On The Fence Voters

So Many Questions

It’s been a while—more on that in the future. But today, I’ve got questions. So many questions. The answers elude me, but these are the things that boggle my mind regularly. Why is it that one state in our union elected a man, Greg Abbott, who thinks it’s cute to send busloads of asylum seekers…

Brookingslib
4 minutes

It’s been a while—more on that in the future. But today, I’ve got questions. So many questions.

The answers elude me, but these are the things that boggle my mind regularly.

Why is it that one state in our union elected a man, Greg Abbott, who thinks it’s cute to send busloads of asylum seekers to the doorstep of the Vice-President of the United States of America? On one of the coldest nights of the year and Christmas Eve to boot? Surely the people of Texas aren’t this cruel, bigoted, and inhumane. Are they?

Why is the wealthiest man in the world allowed to purchase a social media company, then use it as a gaslight factory that enables bigots, conspiracy theorists, and other crackpots to spew whatever kind of hate and disinformation they desire?

What’s happened to the once great state of Ohio that went for Barack Obama twice and then swerved wildly to the right and voted for the disgraced 45th president in both elections since?

Why did folks on the right complain about President Biden negotiating the release of WNBA player Brittany Griner from Putin’s Russia? Is it because she’s black AND a lesbian?

Why did over half of the Republican House of Representatives skip the historic address to Congress by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

Why are insurrection sympathizers like Rep Andy Biggs and Jim Jordan still serving in Congress? And, not to mention, vying for leadership positions in the process?

Why is Kari Lake allowed to file frivolous election-denying lawsuits and still achieve cult-like status in today’s GOP?

Why do GOP politicians scream and yell about immigration but offer nothing by way of compromise or bi-partisan cooperation on comprehensive immigration legislation?

Why do GOP politicians scream about the debt and deficit only when Democrats control the government?

Why do GOP governors like Kristi Noem of South Dakota think it’s ok to show themselves with military-grade flame-throwers, and why would that be deemed a qualifying and redeeming characteristic for GOP voters to consider for a potential presidential candidate?

Why does the right scream when photos show President Biden and his wife, Jill, enjoying a quiet moment decorating a Christmas Tree? Is everyone on the right that callous and heartless? Are Melania and Donald Trump the perfect couple in their eyes?

Why is the GOP not talking about gas prices now that the election is over as gas prices continue to fall? Why was it Biden’s fault when they were higher, but no credit is given to him now that they’re on a downward trajectory?

Why does the GOP call themselves the “we back the blue” party but say nothing about the Capitol Police beaten to a pulp by MAGA nation?

Why is Kevin McCarthy, the supposed incoming Speaker of the House, allowed to seek the position after kissing the ring of the insurrectionist Donald Trump?

Why are GOP politicians and pundits calling for Dr. Anthony Fauci’s imprisonment, and why are they silent when death threats to his family are made public?

Why did over 80 non-vaccinated children come down with Measles in Columbus, Ohio? Wasn’t the virus declared eradicated nearly 20 Years ago? Surely it couldn’t be because of vaccine deniers, misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theorists. Or could it?

Finally, last but not least. Why is the disgraced former president still a free man?

I’ve got more, but for now, I’m going to stop.

Without a doubt, the questions I’ve proposed are rhetorical. Many of you already know the answers, as do I. Yet, I find myself asking these questions over and over. It’s like a disease that keeps replicating itself in my brain. When you think it can’t get crazier, it does. It doesn’t mean I’m giving up, though.

I plan to continue fighting in 2023 and beyond. We cannot let the crazies win because the truth is on our side.

With that, I’d like to wish all of you a Happy New Year, and I hope you had a pleasant Christmas holiday.

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60 responses to “So Many Questions”

  1. jilldennison Avatar
    jilldennison

    The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind … the answer is blowing in the wind. (Be thankful you couldn’t actually hear me warbling that!) Good to see you … damn, but I’ve missed you. Been meaning to write for 2 weeks now, but … you know how that goes with me … I take on too much, then exhaust myself. Anyway … we both know that the core answer for all of these is a combination of greed and ignorance. Greed on the part of the politicos involved, and ignorance on the part of the public. I don’t know what it will take to open people’s eyes in this country, but someday those who support the likes of Trump, Jordan, McCarthy, Lake, Greene, Abbott and so many others will get a wakeup call and then will smack themselves in the head and say, “Oh shit … what the hell was I thinking???” And by then, perhaps it will be too late. (My usual holiday pessimism) Hang in, my friend, and I will write SOON … promise. Meanwhile, I hope you and your wife had a great holiday and that all is well with you. Hugs!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Thanks Jill. Yes, it’s been a while and we will definitely talk in the new year. It’s been a busy few months and I finally was able to put out some content. Even though I’ve been busy with work, I’m still never far away as far as what’s happening in the world. I’m constantly amazed at the depravity of the GOP and how it seemingly has no bottom. More than anything, it’s like the old saying goes about cutting off the head of the snake(sorry for the gross metaphor!). I think you know exactly who I’m talking about. Until that disgraced person is actually held to account, we will never move forward as a country. Some may disagree, and argue that indicting him will only exacerbate the polarization. I totally disagree with that take. You can’t let a man who incited an insurrection to be allowed to walk freely about the country-playing golf, supposedly running for president-like nothing happened. Indict, indict, indict! Do you agree Jill?

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      1. Nan Avatar
        Nan

        I have a hunch Jill will agree … and I do as well!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. jilldennison Avatar
        jilldennison

        Yes, my jaw is worn out from dropping so many times over the antics and lack of values in the GOP. This latest, with George Santos, takes the cake. I actually used the ‘cutting off the head of a snake’ metaphor in a post recently, and yeah, I was referring to the exact same person you are. I want so badly to see him either in a coffin or a prison cell … doesn’t matter to me which. You know I agree with you, partner … we are almost always of like mind on these things. I hope you had a good holiday and took some time off to spend with family.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. sklawlor@mac.com Avatar
        sklawlor@mac.com

        my god Jill, out of all the political blogs I follow, yours is the most angry in words and tone. Wanting to see a political opponent in a coffin is a new low, even for you. Are you really this bitter in real life or is this just a way to keep readers coming back for your posts? As angry as I get with political antics, I have never publicly wished the demise of someone. Jeff, doesn’t this go against some terms of WordPress? I’d check into it. just saying.

        Like

      4. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        No Scott, it doesn’t. I think she speaks for a lot of people in this country. What he’s done to our discourse, our democracy, our science..you name it, he’s, as I wrote in my comments, the head of the snake. By the way, after the things he has said about folks, do you think he deserves any benefit of the doubt? Any?

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Thanks Jill and the same to you. Of the two choices for that person, I’d be equally ok with either. I’m so tired of hearing about him. Either indict him or move on. I’m sick of the wait.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. jilldennison Avatar
        jilldennison

        Yep, I fully agree … relegate him to the annals of history so we can begin to deal with the current bunch of loons. Sigh. It’s never-ending!

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        It sure is

        Liked by 1 person

    2. rawgod Avatar
      rawgod

      I don’t think there will be much head-smacking, Jill. While they may not be able to forsee the ramifications of their actions, MAGA cultists don’t care to see what is truly happening. They have been brainwashed to want to “own the libs”! The world can go to pot, but as long as they are told they are doing the right thing (for who doesn’t matter) they will keep right on doing it. Death will be the only way to stop most of them. That, or losing their vote if the GOP ever can back into power and end democracy. They won’t be needed anymore if that happens.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      1. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        In a few weeks, we’ll see the circus in full bloom when they take power in the House. Let them do what they do and continue to be a laughingstock/joke of a political party. My only hope is that true independents see them for what they really are. I know. Wishful thinking.

        Like

      2. jilldennison Avatar
        jilldennison

        Perhaps you’re right. Perhaps they will never learn or understand.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. taurusingemini Avatar
    taurusingemini

    Because, the GOP is, corrupt, from the inside out, and, there are, too many, of its, followers, who still believed in the MAGA lies, so, naturally, they are, still, standing in those lines, going along, with, whatever the “big man” is, “preaching” on.

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      100%. They are, without a doubt, a corrupt and soulless party. There needs to be an accounting for this. Until then, it’s business as usual.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Dr. Rex Avatar
    Dr. Rex

    Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
    Indeed … I do to!! The answers elude me and dishearten me!! … “Yet, I find myself asking these questions over and over.”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Thank you Dr. Rex!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dr. Rex Avatar
        Dr. Rex

        Most welcome!!

        Like

  4. jilldennison Avatar
    jilldennison

    Reblogged this on Filosofa's Word and commented:
    Our dear friend and my writing partner, Jeff, has questions. They are the same questions we all ask, even though we already know the answers. But, we cannot stop asking … we MUST NOT stop asking! We just need to keep asking, and asking the people who are to blame, not just the ones who are asking the same questions we are. Good post, Jeff, and I’m hoping for more soon? We’ve missed you!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Thank you Jill! I definitely hope for more-at least more than I have been! Sigh

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Susan Taylor Avatar
    Susan Taylor

    I realize they are all rhetorical and I want to answer anyway: a lack of critical thinking, a lust for power, our constitutional freedoms being abused, a lack of consequences following actions especially for the wealthy, and a bunch of men and women who do not have or understand integrity.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Hello Susan. Welcome aboard! I followed you as well. I appreciate the feedback and you’re 100% correct. We have one side that actually believes in governing and tries to make things better for the American people. While not always successful, at least they DO try. The other side, however, simply wants power at all costs. They care nothing about governing and only want to keep Americans angry at one another. We’ve always had political differences. That’s to be expected. But what happened in 2016, with the election of Trump, our democratic institutions became vulnerable and under attack. And now we’re faced with, in many cases, GOP politicians who are not bound by our Constitution but to ideology and power instead. And that is why, Susan, we are in unprecedented and dangerous times. Again, thank you for the follow and feedback. Feel free anytime to weigh in on anything

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply
  6. Professor Taboo Avatar
    Professor Taboo

    Jeff, many OUTSTANDING, yet woefully implicating questions… all of them perfectly legitimate, accurate and verifiable. I know being an 8th-generation Texan that everything you explicitly and implicitly suggested about Gov. Abbott & Lt. Gov. (Costello!?) Patrick is spot on.

    Anytime, and ALWAYS now, when I travel out of our Lone Star State, I refuse (if possible) to not admit where I am from. I am way too embarrassed and ashamed to admit it now; have been since 1994. Texas is now NOTHING what it used to be prior to 1995 and G.W. Bush, the GOP, then Rick Perry, and all of those non-Texans after began invading, moving to Texas from other Purple or failing Red states… to seize and take full control of Texas government from the municipal/county levels all the way to the Governor’s Office and the Congress in Austin. It’s been a Red pandemic since then! 🤢 🤮

    Furthermore, it WILL get harder and harder here for Texas to eventually turn Purple or Blue. After the 2018 midterms when Repubs got very freaked out about Texas possibly (probably?) going Blue—due to the booming Hispanic growth in the state—as you and the rest of the nation are well aware, they put in motion/action more and MORE voter suppression measures and restrictions. Case and point, I am now a 59-yr old white male, college grad with post-grad work toward a master’s, and as stated earlier an 8th-gen Texan, and an Independent for 26-yrs… and these last four elections (midterms & otherwise) have been HANDS DOWN the hardest processes/steps to reregister due to 3 work relocations, and thus, 3 changes in voter registration… that I’ve EVER had to do my entire life as a Texan!!! AND I’M A FREAKIN’ WHITE MALE!!! What does THAT tell you for non-white voters here? 😡🤦‍♂️

    Great post Sir! Thank you for all you do.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Thank you Professor. I appreciate the nice comments. You know Texas better than most. And to me, I think it’s time Democrats focus their attention elsewhere. Same with Florida, as far as I’m concerned. What’s even worse about it all, however, is the fact that they can get away with it. When the SCOTUS gutted the Voting Rights Act, specifically the Section 5 part that placed scrutiny on bigoted states like Texas etc…it was, in effect, open season on putting up roadblock after roadblock. I don’t know how the hell we change that in the near term. Isn’t it pathetic that they have to resort to these tactics instead of trying to reach out to voters of color? Tough times ahead Professor.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Michael Seidel Avatar
    Michael Seidel

    I keep asking these questions that you asked. I ask them of myself because the Republicans that I ask immediately want to change the subject. They refuse to address any of their greed, cruelty, stupidity, mendacity, greed, and treason. They only applaud actions which ‘own the libs’, promote ‘individualism’ and ‘freedom’ until those things encroach on their rights (and then, by God, they howl like angry monkeys) and promote more money to the wealthy because, ‘trickle down’. Idiots. Their lack of critical thinking and willingness to face issues are monstrously depressing. Yet, we must keep asking these questions until they start asking them for themselves. Cheers

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Thanks for weighing in Michael. I’m glad you mentioned the owning the libs part. Because I think that’s the goal of the majority of them. Keep power, and own the libs. Pretty pathetic, eh?

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Indeed Rawgod! And THAT would’ve been my second point/cause if essay-long comments were not so frowned upon by most (impatient) bloggers, visitors, blog-owners, other commenters, etc. 😒 And I’m speaking in broad general terms, not pointing a finger at you (certainly!) or Jeff here or anyone else here. In a word defining the last 3-generations of typical Americans, most certainly most Texan (voters) in my state, the word/truth is…

        LAZY!

        Indifferent might be another. Nevertheless, I’ll still hold to my “education,” or lack there of as the top cause if not #2 cause. Our federal, state, county, and municipal governments have gotten SO unbelievably complicated in function, yet without core principles applied, that ordinary American citizens with poor educations or nothing above 8th or 12th grade, cannot POSSIBLY wade thru or decipher what our government officials are doing or not doing, why, or much less HOW to properly & legitimately criticize them or legally submit grievances to effect change.

        And of course, a republic Constitutional democracy is ultimately managed and maintained by its own people, citizens, voters, activists, etc…

        well, in our Constitutional THEORY it’s supposed to be that way.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Nan Avatar
        Nan

        PT, I know you’re a undying advocate of education … and I agree it’s a good thing. BUT … it is not the be-all/end-all of the problems that exist in this country. IMO, it falls more in the arena of people simply not having the time … energy … interest to remedy things. I’ve said this before but perhaps it bears repeating — working families have their hands full with kids, bills, repairs, etc. Even having a Master’s and/or a high-end job doesn’t necessarily mean a person is going to be gung-ho about changing the politics of this nation. They’re much more concerned about their personal circumstances … even when a change in “politics” might help them!

        IMO, until a law/measure/activity “hits home” (e.g., inflation), most people are going to just go along to get along. Education is far down the list.

        Liked by 3 people

      3. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Nan, yes… we’ve respectfully, politely discussed these few aspects of American civic complacency, indifference, or as you refer to it: overly preoccupied with their own tiny life-bubbles. 🙂

        I think you and I will always disagree on HOW to get Americans—in particular ordinary Texans and our historically dismal voter-turnout-rates over 3-5 decades—to get up off their lazy (or tired?) asses and participate in the ever evolving, fragile “democratic experiment” which requires never-ending diligent care and protection. Because otherwise, if they do not, then it won’t or probably won’t make any difference in the end how exhaustively hard American families work or have “their hands full with kids, bills, repairs, etc.” They eventually won’t HAVE a democratic, Constitutional Republic alive to bust their ass for and its liberties and equal opportunities for all because of said indifference, laziness, ineptness, or worse… preoccupied life-bubbles unaware of HOW to change it, avoid it, or manage it legally and civically!

        In fact, with how our six Core Founding Fathers and the remaining Constitutional delegates/officials up to 1791 and into the first half of the 18th-century, drafted, engineered, and ratified our laws, policies, in conjunction with all the Charters of Freedom in their proper, accurate spirit… none of us have a choice to neglect our civic duties and responsibilities. Unless of course we simply do not care about this country’s survival, much less its well-being or ‘health’ so to speak. And (high) quality education will NEVER hurt in achieving it all, but would certainly strengthen its ‘health’ as a whole. The U.S. obviously has not been going in the right or best direction in these regards. Yet, it is within ALL of our power to do so! 🙂 So why not do it?

        But this is my own humble opinion and assessment. Some/Many will disagree, as you do Ma’am. 😉 And that’s fine.

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Didn’t it seem better, Nan, when we had three major networks and very little talk radio? When Rush Limbaugh came onto the scene, and then Fox News, you began to see widespread demonization of folks. And then politicians like Newt Gingerich brought that kind of firebrand confrontational style to the halls of Congress. I don’t know, it’s a complex issue and your theory certainly has merit. Social media, as well, is another entity that has exacerbated the divide. So much misinformation and disinformation it’s hard to know what’s correct and what is not. I think the Professor is on the right track though. A little more educated populace is surely something we can all agree on.

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Nan Avatar
        Nan

        Certainly a “more educated populace” would be a major improvement! I don’t doubt that at all. In fact, I doubt ANYONE would argue that if people would PAY MORE ATTENTION (e.g., “educate themselves”) to what’s happening in this country, a lot of things would change/improve. Until that happens, however …

        Liked by 4 people

      6. sklawlor@mac.com Avatar
        sklawlor@mac.com

        the only problem with back in the day when there were only 3 networks was that you had a select few in charge of determine what people and didn’t know about was going around them.

        Today, with citizen journalists, average content creators who do their own research, whether you agree with that research or not, there’s a lot more that people know about what their government is or isn’t doing and how they are, or more importantly, not representing you.

        Wouldn’t you rather have too much information coming from a lot of people than just a little coming from a few?

        Yes there is a lot of noise and personal attacks and that doesn’t help in providing people with what they need to know but I’d rather have a lot of sources rather than a select few which are just run by corporations who we all know do not have our interest in mind when conveying to us what they think we need to know.

        Liked by 1 person

      7. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        I suppose you’re partially correct on that Scott. Yes, more information is better. But it’s tough for some to sort out what is true and what is not. I guess that was my main point. I realize that those days are long gone. I know what media and information to seek and can be pretty sure as to the validity of what it is I’m consuming. Others, though, might not care. They only wish to consume what confirms their own bias. That’s a problem, in my view. I always try and seek out an independent viewpoint that challenges what I may think about a particular topic.

        Liked by 2 people

      8. sklawlor@mac.com Avatar
        sklawlor@mac.com

        That’s the best way to do it, unfortunately, confirmation bias is pretty entrenched and as you know, some content creators take advantage of that by giving their videos titles that exacerbate or inflame this flawed aspect of the human to get more views. I hate clickbait.

        Liked by 2 people

      9. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Agreed!

        Like

      10. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        That is another great starting point Nan! At least “educating ourselves” indeed. However, self-taught, or even home schooling must be checked, verified, tested, closely examined, etc, by multiple, well-educated, neutral(?) 2nd & 3rd parties, i.e. academic, scholastic journals, experts, etc. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      11. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        We are SO far away from that ever happening!
        I just know that if you’re driving through the rural areas of America, the only political talk you will most likely find is right-wing. Some of the folks where I live have no access to another viewpoint. It’s a problem. I wish someone on the left had thought about this long ago. Unfortunately they’ve got the market saturated and I don’t know how you change it. Just another in a long list of hurdles.

        Liked by 2 people

      12. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Jeff, are you familiar with the excellent 2007 film Lions for Lambs and the parts of the movie inside Professor Malley’s (Robert Redford’s) “West Coast” University classroom—I thought it was simulating Stanford or UC Berkeley myself—as well as the private discussions/debates between Prof. Malley and Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield) in Malley’s office?

        I think this film is apropos for our specific discussion here about “under- or post-grad” quality education in order to APPLY that thorough, accurate knowledge and understanding of not only the real world, but more importantly the dynamics between ordinary American citizens, or in the film’s case, gifted American boys from UNpriviledged zip-codes who make into upper echelon universities, but then choose instead to ‘serve their country‘ under the command of politicians—and ex-marine—like Senator Jasper (Tom Cruise) who are highly intelligent, ambitious, and to a degree… self-serving his career on The Hill, at the expense of talented, gifted, well-educated boys like Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Peña) and Arian Finch (Derek Luke). Where else, other than Malley’s (fictional university classroom) will a young mind GET that level of learning??? Rhetorical question. Answer? At a good accredited PUBLIC university! Why!?

        So that impoverished or disadvantaged American citizens (the vast bulk of American people anyway!) born in the wrong zip-code will NOT get sacrificed as “Lambs”… by the highly educated or worse popular (mob?) of power-hungry, ambitious politicians skewed by or corrupted by money, greed, power, and narcissism! If you cannot FULLY understand the political, legal (or illegal), or economic mechanisms those Rulers utilize and manipulate—e.g. Trump & Trumpanzees—then WHERE does that put yourself and your family and descendants!?

        Decipher my point Jeff?

        Liked by 1 person

      13. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        I get your gist Professor. I have not seen the movie but will try to do that at some point in the new year. I’ll just say that I think it is paramount that this country do a better job at making higher education affordable for anyone who’d like to achieve it. Again, though, it takes two to tango, as in both political parties must work together to make it happen. As you and I have discussed, we have one political party that wants no such thing for the country. They’d rather the majority of the country remain under-educated and pessimistic about voting in elections. Otherwise, they will lose elections into perpetuity. It’s a conundrum for sure. If only we could become a little more like European countries in this regard, right?

        Liked by 1 person

      14. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Once again Jeff, you hit the nail-on-the-head: affordable, higher-education—i.e. under-grad at minimum! Could not agree MORE with you Sir!

        Yes, I highly recommend you checkout the film. You won’t be disappointed in the least, I suspect. 😉 It is one of my personal all-time favorite “riveting” films, like in the Top 20 easily.

        But back to your excellent point of affordable under- and post-grad PUBLIC education for the vast majority of middle-class or impoverished Americans… many European and Eurasian nations make college/university admissions free for their citizens. FREE I tell ya! 🤷‍♂️

        So riddle me this Jeff. If poorer, weaker, smaller nations can do that for themselves and the huge benefits reaped by that sort of future investment into their youth… why in tha HELL can’t the U.S. of A?

        Liked by 1 person

      15. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Ahhhh. Now that’s a loaded question but I place much of the blame on how our whole campaign finance system is set up. When corporations and the wealthy can contribute unlimited money into SuperPacs and campaigns, in which much of it now is not even made public(dark money) what you basically have is a system of legalized bribery, courtesy of a corrupt Supreme Court and one political party that wants everything to stay the same. Not to mention, of course, our laws surrounding lobbying. As you are well aware, it’s a revolving door from politician to lobbying and back. We’ve got to harden our laws around this as well. There’s some good legislation-on the Dem side, and passed in the House: The For the People Act, that addresses so much of this. As with so much these days, it passed the House and it says dead on arrival in the Senate. Unacceptable!
        Anyway, that’s my take as to why none of the stuff you and I know will make us a greater and more prosperous country, ever gets done. I hope I live long enough where this changes. I have my doubts..

        Liked by 1 person

      16. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Bulls-eye again Jeff!!! 🎯

        Like

      17. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Oh, wait, I have one question for you as well. I also think that we ought to make it easier for folks to go to community college or achieve some sort of certification in what we used to call “the trades.” In other words, I realize that some young folks will not be candidates for four-year degrees. It’s not for everyone. So there must be an alternative. Do you agree with me on that? I think those endeavors should be completely free. Again, Biden wanted that included in the original bill that Manchin/Sinema screwed him on. So the will is there. It’s the ‘way’ part that always gets in the way!

        Liked by 1 person

      18. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Totally agree with you Sir!

        Liked by 1 person

      19. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Oh! One other thing Jeff.

        How can a supposedly “educated” or well-informed New York voter populous of Rep.-elect George Santos, NOT KNOW beforehand that he was blatantly lying through his teeth about his “stellar resume”???? Huh? How is that even possible?

        What, did those NY voters… not do their due educated diligence about their Party’s candidate??? I mean, who does that sort of ignorant complacency? Uneducated voters? 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      20. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        I cannot disagree. Although I’d also say the media and Democrats bare some of the burden for not getting to the bottom of this stuff during the campaign. I’d love to know why that was.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. rawgod Avatar
    rawgod

    Looking down from Canada, the problem to me is too many quextions and not enough answers. Truth to tell, NO ANSWERS! NO ACTIONS to counteract the situations that breed these questions. NO GUTS to demand change. To demand accountability! To protect democracy!
    So, the question I will ask of all Americans, WHERE IS THAT SPIRIT THAT CREATED THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Unfortunately the Democratic Party is not a monolithic bunch. It truly is a big tent, which means that there are some who are on the corporate side, like Manchin and Sinema, who refuse to budge on ending the filibuster. Some of these folks are stuck on keeping it forever. The amazing thing is that Biden was able to achieve quite a bit with such a narrow majority. Of course now with the House in GOP hands, the next two years will be nothing but gridlock.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply
      1. rawgod Avatar
        rawgod

        Democratics aside, I was not talking about politicians. I was directing my words to the people of America. It’s certainly not politicians who will save America, it will be the people. It will be people like you…

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Yes. The people should be held accountable as well. Especially the ones who vote for politicians like Greg Abbott, and then complain when he can’t figure out how to keep the electricity on. As for his cruelty to immigrants-dumping them out into the streets in freezing weather to prove a political point, those very same people are quite content with his actions. It tells you exactly who they are.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. rawgod Avatar
        rawgod

        I am not contradicting myself when I say some of the people must be forgiven for being brainwashed, or just incapable of seeing they are being led down the garden path. Some of them can still be rescued, given love and attention. The people who can think for themselves but choose not to, they are your greatest enemies. But isn’t it yours and Jerry’s job at On The Fence Voters to reach out to those who have been brainwashed and try to help them recover their senses, and to take those incapable of understanding and give them a new garden path to walk down? If you do nothing you are abandoning them. It is not enough to just say they are who they are. It is up to someone to try to change them, to help them be human beings. Why not you?

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Well, yes, Rawgod. It’s why I got into this in the first place. Luckily I do have folks who comment over here whom I disagree with nearly 100% of the time. But, I try and make sure to debate them nonetheless. Opposite viewpoints are more than welcome in this space. I will, to your point, try and give them facts to support my view. If even a little of that makes someone who disagrees at least think about their beliefs, then I’ve done what I set out to do. I do not have all of the answers. And I’m certainly not always right. Again, people of all viewpoints are welcome here as long as it’s civil. That’s all I ask.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. rawgod Avatar
        rawgod

        I can do that (until they get nasty).

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Professor Taboo Avatar
      Professor Taboo

      Answer: there’s not enough well-educated (by and above a bachelor’s degree), especially in civic duties, knowledge, and application by the American Moderates, Liberals, and Egalitarian-minded Independents! The U.S. in general for the last 3-4 decades are way, WAY too binary, black-n-white, A or B to overtake the loudest political mobs. There simply is NOT ENOUGH highly intelligent, kind-hearted, forward-thinking, Constitutionally brilliant Americans to DO what you suggest Rawgod.

      Our public educational system, particularly in Civic responsibilities and critical-thinking skills, for the last several decades has nurtured far too many naïve, complacent voters who can’t recognize lethal threats to our Constitutional Republic and the progress required to “form a more perfect Union,” from decade to decade!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. rawgod Avatar
        rawgod

        I hear this all the time about Americans, and maybe it is true for you, but a person does not need a university education to be a good person. If people want to be aware, anyone can do it. And, for what it is worth, a lot of university-educated are MAGA cultists.
        What is needed, in my mind, is organization. The political parties are organized, so why not the voters? Give people an opportunity to do something good as a group, and it can happen, no matter their level of education.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Brookingslib Avatar
        Brookingslib

        Until we adequately address our critical thinking skills in America, nothing will change.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Professor Taboo Avatar
        Professor Taboo

        Yep. And that is mostly done thru primary and secondary PUBLIC education, then advanced further via under- and post-grad educations. You’re spot on Jeff!

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Scott Avatar
    Scott

    I shall contribute a positive to your blog by not engaging in speculative answers to most of your inquiries but rather to wish you the best in 2023. There is one question that I agree with you on and that’s the one regarding the debt. republicans only scream about it when democrats are in power but fail to see their own part in creating the crisis. It’s infuriating and if they had any integrity, they’d at least take ownership of their part. I would not want them to promise to do better because politicians are, for the most part, incapable of keeping their word.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      Good to hear from you Scott and I wish the same for you in 2023. A little more consistency from all politicians would be a welcome thing.

      Like

      Reply
  10. grumpy1180 Avatar
    grumpy1180

    My answer to nearly all of your questions, Jeff, is that my people–white evangelicals, who account for a huge chunk of the GOP–are so naive and easily manipulated by greedy, power-hungry politicians and “Christian leaders” who keep them in line with ridiculous stories of liberal boogeymen out to rob them of their “freedom.”

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Brookingslib Avatar
      Brookingslib

      It’s troubling Jerry. I don’t know how it ever gets fixed. People must want to learn about facts, or not. When ideology becomes the be-all-end-all, and facts are ignored, what you get is the polarized America we see daily.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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