BRING BACK BORING IN 2024

A panelist on a public television program recently said that former Vice President Pence was boring. Therefore, she reasoned this would preclude him from consideration as a presidential candidate. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing Most voters are sick and tired of chaos coming out of the White House. We want a president who commands respect. While I’m not endorsing Pence or any other candidate, I’d like a leader who won’t make us the laughing stock of the world. Bring Back Boring in 2024.

Here is what I would not like to see in a candidate:

*Some one who has been indicted in several states for various crimes such as obstruction of justice and sexual assault.

*Shakes hands with ghosts, proclaims “God Save The Queen” after a speech about gun control, and calls someone a “lying, dog faced pony soldier. (whatever that means).

*Runs down his politicial opponents by using childish, school yard nick names. Builds himself up by running others down.

*Defends his son for failing to pay income taxes and child support. Says he’s proud of a man who’s debauchery can be seen all over the internet.

*Hides classified materials in his bathroom and refuses to return them to the proper authorities.

*Is suspected of receiving millions of dollars in exchange for favorable policies toward China.

*Will celebrate eighty plus birthdays while serving as president of the United States of America and leader of the free world.

Remembering Truman, Reagan, Eisenhower, this is what I would like to see.

Someone who:

*Conducts himself with dignity and respect for others.

*Hasn’t been indicted for a crime or involved in a scandal.

*Has distinguished himself as a defender of American Values.

*Enjoys a stable family life,.

*Works with the opposing political party to do what’s best for the American people.

*Respects all races, religions and social classes without pandering to any.

*Welcomes all immigrants, as long as they come into this country in a legal, orderly manner.

Above all, the president of the United States of America should be a statesman, not a politician. According to Dr. J. Rufus Fears, professor of the history and freedom, the two are not the same thing. He said a statesman must possess four critical qualities:

A bedrock of principles
A moral compass
A vision
The ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision

Does that sound too boring? ? I don’t think so. Bring Back Boring in 2024.

October 8, 2021October 8, 2021

WE MAY NEED A THIRD PARTY CANDIDATE

For the past two presidential elections, most American’s voted against one candidate–not for. Even Trump was surprised when he beat Hilary Clinton in the 2016 election. But the fact is, lots of people didn’t like her at all, for various reasons. Misogyny, mainly. But others disliked her defense of her husband’s affairs, and the way she threw the women he targeted under the bus. And there was Benghazi, when our American ambassador was left hung out to dry while she was Secretary of State. And then came election 2020. By then, Trump had made so many ridiculous gaffes and mistakes with the Covid-19 pandemic, that people were willing to vote for anyone who opposed him. Hence, we elected a 42 year political hack who never had what it took to run for president—until now. Seems the Democrats and Republicans are so mired in their own party politics that they can’t come up with a truly appealing candidate. Makes you wonder. We may need a third party candidate.

We may need a third party for America to come to its senses. — We may need a third party candidate, since Democrats and Republicans can’t come up with an appealing one..

I’m an independent voter which has it’s disadvantages, because you can’t vote in the primaries. But I’ll be darned if I will go all out for any politician I don’t think would do a good job, just because I want to be part of a crowd. In the days before internet dating sites, young people used to join politically active organizations as a way to meet members of the opposite sex. Remember, those were the days when you were supposed to be a joiner if you were looking to find a spouse, Churches and political parties were fertile mating grounds.

The majority of young people I know vote Democratic. They love causes, and joining protest groups. Give them something to march about , and they’ll be there in rain, sleet and snow. Most older people are fairly quiet about their opinions, which more often than not are conservative. Middle age conservatives are a bit more vocal—driving around town with American flags and signs that say f*** Biden. But the truth is, neither party has produced a truly dynamic, appealing candidate for the past two elections.

I don’t know how anyone could support either party’s platform 100%. Do we really believe that all Republicans oppose abortion rights, and all Democrats want open borders? I don’t think so.

It may be time for a third party. Call it Common Sense, or whatever you like, but let it be centrist. And please, come up with an intelligent inspiring, candidate

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021

HAPPY TO LIVE IN FLYOVER COUNTRY

Once upon a time, there was a young girl who couldn’t wait to get out of town. She thought big cities like New York and Los Angeles sounded far more appealing as a place to live out her adult life. But after college, she didn’t have more than $50 in her bank account, so she settled for the nearest big city—Chicago. After that, she moved to Miami, and then the 1972 meltdown brought her back home to Indiana with her young family. And somehow, she never left. And now, in the midst of all this upheaval in our nation’s capitol, she’s happy to live in flyover country.

That’s not to say that people in the Heartland don’t have strong opinions. We’ve lived here long enough to have family and friends at both ends of the political spectrum. They will passionately argue and defend their viewpoints. We see trucks flying American flags rumbling through the city. And there are Black Lives Matter signs in many quiet, middle class neighborhoods. So yes, people do care. But riot in the streets? Storm the courthouse? I don’t think so. There’s no big city anonymity here. Having grown up in the same place, most of us have friends and acquaintances from grade school on up through college and the workplace. We’re not going to start rioting against our fellow churchgoers, relatives, colleagues and friends.

I was born in New York City, but the great depression drew my family back to the safety and security of the family farm. Still, I often dreamed of what my life might have been like had we been able to stay. Now, I’m very glad we didn’t. Did you know that people are leaving New York City in droves?

Here in flyover country, I’ve lived in a state where Democrat Evan Bayh was a much loved Governor and Senator. He was repeatedly voted into office by both Democrats and Republicans. Our current Republican Governor Holcomb won re-election by a landslide. Both men are known for their common sense approach to government, and have a down to earth persona that appealed to people throughout the state. There was nothing in the temperament of either man that was– or is–likely to incite a riot. So yes, I’m happy to live in flyover country.

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020

PANDEMIC SENSE AND NONSENSE

Things are settling down and reopening up. Although the coronavirus is still with us, we can sit back and wonder about the pandemic sense and nonsense that occurred. A lot of decisions were made by different elected officials all over the country, that didn’t seem well thought through. Here in the heartland, ordinary people don’t always agree with what has gone down.

Congress hurried up and passed a massive stimulus bill that benefited some people far more than others. The strangest thing was the stimulus checks. Anyone who filed a tax return for less than $75,000 received tax free money that wasn’t based on need or cost of living. $1200 won’t go very far in San Francisco, but it could pay for a lot of rent and groceries in small town, America. Same thing with the unemployment benefits. $600 a week plus state unemployment will go a long way in some parts of the country. In fact, it’s proven to be a disincentive for restaurant employees’ returning to work. Consequently, a lot of tax payer money has gone to people who really don’t need it at all.

.Restaurants and bars have been allowed to open for a couple of weeks in our city. They must follow certain social distancing guidelines but at least you can be served a meal that you didn’t have to cook or send for. This coming week, our library will finally be allowed to open their doors. Does this seem a little strange? Why are libraries so far down the totem pole? They should have opened before bars and hair salons.

Libraries are at the heart of any city. Books feed the soul, and will get you through tough times. I can remember growing up in the post depression years during World War II. Everything good was rationed. You couldn’t’ even buy ice cream—it had to be sherbet, unless you made it yourself. But the highlight of my week—starting at age six—was my weekly trip to the library. A good book will take you to far away places, and show you how people in other times or in different countries think and feel. Nothing can replace books. Certainly not a bottle of beer or a plate of spaghetti eaten at a restaurant.

Mask wearing was another thing. First, we were told it didn’t help to wear a mask. Then, about a month later, all the scientists were telling us we should wear masks, after all. It’s no wonder so many people refuse to wear one.

When things settle down, we’re going to look back at some of the decisions that were made and scratch our heads. Mayors are criticizing governors, and governors are criticizing the president. The politicians are all busy pointing fingers and placing blame. But the truth is, everyone has been floundering in a sea of the unknown. Common sense went out the window

September 16, 2019September 18, 2019

BLATANT AGEISM DURING DNC DEBATE

If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m not a big fan of Joe Biden. But in this case, I’m defending him against what he was subjected to last Thursday night on television. Senator Julian Castro’s mean spirited attack on Biden’s memory was a sign of blatant ageism during the Democratic National Committee debate.

Once a person hits 70 , they’re apt to be a victim of ageism, whether they realize it or not. It could happen when the sales person at the electronics store spouts a bunch of techie-speak, and shakes his head in amusement when you ask him to translate in plain English. Or the rental agent at your vacation apartment puts you in a shoddy, overpriced place and refuses to give you a refund or find a better place. Then, the mechanic at the tire store who says you need a new tire, even though you actually just need a small repair. These are things that don’t happen to men and women under 50.

To tell the truth, I don’t remember much about the DNC debate. There was a lot of talk about free healthcare. Bernie Sanders ranting and raving, and Elizabeth Warren promising us the moon with no tax increases. (Hello: Have you talked to your Italian and Canadian friends about their tax rate?)

But three salient moments remain in my memory.

First, Julian Castro verbally pummeling Biden , accusing him of forgetting what he just said. What was the point of that? Except to say: “you’re too old and senile to be president”.

Mayor Pete was the voice of reason crying in the wilderness — Once again, Mayor Pete was the most rational candidate when defending Joe Biden

Second: , Hoosier Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s rational response: “This is why Presidential debates are becoming unwatchable. It reminds everybody of what they cannot stand about Washington…poking at each other…” .

Third, when Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar, said, ,” I don’t want to be president for half of America—I want to be president for all Americans. I want to represent all of this country, not half of it. “

Amy Kloubucher seemed like the most sensible candidate at the DnC debate — Amy Klobuchar said what is needed to bring this country together

Sadly, if you look at the Vegas Odds on the 2020 Election, you will find that Buttigieg and Klobuchar are way down on the list of those predicted to win. Apparently, common sense, courtesy, and respect are no longer an asset when running for president.