Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, WednesdayTags , , , ,

Democratic Republicanism

No, it doesn’t mean being a Democrat Republican. We’ll get back to the Democrat part. Let’s start with republican government. Given the current state of the Republican Party I’m not sure they are republican at all so no, that’s not what I mean. You want a definition, huh? Okey doke! Republican: a system of government in which representatives rule. Note that it just says ‘representatives’. Technically, the senators of Rome were representatives but they represented the Roman citizens which were … Continue reading “Democratic Republicanism”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, MondayTags , , , ,

Suspicious Protests

It would be nice if we could magically just know how sincere a person was when they say something. Of course, you’d find out that your mom really did have a favorite kid and your boss isn’t going to think about giving you a raise so there are some downsides. But with this magic power we could tell just how legit a given protest was. Well, my superpower ring still hasn’t come in the mail so I guess we’ll just … Continue reading “Suspicious Protests”

Author Archena Posted on Categories FridayTags , , , ,

Veteran’s Day: Freedom Ain’t Free

Red poppies. Over one hundred years ago the world went to war. Tomorrow we remember those who died in World War One and all those who served our country on the field of battle. Far too many of those who fought for our freedom never returned. The poem Flander’s Fields speaks poignantly of the red poppies blowing in the breeze between the gravestones of the fallen of World War One. In Europe, they celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11th, the … Continue reading “Veteran’s Day: Freedom Ain’t Free”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, MondayTags , , ,

Are Protests Effective?

Yes, no, maybe. Depends on the protest and what you’re trying to affect. Numbers matter but organization matters more. Ten thousand people milling around is not going to do much but a thousand folks on the right location with a definite message may get some action. Ideally, you want ten thousand folks with a definite massage in the right place at the right time. Protests are really noisy PR. It’s getting to the point where you need a degree in … Continue reading “Are Protests Effective?”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, FridayTags , , , ,

Which is More Important, Israel or Ukraine?

To the US? Ukraine, hands down. More details? Seriously? The question wasn’t rhetorical? I define politically important as ‘affects real people’. For the majority of people just wanting to be well informed, good citizens that’s the best possible definition. If an issue or event doesn’t affect people or only affects a few, unless you’re one of the few, that thing isn’t politically important enough to spend bandwidth on learning about it. But it doesn’t serve when talking about most nation … Continue reading “Which is More Important, Israel or Ukraine?”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, WednesdayTags , , , , , ,

Democracy Doesn’t Exist Without Freedom of Speech

Was that clear enough for you? Of course not. What is with you and wanting details? I don’t care if your teacher thought you should ask more questions. No, I don’t mind you asking questions. I mind you asking for details. Fine, whatever. Let’s get this over with. I’m a cranky old lady in a barbecue apron with stiff wings! What did you expect?! No, expressing crankiness is not the reason we have freedom of speech. It is an added … Continue reading “Democracy Doesn’t Exist Without Freedom of Speech”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, MondayTags , , , ,

The World Still Isn’t Ending So PAY ATTENTION

Is it me or do kids these days only pay attention to the world if they think the sky is falling? In MY day we didn’t really have a choice – only three to five channels and Dad was watching the Five O’ Clock news no matter what. Not sure which of us had it better, but we Boomers grew up having some idea of what was in the news. Nowadays, everything is a crisis. Only it’s not. Most of … Continue reading “The World Still Isn’t Ending So PAY ATTENTION”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, WednesdayTags ,

Political Noise: Navigating a Clickbait World

Political noise is nothing new. As soon as the first caveman figured out that talking about nothing worked almost as well as actually doing something, political hot air was born. All that has changed is the access to the vast volumes of double speak, not its nature. Internet, phone, cable, streaming, TV, newspapers (they do still exist), online news, blogs, social media posts and any new way some genius comes up with to separate you from your peace and quiet … Continue reading “Political Noise: Navigating a Clickbait World”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, MondayTags , ,

The World Isn’t Ending

I stink at this whole ‘clickbait’ thing. All the YouTube gurus say you need an attention grabbing titles and to build suspense. Me? I lead with the conclusion. Oh well, guess ‘YouTube sensation‘ like Lawrence Brown isn’t in my future. I’ll live. I’m a cranky old lady and proud of it. What annoys the heck out of me are headlines that scream about impending doom. First off, scaring the socks off of people is just morally wrong. Second, it’s not … Continue reading “The World Isn’t Ending”

Author Archena Posted on Categories Current, MondayTags , , , , , ,

Hamas Betrayed Gaza

When Hamas massacred Israeli civilians it betrayed the Arab citizens of Gaza that it had been elected to govern. Their atrocities were so unforgivable that this time Israel is extremely unlikely to stop until Hamas is destroyed and Israel’s borders are safe. The fault for that lies squarely on Hamas. No amount of ‘but what about’ is going to save Gaza. The UN isn’t coming. Iran isn’t coming. Hezbollah will only provide a distraction – it cannot handle the Israelis, … Continue reading “Hamas Betrayed Gaza”