Where’s the Outrage?

This is the first installment of an occasional series I’ll be running called “Central Questions.”

Today’s question is—–How does one reconcile a commitment to democracy with the often distressing beliefs and actions of the general public?

Possible Answers—

1. Try to see people’s beliefs and actions from their perspective. This takes work and requires sympathy for people who may make little effort to see your side of the debate. Still, it’s worth the trouble.

2. Realize that you are flawed as well.

3. Consider the view that Democracy in and of itself has merit regardless of the outcome of the democratic process. At core, people must have a say in how they are governed.

4. Consider that in time your views on important issues may gain the ascendancy. For better or worse, few issues are ever fully resolved once and for all.

5. Consider that this question has no firm answer and that you must take issues and individuals on a case-by-case basis as the situation merits and your personal energy permits.

6. Take actions to move society in the direction you feel is best.

I’d be happy to hear from the blog reading public any other views on this question.

Tags: General, Other Political Thoughts by Texas Liberal
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“Out on the road today
I saw a Dead Head sticker on a Cadillac.”

One of the truly great lines in pop music - ever.

 

 Don Henley - Boys of Summer [4:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Music by ecthompson
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From the court room stand, CEO of the oil company Veso, Bill Allen states that several of his workers did work on Stevens remodeled home.  Unfortunately, they were on the company dime at the time.  Oops.

I wonder how Ted Stevens would look in one of those prison jumpsuits.

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From TPM:

Under cross-examination by defense attorney James Wendt, representing former state Rep. Pete Kott, Allen acknowledged that the more than $400,000 he admitted spending in the bribery charge was for other legislators - and including for work done at the Girdwood, Alaska, home of Stevens, the longest serving Republican in the U.S. Senate.”I gave Ted some old furniture,” Allen said. “I don’t think there was a lot of material, There was some labor.”

The workers were VECO employees, probably one to four at a time, Allen said. He said the work on the home lasted for “probably a couple of months.” Later, he said it might have been as much as six months.  (more…)

Tags: Congress, House of Representatives by ecthompson
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A completely unique sound.  I first heard Donald Fagen like most person when he was with Steely Dan.  Peg was the first tune that I remember hearing from them.  What a cool sound.  The harmonies.  The groove.  The jazzy sax.  When Steely Dan split Donald Fagen then produced and wrote one of my favorite albums of all-time (Other albums on that list would Stevie Wonder’s Fulfillingness First Finale, Miles Davis - Kind of Blue, I’m sure there are others but that’s all for now) - Night Fly.  This is one of those few albums that call you to but on your Bose headphones and turn it up!

 

 Donald Fagen - New Frontier [4:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Domestic Issues by ecthompson
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If you protest often enough sooner or later you get some lovin’ from the Media.  There have been several protests over the last 5 years, that got almost no coverage.  Today’s protest which isn’t as large as several other recent protests is getting some play.

In the video below, some lady, the media believes that if you show anti-war protestors then you have to show pro-war protestors also, states if you support the troops then you have to support what they are doing.  WRONG!!   Nothing can be more wrong.  That equivalent to saying if you love someone you have to love what they do.  I love my wife but I don’t love everything that she does.  I love and support our troops.  I think that they are doing a great job under terrible circumstances.  Never before have we, the civilians, been asked to do so little while our military personnel have been asked to do so much.    Go shop our president told us after 9-11.

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From USA Today:

Several thousand anti-war demonstrators marched through downtown Washington on Saturday, clashing with police at the foot of the Capitol steps where more than 190 protesters were arrested.

The group marched from the White House to the Capitol to demand an end to the Iraq war. Their numbers stretched for blocks along Pennsylvania Avenue, and they held banners and signs and chanted, “What do we want? Troops out. When do we want it? Now.”  (more…)

 

 Anti-War Protest [1:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Iraq, Military by ecthompson
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