My first attempt at these writings came as a thought experiment in the attempt to determine how to get money out of politics. The document that attempts to eliminate the undue influence in politics. The title is “How to make politicians responsive to the electorate (dreaming the near impossible)” This 15 page explores the abilities that corporations and the wealthy have garnered the ears of the politicians and gaining influence. And is included as my first post.
This document was sent and read by former Senator Bob Packwood. He had the commented that I was naïve about some of the workings of congress but interesting. I admit I left out all the K street lawyers writing the laws and the Senate staff functions, however I feel these subjects do not distract from my opinions and conclusions.
I began the daily writings as an attempt to be a fact based realistic political and social scribe and this morphed into a commentary on the responses to the pandemic, which also includes, at times, my opinion as marked (?), and obvious disgust.
During this period I also give definitions, as is understood by myself, and is usually commonly shared. These include Capitalism, Socialism, and Trumpism. I share my Opinion on immigration, tariffs, leadership, and our all-out race to the bottom. I have attempted to chronicle events, which have lasting effects on the ability to get over the pandemic. I attempted to have a fact-based summation of the current days or days prior to stupidity.
I have advanced degrees in both Business Administration and Economics. My experience as an economist, and over 40 years selling Significant Military Equipment (SME) to both the United States and Foreign governments, in my opinion, allows me to comment on decisions procurement with the same eye as should be viewed by POTUS: that is, unless the motivation is an illegal or a misallocation of scarce resources. I do not think I’m omniscient, however, I do attempt to rely on facts, my understanding of history, science, and statistical mathematics and have tried to dispel those conspiracy theories that have flimsy evidence and are, obviously, politically motivated.
I draw my comments from various sources condensing the media into what I hope is not plagiarism, and if so I apologize, and if anyone is offended I assure you it was not intention but only to inform and enlighten. I assure you if I have not acknowledged your work, my use was only my way of flattery to your expertise. The primary sources, in print is the NY Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Economist, and the Washington Post. The online news articles I scan are from a site that only shows major newspaper articles from every prospective from the on line AP News. The visual media includes MSNBC, Fox News not Fox opinion (specifically not the presidential sycophants like Hannity and Perot), and CNN. For factual economic information I rely on the Bureau of Economic Statistics (BES), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other federal agencies. I do not actively look at my social media account, which I have only posted 3 posts in 4 years.
I have always been skeptical of unknown sources. I have lived in the middle east (4 years in Iran and Saudi Arabia) and traveled in numerous foreign countries. I am very familiar with, and can recognize gaslighting and propaganda. Anytime anyone must say the same thing every time when he is in public, without anyone raising the issue, I question Why? Is this an attempt to either gaslight or provide propaganda? Take his response to the pandemic, he will insert and state his excellent response any time he gets a chance despite the facts. When it comes to Trump’s decisions I have attempted to ask myself, why and does it serve himself or the country?