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.

WHAT THE WORLD CUP MEANS (TO ME)

A fellow Canadian once commented that he wasn't interested in following soccer.  Surprisingly he was fairly young, not surprisingly grew up in Canada with little international experience.  Is the rest of the world crazy?  Or are we the only ones who appreciate talent and beauty?

Canadians of my age generally have had little experience with soccer (in fact "football" means something else entirely different and we are much more familiar with it).  My son played soccer, because it was cheap, safe and convenient.  I became involved as a volunteer.  Most volunteers shared my limited experience, but inevitably we did encounter soccer enthusiasts, usually having grown up with the game in another country.

I watched several attempts to make soccer a major league sport, but until recently the progress seemed  tied to immigrants, most of who complained that it was much better in the old country.  The young kids are enthused and drag their parents (some of whom may have been involved with soccer themselves).  The grassroots is now a power to be reckoned with and still professional soccer in English speaking North America has not quite made it...yet.

It doesn't take much awareness to see that soccer is the big sport in the rest of the world.  Still even they seem to admit that without American approval they aren't given enough respect.  American success in the World Cup will inspire many more and elevate its status.  Only cable stations covered the U.S. tying Portugal in a very exciting game.  They bowed out against Belgium in a brave effort with little non sports network coverage.

Flopping (feigning injury to attract penalties against the opposition) turns off Canadians and Americans.  As the British might say, it isn't cricket.  Amateur sports were supposed to be played by "gentlemen" who above all believed in fair play.  Professionals and increasingly amateurs today are looking for an edge beyond athletic skills.  That might come out as cheating on the margins and includes trying to fool the ref.  When it works and you win, you are admired.  Personally I still admire fair play, but I like it when my favorite team wins.

In Hamilton there are a lot of immigrants from Italy and Portugal.  My neighborhood used to be predominantly Italian (including my wife's family) but now is much more Portuguese.  Whenever Italy or Portugal won a game you could hear horns honking almost everywhere.  My wife and I would often walk over to James St only a few blocks just to see the parade of cars with flags and joy.  One year one Portuguese shop sold barbecued sardines and I bought one and enjoyed it.  For years I had ignored all the Portuguese restaurants, but became interested after a visit to Vancouver.

Flags are on cars and houses.  Portuguese don't want to miss this opportunity to flaunt their heritage but also Italians let you know they still are a power.  I have noticed a few Germans, not normally flamboyant, but do have some proud connections. Although I have spotted others they aren't as common as in past years.

Unbelieveable,  Italy and Portugal went out during the round robin and generated very little horn honking.  In past years the Portuguese looking for a good excuse switched their loyalty to  the Brazilians, their colonial cousins and I  have seen a little evidence, but not as much as in the past.

The Columbia team dance routine after goals got my attention.  James Rodrigues made a spectacular  goal and I understand he had made four others.  The other team that really got my attention was Costa Rica.  When I read the group they were in they were very easy to dismiss, but they defeated Uruguay and Italy and tied England (admittedly already eliminated).  For a little nation they reached unexpected heights, but their talent and their luck weren't enough.

The biggest surprise was the early exit of Spain and Italy and England all teams that had won previous World Cups and were considered amongst the favourites.  There have been some great athletic accomplishments, Luis Suarez (before the biting incident, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar.  Lionel Messi, recognized as one of the world's best footballers put on a few good displays.

Before the tournament got started Brazil was heavily criticized internally by those who felt that huge amounts of money should have been spent on alleviating poverty.  From the outsiders there was question of competence and safety.  From what I have seen they have produced some impressive stadiums and filled them with boisterous fans.  It is likely tourism will be boosted for the next few years and it is naturally one of the world's most interesting tourist destinations.  Rio di Janeiro is considered one of the most fun cities in the world.  But there is a lot more to Brazil than Carnival time.  The Amazon is one of the most important rivers in the world and has many hidden and beautiful secrets.  The capital Brasilia is inland away from the famous beaches.

The pace of the World Cup is something to be admired.  For the first two weeks you get to see 32 of the top teams of the world play three games each.  It is possible to lose one of the three games and go on to win the the final game, but the squeezing has started.  After the round robin half of the teams are eliminated.  Most of these tournaments are dominated by teams from Europe and South America and each time it is suggested that African or Asian teams will break out, but I can't recall any that really have contended.  The tension really does mount for the knock out games, most of which are settled by no more than one goal and many go to extra time or a shoot out.

As this is being written we are down to four teams, Germany, Brazil, Argentina and the Netherlands.  They all have a long soccer history  and their current crop of players are worthy.  Predictions are precarious.  I do anticipate some close, probably low scoring games with a high degree of athleticism, but any game could be decided by millimeters.  It has been an enjoyable run (at least for me).