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Posts published in July 2024

Let’s talk numbers

July 2, 2024

O.K.

We've had this debate.

What was said during those 90-minutes has been drowned out by the cacophony of talking heads so suddenly concerned about the President's age.  And, supposed infirmities.

Yes, the man is 81.  Yes, he appeared somewhat feeble of voice and motion during the debate.  And, yes, it's fair to ask questions about his ability to fully carry out the duties of the Office.

But, it's NOT fair to suggest - as some have - that Joe Biden isn't up to the job based on this one hour-and-a-half.  It's NOT fair to base some sort of threats to his continuance in office based on what he said - or how he said it - during that short window.  Ninety-minutes.

We have a nationwide election coming up in about 120 days.  Biden's name will be on the ballot.  So, too, will that of convicted felon Donald Trump seeking the same office.  If you seriously believe Joe Biden isn't up to the job - that the other guy can better represent your interests - you've got your chance to make a change.  Your decision.  Your vote.

I'm seven years older than the President.  Haven't had the chance for a good public debate recently.  But, I've held my own in interactions with other folks.  I can still drive a vehicle with confidence.  And, my reflexes - both physical and mental - continue to be acceptable in mixed company.

Age is just a number.  It really is.

Spend some time in a doctor's office waiting room.  Look around.  You'll see 50-year-olds - even younger - who have all sorts of physical and mental restrictions.

Go over to the nearest YMCA or country club.  You'll find seniors of all ages being active in a number of physical settings.  Check the tennis or handball courts.  May not still have the speed or accuracy of their younger years.  But, they're out there - challenging - trying hard - keeping themselves "young" by staying active and engaged.

Same for Biden.  He's still active and engaged.  In his job, he's active and engaged 24-hours a day.  He's surrounded by competent staff and advisors.  He's absorbing mountains of daily information.  He's getting advice on situation-after-situation around the clock.  He's involved in decision-after-decision every waking hour.

If he falters.  If he waivers.  If he appears unable to handle the job, there are plenty of advisors to give support and direction.  He's never alone.  He's never without support.

And, you can bet that support will advise others if they see a problem working with the President.  There are plenty of guardrails.

Yes, Biden gave a poor performance at the "debate."  About eight years ago, so did that other guy - Barack something.  Not good.  May have flubbed one appearance.  Was still a pretty damned good President, though.

There was that other guy.  Reagan.  Spent a few years in the Oval office.  Dealt with some memory lapses in front of the cameras, too.  On many occasions.

Whatever you think of his politics or physical/mental stamina, Biden has only about 180 days left in his current term.  Watch him closely.  Listen when he speaks.  Judge for yourself - on a continuing basis - to see if the man has serious problems.  Make your own decision.

But, it's totally unfair to judge him - or anyone else- on one difficult appearance.  On one high pressure moment in time.

Give the guy a mulligan on this one.  There's another debate coming up in September.  And, there'll be many public appearances between now and November fifth.  Judge for yourself.

 

10 Commandments may be coming

10 Commandments may be coming

July 1, 2024

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry recently signed a bill into law requiring the Ten Commandments to be hung in every public school classroom in his state. He knew the bill violated the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment to the US Constitution, but did it anyway. Landry is a Christian nationalist who wants to infuse his version of Christianity into practically every aspect of public life in America.

Landry acknowledged that the bill would provoke a legal challenge, but welcomed the prospect. He obviously wants to bring the case before the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) in hopes of getting the Court to overturn previous rulings prohibiting the intrusion of religion into public schools. He knows he will have favorable federal judges in Louisiana to get the case before SCOTUS, and who knows what may happen there?

But, what does this have to do with Idaho? The fact is that copycat legislation will surface in Idaho in the near future. Idaho has grappled with any number of culture war issues having strong religious overtones in the last several years, including the criminalization of abortion, terrorizing librarians, LGBTQ discrimination, school vouchers and in vitro fertilization. The extremists understand the power of demagoguing culture war issues and won’t be able to resist trying to scare up votes with this one.

The far-right faction that now controls the Idaho Republican Party has a platform plank calling for school prayer, discussion of religion in the classroom and religious displays in schools, all of which are strictly prohibited by Idaho’s Constitution. The Idaho Freedom Foundation, which has dished up any number of culture war issues to help like-minded individuals win and retain public offices, is all in for religious teaching.

There is another powerful group with a strong interest in infusing religion into practically every aspect of governmental policy that will play a strong role in pushing the Ten Commandments into Idaho public schools. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a powerful, dark-money-funded Christian nationalist group that provides free legal help to like-minded state attorneys general will be there to help with the indoctrination effort.

Before taking office as Louisiana Governor earlier this year, Landry served eight years as attorney general of that state and worked closely with ADF on litigation to advance the cause of Christian nationalism. This year, ADF supported his successful effort to enact a universal school voucher program. ADF also wants school vouchers in Idaho.

There is an important public office in Idaho where the policy interests of Christian nationalists, the Moon branch of the GOP, the IFF and the ADF intersect on a variety of culture war issues, including religion and education. Idaho’s Attorney General is that point of intersection. Labrador has worked closely with Moon and the IFF on a variety of culural issues since taking over as AG. He has used the “free” legal services of the ADF on a number of cases, mostly related to enforcement of Idaho’s total abortion ban.

The most interesting point of connection is Labrador’s devoted friendship with Governor Landry. They were both members of the far-right Freedom Caucus in the US House of Representatives in 2011-2013. It may be recalled that Labrador breached Statehouse tradition by skipping Governor Little’s State of the State Address in January to attend Landry’s swearing-in ceremony in Louisiana. The two have partnered up in a number of cases dealing with religion and education. Last year, Landry joined Labrador's challenge to a California law prohibiting use of public funds for religious education. They have both strenuously opposed emergency medical care for women with dangerous pregnancies.

Considering all of these factors, it is almost inevitable that Idaho will soon be engaged in a fight over the Ten Commandments. The thing that mystifies me is why folks who claim to be followers of Christ and want a Christian nationalist government, don’t follow or even give fleeting reference to the teachings of Christ. You would think that they would take to heart and share Christ’s message of love, compassion and social justice in the New Testament, Christ’s Testament, rather than seeking political power through Old Testament laws. Jesus does not rate even a bit part in their play for religious power.

(image/public domain)