the businesses ever seek higher profits, and those profits come at the expense of the common people. Those common people hear a message, and that message reaches down deep and affects them on a visceral level. When they give the words they hear that much power, when the words come candy-colored, voluminous, rife with the power and ability to move hearts and minds people will act.
In Mayor Bloomber’s New York, a polyglot of a city where its billionaire leader, a man who seeks profit, preaches clear understanding and passion, and disavows hate; in his city a Muslim cab driver was attacked. Michael Enright attempted to murder Ahmed Sharif.   It’s alleged that Enright was drunk. He was also known to volunteer for Intersections International, a group that promotes interfaith dialogue. Now, please understand, I am only inferring. I have not one fact to connect Enright’s actions to one of the people that pollute our airwaves with constant hate and vitriol, which they somehow manage to sell as not hate, but common sense and traditional American Values (one could bend that on its ear and collect a really good black humor laugh).
No, I have no facts. However, I can consider the situation critically, and infer that the heated environment in New York, the words of anger and distrust that form a frothy mind numbing fog around all the people involved, the fog charged with the rhetoric of the compassionless, can and does move hearts and minds. And when those hearts and minds lack the ability to think critically, they lack the ability to grasp hold of rationality, and act responsibly. Instead, they find in acts of hate and terror, rational justification,j ustification that is buoyed by the words, thoughts and ideas that dance around in their heads, MDC in action, a meme virus obstructing critical cognition, and lending reason to such actions as gunning down fellow servicemen, or flying a plane into a building, or stabbing a cab driver because he’s Muslim. The men and women on the airwaves are not directly responsible. We should not and dare not attempt to legislate against their right to speak.
However, we can still hold them accountable. We can still push our fellow citizens to embrace critical cognition. We can still hold them close and ask them to ask critical questions of those that push hate and vitriol, that say things like bomb them all and let God sort them out, that say things like an entire population, nearly half of all Americans, those that identify as liberal or progressive are not only dumb and stupid, but are in fact … diseased, or worse evil. We can, should, and must hold them all accountable and show them quite clearly, the mirror they so readily avoid, so that they can clearly see the evil they speak of, the destruction and freedom they fear, is in fact gaining traction, evolving, and growing in the very words they speak, that the evil they rail against is in fact, a reflection … of themselves.
My friends, President Barack Hussein Obama II, who is not a Muslim (and it should not, would not matter if he was), but rather an aspiring critical thinker, did not flip-flop. His second statement was only meant to clarify the first, even as he continued to walk the incredibly thin tightrope of brinkmanship. The worshipers of Islam are guilty of no more than are we all, ignorant of something to a certain degree. It is time to step into knowledge and put ignorance on this issue behind us. After critical consideration, with regard to the best that is American, the very nature of our ideal, I have come to the decision that no matter what other Muslims say, what Christians say, what other Americans say, I have to take a stand based on my own critical perspective, based on my opinion established with regard to the facts as they are, clarified by a sincere desire to be the best of myself, the best humanity has to offer, I have decided that THE CORDOBA project must proceed,NOT THE PARK 51 PROJECT, BUT THE CORDOBA PROJECT. They must lay claim to the legacy that is Cordoba in fact, and let it shine as a beacon for ALL religions and faiths, as it once did in Spain. I know in my heart the Mosque must be built. I know that those fair-minded individuals who are trying to acquiesce to the ignorance that is the sound and fury of American righteousness, antithetical to the American ideal, must cease and desist in their actions to concede the ground of justice ,and lay claim to it with hearts full, heads held high, and hands down, no violence should they commit, no anger must they spread, for they have what’s right, what’s truly American as core to their cause. They must STAND, they must claim justice, they must BUILD THE CORDOBA HOUSE!
Yes, THIS MOSQUE MUST BE BUILT!

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RIMO - REPLUBLICAN IN MEDIA ONLY

DS Brown — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:08:00 GMT

R I M O

Republican In Media Only

A Critical Observation

D.S.Brown

On Wednesday March 22, 2010 I was forced to coin a new term, RIMO. It’s a take on RINO, which is an acronym for Republican In Name Only. The same thing has been applied to Democrats. They have DINO, Democrat In Name Only. As you can see based on the image above, candidates have taken to proving their bonafides by vociferously claiming they are very much true to their party ideals. They actively campaign against the stigma of being IN NAME ONLY.

The image above says Jesse Kelly is running for congress. He’s a US Marine combat veteran. His picture, holding his weapon, is meant to convey strength, hardness, a certain edge. The flag waving in the background is meant to convey loyalty, patriotism, a commitment to the American ideal. However, one must ask what the American ideal is. What’s your perspective on this essential question? Also, one must consider the deeper message this image conveys. When it asks whether or not Jesse Kelly looks like a RINO, we infer that a RINO does not look like a US Marine. It leaves one to ask what does a RINO look like? It also infers that whatever that thing looks like, it’s not good. Might it be … a Democrat? Is being a Democrat bad? Listen people, let’s all get one thing straight from the offset.

This is completely, totally, and utterly stupid.

Unfortunately, seeing as how the massive multitudes of the voting public lack critical thinking skills, aspiring politicians play the most recently evolved version of an old game. It’s called pandering. Yes, that’s what it is. If you’re a public official and deny this, so sorry, but you and I both know the truth. If you’re a public official, and with some small amount of embarrassment recognize this as the truth, then congratulations. You’re honest, perhaps a critical thinker, hopefully walking the path to wisdom, and aspiring to work as a solution-oriented politician dedicated to elevating our politics. Yes, one can hope.

What is a RIMO?

A RIMO is a Republican In Media Only. Before we move on to explain RIMO in more detail, let’s take a moment to clarify why the word pander is so fitting in describing what’s happening in our political system.

The word pander means to furnish clients for a prostitute, or supply persons for illicit sexual intercourse; procurer, pimp. That’s pretty darn ugly isn’t it? However, today’s slang often mentions how companies pimp people, how people pimp God for cash, and how the government pimps people for power. Another meaning of pander is to cater to or profit from the weaknesses or vices of others.

Combine the pimping for power with catering to and taking advantage of, and you have a politician that is willing to say and do almost anything in order to take hold of, consolidate, and grow power. This describes many of today’s politicians perfectly.

Now let me make one thing perfectly clear. I have voted Republican as well as Democrat. I allow no party to take my vote for granted. When a vote comes due in my district I do my due diligence. I study the candidates, or the issue that is on the ballot for consideration. I consider the options critically. Then, I vote. I believe this is how all of us should vote.

Let us make no generalizations. Let us indulge no stereotypes.

I can’t nor will I class all Republicans the same. However, there are those RIMOs to consider. Allow me to highlight a few: John Boehner, a man who stood on the House floor during the Health Care vote and gave a fiery speech that spoke to the hearts and minds of the pandered powerless GOP constituency, who ate up his rhetoric like so much manna from heaven. Eric Cantor, who did much the same thing. There’s Michele Bachman, purveyor of death panels, who serves as a shockingly vivid example of what happens when the vacuous and spoon-like get elected to office. There’s Mitch McConnell who along with his fellow Republican Senators vows to repeal reform because it’s not good forAmerica, we can’t afford it, and it will lead to our national destruction.

You see, the use of a word like destruction is pandering. It plays on our fears, our weakness with regard to change, the fear that the change might hurt, even if after reading it it’s clear it will help. Critical thinkers can discern, eschew fear and embrace change. Those who lack critical thinking skills cannot. They embrace fear, and look to someone else to tell them what’s right, what’s true, and where stands the devils … or the communist.

Not all Republicans think this way, but even the moderate, more rational members of the party are victims of their own circumstance. They have no one to blame but themselves. As President Obama said, by stirring up so much fear and hatred, they’ve locked themselves into their position. To even hint at compromise would incite their constituency beyond reason. Actually they’re already beyond reason, spitting on Congressmen, calling Barney Frank a faggot, and John Lewis a nigger. This behavior is deplorable and beneath contempt. And who do we have to thank for stoking the heat of these people, the fiery vacuous? We do know. To be bipartisan in such a climate would effectively ruin a GOP candidate’s chances at re-election. And so, they must allow themselves to be lead by the vitriolic rhetoric, and rhetoricians themselves who profit from the activity. We know who they are.

David Frum is a Republican, and clearly a practical thinker, if not a critical thinker as well. He believes the Republican block mentality and Party of No stance is a recipe for disaster. John Cornyn is a Republican and he seems to be thinking. He says he has no desire to pursue a complete repeal of Health Care reform. He thinks we should keep what he believes works, and repeal that which will not. He does not appear to be towing a line. He does not appear to befollowing the lead of the rhetoric provided by his party. He seems to truly be considering viable options. This is a good thing.

In today’s information rich WEB 2.0 world we are intimately plugged into every facet of government, business, and entertainment. And lest you delude yourself, these are all fundamental human activities, and the participants move from one area to the next with relative ease (former cowboy actor turns President. Former investment banker CEO turns Treasury Secretary).

The fact that we now have such unprecedented visibility into the parts and processes of our world is indicative of the extreme paradigm shift that has occurred with regard to how our world operates. It gives the common citizen more power then ever before. Which is why it is now more important then ever before that the common citizen develop critical thinking skills. We are awash in information, and the majority of us lack the ability to discern truth from fiction. One must exercise the mind just as one exercises the body. The development of critical thinking skills is crucial to our continuing prosperity. With the flow of information coming at us so aggressively it is imperative that we be able to make sense of it, sift through it, and internalize those aspects of it crucial to defining a singular understanding, so that one can form a cohesive fact based opinion, and if necessary, act.

Understand, critical thinking skills are required in order to counter the insidious affects of what I call MDC, or Media-Driven ConsumerCelebreality (be on the lookout for the upcoming book). What is MDC? It is a social trend in which the factors of production, distribution, and most importantly marketing come together to facilitate economic growth at the EXPENSE of the consumer.

So what is a RIMO?

A Republican In Media Only is a beneficiary of MDC utilized as a tool to control the masses for the purpose of creating profit. Who are the leaders of the GOP? Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and GlennBeck to name a few. What is their goal? To make money? Is this bad? Not in and of itself. Unfortunately, the pursuit of profit without ethical restraint can lead to disastrous results. We have seen this far too many times for me to have to debate the efficacy of my statement.

A RIMO worships at the altar of TV. A RIMO is held in check by the data produced by the good folks at the Heritage Foundation, who are closely aligned with the GOP leaders, leaders who have a vested interest in promoting their image of America with no consideration at all for a differing perspective.

And people, what is the hallmark of the critical thinker? It is the ability to truly internalize and consider the perspective of others, most especially when that perspective is diametrically, even violently opposed to your own.

It is from within the cauldron of positive conflict that we derive wholistic solutions that consider all sides. It would be at the heart of any bipartisan solution. With amity and comity people on different ideological shores would truly come together and find common ground, ground that is common enough to enact policies that move all Americans forward together.

However, this is only a dream, a hope, the promise of an evolved American society. It is a society where we are more than tolerant, more than accepting, but truly loving. There are no Compassionless Conservatives. It's a world where we don’t fear from stupidity, where we don’t worship at the altar of television.

It is an America where we readily acknowledge that lives are on the line while we debate, so we understand the very real need for urgency, an urgency that is far more necessary than the need to drop a bomb on an insurgent half a world away.

Americans are dying right here!

It is an evolved society that will not set policy at the behest of profit, a profit driven by ratings wars, and the inane rant of the broadcast stupidstars who play games of brinkmanship while real lives are on the line. Such an America requires a society where it is unthinkably egregious to make fun of a health care supporter with Parkinsons, tossing money at his feet and waving a Tea Party sign in his face demanding that he go looking for a handout elsewhere. What kind of Christian-like behavior is this?

In this America we don’t go on our wildly successful radio show and imitate a man suffering from Parkinsons so our viewers can laugh in agreement, damning the sufferer to the ninth circle of hell with his communist, socialist, liberal self. Again, what kind of Christian-like behavior is this?

My friends, America requires a society that can’t imagine itself defying the mandate carved at the base of the Statue of Liberty by putting immigrants on buses and shipping them back to Mexico wholesale, like so much cattle cargo. It’s an America that knows its history intimately, and considers it critically, and rises up as one when a wayward citizen calls a Congressman a faggot, or spits on a revered elder of the Civil Rights movement, a man who paid the price for American freedom with his very own blood. IT DOES NOT ALLOW THE OUTRAGE OF CALLING THIS HONORED CONGRESSMAN A NIGGER!

I have to count to ten.

The RIMOs anger me. They force me to bring to bear a mental calm that walks me through logic, understanding the irrationality of human behavior, understanding the whys and hows of a RIMO, and that at its core, the RIMO at the behest of media leaders is suffused with the ancient pursuit of power and control, no matter the cost.

This brings my rational mind back to the fore, and I can be calm, knowing the promise of a better tomorrow. The fact that my President is Barack Hussein Obama II is the very embodiment of that evolved society of which I dream. I know this. I consider this, and can begin the work again. The conversations, the debates, the discussions I have with those around me be they Independent, Republican, or Democrat, lend credence to the belief that there are many critical thinkers, and we can evolve more.

Yet, the RIMOs are still there. They now seek to tap into the nonsense of the Tea Party, whom they will only exploit. Understand, no Republican can ever satisfy the Tea Party mandate. Though Democrats Tax and Spend, Republicans Cut and Spend, a far more disastrous course of action, and one that has led directly to the awful deficits that burden our country today. The GOP will try to use theTea Party, and I think that many Tea Partyers though misguided and misaligned will come to see what the GOP is attempting to do, and put forth their own candidate, effectively splitting the Republican voting block. As David Frum said, the GOP considered Health Reform to be the President’s Waterloo, but it now looks as though Obama is the Duke of Wellington, and the GOP is Napoleon, getting geared up for permanent exile on St. Helena.

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WHY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DS Brown — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:28:00 GMT

Why Black History

Month?

D.S. Brown

The family above is a continuing line of living history.

I had never heard of Evelyn Smith before coming across her article online. Her name and her legacy appeared when I googled Black History Month. I thought her past was interesting, thought provoking, a moving story of another American who rose to be exceptional in her own right. Most certainly, as Dr. Cornel West would describe her, a courageous example. In learning of her story, in seeking to know her story I came to the crux of Black History Month, what I believe is at its core, and what defines its meaning in the wider context. To me, Black History Month is a celebration of that which is exceptional in all of us. It represents a doorway to something more, the powerful history of a unique ethnic group of Americans who are a significant part of a greater whole. It is the stories and events of a people, vital information that can and should inform the decisions of today. For it is from history that we best learn to chart a course for the future.

However, my feelings about Black History Month are personal. They are mine. I choose to share them with those who feel the same, or those who are willing to listen. As with so many things in life it is important that we consider critically the power to choose. With regard to Black History Month, one can choose to participate, or not participate. At its most basic, it really is that simple.

Unfortunately, many choose to take the time to engage in disparaging this month, to question the need for its existence. Many people, of many different ethnicities, question why we have a Black History Month at all. Consider some of these concerns.

Why should we let the government tell us when to celebrate our history?

Why should we relegate our history to one month?

We don’t celebrate White History Month. Why should we celebrate Black History Month?

Why must we always set aside a month to talk about slavery?

I can do without a Black History Month thank you very much. No one ever talks about anything really important anyway. It’s just some wanna-be-special uppity black folks getting together to talk about blood plasma, stop lights, and President Lincoln. I don’t care about any of that, why should I?

It is up to us to choose, as we are free to do. We can choose to walk though an open door that will expose us to the bright light of wisdom and understanding, and please do know that said light is indeed bright, often bright enough to be painful. Far too many of us have become accustomed to ignoring the light of wisdom. We shield ourselves from knowledge. We bat at it, pushing it away. We turn and run away from it with strength and passion. I want you to take a moment to truly consider this, for it is a common recurring theme within the thread of human existence. There are many of us that wallow in ignorance, and celebrate stupidity. Think about it … for just a minute, and wonder in fascination at it, our shared reality.

Yes, we can choose to ignore the bright light of wisdom shining through the doorway. We can yell at the doorway in righteous indignation, screaming at it with hate filled vitriol and scorn. However, for a moment clear your mind and grab hold of the concept. If we choose the perspective that demands we consider Black History as simply a doorway, a metaphor for the quest for knowledge, a path for those seeking edification. Then, we understand that this perspective is imminently applicable. It more then feels right. It is empirically accurate.

Please allow me to clarify.

With regard to the question of why should we let the government tell us when to celebrate our history … who said anything about allow? Honestly, for those of you that hold this perspective, I want you to think about it. Where did you pick up this peculiar piece of knowledge? Where did you first hear that the United States of America allows people to celebrate Black History in February? Where did you hear that the United States of America allows you to celebrate Black History in February to the exclusion of all other months? Where did you hear this? And now, consider it. Does it make any sense? Who is preventing you from celebrating Black History in August? Who’s preventing you from celebrating Black History in December? Is there a government agent waiting to arrest and prosecute you for celebrating Black History 365 days a year? If not, then why have this perspective? Why think in terms of permission? Black History Month or African American Heritage Month is nationally recognized.

Recognition is not permission.

Going back to the doorway metaphor, I would like all of you who actively work to achieve critical success to take a moment and consider when you would celebrate Black History, or any history for that matter. Consider that perhaps by acknowledging when such a thing is nationally recognized, you are providing yourself an opportunity to take a pause from the arduous and daily work of succeeding. For a moment, you’re taking a break for a little bit of historical introspection. By walking through the doorway you’re indulging in historical examination, you’re taking a look into the past, and by looking into Black History, you readily walk into the illuminating light of human history, peering just a bit closer at the ties that bind us all together, and form the story of our humanity in the aggregate. This introspection into ourselves provides enlightenment, and when done with passion and sincerity, effectively informs and dictates the decision we make for ourselves today and our posterity tomorrow.

When we ask the question why should we relegate ourselves, our very history to one month, again I must ask the question, considering it critically, who’s doing this? Who says Black History Month has to fit into the month of February? Some people are even asinine enough to argue THEY gave us the shortest month of the year, that’s how they be doin’ us? This shows a fundamental lack of critical thinking. No, not even critical thinking, it shows a lack of simple on the surface common sense thinking.

Who are they?

Are some people referring to the White man? Really? So, is the White man keeping Black History month squished into the month of February? Is the government’s RECOGNITION, which is not PERMISSION, equating to RELEGATION and LIMITATION? Stop … just for a moment … and consider. Is some arbitrary white man really doing this to you? Is he really keeping Black History caged within a month? Must I answer this question? Really? Must I?

The answer is no. No, the White man is not keeping your Black History confined to a single month of the year. He does not possess such power. Only one person does. In terms of your ability to seek, take hold of, internalize, and own the knowledge that is uniquely your cultural ethnic history as African-Americans, the only person who can limit your exposure, narrow your focus, relegate your history, and limit your access to knowledge in today’s world … is you.

Let’s next consider the question of celebrating White History Month. Many say if we don’t celebrate White History Month, then why should we celebrate Black History Month. It’s a fair question based on a stupid premise. Let’s just focus on my country, The United States of America. The overwhelming majority of history, action, discussion, does NOT revolve around Black Americans. Now, understand this is not something over which one should get angry. Consider, Blacks comprise less then a quarter of this country’s population. We’re somewhere around 13%. Of course, given the amount of media coverage afforded to us you would think the country was half and half. However, this is simply not the case. Understanding this simple statistic allows us to understand much with regard to my country’s written history.

History has been, and still is, being made by all of America’s sons and daughters. However, written history was being created by educated White men. They wrote about other White men, their thoughts, their actions, their intrigues. White History Month is a non-thing, because our entire written history has arisen within the confines of White minds, and white perspective. Can we complain about this? Sure. Should we? Only to a certain degree.

What do I mean? I think the complaint should include the demand that we continuously work to bring balance to our written history. This effort is not about a quid pro quo, the need to detail as much Black history as there is White history, or even proportional amounts based on population percentages. My friends, the effort should tie to none of these propositions. Speaking of such efforts shows a lack of critical thinking skills, and common sense. It is not about finding something black to mirror that which is white. No, the work of expanding all our written history should be about the work itself, and the knowledge and wisdom the work provides. The goal is not in the quantity, but rather the quality, the enlightenment provided through national introspection along ethnic cultural lines, which is a far more expansive enterprise than just Black History. The effort includes seeking historical knowledge about all of America’s children, no matter their ethnic origins.

If one considers such an effort to be a mandate, something necessary for the progress of all our people, then it stands to reason that we might want to do something to celebrate such an effort, to call out such a need, to on occasion shine a light on this mandate and remind us that the need is real, the need is here, and that we all can choose to make an effort towards expanding our collective knowledge. We can do this kind of recognition, such that it would serve as a doorway one could choose to step through and acquire knowledge. Interestingly enough, we have such a doorway, do we not? I believe it’s called Black History Month.

All of us, every last one of us can benefit from studying our collective history, be it African-American, Asian-American, Latin-American, Indian-American, Native- American, or European-American. Each of these can be viewed as a distinctive group that should be given recognition, doorways of light if you will, through which we can choose to walk for a time, and benefit from enlightenment.

Well, you know what? The United States of America has seen fit to provide just such recognition. Remember, permission is not recognition. Note some of the following nationally recognized Months:

March: Women’s History Month, Irish American Heritage Month,

May: Asian/Pacific Heritage Month

June: Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

September: Hispanic Heritage Month

October: German American Heritage Month, Polish American Heritage Month

November: Native American Heritage Month

Look over this list. See anything interesting with regard to the original complaint about White History Month? I bet you do. Some may think all this celebrating is overdone and unnecessary. It is truly a matter of perspective. As I said, we are free to choose. One can choose to participate and celebrate seeking knowledge for one’s own education. Or, one can choose not to and remain ignorant.

Some people think about Black History month and get angry. They ask, why must we always spend a month talking about slavery? They want to know why we can’t just put it behind us and forget about it.

This is a very illuminating perspective with regard to how we as human beings choose to view the world around us, our connections to each other, how we’ve formed the world we live in, and how our antecedents formed the world before us. It seems to me that a person who chooses to view African-American history solely through the prism of slavery is lacking in critical cognition (no insult intended … much). They are narrow in thought and must strive to be more expansive. Honestly, this does not require too much thought and really no debate. Black History Month is not solely about slavery. Again, we can choose to view it as we see fit, but if slavery is your personal prism of choice, then why complain? You chose it.

Each individual must stop and consider. They must decide for themselves what this celebration, this recognition will be. If you choose to view it as a month to remember slavery … well, who can you blame for this? Whose responsibility is it? Is someone telling you to remember slavery? Is someone telling you to remember the Emancipation Proclamation? Is someone telling you to be so narrow in thought as to consider Black American History in its whole as simply the story of American slavery, and nothing more?

Only you can make this choice … for yourself. You decide.

However, even as many of us shake our heads sadly and strive to remind others that Black History Month is so much more then a remembrance of whippings, cotton fields, chains, broken backs, and decimated families, we also take pause to remind each other that forgetting cannot, must not be an option. One may not want to remind oneself every year in February about America’s peculiar institution, but it would be the doom of us all to forget it even occurred.

One may not be able to fathom an America that somehow continues to move forward in the world, while at the same time moving backward, devolving into reviving slavery. However, let me assure you, it can happen. The study of history and the rich tapestry of human life provides us with lessons for how we must carry ourselves, how we must interact, how we must strive to avoid making the same mistakes again, and again. This is an exercise that we often do not utilize. It is human nature to strive to forget, and trip over the same mistake several times. Still, we must embrace the better part of ourselves, and maintain the memory within our collective consciousness as something real and concrete. Even if it’s distasteful, we must all strive to continuously understand the lessons of the world in which our society was born and flourished, the interactions between human being and human being, the hows and whys of our shared history, the reconciliation with faith and religion, and the unfathomable mystery of acceptance. We must always remember, and never forget, for it can happen again.

For those that believe Black History Month is celebrated by people who think they’re special, remembering other people who thought they were special, when all of them are nothing more than completely and totally boring … well, I personally believe such a person should take some time to get deeply involved in Step 3 of my Ten Point Plan for achieving Critical Success: Look in the Mirror and Paint the Picture. First, we’re all special. Second, you must believe you are special, and discover what about you is core, what is distinctive below the surface. Third, take that distinction, which should be your passion, and spark a fire, light it and let it burn bright. Fourth, study it further, dive deep into introspection, to better be able to realize your full worth.

What does this have to do with thinking Black History is a waste of time? Here’s the kicker, in order to do the above effectively, overturning personal issues and looking at them wholistically requires the realization and development of a skill many in our country no longer value, Critical Thinking.

I’ll make this really simple. Embracing critical thinking expands your mental horizons. You begin to question the suppositions of others, but more importantly you’re willing to question your own. Remember, the hallmark of a critical thinker is a person who readily considers and internalizes the perspective of others, even when that perspective is diametrically, even violently opposed to your own. This questioning beckons, no requires study. You nurture your natural curiosity. At our best, utilizing the gifts we are given, we want to know. We need to know. It is how we grow.

So simply, the aspiring critical thinker who has looked deeply within himself readily realizes the importance of all history. She puts emphasis on Black History, then she may shift and place emphasis on Native American History, or Hawaiian History, still later she may focus on Inuit History. It is all special. It is all connected. It is worthy of consideration. And an introduction to one, may very well lead the curious to look deeply into another. When did the first encounter between Native American and African take place? I don’t know. It’s a grand question to ask. Then, once answered what about the environment in which the meeting took place? What other people were involved. How long did it last? What was the outcome? What were the perspectives of others who were there to witness it? What did they think? Is any of the testimony reliable? Critical questions asked by aspiring critical thinkers, who don’t say silly simple-minded things like, I don’t care who invented the stop light, so what? Of course, it’s worth our time to know who invented the Traffic Signal. It’s worth knowing the circumstances in which it was invented. It’s worth looking into the life of the man who created it, his challenges, his passion. It’s worth seeking to understand what drove such a man. Such investigation provides illumination for ourselves and our world.

It seems to me there are two things we must consider with regard to Black History Month. One is choice, the other is attitude. Despite all that I’ve written it really comes down to your ability to choose, and your attitude with regard to the choice you’ve made.

For those that look upon Black History Month with disdain and ask why, why celebrate? My question is why do you do so? Why do you ask such a question? What part of your thinking has led you down the path which is clearly negative? Why not simply look upon it as a month to take pause, celebrate this unique portion of our shared history, and perhaps use it as a doorway to further exploration into the past. All our history is a rich, wondrous thing. It’s not just about pivotal dates and empire. It’s about the living history we’re creating now, and the ties that bind us to the history that was made before us. It is the tale of loves found and lost, joy, passion, desire, invention, and enlightenment. It is the story of the people, and the world they inhabited. It is truly an amazing thing.

This negativity, these hateful hurtful words that some people use to describe the celebration are the outward expression of one’s attitude. You don’t have to be negative. You can have a positive attitude with regard to Black History Month, and while we’re at it let’s just say you can have a positive attitude in general. We can choose to be more wholistic about how we consider Black History, questioning both the things we consider negative as well as those we consider positive. We can view the celebration, or doorway, whichever you prefer, with a discerning eye. We can be positive or we can be negative. We are free to choose.

The proof of the Black History Month as a doorway metaphor is simple. It only requires observation, looking at those who choose to walk through, as opposed to those who do not. Those that walk through are often enlightened and pleasantly surprised at learning something new. Often, it leads them to make connections, to search out more information, to expand their horizons. In this effort, this action, they feel good. Their attitudes are positive. The converse appears to be true as well. Those that choose to not walk through the door for whatever reason seem to carry a negative attitude. They don’t seem to be as happy. They complain. They grouse. If pressed even in the slightest, they become angry.

It is about choice and attitude. My personal desire is that we all choose to engage, and walk through the doorway, and every other doorway that presents itself as an opportunity for personal growth and enlightenment. Celebrate Black History Month, and every other nationally recognized month. Expand your horizons. Don’t be limited. Be expansive. Be positive. Grow and through growth and the acquiring of knowledge, achieve Critical Success.

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The Critical Thinker Considers President Obama’s First State of the Union Address

DS Brown — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:44:00 GMT

The Critical Thinker

Considers President Obama's

First

State of the Union Address

By
D.S. Brown

Success is the result of thinking, critical thinking that informs a given perspective. However, critical thinking is not a panacea, a cure all, magic that imbues the practitioner with the ability to always arrive at the correct solution. No, critical thinking is something to aspire to, it is the life long walk along the path to wisdom, which is brightly illuminated by perspective. However, when the light on the path is dim, and one’s vision is limited, we sometimes don’t look far enough, or perhaps have not considered that which we cannot see, the unintended consequence. This can result in mistakes.

The year has not gone well. However, let’s qualify this statement. The year was not going to go well no matter what we did, unless the man we elected to the office of President turned out to be a messiah, perhaps Jesus Christ himself. And even Jesus would look at our mess with concern and think, “This is gonna take some work.” As it turned out, the man many of us voted for is only human. Still, saying the year has not gone well is relative.

I’m starting this piece before the President’s State of the Union address, and I’ll complete it afterwards. Interestingly enough, I was listening to talk radio, an excellent source of information that is often tainted in order to drive profits, most especially when the show you’re listening to is political in nature (not all, just some). What you get on some of these shows is facts dressed with highly charged emotional opinions, but facts nonetheless. The commentator, Herman Cain, a local black Republican (can’t verify his conservative bonafides because honestly these days it’s a tricky proposition) was filling in for Neal Boortz, a local white Libertarian who leans more Republican than Democrat. For Neal it’s a matter of a lesser of two evils (his perspective). Keep in mind I only mention their color as a descriptor, not an assumption about ideology.

Today Herman spoke of President’s Obama’s lack of attention, his lack of accountability. In summary, Herman was criticizing the backroom deal on health care with the Unions. He was criticizing Congressional Democrats for making closet agreements to move health care forward (look up Cornhusker Kickback), essentially buying votes. You know what? He’s absolutely right.

However, should we blast the President for this? Should we blast him for a process that is steeped in tradition, albeit smarmy tradition? Should we blast him for not recognizing that the paradigm has indeed shifted, and it is for the better, even though this better is something quite difficult to come by, and is still itself in its infancy? Now, more than ever America is an informed electorate (to some degree), and that is something we must consider critically.

I’ll endeavor to cover the depths of the changing electorate another time. For now, these are the things I’m considering as the hour approaches. I’m looking forward to the speech. I’m looking forward to hearing him shift on a shifting playing field. I’m hopeful that he will hold fast to purpose and intent, and readily dismiss those who will call him a flapper, trying to peg him down because he changed his mind on an issue, which requires a changing perspective, which requires a critical thinking mind. In a word, to not change, especially in modern politics, is stupid. Yet those who do not change are who we often support. We equate obstinance with intestinal fortitude and character, which is just plain dumb. I also still hope to hear about healthcare. I do not expect him to walk away from the fight. If he does, he will most certainly lose my vote. I’m waiting. I’ll be watching. I’ll be listening. I’ll be considering critically.

I’ll say this for the man, he is a master rhetorician, and can hold forth on a speech like no other. Of course, I do like the President. I also admire his intellect, and consider him a critical thinker. With all that said, I believe he hit it OUT of the park! The man gave a hell of a speech. My opinion. You’re welcome to your own.

He took the time to go over several points that I truly consider important, starting not with the economy, but with the state of our polity. The climate of our politics is either in the throes of global warming, or in an ice age, depending on your perspective and penchant for imagination. However, I don’t think anyone will deny that it simply does not work, and is getting worse. The ideological divide is no longer a simple thing across which we can reach, hold hands, and come together. No, now it’s a mawing chasm across which we fire metaphorical artillery seeking to annihilate each other. This must stop! We must elevate our politics.

“They are tired of the partisanship and the shouting and the pettiness”

These words from the President’s speech indeed exemplify my personal pain and frustration at the current political climate, and the ideological power and profit driven forces that promote and propagate it. However, personally I find greater fault with the people, and those of us that should be wise enough to know, that allow the people to wander, to go with the gut, to dispense perspective, call others sheeple, and proceed to immediately act like sheep.

We should each consider the effects of policy on ourselves, then our families, and then our communities. Many of us may then make the logical step to how a given policy will affect our state, and in the aggregate our nation. However, it is those first few steps that far too many of us don’t take. We listen to the rhetoric and internalize the words and thoughts of others, and we’re quick to accuse the so-called opposition of a lack of consideration, a lack of critical thinking skills. In fact we readily jump on the bandwagon and call others evil, or just plain stupid. We lack the critical perspective to understand that we’re being negatively critical of others, which is not a way to form a more perfect union. There is no back road to achieving success for us all by being divisive, by calling an ideology a disease, by accusing people of associating with murderers and child killers, and laughing about it. THIS IS NOT FUNNY!

Actually, it’s quite sad and does not bode well for the majority of Americans. There are those Americans who call others sheeple, but act like sheep, and happily support their espoused ideology, be it liberal or conservative, without regard for the impact either path has on their own lives. They instead, without realizing it, lobby in the aggregate for the privileged. They miss the fact that the privileged are often good rain or shine, expansion or recession, and in a depression, they have people on retainer to make it better. You find this thought process in both Democrat and Republican. It must stop.

“The American people hope, what they deserve, is for all of us to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics.”

The President is right. We ordinary Americans do hope. I hold myself and my fellow Americans responsible. I also hold our elected officials responsible. The Democrats are in power and though I have voted Republican, I am demanding that Republicans stop acting like children and start behaving like adults. Every move they have made is designed to look somehow productive to the people as an effort to save America from destruction. Actually, it is nothing more then obstructionists politics with a populists appeal aimed at regaining power. TO WHAT END?

The people seem to miss that if they vote Republican in November not only will they get more of the same from the Bush Administration, but they’ll get it with delay, and contradiction, and no forward movement in policy. The Democrats will attempt to become obstructionist and we will be in the same place we are now. Our government will stall right when it needs to be making progress. I demand that we elevate our politics. I will vote for the Republican that actually reads the bills, that actually sits with Democrats, that stops lying. I will vote for the Democrat that best represents my interest and is willing to sit down with the Republicans in earnest and lean into discomfort, engaging in positive conflict in order to define a workable solution.

The President did cut taxes. If he were a Republican this would make sense to other Republicans. However, because he’s a Democrat the Republican consensus is he didn’t go far enough. They’re already lining up to say no to his new tax cut proposals because they say they’re not broad enough. That’s not the truth. The truth is he’s a Democrat and they are still working on removing him from power. And the same plan would be in place if things were the other way around. We, as the American electorate, must seek and push for the elevation of our politics! We must eschew ideological rhetoric and hateful vitriol. We must hold our officials accountable and seek to be knowledgeable enough to do so effectively. And most importantly for us individuals, we must aspire to critical cognition, to think effectively, so that we don’t simply devour information and regurgitate it without careful consideration.

“Now, the true engine of job creation in this country will always be America’s business.”

This is part and parcel to the ideology of government as an evil monolithic thing that seeks to control every aspect of your life. This isn’t even really ideology. It’s a show piece, fluff at the core of a profit making agenda. Evil resonates. Attaching evil to an object resonates. It gives people something to fight, to objectify, to rail against. And why do this? Because it’s profitable. Are we all getting it yet?

The truth is Government creates jobs. Those of you who listen to the rhetoric, please take a moment to consider a differing perspective. I want you first to define what a job is. Go ahead. Look up the definition of job. Then, look at a department of the government be it local, state, or federal. Okay, answer the question based solely on the definition. Does government create jobs? Go ahead … answer the question. Both my parents worked at the Internal Revenue Service until they retired. That was their job. It doesn’t have anything to do with me hating taxes. The fact is they had a job working for the IRS. Their hard work at their job raised me, and put me through college. It was a job. A job created by the government of the United States of America. I personally would have liked the President to toss this government does not create jobs garbage aside and speak truth to words, to power. However, he’s walking a fine line. I do understand. He’s absolutely right that government can and should create an environment that fosters job growth for small businesses. However, can we dispense with the asinine rhetoric as well? Please?

Spending continues, because it must. There are those out there that actually advocate a broad scythe to the budget. The Federal government needs to stop spending immediately. The Federal government needs to concentrate on defense and eliminate its impact everywhere else. This assertion … is frustrating. If one considers it critically, it truly makes no sense. Human beings, and the world we’ve crafted, are far too dynamic … and primitive. I believe in the axiom that one day Human will not kill Human. Sincerely this is a noble thing to aspire to. However, as we are today we spend an inordinate amount of time killing each other. We kill dreams. We kill hope. We kill the possibility of change. We kill progress. We do this to accumulate power, and in the act of seeking power, even as we break the backs of psyches and souls, we commit the ultimate act, and kill literally. We traffic across the globe in murder as the end-product of acts of individual desire, passion, or hate, and we do the same in the aggregate, as policing actions, power politics that pierce souls and lays waste to minds, bodies, and hearts. We, as human beings, are not evolved enough to stand apart, and persist in a minimalists government. As we are now, as soon as we make the attempt, a few people will get together to assert …something, some kind of authority. It’s human nature. Hopefully it would be for the good, it could quite possibly be for ill. Consider it.

In terms of the national debt, I would posit that people truly stop listening to the mantra coming through the megaphone and truly take a look at what happens every time an official gets tax cutting happy. There’s a reason Supply Side economics never works in practice. It’s because every time it’s attempted the government keeps right on spending, and sometimes without regard to the impact. One need only look back over the last eight years to see this.

This is not an indictment of Supply Side Theory. I’m no Keynesian. As with so many things I believe the path to prosperity requires perspective, a healthy mix of both sides in our overall policy. We must spur innovation and spend wisely, not haphazardly. I, like most Americans, hate taxes on general principle. However, I’m willing to foot my fair share as long as it’s being spent wisely, and the truth of that spending is readily available. I’m thoroughly enjoying the many groups and information outlets that are dragging the lies into the light of day. Officials have operated in the shadow for too long. Our paradigm shift in information exposure has changed this. WEB 2.0 makes it possible. No side can hide, nor should they attempt to do so. This is no indictment of Republicans in favor of Democrats. They are BOTH CUPLABLE. We must close the schism between factions. Heal our wounds and come to compromise. We must be serious about our political discourse.

WE MUST ELEVATE OUR POLITICS!

With regard to health care … it’s simple. It’s a must. The administration steps away from Health Care Reform at the risk of losing my vote. I will be a thorn in the side of this administration if they step away from this critical debate. It is just as important, if not more important, than any military engagement in Afghanistan. We are talking about the well being of OUR PEOPLE! Health care is a must.

The Supreme Court’s ruling appears to hold true to the task of that august institution. However, what is at issue, in my opinion, is the crux of the problem between strict constructionists and loose constructionists; the highly charged debate between judicial activism and judicial restraint. What most of us wanted in this instance is for the Court to consider the ramifications beyond the extent of the highest law of the land. Even some who support judicial restraint call for this perspective with regard to this particular verdict. It’s difficult to have it both ways. We must all concede this. I assert, as in all things involving human beings, there is no absolute. The very nature of humanity prohibits it. When we attempt to do so, we run the risk of disaster, the possibility of things going awry. This is the critical perspective of the majority, with regard to the Court’s decision. Now, the Legislative Branch of our government must act quickly to reverse the course the courts have set. If not, I fear this year’s elections will be a corporate circus of spending and spin, marketing to the masses to push corporate agendas. The same power that convinces you to by that hot new product will now be able to expend considerable sums of money in convincing you that the official who should govern is the man in this hot candy-colored commercial. It will be MDC (Media-Driven ConsumerCelebreality) at its finest, determining the direction of government, even more than it does already.

In the speech he mentioned more, much more. Again, many will consider this President as taking on too much. I completely disagree. One must reach for the stars in order to attain the mountaintop. The President once wrote a book about being audacious. Americans are most certainly audacious. Ours is a nation that is characterized by innovation, courage, hope, and a core ethic that believes in doing things not only because we must, but because we can. It has been said, and I firmly believe, that such a personal mandate is what makes us Americans. We can and must hold fast to the courage of our convictions, and continue to be AUDACIOUS!

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