Symbiotic Relationships Drive the Right Wing

With Trumpism hopefully meandering to its last gasps we still don't totally understand how so many could be so blind to their long term best interests.  Awhile back I saw groups of people (and other factors) that enabled Trump to get elected. (http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/07/trump-enablers.html).  More recently another perspective was that many of these same groups had their own greedy reasons for using Trump as a tool (http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/trump-as-tool.html).  Going deeper it seems that forces on the right wing have developed symbiotic relationships to achieve their goals and if the left wants to survive they need to break up some of these relationships.

 It takes large amounts of money to influence elections in America.  The right wing is a loose term, but it  could be said the very wealthy feel oppressed.  They are a small, maybe minute segment of the population, but have resources not available to the rest of us.  Using money for political purposes has become easier, ( http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/07/dark-money-by-jane-mayer.html).  Still most Americans don't want to give up services they have gotten used to so the very wealthy can pay less taxes and have onerous regulations lifted.

 What to do?  To gain large number of voters it is necessary to cater to their priorities.  Psychological studies concluded that many resented immigrants, minority races/religions, gays, etc.  Others felt strongly the government needed to be run on Biblical principles with special regard for abortions.  Others felt that gun rights were critical. in some cases needed to protect oneself from the "other." 

Ideally those on the left view themselves as offering more equality and more citizen protection against the abuses of large corporations and lately against pandemics and climate change.  For the average person this is the much better option, but definitely opposed to the interests of some wealthy conservatives.  Although those sentiments are real, for some the left also offers a tool for power and can also be abused.

The big money goes into research and promotion.  Research includes what motivates potential voters in specific election districts and what candidate can best harness the voters anxieties?  What is the most effective way to convey your message?  Where can you best apply your resources?  The Electoral College helps sort priorities and polling provides guidance.   Fears and prejudices have proven to be reliable motivations. 

What can the left do?  Are voters all ruthless or stupid?  In fact we are all complex humans with many concerns. How do you make more people take a wider view?  The main counter would be a greater understanding of the issues.  

What would make an Evangelical vote for and vocally support Donald Trump?  His character is abhorrent to any Christian.  They have made abortion a high priority and believed that Trump was the one most likely to accomplish it.

In choices there are usually some benefits and some costs.   If you have your number one priority catered to a voter might consider other issues some of which might demand attention.  While to some people abortion is the most important life and death issue they might consider capital punishment, medical accessibility, life protections (otherwise known as regulations) and war.  The root causes of abortion include financial and social pressures which might if attended to (actually proven to) reduce the number.  

The right uses money in a hard to resist manner.  At bottom they would like the government to have less money to spend on what they consider unnecessary or foolish projects such as tax investigators.  Reducing taxation has appeal to everyone.  The rich feel entitled and the poorer feel grateful.  The catch is another choice.  If the revenue is not coming in, which projects will be eliminated.  Or another choice, borrow the money.  Another solution favored by the wealthy is regressive taxation which means for example being taxed on what is spent.  Taxes can be used to discourage undesirable behaviors and also to encourage desirable behaviors.  

It is easy for some to hate immigrants, but they overlook a likely disastrous future without them.  America is an aging population which means more people will need care for their old age.  The government pensions have all been based on current contributions to keep them running.  We also overlook the motivations of the immigrants which include fleeing climate change that they did not contribute to, but are paying the much bigger price for.  We also look at how we have supported dictators that created an oppressive society.  On the other side America has been enriched by immigrants and should they find a more welcoming environment elsewhere will take their talents elsewhere.

Mind you lecturing can backfire so we need to learn how to present a more compelling case.  The recent  Supreme Court abortion ruling has demonstrated some aspects have been poorly thought out.  Most people do not like the concept of abortion, but are upset over exceptional circumstances that keep coming up involving medical complications or rape and incest.  Some Republicans had become so emboldened they threatened to abolish same sex marriages and even inter racial marriages.  When one freedom is diminished people fear what might be next.   

Ultimately what voters need to understand is who the party and the candidate really represents.  One side tends to take the side of corporations whereas the other side tends to take the side of the citizens, ideally all of them.  This is all relative, but lately the right wing is more extreme.

Is it human to be a hypocrite?

 There are few things worse than to be called a hypocrite.  Basically it means you claim to believe something, but in reality betray your beliefs and practice doing something else.  But deep down inside many of us acknowledge the conflict between what we feel and what we express.  We are all influenced by how other people react.  We all have secrets, but are concerned for appearance.  We probably all bend the rules a little and some bend the rules a lot more.  

Partly we all like to believe we are in the right and that our intentions are not only in our best interests, but also honorable.  Mostly it is human nature to avoid conflicts with people we have to deal with.  And being weak humans we often find it difficult to live up to high standards.  There may be more to it than false bravado.  Every one of us alive plays different roles in life and they are often in conflict.For instance you can be a man, an employee, a father, a husband, a hockey fan, a voter, a member of a religious group, a New Yorker, a native of your location,  Sooner or later we all get caught in a conflict of roles.  Roles are often in conflict.

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.  Thomas would be considered a liberal by many modern people and wrote the Declaration of Independence spouting about freedom and the pursuit of happiness.  He was also a slave holder and although a kindly one it now seems indisputable that he fathered some children with his slave.  We don't know if it was even a loving relationship as he was careful to avoid public knowledge.  Read more:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/06/thomas-jefferson-and-sally-hemings-make.html

At the time of Bill Clinton's impeachment campaign one of the persecutors was Newt Gingrich who we later learned at the same time was engaged in adulterous behavior.  Many people would have said that such a person shouldn't be pointing fingers, but he was doing so in a very vociferous manner.  Others felt it was nobody's business, but not Newt.  He felt it was unacceptable for a leader to be so immoral, but really it was political maneuvering.  More recently Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani two divorced adulterous men feel compelled to criticize Hilary Clinton for her marital problems.

Trump himself identified voter targets and decided how best to seduce them.  Evangelicals, the poorly educated, racists.  In some cases he would laugh at their stupidities.

Republicans for the most part have an economic agenda on the idea that anyone has the right to make as much money as possible and to keep it.  Freedom somehow seems to allow the exploitation of other people.  Although most people would like to make more money too many would realize they are being left out.  In order to gain power those seeking it for their economic agenda have to offer something to satisfy the majority.  Most powerful people with notable exceptions are educated and reasonably intelligent realizing they have to win over people less educated and intelligent.  I will let others point out the hypocrisy of liberals which they also share.
 
Dichotomies can be hard on us.  Being a parent and also being an active social person presents conflicts. You don't want your children to have your bad habits, but you aren't willing to give them all up, at least not forever.  Many smoking moms and dads will try to hide their habit from prying eyes.  Sooner or later it usually fails.  

One unfortunate historical reality was with closeted gay people.  For most of history it was natural for them to hide their sexual preference, but some went further.  To distract possible accusers they criticized, sometimes viciously, other gay people or tried to blackmail them.  Perhaps an extreme, but illustrates all conflicts.  Read more on  Barney Frank http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/07/barney-frank-has-interesting-book-out.html

The anti abortion protesters hit our consciousness with the sacredness of life.  Many of the same are opposed to contraception, sex education, parental leave and other abortion reducing measures leaving me to feel a big part of their motivation is against promiscuity and recreational sex.  Many of the same people support gun rights in the face of all too frequent school shootings. 

We all tend to be hypocrites on small matters.  Perhaps we should be tolerant of other hypocrites on small matters, but there is a limit.  Sometimes when our own hypocrisy is pointed out we reflect and more rarely change our behavior.

POWER

 For many progressive thinkers the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been upsetting.  The dynamics of current politics is confusing.  Those with the power to replace her seem fanatical and oblivious to fairness or rationality.   On the other hand most voters are supportive of delaying an appointment.

The hypocrisy of Republicans is upsetting.  They used their power to ignore the right of a Democratic president to nominate a Supreme Court Judge rationalizing that it was too close to an election and that it was ok to have the court with 8 judges.  Where do you draw the line of what is too close to an election?   11 months or 44 days?  Obviously the decision will affect the election.  Does the elected president have the power to make the decision or at some point should they defer to the voters.  

It is claimed that the Supreme Court will need 9 judges should the anticipated contested election results occur.  And if one side gets to choose the potential tie breaker they get another major advantage.

To all voters there is a lot emotional packaging tied up in this election already.  From the point of view of most voters we are already dealing with a frustrating unfair situation.  The 2016 election ignored the will of the people and automatically used the electoral college to determine the winner.  Of course Trump gratified his base with his first selection and the Democratic opposition co-operated.  

Then Justice Kennedy, the swing judge decided (or was persuaded) to retire.  Along the way it was revealed that his son had loaned Trump money when nobody else would.  The nominee Brett Kavanagh apparently had a history with the swing judge and also had been noted to favor more executive power to the president.  We already had much legal action against Trump, but none of it seemed to stick.  The entire judicial system was being altered to be packed with conservative judges who could be counted on to support the evangelical base and a president who might need some legal support.  The Kavanagh nomination was contested with many Republicans claiming unfairly attacking a conservative.  All the same the Democrats were unable to get all the witnesses and procedures they felt were required.

There is no constitutional barrier to the Republicans getting their way.  A few Republicans are not co-operating.  Perhaps they have some moral convictions and maybe some of them think it may make them look bad.  Possibly the conservatives might be able to get their way before the election which will either be cheered by some voters or upset others.  If there is a lame duck session the defeated Republicans could get their revenge.

Power is easily abused and many of us can find ourselves swept up in the waves.  Progressives like to feel we are the rational ones but are stuck with the fact that emotions will carry the day.  Is it possible that there could be strong enough backlash to overcome evangelical fervor? 

For some the whole point is to make abortions disappear.  Many progressives think that is commendable if somewhat naive.  The Republican's real agenda has always been economic--they want to lower taxes, lower services and deregulate.  To us they seem very self-righteous, but many of them realize their agenda is a losing one.  They have discovered they can leverage social concerns which means take advantage of prejudice and ignorance. 

To return to the most emotional issue, those against abortion need to examine if the law is the best way to attain their goal and are there any consequences.  A lot of abortions can be stopped because accessibility can be very restricted.  The rich always have the option of going outside national boundaries and even the embarrassed self righteous may use foreign options.  There will be either money grubbers or sympathetic people with medical skills willing to defy the law.  Desperate people feeling trapped may attempt home remedies. Without proper medical supervision and facilities it can be predicted mothers will die and others will become infertile.  The founders of Freakonomics did a study of why crime stats were declining and considered a wide range of factors, but one unexpected factor could also be linked.  Crime rates significantly declined about 20 years after the Roe v Wade decision.  The thinking is that unwanted children are handicapped. and raised with a lot of resentment.  It could be because a father is missing or it could be because of poverty.  This should be a society concern that can be dealt with among other things, sexual education, contraceptive access, parental leave, tax incentives.  The real change will only come when people understand the issues better.

Perhaps it will be impossible to make some people even consider other issues, but there are and many have life and death implications.  The Supreme court will be ruling on health care issues and it is entirely possible that tens of millions will lose coverage.  With today's precarious economy everyone is in jeopardy and more importantly the current pandemic illustrates how important community health is to every individual.  As long as one feels secure in their health coverage they may not realize that anyone being sick without support effects everyone.

The Supreme court has many other legal issues that effect everyone.  One very big example is campaign financing.  Americans are increasingly controlled by big money entities that frankly are just trying to squeeze more money out everyone else.  They know what legal support gives them the power and they also have increasing accessibility to big data.  The Supreme Court had ruled that corporations have many of the same rights as citizens. 

Originally the American system was based on a system of checks and balances, but as the president gains more power the checks and balances are in disarray.  The Supreme court has favored presidential executive powers and as an example have been able to protect Trump against having to reveal his taxes. 

For many of us everything revolves around our distaste for Donald Trump himself.  He has lied and deliberately misled even his base.  He has ignored advice from his staff.  The Russian connections are still a mystery, but there is something very troubling.  The main thrust of impeachment efforts was to convict Trump for holding up support for Ukrainians in their efforts to resist Russian aggression.  Republicans dismissed claims, but few who listened to testimonies were reassured.  It is also hard to ignore Russian efforts to get Trump elected.  Although there might be other motives, it does seem that Trump is following Putin preferences by breaking up international co-operation efforts with prime examples of the Iran Nuclear Agreement  and Paris Climate Change Accord.  Check:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/house-of-trump-house-of-putin.html

A lot of what concerns progressives could have been dealt with by an election victory, but now we are concerned about a Supreme court appointment that could impact for three or four decades and even decide election disputes.  The remedies are controversial.  Adding another 5 new Supreme Court judges could trigger spiral reactions.  Trying to impeach an existing judge could also generate repercussions.

What to do?  The most practical strategy would be to try to persuade a few more Republicans to vote against an appointment and also to support Mark Kelly who can be a Senator as early as November 30th.  Appealing to their conscience will have a very limited effect.  Stirring up their election prospects bearing in mind that most voters are not in favor of an obvious abuse of power.  

I do not think it wise to commit to drastic measures such as packing the future court.  But Republicans need to be aware there will be consequences.  One thought that occurs to me is future legal action against Trump himself.  The danger is from his base who may actually act violently.  Still the evidence against Trump is likely to be overwhelming and may effect some of the base. 

The election itself is turbo changed.  The Supreme Court will definitely spur more of the Trumpian base to not only get out to vote, but also to be obstructive and intimidating.  But it will also stir more stay at home fence sitters to be more active against an obvious abuse of power.  The Court issue has to be expanded beyond abortion (Democrats and independents would also like to alleviate the concern).  In general the voters need to be aware of big issues such as handling the pandemic, climate change and go back to how the Democrat team including Biden turned the economy around.

The election will reveal real options.  The Republicans may feel a Supreme Court appointment is their last chance to effect the Supreme Court and feel it is a duty.  If the election is overwhelming they may realize the people have spoken, but we may have to deal with fanaticism.

A list of candidates from Joe Biden is not a good idea.  Whoever is included would be relentlessly criticized.  It would also hem in his future options.  My favorite candidate would be Barrack Obama, but that would stir up a lot of opposition.

There will be developments every day.  One effort will be to persuade four people that it is in their personal interest as well as the country's to not agree to a nomination.  They have to present the dangers to the public who in turn will help in the persuasion effort.

Who really has the power?  The people?  or the evangelicals? or the Trumpers?

GOOD NEWWZ

"Good Newwz" is a funny movie, hard not to laugh through most of it.   Second highest Bollywood gross in the U.S. for 2019.  But it has deeper repercussions.

The premise is two families named Batra are motivated to try invitro fertilization, but the sperm of the two men are injected into the other man's wife.  One couple (Akshay and Kareena) are quite upset and frown upon the other couple (Diljit and Kiara) as being offensively uncouth.  After accepting their situation they (Akshay and Kareena) are reluctant to have any type of contact with the others but it breaks down and at the end they are all involved with each other.

Reminds me of three other films that dealt with similar themes:

"Born in Absurdistan" (1999) an Austrian film where the sons of  Austrian and Turkish couples get mixed up and is not discovered until after the Turkish family has been deported.  The Austrian couple track down the Turkish family.  At first there is distrust with the Austrians looking down on the Turks,  but the Turks are very suspicious.  Plans are made to check blood back in Austria which would require smuggling deportees back.  As I recall several years later in the end the couples reconcile and decide to join together and raise both sons. 

"Like Father like Son," (2013) directed and written by Hirokazu Koreeda presents a similar dilemma (of switched babies), except all participants are Japanese and the two boys are 6 years old.  One father is a successful workaholic and the other father is relatively poor with other children.  At one stage the two boys play together while the successful father is upset that the son he has been raising is not of his blood.   The poorer one offers to raise both boys.  His wife is very attached to the son she has raised, but the husband is obsessed with blood lines.  Eventually although feeling very superior the one father realizes he is not as good a father.  The end is emotional as the one father realize his life has not been as meaningful as he had assumed.

"Dombey and Son" (1983) recently seen, but had read the Charles Dickens novel many years ago.  The story line is of a successful man whose wife dies after a son is born.  He finds his earlier born daughter of little interest, although she is very devoted to him.  He tries grooming his very young son, but he dies.  There is a lot of intrigue around him and eventually his business crashes.  Eventually he realizes his daughter is the one that stands by him.  Over a century ago, but in some ways we still have a long way to go.

 "Good Newwz" takes the plot to an even more intimate level, but more than the others uses humor to make its point.   With the first couple (Kareena and Akshay) we are shown efforts to get pregnant with the wife being more determined.  Ovulation is monitored and the husband is required to drop what he is doing.  The most humorous incident might be on an airplane when they realize the most practical timing and end up in the airline toilet.  When the two couples meet there is a lot of antagonism, but it is demonstrated with a lot of misunderstandings.

Akshay is upset that his wife's baby is not his, but has no concern about the baby he impregnated.  The other couple looks at both babies as being connected to them.  Akshay thinks an abortion is the solution even though his wife may not be able to get pregnant again.  Kareena is reluctantly convinced to have an abortion, but when she is shown a ultra sound screen changes her mind. 

There is much resistance, but it breaks down.  Akshay's sister and brother in law are both lawyers and although they are the ones who suggested the fertility doctor they advise to do a contract.  The other couple, Diljit and Kaira have another contract that is opposite in some regards. Kareena and Akshay want no contact after birth while Diljit and Kiara want to set healthy standards of raising the other's child.  Kareena is concerned about the medical history of the sperm inside her and is told the information is confidential, but she should get to know the other couple.  Eventually they become emotionally involved with each other and when an unexpected crisis occurs all four are deeply engaged and this leads to a happy ending.

The common theme of the four movies covered is that although blood is important so is humanity.  We bring many cultural hangups that too often get in the way.  Children need loving parents and parents need to look at each child as special.

The cast and crew below have been involved with some of my all time favorites. 

Karan Johar, the King of Romance is the key producer. Some of his notable films as director and/or producer include "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," (1998), "Kal ho naa ho." (2003) "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham," --with Kareena Kapoor, (2001) "The Lunchbox" (2013) and "My Name is Khan" (2010).

Raj Mehta, the director with his first feature after years of second unit, associate directing, acting, writing and directing/producing shorts.  Also contributed dialogue.

Jyoti Kapoor, writer with his first feature screenplay, but has contributed story ideas, including for a big hit, "Badhaii Ho" (2018) with an interesting theme involving parental sex.

The actors are listed left to right as in the photo cover above.

Kareena Kapoor Khan--has been in several memorable movies, but has also played a lot of vapid women.  I would say she is one of the better dancers and does show a little bit in this film.   Comes from a well known family in Bollywood.  Married Saif Ali Khan and has had one child.
Favorite movies of hers include "Jab we Met," (2007)  "3 Idiots," (2009) and "Talaash" (2012).

Akshay Kumar was a waiter, in Bangkok took up martial arts, asked to model and jumped into movies where he is a top box office star.   Has Canadian citizenship (actually campaigned with Stephen Harper.)   Akshay is a non smoker and participant in anti smoking campaigns, but is seen heavily smoking--to illustrate the harmful effects regarding fertility.  For the last decade he has been one of the most bookable Bollywood stars.  My attitude towards him has become much more respectful with such movies as "Special 26" (2013), "Airlift" (2016), "Rustom," (2016). "Toilet, A Love Story" (2017), "Pad Man" (2018), and "Gold" (2018).

Diljit Dosanjh started in Punjabi cinema, popular in comic roles, but has been in some serious Bollywood films such as "Soorma" (2018),  "Phillauri" (2017)  and "Uta Punjab" (2016--with Kareena Kapoor).

Kiara Advani starred in the big hit "Kabir Singh" (2019) and "M.S. Shoni:  The Untold Story" (2016).  Check:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/09/arjun-reddy-and-kabir-singh.html  

Adil Hussain, played the fertility doctor.  "English Vinglish (2012), Life of Pi (2012) and "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" (2012) "Tigers"   "What will people say" (Norway 2017), and "Kabir Singh" (2019).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/09/arjun-reddy-and-kabir-singh.html

Tisca Chopra "Rayhasa" (2015) "Qissa:  Tale of a Lonely Ghost" (2013) "Like Stars on Earth" (2007).

My earlier views on Bollywood comedies are here:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/04/chalo-dilli-deals-with-snobbery.html

ONE ISSUE VOTERS

If I had to pick one issue it would be HONESTY.  If I didn't agree with a politician I would vote for someone else.  The problem then is maybe they are not honest--a basic problem for all politicians and consequently for all voters.  We know by past action what a politician has done, although many will admit it was a mistake or they have changed their mind.  You can more easily determine which way a politician is inclined and take that into calculations.

Most politicians gain power by offering to fix a problem.  It might be high taxes, it might be a deficit, it might be a threatening foreign power, it might be freedom for some group that is persecuted, it might be to restore or build needed infra structure or it might be to replaced a disliked elected official..  Most of us recognize that although we might identify with the offer the politician gains power in many other areas.

Some voters are wary of politicians and focus on something they understand.  The assumption might be if the politician takes care of my concern, they will have to please other people with different concerns with the assumption that other people are concerned.  In some cases the voter doesn't care or doesn't have the resources to understand all the issues.

Smart politicians can not do anything unless they get power.  Being honest is not enough as anything you offer is likely to bother at least some voters.  A determination is calculated as to what gets the voter's attention.  Emotions carry more weight than reason, although both factor into a a voting decision.

My concern is one issue voters.  In honesty I have a view on these issues and have feelings that are mixed.  Like anyone I wish someone I vote for would take my side on every issue, but in fact I don't have a side on many issues such as if we give more money for a particular concern do we take from another concern or raise taxes or borrow money.  Is everyone from a persecuted group deserve to be treated as equal?

To me every politician has there own agenda some of whom just like power, but most every one has their own idea of what is important.  Many have adopted positions on emotional issues that they may or may not really believe.  Below are a number of one issue concerns that I feel have been abused.

ABORTION;  Probably the most hard rock concern for voters.  It is doubtful that anyone thinks abortion is the ideal solution.  It is killing a living being which also has to be frightening to any human.  Many decisions are just as life and death such as war, executions, laws regarding safety, in fact many laws that impact lives.

As a male it is relatively easy for me to condemn any woman foolish enough to get pregnant when they don't want to be.  But because I am male I understand how sex driven men are--for the physical pleasure, for the dominating ego trip or for their own emotional insecurities.  Married males may find a pregnant woman a burden, but most accept it.  A woman may have sex to please a man, for the pleasure or against their will or consciousness and they may want a child.

The reasons why women want an abortion include the shame, especially if unmarried.  Another shame may result from rape or incest.  Married women with other children may feel guilty that they cannot properly support another child.  There may be health concerns that may or may not relate to a previous pregnancy.  Some reasons may seem frivolous to others such it might ruin their figure, might disrupt their career, might be the wrong sex.  If a major birth defect is detected it may be the greed of not wanting a deformed child or possibly bringing another being into a suffering existence.  As outsiders we do not have to live with the consequences of either unwilling or desired sex.

We know that many "sins" will be sought disregarding restrictions.  Such activities as gambling, alcohol, drugs and sex have a universal demand that is often met outside legal bounds.  Criminals thrive in such conditions.  There are illegal abortionists, many of them of questionable experience that can compound the harm by infertility or maternal damage.

What can be done in the case of an unwanted pregnancy?  Have no doubt unwanted pregnancy not only causes stress for the woman involved, but often for others as unwanted children come to know it and the shame evoked paints others.  The best thing of course is to prevent them, but many of the same people who oppose abortion also oppose contraception and sex education.  What they seem to be upset about is promiscuity which admittedly is not usually good.  Trump at one time stated he felt the woman needed to be punished.  Some argue that the only purpose of sex is procreation, but that is short sighted.  Sex is a bonding activity that often helps keep parents together and in general cements relationships.

What can society do to lessen abortion and increase their population strength.  Contraception and sex education have proven they cut down on unwanted pregnancies.  Some governments concerned about losing population have found financial support is critical.  If government wants more people (as cannon fodder, pliant consumers, or prestige) paying regular payments to help support children is helpful.  Immediate concern is affect on income which is dealt with maternity leave, paternity leave which can provide some income and protect job security.  Mothers can be more productive (and happy) with affordable child care and flexibility in working conditions.

Rich people will be able to get abortions when they feel the need.  Poor people will either take desperate measures or accept other consequences.  They will suffer in various ways.  Perhaps some of the unwanted babies will be loved, but many will be seen as a burden.

Adoptions have for all history provided a way of turning unwanted babies to wanted babies.  There may be a trade off between high standards for approval and available adopters.  One area that has expanded is the acceptance of gay couples. 

GAYS:  Most heterosexuals feel what they consider normal sexual drives and may feel threatened by someone who feels differently.  Sexual identity is important to everyone, but it is only a part of our identity.  I grew up where homosexuals were objects of ridicule but I didn't really know any.  As I got older, homophobia crept in.  Fear that someone else's sexual drives would be imposed.  Gradually gays came out of the closet, usually in cities where they might find safety in numbers.  The AIDS crisis was instrumental to breaking out as they fought against ignorance in an effort to cope.  Those who have come into more contact with gays as I have a bit have found there is common ground and this recognition makes each more productive.

RACISM/IMMIGRATION:  The world has never been more aware of its diversity and integrated, but many feel uncomfortable.  Others feel threatened.   The feelings are natural but have been harnessed by others who need someone to blame for problems they are responsible for.   Lyndon Johnson, a Southerner, actually descended from "poor white trash" once pointed out:  if you can convince the poorest white man he is better than any black man you can pick his pocket.  It is not automation or offshoring that caused your poverty, but the blacks and the browns. After Lyndon Johnson signed the civil rights legislation the Republicans developed a southern strategy that used symbolic gestures and code words that suggested they would keep blacks and other minorities in their place.  They were able to use the old slaver founders influence on the constitution to leverage their power.

To me the most effective way to lower racism is to have more contact between different races.  Not quite as effective, but supportive is education, 

 GUNS:  It has been proven that loose gun laws increase homicides and suicides.  But there is protest encouraged by the National Rife Association that feigns big concern for the Second Amendment.  The second amendment can be interpreted in many ways, but it is not a license to do away with restrictions.  My argument would be that a car is also a valuable asset, but is recognized as potentially dangerous.  We accept many restrictions in the interest not only protecting ourselves, but also society.  Protection is a basic right of every human but at some point too many guns in fact leaves more people vulnerable.  It is true that those who don't respect the law or think they are smarter than enforcement will get guns, but that is a poor reason to loosen the law.

APOCALYPTIC:  This is hard to understand among outsiders.  It is the belief that we are approaching the second coming of Christ in which Christians ascend to heaven.  The catch is that Israel must be controlled by Jews.  There is a section of American voters and others who are doing what they can to ensure that Israel remains a Jewish state which means a toleration of Israeli claims on Palestinian territories.  This has permeated American media where Palestinians are pictured as backward and hateful.  It is difficult to argue against the extreme views of evangelicals who see their eternal salvation at stake.  They have proven that they can in fact support Israeli domination.  Trump is not the first politician to suggest he can boost Israeli dominance, but he has been the most active with action to please the Israelis and the evangelicals, but upsetting to the Palestinians and Muslims.  For me it is hard to take their contentions seriously and I do appreciate that they are causing tension instead of easing it. 

It has to be added that many of these one issue voters understand they have more power if they support other one issue groups.  Some politicians understand they can also get more power if they can join these causes together.  The Republicans representing big business and the wealthy understand this and have long added social hot buttons to their official policies
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Yes there is an alternative universe, although the inhabitants mostly are not as adamant or united with others.  Some one issue concerns include climate crisis, gun control, nuclear arms containment, campaign finance, pollution, minority rights and discrimination against a variety of people.  Most of them would be classed as liberals.  In general liberals are seeking change while conservatives feel comfortable with the status quo.  What complicates it is that the very wealthy want to set the rules so they come out on top.  It would be easy for the masses to vote for lower taxes and greater benefits and to actually limit the ability to pile up more wealth at their expense, but they don't.

Human nature being what it is there will always be a wide variety of opinions and there will always be some who are better able to marshal circumstances to gain power .  If voters are able to study every issue they would make better decisions.  It is easy to be self righteous, but the more time and effort put into studying the closer we will come to good decisions.  As there are no end to issues of concern it is necessary to balance them.  Education (not just vocational education) is critical in a nation's ability to make rational decisions.

THE MUELLER REPORT AND THE AMERICAN VOTER

The American voter is making me feel naive.  It is hard to understand how they could support a man who lies, who brags, who displays ignorance, who denigrates in every direction and in my opinion has policies that hurt almost everyone.  The best explanation seems to be that the Republicans and Mr Trump have consolidated a lot of one issue voters who do not analyze much beyond that one issue.

The 1% and those aspiring to it are focused on economic issues such as lower tax rates and de-regulation.  Both of these issues if they had their way are very likely to hurt everyone else.  They understand this as well as anyone.  To maintain their status they have to offer something in order to gain control.  The spin doctors have developed at least three categories that are reinforced by a few superficial issues.  The main categories are gun rights, bigotry and abortion.  There is a natural overlapping, but for many they are focused on their one issue. The Republicans have added in patriotism reflected in superficial aspects such as respect for the flag and other symbols and more critically military power.

Gun rights are supposedly based on the second amendment, but in truth it can be interpreted quite differently than the NRA has chosen.  Aside from constitutional justification (some might say twisting) they rely on fear.  Fear feeds on bigotry.  The reality is that Americans have put themselves in great danger from accidents, suicides, impulsive responses, abusive power that in fact they have a scary rate of deaths by guns.  Gun rights garner so much emotional support that its advocates are not swayed by policies on other issues.

Bigotry is really just prejudice taken to more extremes.  We all make pre-judgments as part of our heredity.  We do not readily understand the other.  We tend to congregate around those we feel most comfortable with.  Demographic trends  are that the establishment white race is losing power.  Traditionally older straight white males have had the most power and they can see that power is diminishing.  We live in a global society whether we leave our neighborhood or not.  Former colonies are asserting their rights.  Women, homosexuals, ethnic minorities and even youth are much more assertive and disrespectful.  When jobs are hard to come by it is easy to blame the "others."  We are stronger as a group when everyone gets an equal chance to contribute.  Bigotry is very often counter-productive--check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

Abortion is very emotional.  Life is sacred and abortion is literally murder.  But we have to acknowledge that when faced with an unwanted pregnancy people (men as well as women) it is seen as a life threatening situation.  If legal abortion is not available many (including conservatives and even Christians) would seek illegal abortions, even crude versions.  Women die, experience infertility, other lives are "ruined."  One study demonstrated that a significant reason for a decline in crime rates was that after abortion was legalized fewer potential criminals were born, i.e. for the most part those born in poverty and dysfunctional parenting.

One obvious solution is sex education coupled with easier access to contraception.   Also make parenting easier with supportive economic policies and more tolerance.  It seems that many of those opposed to abortion are also concerned about promiscuity and thus are also against anything that enables more sex outside marriage.  Some feel the only justification for sex is procreation.  Many feel promiscuity must be punished (stated by Trump himself) and frown on those who are guilty.  In reality promiscuity is often harmful to both individuals and society, but sex is also perhaps the most effective bonding agent which can lead to strong family relations.

How does all this relate to Mueller's report?  America is polarized.  Outside political realities people are unique, but the political structure Americans live in force most of them into one of two parties.  Sure other parties do receive votes, but if you are really determined to affect the outcome it is logical to choose one or the other party.

What I believe has happened is that government has developed to be very complicated and very distant that few really analyze the choice.  Loyalties among relatives and friends are common and social pressures to stick with the team are underlying.  Big money and ever developing modern technology are used to manipulate us.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/07/dark-money-by-jane-mayer.html

What that boils down to is that most Americans are committed to one of the parties and do not pay much attention to the other party except to find criticism.

I guess the slick lawyers would say the case against Donald Trump is circumstantial at best and likely rigged by the Deep State.  But when circumstances were being attributed to the Democrats facts were twisted and spun and I must admit seemed extremely false.  The Benghazi attack was a very unfortunate occurrence, but not particularly unexpected.  A dangerous place in which those directly involved realized was risky.  The Obama administration had its role by opting to get involved in Libyan rebellion, but Republicans were very quick to attack and tenacious when they felt they could spin it into something evil.

What is visible to anyone who read the report or even just followed the news from a reliable source is the evidence casts strong suspicions.  Multiple contacts between Trump's team and the Russians tied to actual policies and public statements.  Trump rejected government intelligence resources in favor of Putin.  Trump made many public obstruction efforts which by themselves would indicate he is hiding something.  He is the first presidential candidate to refuse to reveal his tax returns.  On top of all that the Mueller report is obviously reminding us of the many instances of obstruction and contact that Russians made determined and systematic efforts to turn the election to Trump's favor.  One must wonder why and note that Russia has indeed attained some of its goals.

A good hunk of Trump's supporters are indifferent or even adamant the whole process is rigged against a man who has done commendable things they feel are worth whatever it took.

The commendable things include a very harsh campaign against desperate refugees both from south of their border and from the Mid East.  De-regulating has progressed, but without too close a look in fact are removing financial and environmental protections for everyone.  Budget cuts to education and health care stand to have long term disastrous results.  Withdrawing from the Paris and Iran Nuclear agreements are having potentially catastrophic results.  Bending the Supreme Court and lower courts to conservative (Trumpian) outcomes which will drag on for decades with likely unhealthy consequences.  To top all that off, security measures to protect their election integrity are being sidelined.

To me an underlying problem is inequality.  It has always been that those who have power are able to set the rules and build increasing wealth and power.  The only thing that breaks this trend is a revolution.  Revolutions are stigmatized by those in power and for most of us they are frightening because they upset our comfortable status quo.

The wealthy and powerful are able to draw in enough of the masses to defend the status quo sometimes, as now by diverting attention from the real problems.  In a recent blog about "Amusing ourselves to death" it was assumed we are headed for a dystopia, but that there are two contrasting versions of the vehicle.  "1984" represents a harsh path with censorship, a police state, etc.  "Brave New World" by contrast suggests the path may involve pleasurable things (diversions) like drugs and sex.  One can see both trends. check out http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/05/amusing-ourselves-to-death.html

On one hand we can see censorship and police state trends globally.  On the other hand the world seems relatively sexually liberated and literally millions even perhaps billions are using drugs to deal with life's unfairness.  Entertainment permeates our lives, even to imbibing news.  In education one can see trends towards money making while the arts and philosophy take a back seat.

What can be done?  The Democrats are at present opting for a slow walk feeling they can win big in the next election.  The Republicans are using their resources to stomp down on the truth and divert attention.  The Democrat presidential candidates smelling an opportunity are bringing up policies that appeal to progressives, but scare many moderates.  One can imagine the Republicans will welcome a top heavy progressive Democrat candidate, yet the Democrats seem to want to outdo one another.

The testimony did in fact reinforce a lot of damning evidence that may overcome the Republican attacks and Trump's vociferous claims of vindication.  There are also several ongoing investigations that may prove to be more damaging, but time can also diminish their impact.  The Democrats need to voice the evidence more loudly.  The Republicans were continually rebuffed on their Benghazi attacks, but continued and it probably was a factor in Hilary Clinton's defeat.  We can be certain the Republican spin machine will be loud and over whelming.

Naomi Klein noted that progressives have many separate causes, but they are not united as the Republicans are.  Some deep thinking needs to be done.  For example Naomi points out the alliance between native groups and environmentalists have given each more power towards their goals.  Many groups are devoted to overcoming discrimination against homosexuals, females, the disabled, racial and religious entities.  Climate change has energized many activists.  Others are trying to use gun controls to make a safer country.  Still others are concerned about inequality.  There is a little overlap in these concerns, but if each group realizes they have more power working together great things can be accomplished.  Compromises will need to be made, but respecting the concerns of other people can enable a much better result.  The sooner these compatible causes work together the sooner they can assert themselves.  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/05/naomi-klein-writes-another-insightful.html

As many of you know I am Canadian and we have our share of problems, but we have more than two parties and the "extra" parties do have some power, so we have more choices.  I also believe proportional voting would give even more choices that would give better government.  As Canadians we are small and we know it--what happens in United States has a profound effect on us. What are you going to do about it?

Cristian Mongiu, filmaker from Romania

Cristian Mongiu grew up in a Communist dictatorship with a fully developed secret police.  He managed to avoid military service by continuing his education, graduating with a degree in English literature.  He is fluent in English, French and his native Romanian.  He had little access to films in theatres, but in the 1980's with VCR he watched and shared many movies, even helping to translate some of them.  Like many Romanians he was aware of events in Europe mainly through Radio Free Europe, but was caught off guard by the 1989 Romanian Revolution.  He was in journalism at the time which underwent dramatic changes as the censor regime collapsed.

In the 1990's he decided to go to a film school.  There were no actual copies of most of the movies they were studying.  He felt his knowledge of films was very little when he graduated in 1998.

In 2003 Cristian formed Mobra Films with Oleg Motu and Hanno Hofer.  Hanno Hofer was a composer who did the music for two of Cristian's movies.  Oleg Motu was a cinematographer who supervised the camera work for many of Cristian's movies and had won some international awards.

"Occident" (2002) was Cristian's first film as director and writer.   It was a comedy about Romanian society.  It was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival.

"4 Months 3 weeks and 2 days" (2007) won the Palme d'or  (plus two other awards) at Cannes, but when it came to the Oscars it failed to make the short list.  This upset authorities and they instituted new rules.  Very emotional topic--abortion, specifically an illegal abortion.  It is not likely to change the opinion of many,   In Romania of 1987 abortion would result in a prison sentence or even worse.  We don't know the background but one room mate wants an abortion and the other agrees to help.  Somehow they contacted an illegal abortionist and soon find themselves being manipulated by him for more money.  They are already near the end of their resources, but push further.

 What shocks viewers is an explicit replica of a fetus with some recognizable human features being dumped.  It is only for a few seconds, but lets viewers know a life is lost.

Vlad Ivanov who plays the tough abortionist went on to act in "Graduation." and "Tales from the Golden Age" with Cristian.  Two other noteworthy Romanian film for him was "Police, Adjective" (2009 directed by Cornelius Pormboiu))  and "Child's Pose" (2010  directed by Calin Peter Netza) with  each winning two awards at Cannes He went on to an international career with  "Whistleblower" (2010),  "SnowPiercer" (20130 and "Toni Erdman" (2016).

Another actor, Alexandru Potocean was also in "Whistleblower"  Another international film for him was "The Way Back." (2010)/

"Tales from a Golden Age"  (2009) was written by Cristian, but used several directors for different segments.   Broken down to a number of short stories each of which highlights as aspect under Communist rule from a satirical perspective.  Among other motives it seems Cristian used his international fame to leverage more respect for Romanian film makers.  PHOTO

"Beyond the Hills" (2012) was originally inspired by an incident in a monastery, but it was decided to develop another story line.  It has been criticized as being anti-religious, but it is dealing with deep human emotions. The priest as portrayed as a honest man striving to do the right thing.  What drew the director/writer was the exorcism that resulted in a death.

This film won for Cristian, the best script award at Cannes and best actress for Cristina Flutar.

Cristian had to seek more money and with that as he puts it, you get more "opinions."  Noteworthy with this movie he included the two Belgian brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne and they also helped with "Graduation."

The DVD came with an interesting second disc with special features.  Sitting in a comfortable chair or couch and being entertained for about two hours one is not really conscious of all the work that goes into a film.  It started based on an actual event, but Cristian decided to not follow too exactly.  He did try to duplicate the landscape and buildings which required a long period of building so much that rehearsals started while construction was still in progress.  The film was set partly in winter which meant waiting for snow, but then they had planned to work through heavy weather but found that the cold was difficult.  He also demonstrated some of the details of adjustments.

Valeriu Andriuta  had appeared in "Occident" and while planning this film Cristian not quite willing to make a commitment was looking for Valeriu's type to play the priest.  The catch was he wanted the priest to have a traditional beard.  He had not seen Valeriu for several years as he had moved to Ireland and not been involved with acting.  Over the phone he asked Valeriu if had a beard and ironically he had until the day before when he had shaved it off.  Without a commitment he agreed to start growing one.  In the end he played a very convincing priest.  Valeriu also appeared in "Graduation" in a bit role.

"Graduation" (2016) dealt a lot with corruption, but Cristian indicates that the underlying theme is to do with parenting.  In society parents need to educate their children to the realities.  In Romania there is level of corruption that affects everyone. "We all complain in Romania about the level of corruption without understanding that we are responsible for it."  

It came out that Mongiu believes in many takes.  He explains that he is trying to maintain a precise emotion.  He invites the editor to the filming as part of the process.

At a forum (from special features) Cristian expressed concerns that there aren't enough theatres in Romania, large numbers having been closed.  He wanted to debut his film at the same tie as shown for the Cannes festival, but couldn't. He also felt viewers needed to be better educated to appreciate films that aren't "popular." Earlier" 4 months 3 weeks 2 days" was put on a tour.  The number of theatres has gradually increased, but Critsian still feels most Romanians see films as only entertainment whereas he feels they also can be more

In addition to writing, directing and directing his own films Cristian has produced  other films and television shows. Most recently a producer for a German-Romanian series, "Hackerville" (2018).

In response to a question at Cannes Cristian explained that there is always a story behind the action in the film.  We never exactly know what brought the characters to where we first see them.  He feels everyone is limited in their choices by their upbringing and education. 

Cristian, a frequent visitor to Cannes felt that Cannes helps to preserve smaller movies,(not the more popular blockbusters).  The world benefits from more diversity.

Romania is yet another country that offers the world worthy films.  Although Cristian is pre eminent he is not the only one and is supported by actors and technical people.