The Rape of Our Democratic Republic

During the Senate hearings of sexual assault allegations against then Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, a political cartoon was published that has seared it's way into my mind. The cartoon shows Lady Justice being pinned down by a pair of male arms with the Republican Party elephant image as cuff links. Bruce MacKinnon is the artist behind this drawing which appeared in The Chronicle Herald, a Canadian based newspaper.



https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2018/09/30/halifax-cartoonists-response-to-kavanaugh-hearing-goes-viral.html

My political leanings are thinly veiled, if at all. For the record, I'm just a nudge left of center. I'm willing to coexist with people whose ideals are different than mine, as long as they will coexist with me. I believe we should have universal health care for all. I believe not just in free education for all, but free quality education. I believe abortions will decrease if birth control is made readily available. I believe climate change is real and I believe the wealthy should pay a higher proportion of taxes.

I'm fed up with corporate and special interest ownership of our government. I'm tired of the one set of rules for me and another for everyone else. I lose patience with people who shout conspiracy theory on everything remotely close to our government. Flat Earthers need to open a book (assuming any know how to read). I'm just sick of stupid.

Doesn't it frighten you when the President of the United States suggests that the presidency should be a lifetime term?

Doesn't it bother you when that same man suggests that protests should be illegal? By the way, review the US Constitution on that idea. Go ahead. I'll wait.

The dangerous trajectory of our country can be stopped. We can turn things around and make our country a better and stronger union.

Get out and VOTE. However, go to the polls educated on the candidates and the issues. Don't vote for someone because he's good looking. Honestly, I think that's part of how former Missouri governor, Eric Greitens got into office.

While this is easy for me to say as I am parked in my recliner, if you can get involved in your community, do so. Get to know your neighbors, get in front of your local leaders and speak up on issues that matter to you. Volunteer at a shelter or a food pantry. Host a clothing drive, open a little library in a neighborhood park, read to children in a daycare.

If volunteering your time isn't an option, then start a business. Follow what interests you. Open a barber shop or start a community newspaper. Look around your community and see what's missing and fill that gap.

I want to see our country turn away from the brink of disaster. Extremism either left or right isn't good for anyone. We have the capability of fixing this. Let's get busy and be truly Americans.

Dear America

Tonight I watched the second debate between two people who want to be our next President. I will make no secret that I will not vote for the Republican candidate under any circumstances; however, I'm not crazy about the Democratic candidate, either.

The debate gave me a blinding headache that only a strong pain killer can take away. That said, I want to express my thoughts before I succumb to the wonderful world of sleep.

This election year has been one of the most divisive I have ever experienced in my memory. I probably could dredge up presidential runs in our pre-television history and find some that could have been worse. Andrew Jackson comes to mind - his run for office was more than his wife could handle and she died from the stress. Jackson never got over it. Of course, Jackson was also a horse's ass, but I digress.

Our country is angry. We have a Congress that is holding our country hostage while they play games with our laws. Open debate on issues can't happen with the mind-set of certain party members "My way or you're wrong."

Our country is starved for work. Jobs are scarce and the ones that are available are only available to a select few. Discrimination is a real thing, by the way. Wages are stagnant and the work world has been turned upside down. Jobs once slated for high school and college students are now held by single parents and/or older workers who can't find work elsewhere. The young college graduates are getting jobs that require the experience and wisdom of older workers, but they are willing to work for less and companies are snapping them up.

Our country is frightened. Which mall will host the next blood bath? Which public venue will literally go out with a bang? Guns in the classroom? Are you serious? Sick people dressed as clowns terrorizing children and communities. What is going on here?

Our country is stressed to the breaking point. We can't meet our bills. The Affordable Care Act is skyrocketing out of control and coverage is dimming. Yes, prices at the gas pump are going down, but utilities are going up. The housing marketing is making a rebound, but many communities are still feeling the pain of the housing market crash.

Tonight the world watched St. Louis host the Presidential debate. And, for a change, we showed the world what we are really made of. A peaceful demonstration paraded through Delmar all the way to Washington University. Many issues were represented, but no violence. No one got hurt. But voices were loud and clear.

We need to come together like this again. We need to express our concerns. I believe each of us has the power to turn this country around. We have the ability to fix these problems and we have the ability to put the right people in government who will hear our voices, and help us fix these problems.

America, I'm scared for our future. But, I'm also hopeful that we can fix what is broken. I believe it all begins in the voting booth.

Thank you.