D.E.I. Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Trump is upset about D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), maintaining that it is unfair.  Some of us feel the MAGA followers really want to take advantage of privilege.  The goal is supposed to be the best person for each position gets hired.

The original signers of the U.S. Constitution were landowning white males of a certain age.  Their rights to own slaves were respected.  Voting rights were determined by the states.

Over the years voting rights were extended to blacks (mostly former slaves), women, younger people, indigenous and even poor people.  Prejudice and legal tools were used to limit actual voting by minorities. 

It takes many years including generations for prejudices to lessen in society.  It involves heroes and martyrs like Martin Luther King Jr. or Harvey Milk.  Forced to work with minorities some whites came to appreciate the "other" was not evil or incompetent.  Adjusting to having women as bosses was hard for men, but some of us got used to it.  Making judgments when confronted by hijabs, turbans, skullcaps or even baseball caps is still normal for most of us.  Handicapped people are often ignored, although they are generally reliable employees.  Society too often takes its time to mature, but more of us are making the effort.

All of humanity is not equal, but generally complement one another.  Opportunity is also not equal and in effect means we do not always get the best mix.  The offspring of wealthy successful parents are not necessarily as talented or even as ambitious.  

In the meantime society controlled by those with power is able to protect their position against outsiders.  Here are a few areas that make a difference to who gets opportunities or real choices.

Home ownership is actually the basis for many family fortunes, but denied to many blacks as they could not get affordable credit.  Minorities are discouraged from the better neighborhoods.

Education is supposedly the tool for poor people to rise and it can work.  However the quality is not the same in all neighborhoods.  Not every student comes to class equally rested and nourished.  

Jobs are not only a measure of talent, but also a mark of status.  Discrimination based on race, gender  religion or class ensure there is not true competition.  Income affects the whole family.

Health is vital.  Statistics have pointed out that blacks die more frequently than whites at childbirth and have a shorter life span.  They receive poorer quality care from doctors.  

These factors are going in the right direction, but still have a way to go.  Despite the listed obstacles many black and other minorities have succeeded, but that seems to alarm many whites.  Population trends point that racial minorities will be the majority within only a few decades. 

Undoubtedly some deserving whites lose out and in a sense we all lose when that happens.  Competition often is used a a decider.  Being privileged means a lot is taken for granted.  Over time the ideal should be to find the best fit for every human.  Fairness is another ideal which means that society should not judge merely by outside features, but examine more closely the talents and merits of individuals. 

A legitimate concern is that we hire the most suitable.  At the same time those in power make the rules that suit them.  Donald Trump has appealed not only to bigots, but to other aggrieved groups such as Evangelicals, gun owners, fossil fuel investors, etc.

D.E.I.has served America well, in fact better than privileged decision makers of the past.  In the future it will be less and less necessary, that is if allowed to further prove its worth. 

WAKE UP AMERICA BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

As a Canadian I am alarmed over American politics, especially as a conman is believed by enough voters to get himself elected a second time.  One realizes Americans don't want to be lectured by a foreigner, but they are being conned and it affects the rest of the globe.  Hopefully some Americans who have been led astray will catch the message.

America seems to be in a doze.  They are overlooking things that are critical.  Education is attacked by people who are afraid of the truth--Blacks, Asian and Gays have been abused, but have contributed to the overall welfare.  It will take maybe another generation to soften racist and homophobic attitudes so more of us can work together. 

Something that should be screaming for attention is climate change.  As time goes by the more sacrifice  money, property and lives will be required.  There is no location that is free of climate change.  We now understand that forest fires distribute harmful smoke that affect breathing.  Florida and Texas are significant not only for their size and the direct impact of climate change, but also for their pig headed opposition.  The situation is beyond having to take someone's word.  Few are beyond the effects of climate change.

Some voters are most alarmed by scary immigration and others about escalating food prices.  There are many factors in these issues, but most definitely climate change is part of them.  Get to the root and many problems come down to a workable size.  

Immigrants are actually badly needed due to the fact that Americans are having smaller families.  Although pictured as bringing in bad things, they actually have been critical helping to raise living standards throughout American history.  We need to realize why the increased desperation.  One factor might be to escape authoritarian governments, but another big one is climate change.  Climate change has resulted in droughts, hurricanes and floods.  Higher temperatures have caused deaths.  Trump intervened to stop the implementation of a bipartisan plan as he felt he needed a talking point.

The economy today follows the economy of past years.  When Obama was inaugurated he inherited a mess.  He turned around the situation and handed over a growing economy to Trump.  Trump immediately had a major tax reduction favoring the very wealthy.  This move increased inequality and the national debt.  Before Covid things started to reverse, but Covid was a major disaster he mishandled.  Supply lines were disrupted.   Money was injected into the economy.  Under the Biden-Harris administration the U.S. recovered better than any other industrial nation.

There is much more to consider, but Trump thinks only of himself.  Kamala Harris is someone he doesn't understand, but she understands the middle class.  Trump lies about a wide range of issues--his audience size, immigration, crime rates, climate change etc.  The choice may seem simple, but logic plays only a small role.

Excluded

"Excluded is an American book on zoning issues.  We Canadians have some of the same problems--a heavy housing inflation, homelessness and undoubtedly discrimination.  A better understanding would help people on both sides of the border

   

A previous blog about "Caste" (2020) did away with the idea that racism was the basic prejudice and decided that the more basic prejudice is caste.  Check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/02/caste-origins-of-our-discontents.html  In "Excluded" (2023) we learn that poor whites are only marginally ahead of poor blacks, but behind in many ways to middle class blacks.  So some blacks have emerged stronger from their past, but many have not, while poor whites have found barriers to upward mobility.

The author states "...increasingly today it is class discrimination that explains America's growing inequality".   This is evident in housing.  The zoning laws have mostly been to suit the wealthy.

Donald Trump bragged that he was able to reverse zoning that had allowed lower income people into higher income zone stating his base would not have to be contaminated by poor and criminal elements. 

For many people their house is their most important investment.  The value of a house normally appreciates during a working life.  It turns out at least these days that the more expensive houses appreciate more.  To protect their investment, home owners want to keep out undesirables.  They seem to feel if poorer people inhabit their neighborhood services will deteriorate and crime will increase.  Some zoning decisions such as allowing multi family housing would allow people who can't afford more expensive choices.  There have been changes, but the concept of deducting the borrowing costs of buying a home give an edge to those who are able to make the crucial down payment.

Kahlenberg points out "...it is not poverty per se, but concentration of poverty that can accelerate social ills such as crime.", but many of us want to avoid any poor people in our neighborhood fearing bad things that might follow.

Kahlenberg points we all benefit from diversity whether it is racial or ethnic or class.  He quotes Martin Luther King Jr "All labor has dignity."

Investment is a strong motive but ultimately it boils down to a caste system where people feel a superiority to others that deem different.  Often that is tied to race.  American whites have demonstrated a willingness to vote against their personal self interest  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

Environmental concerns need to get higher priority.  Multi family housing leaves less of a footprint than single family homes.  They are also easier for municipalities to provide infrastructure.  Sprawl diminishes what is left of natural habitat.  Snobbery and NIMBYism hurt us all. 

Education is a factor.  A major complaint is that minorities are unable to get equal education because of where they live.  Education, regardless of location could also be more equal giving minorities a better opportunities to get better jobs and make more money.

A few months ago there were some tents pitched in a nearby park.  Homeowners were complaining, and when a proposal was made to add in some of what were called tiny houses, but catering to the homeless with drug problems the situation heated up.  At a local meeting our counselor trying to explain was drowned out and later threatened.  I don't know what happened in the background, but there are no longer tents in the area and the tiny houses, meant to alleviate the problem are no longer scheduled.  This is not a wealthy neighborhood.  More on my personal perspective:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/dream-house.html

Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy campaigned with Blacks, Hispanics and poor whites and it worked.  After they both were assassinated the poor whites were mostly attracted to the Republicans and were replaced by the wealthy white liberals to the Democrats.  The Republicans have successfully used divide and rule separating poor whites from Blacks and really representing the wealthy.

The author's last sentence is a plea, "It is time to recognize the walls that separate us and then proceed to tear them down".  

There is a lot more to be found in these pages and many of you will not want to read such heavy reading, but I hope I have conveyed that equality is nebulous at best, but something to strive for.

As we evolve there does seem to be a trade off of humanity striving for equality and those who want to maintain themselves at a privileged status.  Whether we fully understand this or not we are each part of it.  I hope I can include a greater part of mankind as friends and equals.

White Dog

Wandering around the library on impulse picked up "White Dog"(1982).   Over 50 years ago watched "Roots of Heaven" (1958) also based on a book by the same author and believe I read the book as well.  This led to an awareness of a dog trained to attack blacks, but had no access to book and no awareness of movie.  I thought it was based in Africa, but that was wrong.  "Roots of Heaven" was concerned about poaching elephants for their tusks.  Anti racism books and films appeals to me as a disease that needs curing 

It turns out Romain Gary, the author of"Roots of Heaven" for a time lived in California and had married Jean Seberg, famous French actress making films in Hollywood.  She saved a white dog which she found very friendly, except gradually learned the dog had been trained to attack blacks.  

One of the underlying themes is that racism can be (and very often is) taught.  The dog was gentle and protective of his rescuer.  The viewer is shown sudden change of demeanor and viciously attacks a black driver causing a spectacular crash.  Later we see the dog attack a black actress.  Another scene shows the dog chasing a black man to a church.  

The rescuer realizes there is a problem and although some are suggesting the dog be put down she seeks out a dog trainer to help reset the dog's automatic attacks on blacks.  She had seen a dog being killed at a dog pound and was repulsed.  

Eventually they found a dog trainer who was black.  Quickly understood the challenge.  One of his strategies was to insist that he be the only one who would feed the dog.  Eventually the dog responded in a friendly manner, but the trainer realized it was only him that had overcome the trained response.  He worked with other black people.  In the end the dog was put down as he was attacking a white person and had seemed to have gone insane with the confusing messages he had been sent.

The dog trainer explained that at one time dogs had been trained to chase after run away slaves and after that to pursue black convicts.  Unfortunately there have been bigots who have carried on the tradition.  The key thing to remember is that racism is taught.

Romain Gary was a well respected writer and director.  He had written material for "The Longest Day"  (1962).  He became French consul in Los Angeles where the inspiring events for "White Dog" took place.  He first wrote a magazine article and then a novel.  He also worked on the film script.

Samuel Fuller has often insisted about writing and directing.  He focuses on violence which he is against, but wants to demonstrate the effects on both perpetrators and victims.  Had been an American rifleman during World War I winning a Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart using some of this experience in some of his early films.   Had written at least one earlier film on racism, "The Klansman" (1974).  After "White Dog" was released he was very disappointed that it was shelved for years in America, although had received excellent reviews in Europe.  This was his last American film and he went onto do films in France. The NAACP objected to what they thought was racism.

 A key part of the film was Karl Lewis Miller, dog trainer.  The DVD had an interesting feature on his role.  He used 4 dogs and was able to get screen credits for them.  In some cases he had been tasked by the director to do unusual acting.  He had acted as animal trainer for another 64 films.  He also played a break in with intent to rape who was attacked by one of the dogs.

Ennio Morricone the famous composer was in charge of music.  Some of his more famous efforts were for "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966),  "The Mission" (1986), "Cinema Paradiso" (1988), "The Legend of 1900" (1998), and "The Best Offer" (2013).  Sam Fuller's wife, Christa Lang (who had a small role in the film) made the suggestion to hire Ennio.

Bruce Surtees handled the cinematography.  He went on to film "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984).

Bernard Gribble was the editor.  He had edited such films as "The Man in the White Suit" (1951) and  "The Winds of War" Tv Mini series (1983).

Kristy McNicholl played Julie Sawyer, the rescuer of the white dog.   She won two Emmy awards for her role in tv. series, "Family" (1976).  Made lots of appearances in American television.

Paul Winfield played trainer, Keys which required him to be attacked a few times. He has appeared in numerous films including  "Sounder" (1972), "The Terminator" (1984).  He bred and showed pug dogs for several years.  He had been nominated for one Oscar and three Emmy awards, one of which he won.  Some movie roles he played were as Thurgood Marshall, Roy Campanella, Don King and Martin Luther King Jr.  He also performed on stage.

Burl Ives played  Carruthers, an animal consultant for movies.  Burl is well known as a singer accompanying himself with banjo or ukulele.  A career on stage led to movies with his winning an Oscar for best supporting actor.  Some of his notable films include "East of Eden" (1955), "The Big Country" (1958), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958) and "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" (1964).

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

 A provocative title and cover, but not entirely true.  At one time she despaired of getting white people to understand racism.  But in fact she does present a good case and even suggests how you (if you are a white person) might alleviate your guilt feelings.

 I finished this book on the same day of the aftermath of England's loss in the Euro Cup.  Some will be forgotten by the time this post is read.  The game was an even match through regulation time and then through extra time until the shootout.  Shootouts are notoriously unpredictable.  There is a guessing game between the shooter and the goalie and shots have been known to hit the goal post or fly way above and many capable players have failed.  But three English black players failed.  This was too much for many English "fans" who berated the three black players on Twitter and vandalized billboards.  The three had all helped England to reach the finals

Most of what has reached my attention on racism has been based in United States and Canada.  In fact, the English were the ones that brought Africans to British North American plantations as well as throughout the Caribbean.  The English supported the slave trade, but mostly in their colonies.  Surprised to learn that captured slaves (I suppose like any other "commodity") could be insured while being transported, although dead bodies were thrown overboard.

In 1833 it is sometimes boasted the English outlawed slavery, but they paid compensation to 46,000 British slaveholders.  After WWII Britain needed more cheap manpower and invited many from their Commonwealth base.  Many blacks from the Caribbean heeded the call.  Resistance was both individualistic and organized. 

To satisfy complaints of discrimination, governments have set up quotas to favor certain groups such as minority races or women.  Reni contends that although quotas are often viewed as an unfair leg up, it is really being "white" that has given many an unfair leg up.  Those hoping to achieve higher political office slyly draw attention to the many immigrants and avoid drawing attention to the concentration of wealth that in reality is what holds back native Britons. 

Immigration is upsetting to many citizens.  Unfortunately there are many forces that cause an increase.  Underlying is probably the uneven distribution of wealth, but also of resources and of freedom.  Brexit was in large part a reaction to immigration.  The Arab spring sparked a big movement, particularly from Syria.  Most European nations had some sort of resistance while Germany opened its doors.  The author pointed out a political movement in Finland that wanted women to turn from education to being home makers producing more young Finns so there would be no need for immigrants.

When this book was first published 2017 it created a stir with many people criticizing the title and content, without actually reading it.  The soft cover version came out in 2019 and recounted some of the initial reaction.  Similar to how the Republicans are stirring up hatred against Critical Race Theory without actually understanding what it refers to.   

While attempting to polish this post I also watched "I Am Not Your Negro" (1960)   Director Raoul Peck decided to pick up on a James Baldwin unfinished book, "Remember This House" which was intended to discuss the struggles of blacks in America.  James Baldwin speaks from a number of film clips.  Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr started with opposite views on violence, but modified  before each of them was assassinated.  Medgar Evers as another black man who was assassinated.   We were shown lynched victims and opposition to blacks entering previously all white schools.  Apparently Robert Kennedy was invited to take part, but thought his participation would be meaningless.  Raoul and James thought otherwise.  A common refrain from segregationists was that black rights could be equated with Communism.   Samuel L. Jackson did some of the narration and an extra revealed him to be a lot more that how he is generally depicted in his movie roles.  The film had been nominated for an Oscar and does provide interesting insights that are still relevant today. 

Another post on racism:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/racism.html

RACISM

The Trump era seemed insane to us.  How can so many people vote against their own economic self interest?  Religion may be one factor, but to me a bigger factor is racism.   Racism sounds terrible to many of us, but what is it really?  One idea is that it is fear of the unknown.  We feel we can identify with people who look like us (and our loved ones), but evolution has taught us to distrust and even fear the unfamiliar.  That is the psychology of it, but the sociology adds in group pressure to conform to individual fears.

Prejudice means pre- judging.  In the old days one might have to make a split second decision that meant life or death.  Those times may seem less today, but we still tend to make judgments quickly and it is hard to change them.

How serious is it?  People are dying.  People are discriminated against.  Society is less efficient/effective and peaceful.   "One Night in Miami" starts off with a little vignette that shows Jim Brown (football hero of many including me) being greeted very friendly by a southern gentleman and his daughter who are both very enthused meeting him and bring out to the porch some lemonade.  As it happens the gentleman is called by his daughter to help move some furniture and when Jim Brown offers to help he is told "you know we don't allow niggers in our house."  It admits that many people can admire black athletes and entertainers, but draw a line at different levels of intimacy. 

Today one hears of violent abusive acts against Asians who have been associated with the Coronavirus Virus, an association made by Donald Trump.  But he was deflecting from his own guilt and appealing to a racist base.

Racism has been tied to political agendas that favor those with power who are able to consolidate and use it as leverage for their selfish ends such as tax reductions and de-regulations meant to protect citizens.  Too many people let their prejudices make their decisions.  In fact racism costs everyone:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

One fact to deal with first.   It is not desirable to ram down new (even contradictory) thoughts into people.

We know that prejudice is reduced by contact.  Those places with most contact (big cities) have the least prejudice.  We also think that education reduces prejudice and it might be fair to say the contact is also education.  Human attitudes can be very difficult to modify, but over time attitudes do change and it is in everyone's interest that racism be eliminated, but realize it will take time.  Modern societies are making progress, but not without resistance.  

Education would not be effective if those teaching are not also believers.  The first task is to teach the teachers.  Although the overall process needs to begin as soon as practical, we must make educating the teachers a priority.  Fortunately teachers are already relatively educated, but perhaps could benefit from more specific education that not only would increase their understanding, but also be a tool.

The first item is to admit that we are all prejudiced and it comes in many harmful forms.  While this post is focused on race, our prejudices span all races, liberals and conservatives and includes those of us who feel we are above it.  It is a survival mechanism that we distrust differences that are not understood and that includes sexual identity, gender, size, culture, age, etc. etc.  With an university course in my past we were asked to write an essay on something we were prejudiced against and I chose old people even though I had two grandmothers that were a big part of my life.  I shared some distrust and could see much prejudice all around.  My contacts with racial and ethnic minorities have been limited, although I fancy myself a progressive.  Another example of prejudice more prevalent than is acknowledged:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/10/what-about-those-hicks.html

Racist dynamics enter many different aspects.  History is one area.  Culture (music, sports, literature).   Youth is key as lifelong habits are being formed from birth.

Contact is an area that would be resisted at racist cores.  Anti discrimination laws are a tool that should enforce contact at the government level.  Where people live and where they go to school are difficult to control as economic factors enter.  We know blacks as a whole are poorer and until that is modified will tend to live in poorer neighborhoods and attend nearby schools.  While some use racist strategies for their economic agenda, their economic agenda is a divisive tool that hurts everyone.

Public schools are critical.  Some people will use their wealth and power to send their children to schools that are monolithic (not integrated).  At this stage we need to make that more difficult, perhaps by restricting current government support to schools that do not have significant racial integration.  The eventual goal is that parents would prefer their children learn in an integrated environment.  If we could encourage schools in white districts to hire a significant number of minority teachers there would be extra contact with the establishment whites.  Rather than have busloads of students torn out of their neighborhood at some expense we should offer exchange programs.  There needs to be some incentives for participants, but that should not be as expensive as bus fleets.

Whites with racist attitudes are maybe already in a minority position and will gradually feel less communal support.  This can lead to desperation and offers the one issue voter conservatives are looking for.  In the meantime they are fighting against the inevitable, realizing it is not pleasant to be a minority.

 Hate crimes need to be dealt with more strongly.  Not so strong that they stir up further resentment, but with an educational component.  Just as sports teams have learned racial diversity and acceptance makes for a better team, businesses also need to appreciate that.

Impeachment

Impeachment is supposed to rectify abuses of power.  The process is unavoidably political and subject to abuse.

 Donald Trump commands cult like adulation.  This adulation built on fraud is very real.  Republicans in Congress are afraid of jeopardizing their careers.  That fear is further proof that Trump did indeed expect violence to bolster his cause.

It appears unlikely that Trump will be convicted by Congress and the whole process may end up being counter productive.  The Democrats have an agenda that polls indicate are favored by most Americans, but the impeachment could be a destructive distraction.

To me the point is to reach the American public.  The evidence is not disputable and non conviction would set a precedent.  Some of the public is being swayed.  When they make their judgment they can express it in a private voting booth.  Others can make their view known to their Congress representative and may in some cases support a wavering politician.  A few constituents might bolster the courage of a Senator and perhaps they will perceive a safety in numbers.

One of the most galling factors is that Trump and his followers were angry that Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States refused to defy the Constitution.  By presiding over the official Electoral College many cried out for his hanging.  Only brave staff saved Congressional members.  Many of those same members are afraid to convict Trump or even to criticize him.  A few brave Republicans seem destined to have early primaries and lose much support.   

A bigger root cause is how big money has taken over political decisions.  It has long been known that the average voter was not concerned about the Republican economic agenda.  We also know that most voters do not really examine the issues in depth.  Big money is able to present disinformation and tap into prejudices and fears that have a strong motivation.  

Naturally everyone would like to have more money in their pocket and so tax reductions sound great.  A progressive tax system can be portrayed as unfair, but it is not in principle.  The government needs money to fulfill its purposes and most favor much of the program as it has positive effects for them.  They might object to others as benefiting such as immigrants, minorities, but that is usually short sighted.  We need immigrants and minorities contribute to the general welfare.  Surely gun rights are not meant to allow massacres.  Unwanted babies can be avoided and fearful mothers can live.  Gays have led distorted lives, but we know that they also contribute to our welfare.

The powers behind the scene need a program that appeals to a wide audience which generally highlights various social issues that for many are the one issue they understand and will vote on.  Such issues as abortion, gay rights, gun rights, immigration as attract many who don't understand the economic consequences and I would add do not really appreciate the depth of the issues.  The Republican stance on these issues hurt more than any benefit.

There are some factors  that should change the attitudes, but it will take probably decades.   Demographically the minorities are taking over.  Younger people will be more comfortable with "others" and probably better educated.   The older ones who want to maintain the status quo are dying off.  

I don't know what will happen, but I wanted to be on the record.

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.

RACISM--WE ARE ALL GUILTY

Prejudice simply means pre-judging.  We all note differences including non visible differences.  It is in our genes to make a quick assessment, otherwise we might be killed or raped or possibly helped.  We fear what we don't understand as the world is a dangerous place.  We feel safest and most comfortable among people most like ourselves.

In another blog I learned that the wisest people withhold judgment until they get more facts.    http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/10/the-wisest-one-in-room.html

But in order to survive a quick, even instantaneous decision is often required.  If we are wrong we could be dead.  However better decisions are more likely when one has more time.  It is normal for first impressions to stick until counter evidence is over whelming.   Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, "I don't like that man, I must get to know him better."  The first question after encountering something new should be "Why might my initial impression be wrong?"

We are each unique and capable of contributing to our society given a chance.  Society benefits when everyone is given that chance.  A chance actually starts before birth.  Are our parents treated fairly?  Stress and nutrition are factors while we are still in the womb.  After birth are we given an equal opportunity to learn including avoidance of unhealthy distractions?  Are decisions concerning our future made based on merit?  We likely will never achieve perfection, but should always push towards the goal.

Of course some of us are quicker to recognize opportunity and some realize preparation is critical.  As a collective we do not always realize we all benefit when choices are based on reason and not prejudice (or bias).  We need to respect and encourage individuals who can lead us to a better world but that includes everyone.

Politicians gain power by appealing to emotions.  They use that power to stay in power and expand conntrol.  Republicans have long known that the average American would not support their economic agenda and the only way to achieve power is to appeal to emotions by tying a social agenda. Donald Trump did a masterful job of projecting fear and assigning blame.  His simple solutions hurt many people and are counter productive but appeal to enough people to allow him to indulge in his own personal agenda (which nobody really understands).  Racism has proved to be very effective.

Lyndon Johnson once said, "If you can convince the lowest of white men he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket."  It is so frustrating for those who understand the economic agenda of the Republicans to see those who are getting hurt the most base their vote on social issues and non policy factors. 

When there are problems people look for simple solutions.  We live in a complicated world.  Automation is diminishing the need for manual labour and increasingly so for brain work.  The world is so connected that powerful people can more easily find the weak spots to exploit. We are reaching the limits of what the planet can provide.  Powerful people are in conflict.  There are no simple solutions to most of the serious problems and we need to resist those who offer them.

Ignorance is inescapable.  Education means learning and scraping away a portion of ignorance.  Intelligent people realize they can never know everything.  Education is not just an economic opportunity to be exploited, but critical tools we all need for a fulfilling life.

Homo Sapiens originated in Africa.  Skin was black to protect against the sun--when men moved to cooler climates with less sunlight they needed less melanin and gained advantages of Vitamin D.  In due time  there were many superficial changes in humans while the core remained the same.

What do "others" offer us?  A different perspective.  Uniqueness.  Potential.  Why do we close doors?  Familiarity fosters understanding, but true equality will go forward in uneven steps.  Education is only part of the solution, but a necessary part with many possible approaches.  Racism is an obstacle we all need to overcome if we are to solve the most critical of problems.

An earlier blog with another angle on another side of the refugee crisis with racial implications:   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/01/the-brain-drain-fromshithole-countries.html    

A recent blog that discusses how racism actually costs lives:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

THE TRUMP CAMPAIGN FROM A JOURNALIST PERSPECTIVE

Katy Tur was encouraged to recount her adventures on the Trump campaign and the result was "Unbelievable."  The voters knew everything they needed to know to make a better choice, but many just didn't care.  Katy Tur didn't set out to be Trump's shadow, but circumstances conspired against her.

The story alternates between election day and various significant events. during the campaign  There is a lot about Trump much of which you have already been told, but may have forgotten because there was so much unbelievable.  A reporter in this campaign, Katy found herself in a very unique position.  Never before  has a candidate spent so much time insulting and intimidating.  Trump  for all his faults used members of the press for his own purposes.  Despite his public hostility towards Katy he consented for interviews.

From my position insulated from the actual campaign, Katy reinforced many of my prejudices.  Trump lies and lies and lies some more.  He sometimes puts it that he engages in harmless hyperbole and that offends my educated snobbery.  He insults.  He doesn't really approach discussing issues, but seems to know what his followers expect.

Katy recounts how Trump intruded into politics with his birther claims.   Most of us acknowledge that underneath it all was racism.  Talking to some of his followers without admitting to it confirmed the link.  Lyndon Johnson once said "If you can convince the lowest of white men he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket."  Hitting out at established prejudices such as the Chinese don't play fair, Iran is playing Americans for suckers, Mexicans are stealing jobs and bringing in drugs, etc. his base didn't care about his shortcomings.

Katy pointed out that Trump for all his bombast only made one change to the Republican platform.  That was to strike out plans to arm the Ukrainians. We are still learning more about the links from the Russians to Trump.

Just before one of the presidential debates NBC discovered the infamous Hollywood Access tapes.  Katy was the one who notified the Trump campaign that they had the tapes and would be publicly releasing them.  This seemed like a stunner, but not for long as Trump managed to round up a few Clinton accusers and brought them to the debate.  One of them was a woman that Hilary Clinton had defended her accused in a rape case in Arkansas.  The issue was soon neutralized with lots of voters offering their support.  It did spur some other women to publicly accuse Trump of sexual assault, but again he weathered that storm. 

 For anyone who took a good look at Donald Trump there was enough evidence that he was totally unqualified to be president.  It was easy to spot, but enough people loved his antics and with a few fortuitous events he pulled it off.  One of the fortuitous events was the Electoral College, heavily influenced by slave owners meant that he won despite getting almost 3 million less votes than Hilary.  James Comey, soon to be fired actually helped nail the coffin.  Who fully understands what the Russians (and other outsiders) were up to, but they didn't want  Hilary to win and had tools to diminish her chances.

There was a personal toll on reporters.  Katy, at the beginning had a happy relationship with a French man while she worked at an enjoyable job in London.  At the end she was planning a marriage to a fellow traveler on the campaign trail and moved back to New York.

Two  links to other Donald Trump blogs:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/07/trump-enablers.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/02/trump-and-media-or-media-and-us.html

We Were Eight Years in Power

Donald Trump is adamant--the Obama years were a "disaster."  Objectively that seems ridiculous, but for some people it masks a streak of racism in America.

Ta-Nehisi Coates articulates that racism is firmly established in America.  His title actually comes from an earlier time after the Civil War at the time of Reconstruction when in South Carolina, blacks for an 8 year term had real power and were able to accomplish some constructive things.  Their feats were dismissed, twisted and mocked.  Despite a lot of problems and maybe some justified criticisms Obama also accomplished a number of things in his eight years that made Americans better off, but the legacy is being deliberately destroyed.

The book contains essays that were first published in The Atlantic over an eight year period, but each is preceded by some more up to date personal context.  Coates is very introspective continuously trying to determine his own motives.  As with most of us his thought evolves.  The articles by themselves advance his thesis.

To those who believe the evils of slavery are history with no consequences you should read an earlier post on "The Half Has Never Been Told.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/12/the-half-has-never-been-told.html  Coates brings up a wide range of statistics that prove his point, but he makes an honest effort to be balanced.

Coates points out that Americans love to tell the world about how important freedom is and how they are so great because of democracy, but in fact their freedom and economic growth was largely based on land stolen from natives and slave labour.  The Greeks also owed part of their democracy to slavery that allowed the elite to ponder the decisions of the day.  While Coates and other blacks contend the bigger problem is racism they have to contend with the notion that class might be a more critical problem.

Reparations are discussed, even trying to figure out an amount, but concedes nearly impossible to impose.  The established whites overlook how they accumulated their power.  Income is important, but accumulating wealth gives more choices.  One way of accumulating wealth has been through housing.  Blacks were deliberately obstructed in trying to build wealth in this manner.  Today affirmative action is attacked as if everyone really has the same opportunity.

Another way to advance oneself is through families.  The slaveholder mentality carried on even after the Civil War when whites found excuses to incarcerate blacks and turn them into cheap labour.  In more modern times blacks still easily run afoul of the law and are disproportionately incarcerated. This continues to force families to survive often with the breadwinner in jail or unable to get a viable job after release.  Coates points out how this aggravates an already difficult situation.

He feels Obama was in a very unique position to be the first black president.  He lived a life with loving white grandparents and was given opportunities to advance his education.  Obama felt it was not politic to criticize whites for past injustices, but to appeal to their better nature.  Do not be a threat.  Earlier in the book Coates talked about Bill Cosby who became a very popular tv star and perhaps encouraged more whites to accept blacks.  Of course Cosby's name is derided now, but by not being threatening he became very successful.  Later he became very critical of fellow blacks who he felt were not doing the right things.

Obama and Seth Myers joked at the expense of Donald Trump at the 2011 White House Correspondents dinner.   Some observers felt the humiliation is what motivated Trump to run for president and not merely replace Obama, but to destroy his legacy.  Too many whites found it difficult to accept that a black man could make a significant contribution to America.  Now the whole world suffers.

Coates ends his book with:  "I see the fight against sexism, racism, poverty and even war finding their union not in synomity, but in their ultimate goal--a world more humane."

To learn more about the author, Ta-Nihisi Coates check his website http://ta-nehisicoates.com

"Underground Airlines"

This is a work with "alternative facts," but that it is why "Underground Airlines" is a work of fiction.  But more like Picasso's  "Art is the lie that tells the truth."  There are a lot of truths to be found in this narration with bits that illustrate current conditions.  As with time travel when one event is changed all the subsequent events are effected, but author Ben H. Winters likes to include familiar names to the changed circumstances.  Also it is a compelling mystery.

The Civil War never happened as Abe Lincoln was assassinated in Indianapolis on his way to his inauguration.  As a compromise back in 1861 the United States legalized slavery and required those not practicing slavery to respect it.  Four hard States (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Carolina) actively used slavery to current times, but much of law enforcement, both white and black sympathized with abolition so the slavers hired people like the protagonist.  Victor, is actually partly black, but somehow got trapped in a job he despises, hunting down and returning runaways.

Canada is referred to as a safe haven, several times.  A place where the slave hunters did not have to be respected.  We Canadians can be a bit self-righteous, but underneath we have our prejudices, but are superficially relatively polite.

A football reference seemed to imply that black football players could be rented out.  James Brown was brought to the north as a slave band, but escaped to Canada.  Ironically sports and music were two of the first breakthroughs for blacks as whites slowly came to enjoy at least some talents of African Americans.  Yet we have generally used this appreciation as a stereotype that limited our ability to appreciate them as equal humans.

Racism is still strong in the north.  Flags with "1819" on them are explained as representing the year before 1820 when slavery was abolished in Indiana.  Similar to the Confederate flag that symbolizes the "good ole days."  The word "boy" is used as a slur.

Little bits of revised history are brought in spaced throughout the story.  Martin Luther King Jr. played a key role in abolition in Texas and then was killed.  Other protests occurred in Selma, Alabama.  The United States withdrew from the United Nations in 1973.

In 1927 a Clean Hands Act was passed in Massachusetts to make it illegal to possess, sell or consume any slave made products.  After a Supreme Court decision other states adopted their own version of the act.  But the slave manufacturers found a way to re label their products in another country and sell them back into the states as they were that much cheaper.

Recently read, "The Half Has Never Been Told" about the critical contribution of slavery to American capitalism.  I was surprised to learn that brutality, carefully calculated could dramatically boost the efficiency of slaves.  "Underground Airlines" suggests that science and technology would be used to improve the profitability of slave labour.  Check out:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/12/the-half-has-never-been-told.html

What makes mysteries so compelling is missing information or misinformation.  You never know the full story, until the end, if ever.  You are being teased and you can't help wanting to move forward, at least with a well written mystery.  Nobody, including the protagonist is quite what they appear to be and you are never sure what their motivations are.

The author Ben Winters has written 7 previous novels and has won awards for both mystery and science fiction.

I have since read the Pulitzer prize winner "The Underground Railroad" that confused me with a similar title.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/05/the-underground-railroad.html

FACE TO FACE HILLARY VS THE DONALD

So many people are commenting on the big debate--first time face to face in front of millions.  Some of my observations are really second hand as with so many eyeballs and ears focused there are bound to be different perspective and interpretations.

The election has mostly been reported as a horse race.  How each candidate is doing with various voter niches.  The consequences are monumental, but the focus is on relatively inconsequential items.

During the primaries Hillary found herself modifying some of her positions such as on the TPP and post secondary education.  Trump really created attention by a steady stream of insults and few policy statements.  Hillary has had to endure petty mistatements while most of Trump's outrageous claims slid over his base support.  There are many people who have not fared well in the last few years looking for someone to blame.  Trump can name the disaster providers and present simple solutions.

Who won the debate?  Many would say Hillary Clinton, but others felt Trump did pretty good--after all he made a lot of points that some people agree with.  One of the problems was that many of his statements were fabrications and/or misleading.

There are too many examples of Trump's misstatements and missteps, but people do need reminding.

To make his points he made over 25 interruptions including against the moderator, Lester Holt plus talking over Hillary who acted flabbergasted at many of his claims.  Trump tends to talk in hyperbolic generalizations and not worry too much if he has already been disproved.  He also prefers changing the topic to answering the question at hand.  Lester did call Trump on some of his mis-statements, but generally let him run freely which was just as well.

Trump criticized Clinton for not being on the road the past week like he was.  She said she was getting prepared for the debate.  To me it signalled a better sense of priorities.   Later he bragged about his superior temperament (which drew laughter) while he commented he didn't feel he had to be prepared.  Stamina was really counter productive (again).   He said earlier he didn't think she looked "presidential," but really laid into the idea that she didn't have the necessary stamina.  She pointed out after he traveled as much as she had or endured 11 hours in a Congressional enquiry he could talk about "stamina."

At one point defending his non disclosure of his income taxes he ended up bragging about being smart to not pay income tax.  He also boasted he was a good business man anticipating a downside to business as a housing crisis approached.  His bankruptcies and stiffing contractual employees were signs of his smart business.

Racism became a topic to which Hillary made a few suggestions, but Trump completely misread the opportunity.  Instead of trying to reconcile with blacks his first point was we need "law and order."  Discussing the birther controversy he twisted it so it was good that he forced Barack Obama to produce his birth certificate.  Most blacks realize this was meant to discredit and humiliate the first black President.

Climate change poked into the debate a little.  He denied what he had said and misled about the solar panel efforts.  This is an area where the public is starting to get ahead of the right wing.  The right wing seems beholden to oil and coal interests.  This topic needs more time in future debates.

At one point he questioned NATO partners (plus Japan and South Korea) not paying their fair share.  Hillary was quick to reassure that she would honour American commitments.  Trump repeated an earlier suggestion we should have stolen oil from the Iraquis to prevent ISIS.  He criticized the Iranian deal and brought up money paid to Iran, neglecting to mention that it was returning money that had been frozen.  He seemed much readier to find a military solution than a diplomatic one.

At another time he ranted about regulations, but neglected to mention that a lack of enforced regulations was a major factor in the Great Recession of 2008 and of debilitating pollution.  This is another area that needs to be discussed.  Regulations can be abused and hamper business, but they can also facilitate smoother, fairer business.

Trump has supporters who actually believe what he says (and implies).  To many of them the biggest disappointments were the things he didn't say.  Off the stage he apparently implied he could have said some more pointed comments, but he was too decent to say them.  He really wasn't gallant at all--but perhaps was restrained by good advice not to be too provocative or too touchy.

The election looks better for Hillary, but unfortunately she might end up dealing with a very resistant Congress.  The right wing money behind the Republicans has already to a large extent been diverted to Senate and House of Representatives contests.  Most Congress members are distancing themselves as much as practical from Donald, but would continue to be obstructive to a progressive agenda
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Information and the American Voter

Super Tuesday has come and gone, tightening up the primary season.  It will be difficult to change trends that have been set in motion.  For some of us self appointed analysts it is difficult to understand how so many people can ignore their own best interests.  For some of us who follow differences of policy the choices are almost obvious, but the vast majority of actual choices do not seem to reflect careful thought.  Perhaps I am being self-righteous.  Feel free to judge.

The truth is the average person, even more than the average voter doesn't have the time or inclination to examine the many different policies that would affect them in one way or another.  Maybe they shouldn't have to, after all life can be a struggle and there are many more things to enjoy.  The problem comes in where people with vested interests are able to take advantage of apathy and stir up emotions for their own benefit.

How many of you had heard of Bernie Sanders two years ago?  How about John Kasich or Jon Huntsman?  Or switching gears how about Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump?  Of course my readers are ahead of the curve on these names, but we should also consider that there are many capable conscientious people who do not have the resources or name recognition and give up the battle before any voter realizes they have already lost a choice.

For those who don't really care very much, the media is their resource for identifying people they should pay attention to.  Hilary Clinton has earned a lot of attention and in fact has done or at least tried to do some worthy things.  Donald Trump inherited wealth and some business smarts and built his name with real estate and reality tv.  Hilary has been able to attract significant amounts of money from people who share at least some of her aims and Donald has been able to attract a big amount of notoriety partly through his television involvement.  Along the way he has learned what gets attention.

My choice would be Bernie Sanders and I have admired him for at least two or three years.  My knowledge comes from watching him speak on tv shows with relatively low ratings.  He made a lot of sense and when checking his background his character commanded a lot of respect.  Unfortunately his speaking platform is not as impressive as his policy platform.  He deliberately avoids attacking personalities and rejects financial donations that will tie his hands.  His biggest concerns seem to be inequality and campaign finance.  He has a solid background of supporting human rights for racial minorities, Muslims, women and gays.  He recognizes climate change needs urgent attention, but sees the first two priorities (inequality and campaign finance) as obstacles.

You may have noticed that Donald Trump dwarfs all other candidates in media attention, amounting to a lot of free advertising.  Bernie, despite drawing the biggest crowds gets very little media attention.  There are at least two reasons for that.  Donald is great to build ratings.  The more outrageous he is the more people tune in to get more.  Offending people, even war heroes and making huge exaggerations just draw more attention.  Bernie tries to avoid attacking people, preferring to explain his policies accurately.  In other words he is boring.

The second reason is more serious.  Bernie's policies are not what big money donators want to be heard.  He is easily dismissed as a whining socialist of little consequence.  As critically, he is not what the media owners want either.  Aside from wanting to tax wealth at higher rates Bernie's ideas on campaign finance mean that the media would not get as much revenue from political campaigns.

I admit sometimes the candor of Trump has astounded me.  His criticisms of George W Bush not keeping us safe were right on.  The whole presidency of the younger Bush has been sugar coated and at least some Republicans were happy to get over that hump and pleased to criticize the establishment that has failed to deliver what they wanted.

Donald Trump often spouts things that are true and revealing.  "I love the poorly educated."  If someone is allowed to vote it should be our collective responsibility to encourage them to think as clearly as possible about the responsibility.  Education is just another budget item subject to cutting, except when emotions can be stirred up.  Anti union rhetoric is one tool used.  Another is the influence of religion.  For some, religious education means promoting what they believe and in many cases it means distorting the curriculum to reflect their beliefs.  Bernie seems radical for advocating free university education, but in fact university education in the job market is the equivalent of high school education a few decades ago.  Besides in a competitive global marketplace education is vital.  And to top it off education is what a responsible voter needs.   Some earlier thoughts on education: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/02/reign-of-error-what-direction-should.html

For those whose highest goal is the pursuit of wealth they gravitate towards policies and rationale to support their greediness.  But they are smart enough to realize many of these policies are counter to the interests of the average person, so they have to find away to disguise their goals.

Emotional factors sway voting choices.  Many people vote against their economic self interest and often knowingly.  The best example might be abortion.  Almost everyone would agree that abortion is a horrible practice.  Other sub groups feel that promiscuity is also unacceptable.  Emotions are stirred up and they become the primary criteria for a voting choice.  Hopefully some people can take a practical view and look at the consequences of making abortion totally illegal.  Like drinking alcohol, when forbidden abortion will go underground.  This means rich people or those with connections can resort to it when they feel threatened by an unwanted pregnancy.  But others either do something desperate sometimes with fatal results and others end up with unwanted children and a change in their life projectory.

If the bad consequences don't make them re-think, perhaps these one issue voters might consider what policies could help avoid or at least minimize abortions.  Two things spring to mind.  The first is sex education that gives information to help prevent pregnancies and also promote the idea of consent.  The second is to make contraception more accessible.  The problem with both of these ideas is that they promote promiscuity which is also unacceptable.  The discussion of these factors is difficult, but part of the information needed to be shared.

An undercurrent in America (and the rest of the world for that matter) is racism.  We all identify with our ethnic background, but for some people merely preferring your own kind is not enough--they hate  and fear the "other."  Many rational politicians have tapped into this.  Everyone has some idea of political correctness boundaries, but a few subtly cross them and Donald Trump not so subtly. Recently he received an endorsement from a former prominent Ku Klux Klan member and after some "confusion" disavowed it.  Racists have a good idea who favours their view of the world.

The real issues that impact the average person (the 99% in other words) are not very prominent in the mass media.  The horse race aspects are emphasized and provocative personal taunts or gaffes are more often headlined.  The media, once called the Fifth Estate is supposed to protect the public from the hidden doings of the powerful, but instead are advancing their own concerns.

The reaction of the media to Super Tuesday is of course mixed.  One blog commentator pointed out that according to the media Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz have a chance to upset Trump, but that Bernie is all finished, although the numbers are not dissimilar.  To me that promotes heavy advertising from the Republican race and hoping to dampen a candidate they don't want.