Is Free Thought Becoming Extinct in America?

Have Americans lost their ability to be free thinkers? Is free thought becoming extinct in America? Tribalism is running wild in America today. Moreover, it has become a key component in social control. The goal is to put everybody in a tribe that works to shut down their self-identity. In many ways, it defines a person. 

It might be the Gay/LGBT tribe. It might be the White Supremacist tribe. It could be the Black person tribe. The science tribe. The Politician tribe. Then you have the feminist tribe or the workers tribe. The list of tribes grows every single day it seems.

Tribalism is a dangerous thing. We are all born with our very own unique skills, morality, and experiences that shape the way we think.  We all have our own special way of being creative. We all have our own ideas and we all have special feelings that inspire us. 

If it were not for tribalism people would not be put into these assorted boxes. We would all be who we are. We would see many different perspectives on a spectrum of issues. Progressivism versus Conservatism for example. We should have a society that promotes these individualities which foster diversity. More creativity, more ideas, more free-flowing discourse in our politics. 

However, what we got is a top-down demand to get back into your box fall in line. Will any blue do ring a bell? Get back to your tribe you belong too. Don't step aside from the bounds now or we will chastise you. Color inside the lines no abstract art is allowed. Follow the rules of your tribe or get spanked. 

There are Examples

If your Gay you must be a progressive, you can't be conservative. If you're a scientist you can't believe anything that steps outside your sensibilities and have faith in GOD. These are but a few examples but in every case, you have a set of guidelines that are prescribed and ordered by your peers. Especially in the present with social media, there is ever increasing social pressure to conform to the tribe. If you consider yourself to be progressive, you can't agree with anything Donald Trump does or you will be booted from the group and blocked on Facebook for example. The demand that we all conform to these ever-growing tribes comes from the top. What we have instead of trickle down economics which doesn't work. We have trickled down social engineering which does.

This is all enforced by social pressure. It feeds on every single human being desire to belong. All of us, for the most part, have a desire to be part of something in this world. The fear of being isolated and alone is a strong one. There have been studies conducted by Social Psychologist that social pressure is the most determining factor on what people deem to be true or false. [See Source]

 People will go along with the tribe and the social pressure even if it contradicts what they see or feel. Studies have shown that people will expel direct evidence in front of them with the narratives of the tribe. Tribalism is a very powerful and destructive force working like cancer through the American people and you can see it unfold daily in our public discourse. 

Tribalism is Being Used As A Weapon by The Powers That Be!

It is a weapon for social debasement and engineering. What is the end goal? Social Control. Mostly for political control and it all starts by dividing people. Therefore, politics matters in our view in the House of Public Discourse. Where better than to gain control of a myriad of segments in our society than from controlling elected officials. It has happened before, and therefore history is repeating itself.  

The aftereffect of this is to keep humanity down in its place. The goal is to suppress free thought plain and simple. There has been a concerted effort to dumb down our society to subdue freedom of expression and personal creativity. This is not a coincidence this is by design. Humanity is intentionally being kept down in our box and you better not step out of it.

Mass Corporate Media and other devices are working to create a battlefield of the minds in America and across the globe. These forces work to try and distort our logic and good common sense. It's the largest physiological test ever conducted, and the scope and scale are beyond what the average person can imagine.

The goal is to prevent people from thinking and stepping outside the tribal box. 

However, if anything of value came out of 2016 people are waking up to the corruption and decline of our country much of it due to tribalism. We here in the House of Public Discourse are attempting to assist those in recognizing that we all must look and step outside of these ersatz lines they [ Globalist & Socialist Engineers] have herded us all into. The most dangerous threat to the Global Elitist and political establishments is the American people waking from this voodoo spell of tribalism we have been under for decades now in America. These powers that be are threatened by the true freedom of speech, expression, will, and finally thought.

Free Thought Explained 

The House of Public Discourse would encourage each person to step out of their boxes and explore all that you are capable of being. It's time to cast aside the pangs of " Party Identification" in the realm of politics and start supporting those who promote free public supported healthcare and education. We need to all become public advocates to demand that our elected officials represent the people instead of private special interest. " Free Thinkers" should not cast one vote for a politician who does not support overturning Citizen's United. We should throw out every politician who will not support the doing away with the regime change Imperialist foreign policy. In this writer’s view, I see more and more people awakening but sadly too many still confined to their tribal box. There is no doubt in my mind that the political establishment of both parties and their deep-pocketed paymasters would like to see “Free Thought" become extinct. Let's all help one another and overcome this plan to herd us all up in a tribal box. If not, Free Thought will become extinct in America. While writing this article I was reminded of an old-school Teddy Pendergrass song. Wake Up, Everybody!

Written By: Johnny Hill 

Are Liberals And Progressives One In The Same?

Are Liberals And Progressives One In The Same?

Photo Courtney of wsj.com

In modern politics particularly in the United States the terms Liberal and Progressive are often used interchangeably. These political positions are often treated as if they were one in the same. However, in fact, these terms are mutually exclusive.  Never has this truth become more apparent than in the present 2016 Democratic Party presidential race.

For the sake of clarity, definitions are in order.

Liberalism is a political philosophy or worldview founded on ideas of liberty and equality. Whereas classical liberalism emphasizes the role of liberty, social liberalism stresses the importance of equality. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but generally, they support ideas and programs such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, free markets, civil rights, democratic societies, secular governments, and international cooperation[See Source]

One of the major concepts of liberalism is self-ownership or individualism. This individualism includes personal liberty, equal opportunity, and the rule of law, economic freedom, free markets, and free trade. The liberal values freedom of expression and the right to assemble. Of course, this includes freedom of the press.

There should always be a quest for political freedom within a democratic society. 

Individualism is the moral stance, political philosophy, ideology, or social outlook that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual.  Individualists promote the exercise of one's goals and desires and so value independence and self-reliance and advocate that interests of the individual should achieve precedence over the state or a social group while opposing external interference upon one's own interests by society or institutions such as the government. Individualism is often contrasted with totalitarianism or collectivism.[See Source]

In short, Individualism is the root of being liberal. There is no greater desire of anyone who calls themselves a liberal than that of personal liberty. By definition, personal liberty is the freedom of the individual to do as he pleases limited only by the authority of politically organized society to regulate his action to secure the public health, safety, or morals or of other recognized social interests. [See Source]

So What Does Being A Progressive Mean Today?

This writer has no problem with labeling myself a progressive. However, regardless how I choose to label myself it's important to understand that labels are just that labels. Labels are nothing more than a word or words used to describe a concept or belief. Concepts and beliefs in and of themselves are not absolute truths. They are ideas we utilize in an attempt to describe shared experiences. Labels work well as guidepost but are extremely limited in being able to depict the human condition. For example, I may label myself to be progressive because most of my positions concerning politics tend to lean that way so the label tends to provide a point of reference. 

What Is The Central Message Of The Progressive?

The central message of the “Progressive Movement" is one of fairness and equality. From Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and now Bernie Sanders Progressives feel that everyone gets a fair shot and that everyone plays by the same rules. What we mean by “fair shot" everyone deserves an equal shot at securing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What we are not talking about is free handouts. It is the desire to seek and achieve the common welfare for all. Progressives believe we all must do our fair share to help obtain this common good. This is achieved through education, hard work, and active participation in one's community. What Progressives mean by playing by the same set of rules is that there should be no special privileges for the rich and well connected. 

Freedom

The most profound belief of the Progressive is freedom. The concept of freedom may mean different things to different people. Freedom is a double edged sword. Freedom from and freedom to. All real Progressives believe that privacy is not a crime and that government intrusion in how they carry out their private affairs should be off limits. For example the right for a woman to have an abortion or the right to marry someone of the same sex or to smoke marijuana. Like Liberals, the Progressives have a strong belief in the concepts of freedom of speech, associations, and religion. Also, like Liberals the Progressives cherish their rights to make their own choices about their bodies and personal lives. 

Progressives also believe that all humans have the right to live a fulfilling life supported by the basic foundation of both economic and physical security. This belief holds that we all should be protected against bodily harm as well as adequate income from a fair and just living wage. Progressives believe that healthcare is a human right and that all citizens should get a solid advanced education. The real Progressive understands the importance of community and social programs like the police , fire departments, and the military. The Progressive has no problem with their taxes going to help rebuild and grow our nation's infrastructure. The real Progressive wants to expand Social Security not privatize it and embraces the need for universal healthcare. 

Opportunity

Any commitment to freedom by a society must provide an equal opportunity for humans that make up that society. Like freedom opportunity has two components. The first is political equality and the others are economic and social arrangements that enhance our lives. Political equality by default should never discriminate against its populist in any way fashion or form. Political equality should strive to achieve that all its citizens should be able to turn their talents and ambitions into a meaningful and productive life regardless of economic status or racial heritage. The second component to opportunity involves the conditions necessary for people to feel secure to reach their goals. Healthcare, education, a job that pays a good living wage workers rights and retirement are all fundamental in creating these conditions. 

Responsibility 

With great freedom and opportunity comes great responsibility. Once again there are two factors involved with responsibility. First, is personal responsibility and the second is our responsibility to one another and the common good. Personal responsibility requires us as individuals to do our part to add and not take away from the common good of our communities. Yes, this does entail working hard, educating ourselves and living an honest life. 

Responsibility to others and the common good requires a commitment to putting the public interest ahead of the interest of the rich and powerful and to combat their influence on our political process that has put our democracy on sale to the highest bidder. The real Progressive understands that strong families and communities are the foundation of a strong and productive society. As Progressives, we strive to achieve higher social standards and economic conditions that not only will help us as individuals but also help the community at large. 

This requires that each and every one of us demand an open and transparent governance and that we as a populist engage this attack by the wealthy to disenfranchise us from the process by buying off politicians who enact laws that are contrary to the will of the people. Citizens United ring a bell?

Cooperation

The Progressive understands that there must be cooperation with our political values in that cooperation is the foundation to coinciding with our most important social institutions, families, communities, civic and faith-based groups. Freedom without cooperation leads to a divided society that cannot work together to achieve common goals and improve the lives of all. Cooperation begs us to be open minded and sympathetic to others. Real Progressives know that we are all accountable and responsible for the well-being of all who are in our society. To achieve this cooperation is a must. Progressives believe if we blindly pursue our own needs and ignore those of others our society as a whole will fail like so many in the world's history. Progressives value interdependence on a larger scale and look beyond our own needs to help others while seeking to find global solutions to global problems.

Are You Progressive?

Being progressive is more than just following some ideology there is plenty of cognitive dissonances in both political party’s establishments and their authoritarian followers that being a real Progressive catapulted us from this affliction and what sets us apart from being lumped in with the Liberals.

Being Progressive is more than a way of life or way of thinking it's a way of being. If you are a real Progressive these factors are part of your DNA, not something your mom and dad or teacher or preacher instilled in you. It is your existence that says who you are as a person. Being progressive transcends party identification. [See Article]

Being progressive gets to the heart of what being human is all about in this writer's view. Contrary to what you hear coming from the religious right Progressives value human life above all else our value of a human life does not end after the birth of a human being. It's where it continues and intensifies. Progressives have the view that all people of all origins and backgrounds are connected and all add to the overall human experience. To Progressives there is no them there is only us. However, don't let this kindness be perceived as weakness push a Progressive and expect to be pushed back. Progressives do not react we respond. There is a difference. Being a responder as opposed to a reactor takes a level of restraint and discipline. These factors are vital whenever threat evaluation is part of the equation. By doing so Progressive will almost always land on the right side of history. Bernie Sanders position on the war in Iraq, as opposed to Liberal Hillary Clinton, bears this out. Being a real Progressive is not about being right it's about doing what is right. 

So, Are Liberals And Progressives One In The Same?

Whatever Happened To Liberty And Justice For All?

FDR

While recently listening to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's [FDR] " Four Freedoms" speech, a glaring question popped out at this writer. Whatever happened to liberty and justice for all and was it ever a reality in America? One thing is a certainty.... justice for all is nothing but a catch phrase in America today. It does not exist. We have seen an ever increasing cornucopia of  institutional and social injustices manifested over the last decade in America. We have seen Barry Bonds inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame while on trial for illegal steroid usage.  The out of control banking industry has levied egregious banking fees on helpless consumers. The American Healthcare industry has raked the American people over the coals with. " five times the inflation rate pricing while practicing fraudulent  business methods like billing dead patients just to name one. Wall Street has become a den of thieves betting against their customers.  In 2001, the Patriot Act was enacted and has been turning citizens into suspects ever since. There have been proven cases of U.S. Bishops protecting pedophile priests. And of course we can't fail to mention  the day in, day out civil injustice in the American Criminal Justice System, which has recently been highlighted in the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases.

The Speech

 

The Never Ending Fight For FDR's Four Freedoms!

It was 74 years ago that FDR made this famous speech and America today is still fighting for its narrative, a free and equal society for all. In this speech, FDR proposed four freedoms. Not only did FDR command these freedoms for all Americans but also every person in the world. FDR's speech was made just prior to the U.S. entering  World War II. The four freedoms were the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to worship or not to worship, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear.  The speech was hugely popular with the American people with many of the speeches' key components being a guidepost for many post-World War II countries redevelopment.[See Article]

With the help from what many call America's " greatest generation,"  this statement caused a reshaping of the fundamentals of American society. During this period, America became equal and more democratic. What has happened since the time of FDR in America is unconscionable. With the onslaught of Reaganomics in 1980's to our present time, these basic tenets of freedom for the everyday Joe and Mary in America have all but been wiped out. The equality in America is in shambles and the rising gap between the haves and have-nots is staggering.

How Do We Invigorate The Quest For FDR's, " Four-Freedoms?"

The paramount motivation for FDR delivering this speech in his State of the Union address was that Europe at the time was being overrun by the Germans and East Asia was being terrorized by imperial Japan. FDR knew it was inevitable that America was heading for conflict.  It was FDR's view that it was essential for America to begin to prepare for war. However, it was his[FDR] viewpoint that the most important thing for America to do was become an ''arsenal of democracy.''  England, France, and the Eastern Hemisphere who were under siege from what history has shown as one of the most evil empires ever in the world,  Nazi Germany.  President Roosevelt knew well if you were going to prepare for a national defense , you needed security forces for the nation, but, moreover, you needed economic security for the nation as well. FDR had been fighting for years on the economic  front with labor and others in the New Deal. This address was needed to rally these associations once again. FDR had to hone the American people in on his vision that he had been striving for, for eight years, and that was the " Four Freedoms." Our research into this matter revealed that one of the FDR major beliefs was that all Americans aspired for these freedoms and knew they were a galvanizing force to bring the country to a sense of oneness and purpose.

Freedom From Want

In addressing what FDR was touching on in his ' freedom from want' segment within the speech, one might need an understanding of the term " General Welfare.Clause."

General Welfare Clause Explained

As we know, FDR succumbed from his Polio disease before seeing these aspirations fulfilled, and the reason was well documented.  The Republican Congress and the  newly elected President Harry S Truman, who proved to be ineffective, were left to deal with them. The freedom from want aspect from this speech struck fear into the hearts of conservative Republicans. They [Republicans] imagined that FDR goals would be to take Social Security that he enacted in 1935 and build upon  it to the point that the program would include National Health Care. Moreover, in 1944 when FDR came back to Congress in another State of the Union address, he intended to put real practical meaning  to the program by laying out rights for Americans that would have included guarantees like  a job, healthcare, housing, food and shelter, and clothing. Behind the scenes, we learned that FDR was not hopeful these guarantees [wants], would be enacted.  He felt the Conservative Coalition of the day,  North Republicans and the Southern Dixiecrats would block it. But Roosevelt knew the American people wanted  a Social Democratic America.

The writer of the " Pledge of Allegiance" was a Socialist

Francis Bellamy

1. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.[See Source]
2. FDR was a very thorough person, and he had surveys conducted by various agencies. These investigations found 85% of Americans wanted National Healthcare and the other aforementioned desires which in practice functioned as an Economic Bill of Rights for the American citizens. 
3. FDR was a visionary and a man of his time and in addition to the socialist GI Bill [Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944] FDR advocated, as now President Obama has,  that all American citizens should have the right to a free college education. 

4. The Voice of America President Obama on Free Community College for all.

What we have in our present time is a post-educational system that has caused nothing but over-the-top debt for America's college students. There is no question that if FDR's vision could have come to pass it would have transformed America,  and leaves its supporters asking the question: what if, and why not? Just like in FDR's time and today as well,  a super-majority of Americans wanted socialized medicine and education and did not get it.   So why is this not a reality in America? Sweden provides its citizens with free health care and a college education. Denmark does this. Norway does this. Germany does this. France does this. Free health care and college were an American idea from arguably one of the greatest presidents this nation has ever seen and yet we do not offer these fundamental freedoms to our citizenry. In this writer's mind it's an outrage and should be something for which every American citizen should be fighting and advocating. 

Ronald Reagan

Unfortunately, what we have seen since Reagan has been an all out attack on Democratic and Social Rights in this country.  All the work and aspirations of the post-World War II generations' quest to bring about the vision of FDR's " Four Freedoms," done in the 40's, 50's, and 60's,   such as reforms in immigration, Medicare, and Medicaid, civil rights and right to vote laws, and environmental protection;  all being dismantled by the 1% stuffed shirts of the GOP.  It has reached a point in this writer's view that the true " Patriotic Duty," of every American should be to protect these rights from the radical-right, Tea Party, and Libertarian factions operating within today's Republican Party.

Is Liberty And Justice For All An American Pipe-Dream? 

One could argue that to imagine an America where all citizens are equal with the same protections and benefits a cohesive society should demand, is a dream long gone. We here at the House of Public Discourse believe it's paramount to remind ourselves of the founding principles of this nation. One of the common themes for this nation should be that this is our land, this is your land, and this is my land from the sea to shining sea. We The People are in this together should be the everyday focus of every single individual in this country no matter their race or any other mitigating factors. Moreover, the reason we have Democratic institutions and the reason we have a government, is to provide for the health and happiness of We The People.  The " General Welfare Clause" was based on these principles. According to the Declaration of Independence, when the government fails to provide for the " General Welfare" of its citizens it's that said government's duty and obligation to correct it or be overthrown by We The People. The founding documents of America are crystal clear. They reveal to us that the purpose of government is to do something good for everyone in our country and not just a privileged few. Our government was not founded on a principle for us but not them mentality. It is to represent We The People not We The Few. In addition, our government was designed to be  a help to us not a hindrance. 

The Declaration Of The Ages

74 years ago, FDR came out and said in his " Four Freedoms," State of the Union address:

"As men do not live by bread alone they do not fight by armaments alone. Those, who man our defenses and build our defenses, have the stamina and courage which come from the unshakable belief in the manner of life they are defending."  

What FDR is saying here is we are not just fighting Hitler, we are not just fighting against an evil empire, we are fighting for something. What does our nation stand for? Once again, this questions leads us right back to our nation's founding first principles of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happiness? The United States of America's Declaration of Independence was the first time any governmental document in the history of the world had a provision for its citizens to be happy. FDR continued:

" The mighty action that we are calling for is not based on a disregard for all the things worth fighting for, the nation takes great satisfaction and much strength from the things that have been done to make its people conscious of their individual stake in their observation of Democratic life in America. Those things have toughened the fiber of our population, renewed our faith and strength to their devotion to our institutions we make ready to protect." 

It's important to understand that when FDR made this speech we were in the middle of World War II. Certainly this was not the time for any American to stop thinking about the social and economic problems that were the cause of  the Social Revolution which was a supreme factor of the world at that time as it is in our present time.  Our research has found that FDR wanted to drive home the message that the fundamental things expected by the American people were. " Life, Liberty, Justice, and Happiness for All." This narrative is what President Obama should be covering with the American people in his upcoming State of the Union address. When you wade through all the political rhetoric of today,  what the American people want is very straightforward: Life, Liberty, Justice, and a fair shot at having happiness. What the American people are screaming for is an equal opportunity no matter the circumstance you were born into. Jobs for those who can work that pay a wage that correlates with the cost of living in an area would be a great place to start.  Why have the Republicans blocked the Obama administration on creating government jobs to rebuild our nation's crumbling infrastructure? We have seen since Reagan and his government is the evil mantra;  cut our children's education, lack of funding to maintain our roads and bridges, power grids, sewer systems, environmental protections, and the deregulation of the banking industry and Wall Street.  Like the Rolling Stones song proclaimed , it's enough to " make a grown man cry."

One can only imagine what our country would be like today if FDR's aspirations could have become a reality. But after 35 years of Reaganomics, all one can imagine is that it's too late to believe in an America that works for all. If Capitalism cannot provide enough jobs for We The People, when their sole motivation is a maximization of profits, then having government sponsored jobs for any myriad of General Welfare concerns and needs is not only practical and smart it, makes good common sense.  Since Reagan, we have learned new terms like downsizing, outsourcing; trickle-down economics just to name a few and all WE, The People have gotten in return, is the largest  wealth inequality ever recorded in the annals of history!  It is time for our President to be a leader like FDR and step up to the podium in his upcoming State of the Union Address and demand a passage of a jobs bill that will put Americans to work rebuilding our nation's infrastructure and  strengthening our public schools and making two-year college free for all Americans.  Whatever happened to liberty and justice for all?  It was sabotaged by greedy Capitalists and the corrupt politicians who do their bidding.  Citizen United ring a bell?  We as a people can do two things. [1] Do nothing but grin and bear it, or [2] Do something and stand up and fight and demand as our founding fathers did in the Declaration of Independence...demand  our government  change its ways or else be overthrown. So let it be written, so let it be done.

Why Is It Important To Vote? Your Country Needs You Too, That's Why!

In the mid-term elections traditionally, the president's party doesn't do well. Low voter turn-out has been the reality of modern-day politics for the Democratic Party in off-year elections. The Republicans are still reaping the benefits from the last mid-term elections held in 2010. Not only, did the Republican's gain in the House and Senate. They also gained control in the state and local governments in the South especially. What resulted? Gridlock!

Now that the Republican's have power look what they have done. They have ruined state economies with their policies prime example Gov. Sam Brownback from Kansas.[ See Article]

Republicans have been able to control agriculture and education policy.
They have completely gerrymandered political safe zones creating a major uphill fight for the Democrats, in the House especially. The reality of this is the Democrats taking back the House in the for-seeable-future is at best vague. The Republicans have been able to " tip the playing field."

This Is Why Its Important To Vote!

In addition, the Republican Party backed by deep-pocketed factions like the Koch Brothers and others have waged a flat-out-assault on Voting Rights. Since the 2010 mid-terms, 18 Republican-controlled states acted to restrict voting.[See Source] So, in 18 states it is now harder to vote because of the Republican Party. For example, in the state of North Carolina you can no longer enjoy same day voter registration. In Wisconsin, lawmakers there passed new laws making it much harder to vote. Just recently, those laws were overturned by the Supreme Court. 

Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI)

Wisconsin Is One Walker Of A Mess!

Something has happened on the Voting Rights front that never has happened in the past. The Government Accountability Office [GAO] which is a non-partisan arm of Congress. Reported, once these republican states starting changing these voting rules  five U.S. Senators wrote the GAO requesting a study of state legislative actions that may affect voter registration or voting. In states where these type voter suppression laws have passed there was a clear indication that it lowered the voter turnout. The GAO looked at six states. Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, and Tennesse. They looked at these states from 2008 to 2012. Between the two presidential elections, the overall turn-out declined in 2012 from 2008. In Kansas and Tennesse the turn-out dropped more than the other mentioned states. During the study period, it was both Kansas and Tennesse who enacted very strict voting laws. The study found  voting suppression measures effected young voters and African-American voters between the ages of 18 and 23 the most.

This Is Why Its Important To Vote!  

How do young voters tend to vote? Democratic. How do African-American voters tend to vote? Democratic. The finding of this study was more verification than surprising. What is ridiculous is that the purpose of these laws were to stamp out a non-existent voter fraud problem. These new over the top voter ID laws are being reversed in some states. However, even so, they will be allowed to stand in this coming election in particular states that puts the Democrats at a disadvantage. It is the position of the House of Public Discourse if you are an eligible voter and a duly registered voter you should not be weeded out of the process by some new over and beyond voter ID requirements. These actions are not fair, legal, or American. In America, we encourage people to vote, not to disenfranchise themselves from the process. It is clear the Republican Party does not want a fair system of voting. They want a system that tips the scale in their favor in spite of the Constitution. Honestly, we must call this for what it is, 'cheating, because using political power to change the rules and disrespect our Constitution is not in the best interest of this nation.

Democrats Need To Grow A Backbone!  

As a progressive liberal, this writer is perplexed on how Democrats have just sit back and let the Republicans "getaway" with this behavior. By not getting out to vote we play right into a political design that has worked for the Republicans time and time again. What we have seen over the last six years is a consequence of disenfranchisement from the process. Gridlock, Obstruction, Dysfunction have been the order of business in Washington D.C. Yes, Democrats have put up some resistance, but; for the most part, we have watched them do it. So, as we near the 2014 mid-terms no matter what, we will still feel repercussions from our lack of involvement in 2010. It is enough to make one swear. Democrats must get engaged and stop taking things for granted. Democrats must take a let's do something as opposed to nothing approach, and take back our country from radical right-wing factions who are running rough-shod in the present. Why is it important to vote? Your country needs you too that's why! Take part in the process. Get out to vote.
               

Why Understanding The John Birch Society Is Important

Order Here

What is the John Birch Society? Founded, in Indianapolis, IN in 1958, it was chartered under the general laws of Massachusetts. The society presented itself as a non-profit educational organization. The John Birch Society made no bones about who they were, and their sense of entitlement to the American way of life. They were the molders and shapers of public morality. Some early declarations made by the JBS were false. The JBS was inclusionary to all races. Not true. They insisted their membership reflected the cross-section of America on all social and economic levels. Not true. The JBS marched around proclaiming themselves an individualist. However, the JBS never minced words when it came to the common thread of. " defeating communism."

"I knew how much my father hated John Kennedy, and Kennedy was not the first or last Communist my father hated. With the help of his arch-right-wing friends, in and out of the JBS.  Dad could recite a list of " dirty Reds." [Wrapped In The Flag Author, Claire Conner]

 In a nutshell, the John Birch Society over the years till this present day has been the leader of the anti-federal government movement. They are the faction that all modern-day factions aspire to. They were clear and upfront about their desire to control public morality. [See Article]

Less Government---More Responsibility---A Better World 

The JBS set the organization up as a vocal grass-roots stopgap against the spread of Communism. When Sen. Joe McCarthy went on his famous political witchhunt, in the 1950s. McCarthy became an instant superstar with the now growing JBS. When McCarthy announced, he was naming names about 200 total who were all commies he [McCarthy] became JBS hero. The JBS wanted it known they were taking the lead on the fight against Communism. The JBS proclaim themselves the protectors of western-civilization.

         
The JBS was the most useful, best-funded largest radical right-wing group in the history of America. The JBS was not the first radical right-wing organization and has not been the last. However; the JBS did something no other such group had ever done before which involved a coordinated effort to get all of its members doing the same thing at the same time. The JBS got a populist political activism organization started and organized by mail-order for lack of term. The JBS has a top-down authoritarian approach. Robert Welsh, the founder of the John Birch Society, always proclaimed that the JBS is monolithic. He often boosted there will be " no democracy here."

   So, let put Welsh's comment into perspective. A political faction claiming to be both the defender and avenger of our democratic way of life will have none of it within their organization. This element begs the question; what type of government would these people run?  In digging to find the answer to the question, our research ran dead into the question now slogan. " we are a republic, not a democracy." Is this mindset not the rallying cry for many Americans today. What is very interesting is this political philosophy question is the very one many people have said turns on the light switch that these people may have it wrong.

Why Understanding The John Birch Society Is Important?

Right now, the question of voter turnout and the rights of people to vote have been- challenged across the country. We have seen right-wing radical groups that have infiltrated every level of local-state, and federal government, control legislation and legislative bodies as well. The JBS from its inception has proclaimed everyone does not have the right to vote. 

For example, the JBS advocated the repeal of the 17th amendment.

The JBS believed there was a secret communist around every corner and in every facet of government. At the time, the 1950's there was a very real fear of communism and the spreading thereof. This fear was used by the JBS to make everyone afraid of the Reds. McCarthy started naming names. Do we see a return to McCarthyism in the Republican Party today? The JBS felt that 70% of the Federal Government had to go. So, what does that mean what would have to be cut and in what order?

• Social Security, right off the bat.
• Unemployment Benefits
• Welfare Programs 
• Public Education

 This hatred of the Federal Government would put cuts on many less-publicized departments of government as well. Like, Dept of Highways, the JBS were against the repeal of the " Jim Crow," laws in the South. The JBS held a position that the government had no place in the enactment of civil rights laws. With the JBS, any thought of government regulation goes ' down the drain.' The overall rallying cry of the Bircher is the Federal Government is evil. The JBS solution was the dismantling or privatization of the Federal government. We are seeing these solutions being implemented in many states across the country. We have seen a move to privatize prisons and education. Most of this radical legislation has passed in bright red legislatures. Public funds being diverted from public schools to charter schools has turned into a disaster.

There are myriad of reasons why we should understand the mindset of the radical- right-wing and the crazy proposals they put forth. I think an insider's view of this subject matter is invaluable. From Wrapped In The Flag, Author: Claire Conner.

 

In closing, it is important [in this writer's view] to be aware of the motives of these rogue elements of our political sphere. There is a connection between people who are " Birch minded," and the Dominionist. They both quest to dominate or lord their mortality over us to the point of censorship and unconstitutional laws being passed. That why it's important to understand the John Birch Society.

Separation Of Church And State, Unplugged.

In America today, there is no more polarizing issue than the separation of church and state clause in our Constitution. The issue was highly debated at the inception of our country, and the debate continues today.

What does the Constitution say?

The phrase " separation of church and state," has been bandied about in our society for so long most people are dumbfounded to learn that neither the phrase or its concept as it is presently used can be found anywhere in the founding documents of the United States of America.   The phrase " separation of church and state," doesn't appear in any government document of the United Sates. Not the Declaration, Constitution or the Bill of Rights. This reality being the case, what do these documents have to say about freedom of religion? In the 1st amendment we see mention of religion. Congress shall make no law; (1) respecting an establishment of religion, or (2) prohibiting the free exercise thereof. So, this 1st amendment is a very important part of both our Constitution and our constitutional law. These two aspects of the 1st amendment came the phrase " separation of church and state." 
Many constitutional scholars debate this claim. Firstly, the governing branch of this issue is identified. Congress. Secondly, it defines the activity that Congress is forbidden to do. Make no laws, respecting religion or the freedom to practice or not to practice. Let's take a moment to explore what this means. In this writer's view, these proclamations were  placed first for a reason. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble are all basic tenants of our culture. With that said, it's also important to understand there are two parts to this equation. Not to establish and not to stop the exercise of religious views one way or the other.

Its important to note that there were other variations under consideration at the time these issues were being debated by our founding fathers.

• No religion shall be established by law. (House Select Committee-7-28-1789)
• Congress shall make no law touching religion. (Proposed during House debate- 8-15-1789)
• Congress shall make no law establishing articles of faith or mode of worship or prohibiting free exercise of religion. (Senate Version 9-9-1789)

What is very evident with any fair evaluation of the data and history is that Congress would not set up any national religion, denomination, or church. Moreover, that Congress would not set up any "state controlled " church. There is no ambiguity concerning these matters our founding fathers were empathic that government was to stay out of religion and vice versa. The scope here is specific. The Executive branch nor the Judicial branch were even mentioned.  And, here is why. If no laws are to be passed by Congress then, there will be no laws for the President to enforce, and no laws to be interpreted by the courts. The bottom-line is the Federal government has no jurisdiction to intervene of matters of religion and for the most was left to the States, Cities, and local communities.  Nor, does religion or religious factions have jurisdiction to intervene is the affairs of " We The People." [Government]

Conservatives Want to Redefine Religious Freedom To Suite Their Political Ideology.

Conservatives in America want to expand the power of religion and their religious organizations. The facts have shown they do this with no regard they are undermining the basic principles of religious freedom.  Religious freedom is not a general liberty to conservatives. To them it's not a matter of one's personal conscience; they won't religious freedom to be some unique type of liberty. Conservatives claim they deserve special treatment and favor unavailable to others who do not share their religious convictions. Yes, it is clear that the founding fathers wanted government to stay out of religion, and it is also clear they wanted religion to stay out of government as well.

Party Identification Has Become The Lens Most People See Through.

Huffington Post Image

According to Wikipedia, Party Identification refers to the political party with which an individual identifies. Party Identification is typically determined by the political party that an individual most commonly supports (by voting or other means). Studies have shown that most people consider themselves independent- minded people. As a child growing up I remember hearing grown-ups always saying "I vote for the person, not a party." I remember them saying this with such a sense of pride. In addition, I remember thinking how civic minded these persons were.

I remember thinking to myself how thoughtful and intelligent these people were to hold such an open-minded attitude. Even, as a small child, I remember thinking how ignorant it was to just blindly support a political position or candidate based on party affiliation alone. However, the reality is a little different now in my adulthood. First, it's a fact, most people vote on the basis of their party identification. We may hear people in the morning coffee houses claiming they are weighing all the issues and candidates but when it comes time to vote they do so with a political party they most identify.

Party Identification Has Become The Lens Most People See Through. 

The truth in modern day politics is that most people have a political party which they identify. Even more, but, not always, people have the same party identification as their parents. Second, in general, its people with strong party identification who tend to be better informed and better educated. These factoids have a number of implications. What they reveal to us is that voting and party identification are far more complex than we realize.

Today, when you ask someone, what party they support, you can pretty much guess who they are voting for and be right most of the time. When trying to ascertain a person's party identification, I would simply ask what political party do your parents support. Studies have shown that most people form their political views early in life and remain stable over time so for lack of term it's pretty fair to say most people are " born into it." Now, this writer is not one to generalize anything, however, in general 7 out of ten people identify with the political party of their parents. In some regions of the country, it has been shown to be almost 4 out of 5.

Gallup

It is very unusual for a person to switch their party identification in America today. Also, it is rare that in the political climate of today that people vote for a candidate that is not affiliated with the party they have supported all their life. In the 1940's and the 1950's political scientist started doing research on voting. The purpose of these studies was to see what affects campaigning had on voters. The basic mindset going in was that political campaigns would have the same effect on people as advertising. However, what they found surprised them. As it turned out, the campaigning had little to no effect on most people. Furthermore, there was something else that surprised them. It was the better educated and informed voter that was least affected by the campaign. It is these type people who overwhelmingly vote for their party identification. Voters who were most effected by campaigns and changed their votes were less educated and less informed.[See Article: Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican.]  What was even more shocking, is that many of these less educated and inform voters did not even realize that the candidates they were supporting  had contrasting positions. These findings were quite disturbing. These finding raised serious questions about Democratic government.

.

     

    

These early studies changed the way academia thought about voters and voting. For example, it came to be that the mindset was you don't win elections by changing people's minds. You win elections by mobilizing your core supporters or base. The problem is roughly 40% of the electorate are Democrats and 40% are Republicans that leaves 20% more or less Independent. Bear in mind these numbers deal with people who take part in the process. These numbers create a dilemma. While it is imperative that political parties mobilize their base. In turn, they must attract these Independent or swing voters without alienating their core supporters.
 

  With such a wide spectrum of voter mindsets in modern day politics, the general rule of thumb has been to hug the middle. You want to be moderate enough to appeal to Independents without losing your core supporters. Normally, voters at the Republican end of the line will be conservative and at the Democrats end of the line liberal. The moderate voters are in the middle. This reality in the past has kept both parties platforms moderate. James Madison Federalist papers,  part of the narrative was how the extended republic solves the problems of factions. The American voter has created a paradox. We want our political parties to stand for something, but; we want them to corporate with one another. We want our political parties to work together in the public interest. However, there is an important exception that makes it really hard to generalize party identification.

The South       

In the South, we don't have the above mentioned spectrum of voters. In the south, moderate voters are few and far between, in the south, studies and surveys have clearly shown that the swing voters are highly conservative. Why? It only makes sense if we look at it historically. In my last article, Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican, we covered the transformation of the south regarding politics. By and large southerners did not start voting for Republicans until the late 1960's. Back in the 1960's there was a very conservative faction within the Democratic party that left the party over the Civil Rights Acts. It was not until the early 1980's with the emergence of Ronald Reagan did we see a wholesale change of party identification from Democrat to Republican in the south. The term Reagan Democrat  was born.

Ronald Reagan

This transformation was largely due to an influx of northerners who started leaving the north and moving south. So, let's make no bones about it, in the south, in the 1980's and 1990's, swing voters were more conservative in mindset than moderate. Most racist conservative southern Democrats who for the longest time could not stomach calling themselves Republican because of it being the party of Lincoln finally started switching their voter affiliations. However, even in the south, with this new dynamic neither party has a majority in the region. So, to put together a majority and win elections in the south both parties have to appeal to these swing voters which puts the Democrats at a huge disadvantage. As we have seen, this disadvantage has translated to the south becoming almost entirely red states.

The Republicans can easily pick up the swing voters in the south without upsetting its core supporters. This fact is not the case for the Democrats. The Democrats face an uphill battle to win back swing voters in the south. So, starting in the 1980's there has been a complete take over by the Republicans in the south. One of the awful side-effects of these changing dynamics is partisanship.






Partisanship has undermined the aforementioned theory by James Madison and created an environment of factions and the quest of the political parties to appeal to the moderates. Bi-partisanship has been thrown overboard in today's political arena. The whole game plan of the Republican party has been to champion issues that make their base " foam at the mouth." Knowing there could be no compromise from the Democrats that puts not only the political parties at odds, but the American people as well. Issues like abortion, same-sex-marriage, social safety net programs, wedge issues. This divisive formula has led to a deep polarization in America today. What this all boils down to is the Republicans feel they can play to their base supporters and win in the south that will create political safe zones and allow them to gridlock and obstruct the nation on mass. We have seen this work quite well for them but, however, there is a change happening in the south.

    What is becoming clearer. By the day, is that this devilish political strategy by the Republicans that assumes winning over the base is enough to ensure victory could be put to the test by the changing population demographics in the south. As a writer and everyday person I have a few self-contained truism that I hold dear. Of those, my most valued is "that nothing in life is permanent except change." There are several changes going on now in the south. Minorities are starting to take part in the political process. It's a real simple equation. High voter turnout spells victory for the liberals and defeat for the conservatives. What we are seeing is all these divisive issues that the Republicans have been shoving down our throats is starting to backfire on them. Pushing all these wedge issues, and their lack of compromise and partisanship has backed them into a collective corner with no way out. The Republicans complete obstruction of the overall general welfare of the American people is soon to render a serious recompense. In addition, to these changing demographics we are seeing a new age voter today. We are seeing more younger voters abandon the politics of mom and dad and form their views. We are seeing the alienation of woman, veterans, and the elderly. All of this has put a strain on many of those southern swing voters who are sick of the partisanship.

Independent Voters In The South Are Changing! 

We can distinguish two types of Independent voters. One group of Independent voters can accurately be described as 'weak party voters,' meaning, voters who tend to lean to one party or the other, but; describe themselves as independent voters. These type voters tend to proclaim their independent mindsets but normally vote for the same party year after year. The other group, the true independent voter don't show a preference for one party over the other. These voters fit the pattern that was revealed about the mentioned voter studies back in the 1940's. These voters still tend to be poorly informed and lack any real passion for politics in general. These voters tend to be of the mindset their vote doesn't matter and that all politicians and the parties they represent are corrupt. The bottom-line with this type voter is they tend not to vote

However, these trends are slowly changing [in this writers view] and the election of Barack Obama is my proof. With the election of America's first person of color to the White House, we saw in 2008 how a candidate based campaign as opposed to a party based campaign could ignite the sleeping giant. These truly independent voters engaged themselves in the process. Both in 2008, and 2012 we saw record numbers of new voters enter into the voting process. With this renewed awaking, we have seen the Republican Party combat this by implementing regressive voting suppression measures in their political safe zones. We have seen political obstruction to the point some claim hinges on sedition. We have seen the use of institutional racism used to enrage less educated poor white people to call for the impeachment of Obama based on trumped up bogus scandal accusations.
[See Article: Benghazi Benghazi Benghazi, Enough Already!] 

It has become clear that one of the fundamental flaws in conservative thinking is manifesting itself. The inability to adapt to change or accept it. As previously stated, this writer shouts from the mountaintops that the only thing permanent in life is change! Cause of this reality, the Republican Party has been labeled by many as " the party of no."

What Does All This Mean, Now? 

Partisan politics has caused an eyesore on American's system of politics. Which in turn has led to more true independent voters which have weakened the element of Party Identification. This partisanship has led many political scientist to conclude that the mass electorate party that we have known is just about over. This factor means that political parties are going to become less relative. In a way, it brings the development of political parties back full circle. What this means could actually be a positive for We The People. This development forces  political office seekers to connect with the electorate not based on party platforms but the special needs and concerns of the citizenry. There has become a growing awareness in the mass electorate of how big-money corporations and factions have put American government up for sale. There are major grassroots movements to end corporate person-hood and money equals free-speech. Yes, Party Identification has become the lens most people see through, regarding politics.  And more people are starting to realize that it just might be the cause for much of the partisanship and dysfunction We The People have languished through in recent times.

Written By: Johnny Hill