OK, I am back after a long hiatus.  I hope to be more consistent in my postings.  My topic today is extremism.  No not religious extremism but political extremism.  Why is it that we as a nation cannot deal with issues without resorting to taking the issue to one far end of the problem or the other.  Example: Global Warming.  The anti-GW group proclaims there is no such thing, it's all a hoax created by environmentalists.  The environment group proclaims that GW mean the end of the world and must be the #1 focus of the country, if not the world, immediately.

Why, as civilized, and somewhat intelligent people, can't we simply agree that (a) the environment is hugely important to our human race, as this is, without question, the only planet we have, and (b) let's identify what problems are having a negative impact on it and how can we fix them in a way that creates manageable disruption on our society and economy?  For example, the coal issue.  There is no doubt that the coal industry is having a negative impact on our environment.  There is also no question that this industry is responsible for subsidizing a great many people.  So, could we not come up with a plan that addresses the environmental impact over time, and develops new ways that the people and facilities involved in that industry could be repurposed to contribute to another, more productive and environmentally-friendly industry?  It is amazing to me that as soon as any attempt to address the coal problem is brought forth, those politicians representing coal states jump up and down in opposition, regardless of what the approach may be.  The coal industry will have to change.  There is no question about that.  So let's create win-win strategies, which will require everyone at the table with open minds and creative ideas.  Is that too much to ask?

A GOP Congress

This is classic.  In today's News & Observer (GOP Cautions That Senate Control Will Have Limits), here are the things that are to be expected from a GOP-controlled Congress;
1.  Republican division within the party thwarting progress
2.  Presidential vetos
3.  Blockage of Obama nominees
4.  Democratic filibusters of bills
5.  Painting Obama and Democrats as "obstructionists"
6.  A focus on investigations of IRS, environmental regulations and Benghazi, Libya

Nothing about working towards solutions, building a better country, improving the economy for everyone, protecting our planet.  In other words, at least 2 more years of partisanship, roadblocks, ineffectiveness, obstructionism and a total disregard for the issues which effect everyday Americans by both parties of our government.  And, a good 18 months of focus on reelections with negative campaigning and big-money sponsored lies, fabrications and spin.  Doesn't it make you so proud?

Gerrymandering (again)

Back to my rant about the politically-motivated redistricting, Maryland and North Carolina are essentially tied for the honor of most-gerrymandered state. With average gerrymander scores of about 88 out of a possible 100, Maryland and North Carolina are home to some of the ugliest districts in the nation among states with at least three Congressional districts. In fact, North Carolina is home to three out of the top 10 most-gerrymandered districts in the country. Maryland is proof that gerrymandering isn't just a Republican pastime, as the state's Democrats redrew those boundaries in 2012. The standout in that state is the 3rd Congressional district, which is the nation's second-most gerrymandered and home to Democratic congressman John Sarbanes.

Aren't we so proud....

(Shoutout to my friend Mike King in Baltimore for this info.)

Talk about election fraud!

A conservative Super Pac sent out mailings to NC citizens with intentional erroneous information about how to register to vote.  Unbelievable.  Lunatic fringe groups are actually trying to keep people from voting.  If that is not treason, I do not know what is.  And they say they are for American values!!

Gerrymandering

States all across the country allow their legislature to redraw district maps so as to provide the majority party with election advantages.  Both parties do it when they have the majority.  The question is, why are they allowed to?  It creates a rigged election.  It makes many voter's votes worthless.  It essentially disenfranchises US citizens from the voting process.  What could be more un-American?

Voting districts should be drawn along county lines, and left that way.  It is the only fair way to ensure that all of a state's citizens can have their vote count.

Here is a map of the NC confessional districts.  I defy you to tell me how they make any sense beyond ensuring a rigged election?

Congress on vacation?

According to MSNBC, from mid July to mid November, member of Congress will have actually worked a total of 8 days.  Yes, there's not much of importance going on, so you guys should just take 'er easy.  I am sure getting re-elected is your priority, so you can return to Washington and do nothing until the next election.

No accounting for history.

Yesterday, members of Congress grilled Sec. of State John Kerry about the administration's approach to the ISIS problem.  At times, they were quite intense and even angry in their questioning.  However, at no time did any of them offer their own views on what should be done regarding an incredibly complicated and dynamic issue.  Religious and ethnic tensions are a part of the fabric of the middle east, have been for centuries, and will continue to be for centuries to come.  It would be helpful if our best political, international strategic and military minds would come together and share ideas to build a more systemic approach to the bigger problem, vs. simply laying blame and suggesting that current strategies and approaches have not and may not work.  However, that approach makes too much sense, and does not win political points in an election year.