Are You Proud of Your Country? Or Embarrassed?

 To tell the truth, I was never embarrassed to have Donald Trump as the President of my country. Admittedly, he had his moments, but never once did I doubt that he loved this country and was working to make it the best it could be for all its citizens.

On the other hand, I don’t doubt that many Democrats (Liberals, Progressives, pick your label) were often embarrassed at times. I completely understand the feeling now that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are representing our great nation. Now, I really do find myself embarrassed by our leaders.

Granted, the Mainstream Media (and Social Media) can be counted upon to pretend as if Biden and Harris are the greatest leaders in history, while actively ignoring the obvious issues that show otherwise. But consider our reputation in the world. Foreign leaders may not have liked Trump, but they came to respect his America First policies. He was the American President and he was fiercely patriotic (the way a leader should be!) World politics (unlike the petty, partisan antics of our country fueled by the Liberal media) don’t revolve around personality. At least during the previous administration, we had a leader who was determined to take care of his citizens. (Even the ones who spent the entire time insulting and belittling him.)

So, what do foreign leaders think of Biden and Harris? Let’s be honest. When they look at Joe Biden, they see a frail, weak man in obvious mental decline. They don’t respect our country, they pity us. They may publicly express their admiration for Biden, but overall, they see America as a much weaker country than ever before. (https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/the-world-likes-biden-but-doubts-the-us-can-reclaim-global-leadership) Here’s an interesting clip showing how Non-US journalists see the new administration and how clearly they can spot the difference in how Trump was treated by our media https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1kCGNZIytk. Or check out this clip from Australia and see what they think of our current President https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN_FoVi7Ay0. You can actually find plenty of these videos despite how quickly some of them get taken down.

Our Vice President doesn’t get much respect either. Most believe that she is simply not qualified for the position she currently holds. And who can blame them for thinking that? She fell out of the Presidential race early after horrendous polling numbers, yet somehow got selected by Biden to be his running mate (even after pounding on him during the debates for being a racist.) She’s supposedly working on the Border crisis, although her only visit to the area was considered a disaster. And that cackling laugh? That’s embarrassing for sure. Here’s a quick look at what foreign journalists think of Harris https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRg6KxiOr3Q

And on another similar topic, I have never been ashamed or embarrassed to be a Texan! But the latest stunt by the Democratic legislators has been hard to bear! Since when do Texans run from a fight? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyxEAI7Kquw Do your job!

Are Voter ID Laws Racist?

Interesting question? Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on your political affiliation, I suppose. The Left (Democrats, Liberals, Mainstream Media, Social Media) routinely say YES! They don’t even ask it as a question actually. Mostly, they just proclaim it as if it were ridiculous to dispute it. Sometimes they couch the issue in other language - Voter Suppression, Jim Crow 2.0, etc., but usually, they just come right out and say it – Racist. (Of course, they say that about everything these days.)

To be sure, there are other specific voting issues – drop boxes, ballot harvesting, mail-in ballots, just to name a few, but make no mistake, the biggest target is always Voter ID, and honestly, I don’t get it. Why isn’t every single African-American citizen offended and insulted by the very overt suggestion that he or she is somehow not smart enough to have (or be able to obtain) a photo ID? Or use the internet or locate the DMV? Why is every single citizen who lives in a rural community not offended and insulted by the idea that he or she is too dumb to be able to locate a copy machine? (https://www.newsweek.com/kamala-harris-slammed-insulting-claim-rural-communities-cant-photocopy-ids-1608603) Yes, the Democrat Party thinks you’re stupid. Or at least that’s the argument they use to fight the passage of any voting laws that they believe will interfere with their agenda.

Now, let’s be honest. Using the COVID Pandemic as an excuse, many states in the 2020 elections adopted “new” voting practices that had never been allowed before. And honestly, if someone really believed (like the Left with the help of the MSM wanted you to believe) that going out to vote would endanger his health or his life, then some of these changes made sense, but in the long term, they aren’t necessary. Sadly, any efforts by the Right to get rid of these “new” practices are now being attacked by the Left as Racist.

Here are my thoughts. Are voter ID laws racist? No. Do they suppress the vote? Probably, but not for minority voters (which would be racist), but for other voters, and in my opinion, that’s a good thing. Hear me out.

Voting is one of the most important rights we have as citizens of this country. Because it is so important, it should never be taken lightly. Incredible responsibility goes with that right. Do the laws being passed in many states make it more difficult to vote? Sure, but who says exercising such an important right should be easy?

I could make the same argument for other basic human rights. Abortion? It’s legal (although many on the Conservative side, including myself, do not believe it should be), but even if one considers it a right, it shouldn’t be as easy as strolling into your neighborhood Planned Parenthood clinic and walking out as if it were just another daily chore. Maybe it should be harder than that. Maybe some restrictions that slow down the process and make it more difficult should be in place. Some decisions should not be made lightly or without appropriate time and consideration.

What about guns? I believe Americans have a right (2^nd Amendment) to own guns. Does that mean it should it be easy to go out and buy weapons and ammo? Probably not. I have no problem with “reasonable” restrictions on gun purchases, such as basic background checks or waiting periods. Again, if the process is a little slower and requires more thought and effort, I’m okay with that.

Back to voting. I believe strongly that every American citizen has the right to vote. (Adults, anyway. And non-felons.) I don’t necessarily believe that every American citizen should vote. Again, responsibility. If voters have no idea what a candidate believes, then maybe they should not participate in placing that person into a position of power and authority. Maybe just voting for the candidate someone likes is not the best thing. Maybe voting should require at least the minimum amount of time and energy to go stand in line and fill out a ballot. Maybe mail-in ballots should only be used by people with a legitimate reason. Perhaps voting shouldn’t be as easy as sitting at home and waiting for some campaign worker to come to your door and tell you where to sign. Maybe voting is important enough that it should be a little difficult. At least difficult enough to discourage the people who treat it like a popularity contest and refuse to consider the consequences of putting the wrong people in power.

Anyway, that’s what I believe. Let me know what you think and have a great week.

Random Thoughts on Sports

 

Just my opinions, but …

·         If you can’t stand the sound of the National Anthem or even face the American flag, why the hell are you trying to join the USA Olympic team? Seriously? You want to wear a red, white, and blue uniform that identifies you with this country? No offense to Gwen Berry, but I just don’t get it. I have the same opinion of Megan Rapinoe who apparently has no problem playing for the USWNT, but wants to protest the anthem. Go play for a team that represents your personal beliefs. Stop being a hypocrite.

·         In regards to Sha’Carri Richardson, whatever your particular stance on the issue of marijuana (or other recreational drugs), if you fail your sport’s required drug test, you suffer the consequences. (Whether that means a suspension, or you not making the team, or not getting selected for the relay, whatever.) She has accepted the situation with grace and sportsmanship and I truly hope she gets her chance in the future to win her share of medals, but honestly, it’s very simple. Rules are rules. World class athletes are very familiar with the rules pertaining to their particular field, so there are no excuses. (And for the record, Patrick Mahomes, do you think if you failed a drug test, the NFL would just go ahead and let you play because you’re cool and entertaining?)

·         Allowing transgender athletes (MEN) to compete in Women’s events is just wrong. You might as well just go ahead and abolish all women’s sports and be done with it. If New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard wants to continue competing as a weightlifter, do it in the Men’s Division. Honestly, whatever screwed up gender issues a person might have, an athlete who wants to compete should be allowed to do so, but let’s be real. Give them “A League of Their Own” and let them compete against those who share their genetics.

·         The NBA Finals are going on and nobody cares. Well, I take that back. All the LeBron James Haters are excited that he is done. LeFlop who wants to be considered the GOAT can get on with his movie career and get paid for all that acting he does on the court. Seriously, he is a tremendous athlete, but all the whining is getting old.

·         And finally for the NFL fans out there. Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson and all those other Prima Donnas out there demanding to be traded, just need to get a life. This isn’t the Recreational Leagues. This is PROFESSIONAL sports. You signed a contract (like an adult). You’re getting paid. Just shut up and do your job. Do you think the rest of us don’t have to get up and show up every day at Dysfunctional Workplaces? And for a lot less money than you guys are getting.