More Fun at SCOTUS

Being a Moderate is Hard, both sides dislike you.  NR :-)

Why conservative Chief Justice Roberts just struck down an anti-abortion law
Roberts didn’t save abortion rights, he told future litigants how to bury them.  VOX

The Supreme Court’s big decision on the CFPB and the “unitary executive,” explained
Chief Justice Roberts’s opinion can be read two ways. One of them could be catastrophic.  VOX

SCOTUS Strikes Down Ban on Funding Religious Schools FOX

SCOTUS Page AP

Thoughts on this craziness?

Masks:Bad Until Good

As Coronavirus Cases Spike, Many GOP Lawmakers Back Masks and Tests WSJ

It would be humorous if it was not so serious.  The upside to COVID is that you can only deny how dangerous it is until it gets a hold in you community and the people end up in the ICU.

It will be interesting to see what happens to the GOP convention...  Since Jacksonville is one Florida's hot spots.  Maybe that is a good place for COVID deniers to hang out maskless.

One time I am really happy to be in a Blue state where the Governor and most citizens use science, not wishful thinking. :-)   And on a related note.  Apparently there are still 26% of Americans who believe Trump when he talks about COVID.  Really?  Where have these 26% been?

As for MN, Lyon and Yellow Medicine county keep heading slowly the wrong way.

How to Fix the Gaps?

The comments here went down that rabbit hole.  Here I will try to summarize some of it.

Summary:
Due to "many past events", our current policies and societal issues, the USA has many people who struggle to lead successful, rewarding and financially stable lives.  Measures of the issue include:

• Many households living in poverty or near poverty
• Millions of children neglected or abused each year
• Large % of single parent households in some groups
• Large % of children not academically proficient in some groups
• Large % of gang / crime within  some groups
• Low income households having more babies

Problem Statement: How to help all children escape poverty, ignorance and crime so they can lead successful, rewarding and financially stable lives?

Now I know that many of you want to obsess about Blacks, Racism, etc, but that is NOT a measurable issue.  And we have tons of Native Americans, Hispanics, and even White families that suffer in very similar ways.

And after looking into the numbers, the unfortunate reality is that it is likely that most of the additional police encounters with Black and Hispanic individuals is due to the higher likelihood of them being in gangs and involved in crime.  And yes there is a war going on between the gangs, other gangs and the police, and yes sometimes innocent civilians pay the price.  So cut the police a break, while making sure the bad officers are punished.

In summary, Jerry, Moose and I got no where...

• Jerry supports some kind of charity model that will help people escape poverty for less money and without the "governmental dependency trap".  Unfortunately it seems aimed at those who really are dedicated to changing, growing, learning, etc.  And I am not sure what will happen to the kids of the other folks.  I guess they go hungry until Mom (and/or Dad see the errors of their ways)
• Moose and Sean seem to want to keep blaming that vague "racism" issue and think that maybe "reparation" payments would help.
• I (ie G2A, John) think it is one BIG MESS and unsure how to change the hearts, minds, beliefs, behaviors, actions, etc of such a large group of people. 

Here is where my head is regarding the American Experiment:

• Group 1: Is given government programs and nearly unlimited opportunity for 200+ years and most of them thrive, become educated, learn how to manage money, etc.  Some of them squander the opportunity as usually happens.
• Group 2: Is controlled and not given the opportunities noted above for almost 200 years.  Most of them fail, lack education, do not learn to manage money because they live hand to mouth, etc. Some of them thrive despite the obstacles as usually happens.
• Group 3: Is made up of people who came from other countries where they had lower levels of education, different cultures and other.  The results for these people are a mixed bag. 
• So the challenge is to help the people of Group 2 to become equally educated, aware of how to save / invest, work, etc?
• To do this while ensuring the children do not suffer is very challenging, because life long habits and behaviors are HARD to change.
• That said: I am against "reparations payments" because most of them would be squandered without the knowledge and experience to manage money.  I am for tough love, meaning that people need to WORK / LEARN for their government provided benefits.

Thoughts?

Trump Sabotages GOP

Why else would he go after Obamacare?

It is popular and many people are highly reliant on it right now, and he wants to alienate even more voters?

Not only will he likely lose the Presidency for the GOP, he will likely cost them the Senate.

Which of course means that then then DEMs will spend the next 4 years trying to undo all of Trump's changes... :-)  This country is crazy, but I love it !!! :-)

MN COVID Update

The  Good News that things are getting better in the Metro.
Unfortunately things got worse in some out state communities.
Stay safe!!!

Defund Congress & President

Now I like this one... :-)  Though it should add, and our spending crazy President.

I mean firing Inspector General and Prosecutors is bad enough, but handing out checks with money stolen from our kids before the election.  That is truly trying to "buy the election". :-(

Wisdom: Education, Experience & Openness

Someone unintentionally implied that I was no more capable or wise than my 26 year old self. (or I was just overly sensitive :-) ) That got me thinking about how people become wiser and more capable with time, and why some people do not.

Being a naturally self confident know it all, I can say now that I lived on "Mt Stupid" when I was young.  I am sure that I was very annoying to my parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, bosses, etc.  Times were so easy back then because "I knew everything and it was all Black and White".

Then came the education, experiences and interactions over the last 30 years.

• MBA courses, 6 Sigma Courses, and more
• Supervisory and interpersonal training self study
• Decades of marriage and the raising of 3 children
• Suffering a major panic attach while travelling (ie anxiety)
• Distinctly different position in 3 different companies
• Being laid off out of the blue
• Working and negotiating people all over the world
• Working and socializing with people from many cultures
• Dozens of home improvement projects
• Oh so many errors and screw ups (ie learning opportunities)
• Researching so many topics for G2A
• etc

Now I likely seem to still be a self confident know it all to you, however I can tell you that I now have more questions than at any other time of my life.  The world is much more gray and the solutions all come with benefits, costs and unknown potential consequences.

I thought the curve below explained things well.  When we start out as young adults, many of us live between the "Peak of Mt Stupid" and the "Valley of Despair" depending on the day, the topic and our personality type.

Then our education, experiences and interactions, and our Openness to learn from them and challenge our confirmation bias and existing beliefs determine how "wise and capable" we will become.  For example:

• If one does the same things in the same town in the same ways for 60 years, they may be wise in a very narrow band.
• If one travels the world and is not open to learning from the people in different cultures they may get limited benefit.
• If one watches only FOX News you may actually lose wisdom. :-)
• If one actively pursues life long learning, pays attention when in new situations and is willing to challenge their prior beliefs, they likely will be very different at age 54 than at age 26.

Now please look at the shape of the "Slope of Enlightenment". Like most things we learn quickly at first and then things slow as we get older.  And I think that is where "Openness" and a willingness to push our comfort zones become most important and make the biggest difference if you want to continuously learn and grow..

As always, I thank my G2A and Facebook friends who keep challenging me and forcing me to research, analyze, learn, consider, etc... :-)  Thoughts?

Trump's SuperSpreader Event

The political rally that may kill. VOX

As Trump questions if masks are beneficial. VOX

Ironically 6 Trump Advanced Team members have COVID WAPO

On the Upside, Apparently Attendance is Lower than Expected. The Hill

When Guilty Fire the Prosecutor

Trump trying to Replace Prosecutor with Inexperienced Lackey

"Mr. Barr’s announcement that Mr. Trump was seeking to replace Mr. Berman was made with no notice. Mr. Barr said the president intended to nominate as Mr. Berman’s successor Jay Clayton, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who has never served as a prosecutor."

It really is hard to imagine how this kind of "self dealing" can be allowed in the USA.

Then there are the ever repeated campaign lies.

The good news, it sounds like Bolton's book is coming out. :-)

Unfortunately the Trump True Believers never fact check their Messiah.  Thanks heavens his approval rating is tanking again.

Quick COVID Update

NPR Tracking Site
MN Tracking Site
SD Tracking Site
OK Tracking Site

I think we have pretty thoroughly disproved folks that thought it would "just go away" or that it was seasonal...  You know who I mean. :-)

Maybe they still believe Trump when he says it is "dying out" as the hospital rooms fill down South.  Or his claim that if we stopped test, we would have few COVID cases.

Remember to wear your mask when you can not socially distance.

Trump's Impatience / Incompetence Saved DACA

FOR NOW.   One has to dot i's and cross tee's when working in the government. VOX

Trump's belief that he is an Emperor who can do as he wishes has bit him again.  And he handled it like the toddler he is at heart. FOX News

I mean Conservatives don't get to treat LGBTQ employees differently, violate state rights or kick childhood arrivals out of the country. The Hill 

It seems the SCOTUS is doing a great job lately. :-)

Bolton Dishes on Trump

The Bolton Book FOX News
The Bolton Book NYT
Trump Efforts to Stop Book WAPO

I know it really does not matter since the Trump True Believers seem to not care what Trump says or does. But I sure am happy it is starting to leak out. The Trump Admin cover ups and refusals to be transparent need to come to an end.  He is just a civil servant who works for us.

Trump Says Trust Me...

Congress Steps Up Pressure as Trump Administration Evades Bailout Oversight NYT

Larry Kudlow backs Mnuchin call not to disclose recipients of business loans from coronavirus stimulus  USA Today

National Economic Council Chairman Larry Kudlow on Sunday said he backs Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's decision not to disclose the recipients of the more than $500 billion distributed through the Paycheck Protection Program that was created in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

It just amazes me that the GOP Voters are NOT SCREAMING to see the LIST.  They same folks who picked apart the 2009 bailout expenditures. This is $500,000,000,000 tax dollars and you are going to let them keep it secret?

A Big Win for LGBTQ Folks

SCOTUS landmark LGBTQ rights decision explained (VOX)

Supreme Court rules gay workers protected from job discrimination (FOX)

Though I prefer for issues like this to be resolved at the State Level and in their Legislatures, I think this is an excellent ruling.  And even a better sign that Neil Gorsuch will be a very good justice.

Time of Fear and Contempt

contempt
1a: the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : DISDAIN
glared at him in contempt
1b: lack of respect or reverence for something
acting with contempt for public safety
2: the state of being despised
3: willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body

fear
1a: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger
1b(1): an instance of this emotion
1b(2): a state marked by this emotion
2: anxious concern : SOLICITUDE
3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God
4: reason for alarm : DANGER

Well I lost another Far Right FB acquaintance.  This one was a bit different, they had been working in another country during a period of marshal law.  And for some reason Gov Walz controlling gatherings and my using data to support him is triggering unpleasant feelings and memories.

Also, I am reading a fantasy book called "The Time of Contempt" and it seemed to appropriate to our situation. :-(

Finally a FB Friend posted a meme about how the Rioters had given him the best reason in 245 years for owning guns.

HAS EVERYBODY LOST THEIR MINDS? :-)

We live in a country of relative wealth, stability, security and people are scared of:

• Government control and conspiracies
• Rioters and the related damage
• Police and the Justice System
• The Far Left, The Far Right, Anarchists
• Illegal immigrants, White Supremacists
• Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Native Americans
• Muslims, Christians, Jews
• COVID, COVID Conspiracies, Masks
• High Taxes, Low Benefits, Rich People

It seems that the words "We The People" does not apply very well of late. :-(

My advice is to LIGHTEN UP.  For the most part people are good and not out to get you. :-)

And if you are choosing to watch media that profits by stoking your fears and contempt, either turn it off or choose a more relaxing channel.  Life is too short to be so scared and angry.

Do Police Treat Minorities Differently?

VOX There are huge racial disparities in how US police use force
8 More Related Pieces from VOX

Mike on FB says he can prove that all the protesters and VOX are wrong.  So I said I would create this post especially for him. Now we will see if he shows.  If not, I will do more digging.

"There are so many false narratives and bullshit liberal talking points being told by our media and on social media, especially as of late. None of which has any basis in facts, only emotion. Exposing information and people who help perpetuate baseless drivel is the definition of bringing subjects rationally to the table. I could blow up this thread with real world FBI statistics on race, crime rates, and police brutality issues. None of which would fit the false narratives I read everyday from emotionally charged mental midgets who literally have no idea what they are talking about. They only regurgitate and spew the same bullshit talking points they hear from the liberal media and uninformed masses."

Then he gave a link to this silly Prager U video to prove something.  I just found it a good example of why I avoid Prager U videos.  A bunch of unrelated facts, vague relations, off topic, etc.

Is Racism the Right Word?

racism

• 1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
• 2a: a doctrine or political program based on the assumption of racism and designed to execute its principles
• 2b: a political or social system founded on racism
• 3: racial prejudice or discrimination

Now I have no doubt that some stupid backwoods bigotted white people believe they are better than individuals from other races.  However I keep hoping that the number is in the millions, not the 10's of millions.  I sadly could be wrong.

The question then is what are the rest of us?  I would say that pretty much all of us, no matter our race are prejudiced and discriminating.

• prejudice: preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience.
• discriminate: recognize a distinction; differentiate.
• stereotype: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.

Then the question is how do people develop their stereotypes on which there prejudice and discrimination are based?

• why are young black men scared of police officers?
• why are police officers on alert when confronting young black men?
• why do people think welfare recipients are stupid and lazy?
• why do people think rich people are greedy and self centered?
• and the so many other stereotypes we all carry around? 

Possible sources may include:

• your parents, friends, the news, etc
• your personal experience with some folks in that other group
• genetics?

Now to me all of the above is normal human behavior, for better or worse.  What bothers me is that it seems that people on all sides are so busy accusing others of prejudice and discrimination that they are failing to look in the mirror and see how they do it also. 

I mean the reality is that:

• unfortunately young black men commit more than their share of violent crime, which does empower a stereotype that harms all the other good peaceful young black men
• unfortunately police unions do protect "bad cops" who do "bad things", which does empower a stereotype that the police system is "bad".
• some welfare recipients are stupid and lazy
• many rich people are greedy and self centered, that is why they are rich. :-)

The question then is how do we make:

• sure we understand the likely false stereotypes we carry around
• an effort to resist prejudging a situation / person
• an effort to challenge our natural discrimination
• an effort to notice things without passing immediate judgment

Unfortunately I have been communicating with a white gentleman on FB who is certain that privilege / fortune does not exist. That he accomplished everything on his own and that the historical limitations faced by others are no excuse for their current situation.

Which still amazes me since people like me have had it much easier due to the past laws and the excellent efforts / decisions of my ancestors.  I assume it is simply an ego issue that they are not willing to show gratitude to those who enabled their success. :-(

So I am not sure "Racism in America" should be the correct headline?

Maybe words like selfish, unaware, in denial, better than you, narcissism, I've got mine, etc are more appropriate.  Which is kind of ironic, since Jesus had a totally different focus.

How Fortunate Are You?

I really dislike the word privileged for some reason, but fortunate / unfortunate and lucky / unlucky work for me.  Below is a list of some critical life factors that you as a child / person had little or no choice in, and yet they likely have a big impact on your life.  And here is another list.

And here is one of the many privilege walk videos  Now are people really willing to understand that we do not all start in the same place...  This does not mean you should feel bad for being lucky, you should feel gratitude for being so fortunate.  And hopefully you can feel empathy who started so far behind you and be willing to give them a hand at times.

Detriments

• If your parents worked nights and weekends to support your family
• If you have ever been diagnosed as having a physical or mental illness/disability
• If the primary language spoken in your household growing up was not English
• If you have ever tried to change your speech or mannerisms to gain credibility.
• If you were embarrassed about your clothes or house while growing up
• If you or your parents have ever gone through a divorce
• If you have ever been the only person of your race, gender, socio-economic status and/or sexual orientation in a classroom or workplace setting
• If you took out loans for your education
• If you had a job during your high school and college years
• If you have ever felt like there was NOT adequate or accurate representation of your racial group, sexual orientation group, gender group, and/or disability group in the media
• If you have ever been bullied or made fun of based on something that you can’t change
• If one of your parents was ever laid off or unemployed not by choice
• If you were ever uncomfortable about a joke or a statement you overheard related to your race, ethnicity, gender, appearance, or sexual orientation but felt unsafe to confront the situation

Benefits

• If you were born in the USA
• If you are able to move through the world without fear of sexual assault
• If you can show affection for your romantic partner in public without fear of ridicule or violence
• If you came from a supportive family environment
• If you can go anywhere in the country, and easily find the kinds of hair products you need and/or cosmetics that match your skin color
• If you can make mistakes and not have people attribute your behavior to flaws in your racial/gender group
• If you felt like you had adequate access to healthy food growing up
• If you are reasonably sure you would be hired for a job based on your ability and qualifications
• If you would never think twice about calling the police when trouble occurs
• If you can see a doctor whenever you feel the need
• If you feel comfortable being emotionally expressive/open
• If you get time off for your religious holidays
• If you feel comfortable walking home alone at night
• If you have ever traveled outside of USA
• If you feel confident that your parents would be able to financially help/support you if you were going through a financial hardship
• If there were more than 50 books in your house growing up
• If you studied the culture or the history of your ancestors in elementary school
• If your parents or guardians attended college
• If you ever went on a family vacation
• If you can buy new clothes or go out to dinner when you want to
• If you were ever offered a job because of your association with a friend or family member

Thoughts?

What Drove Unemployment Change?

Was Government's Paycheck Protection Program significant factor? 538

Mis-classification Error? WAPO

WH Gets Jolt From Strong Numbers  The Hill

Trump was rightly happy that jobs were gained in May instead of lost, however his over the top exuberance was probably not justified. 

1. It seems we the tax payers may be paying the wages of many of those supposedly "employed". (ie PPP) Which usually fiscal Conservatives like me call Welfare.
2. Yes the restaurants, hair salons, etc are opening which is great. But I want to know what is happening to the people in the industries who drive our economy.
3. Then there seems to be an error to be resolved in the reporting.
4. Finally why didn't the Asian and Black numbers move?

Yes I am happy that the country is opening up, even if it means that COVID may spread further and more may die.  However I would not get too excited yet, a lot of issues still exist.  On the other hand, our BIG Spending GOPers seem happy to put us further in debt.

Just a reminder, deficits fell under Obama and have been HUGE under Trump. :-(

COVID Ebbs and Flows

This is an interesting site.  You can kind of see where COVID is coming and going.

Unfortunately where I am going it is apparently coming, but since it is cases per 10,000 people, the odds of being exposed out in the wide open country is pretty small... :-)

The county populations are Yellow Medicine 9,800, Lincoln: 5,700...  Definitely more livestock than humans. :-)

6 States Meet COVID Open Criteria

and MN is not one of them.  Here are some of the interesting maps from the VOX piece.  It is hard to imagine that 60+% of our ICU's are still caring for COVID patients with all the other things happening lately.

Why Only Police Unions?

Break the cycle: Five changes in Minnesota policing that can be enacted right now

Rarely do I get really frustrated with the media, politicians and social media, but this obsession with "Police Unions" are bad and they need to have less power by typically "Union Supporting Friggin Liberals" is DRIVING ME CRAZY !!!

These folks fight tooth and nail to support ED MN, block major school reforms and the removal of poor performing teachers.  I mean the school system and policies are screwing up 1000's of kids at a time and here they are laser focused on the officers that have to deal with the mess our questionable parent(s), social service system and education system have give them.

Now I have avoided Minnpost for a LONG time due to their slow and questionable moderation...  But I am trying again. 

"It’s pretty clear Boss Kroll’s removal is a necessary (but not sufficient) component of reform. The awful Kroll is a symptom of dysfunction, not the root cause. Just as Trump did not cause the degeneration of the Repub party and its supporters, he is merely a logical evolution of the movement. 

Boss Kroll occupies an elective position, and his supporters apparently love his, um, “approach”. No decent copper apparently would dare challenging him, probably because they would lose and become force pariahs to boot. 

Quite curious how “conservatives” despise public employee unions in general, but turn a blind eye to (reactionary?) police unions in particular…" BK

And the comments I left.

Okay, I have to ask since BK brought up the topic. As you know, I am happy to weaken public employee unions in America and let the elected officials (Mayor/ School Board) and their hired Administrators (Superintendent/ Police Chief) make big changes in the system and staffing.

I mean we give the elected and hired bosses goals and a budget and then tie their hands with union rules. Not sure that makes sense when 50% of kids are being left behind and that leads to some very bad consequences.

Are the normal Union supporters willing to stop protecting questionable personnel across the board? Maybe even change compensation systems to reward people who take the most challenging positions and exceed expectations?

Or do they deem Union Employee choices as “bad” in one case and “good” in another?

The second question is should we encourage rethinking licensing requirements, employee reviews, alternative licensing paths, etc for all “public employee” positions? And if a Teacher has questionable performance results, should we have their performance graded by an independent committee? My point is that questionable cops harm the community, but so do other questionable Union employees.

Then there is the big question that no one seems to be discussing… What should society do to hold parent(s) accountable to ensure their kids are ready for kindergarten, supported in K-12, etc? Or do we accept their right to have kids with no accountability for how they are raised?

Please remember that part of the problem is that gang membership within certain segments of our society is much higher. Are we willing to tackle the whole problem or only go after the police who have to face the consequences of our society’s choices?

Kim Jong Trump?

Stages a Photo Op to show strength? WAPO

Barr Orders Protesters Moved FOX News

Apparently he did not make friends with the Episcopalian Bishop or the Catholic Arch Bishop.

"Just before he arrived, the Catholic Archbishop of Washington, Wilton D. Gregory, the nation's most senior African American bishop, issued a blistering statement along the same lines as his Episcopal counterpart, saying the Shrine, which he does not oversee, was also being "misused" by Trump. 

"I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree," Gregory said. 

"Saint Pope John Paul II was an ardent defender of the rights and dignity of human beings. His legacy bears vivid witness to that truth. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace," he said." 

GOP Senators support Trump's Photo Op and the clearing of the protesters. CNN

It is pretty surreal seeing this happen in the USA, however I assume he was so embarrassed at being moved to hide in a bunker that he needed to pose for the pictures to look "strong".

Maybe he learned from Kim Jong Un ?

Lots of Security = Tough / Brave?