The Blue Noodle

In the months leading up to the Presidential elections of 2020, President Trump has started hedging against the chance he may lose. He is expressing concerns that the voting systems are not accurate and that the Democrats are actively engaged in falsifying ballots. Compounding this rhetoric is the Covid-19 pandemic that has forced significant changes to voting procedures in States across the country.

The challenge that is facing President Trump with this hedge is two fold. If he wins, he has to back track any concerns of the voting system being broken or manipulated. If he loses, he has to maintain the story, with or without evidence.

Over the past hundred years elections in the US have been seen as the most secure in the world. There have certainly been efforts to control who votes and when, but widespread fraud has been absent in our electoral system. There is no evidence at this point that there will be any in our coming election, so this is a hedge with potential consequences that will last decades into the future.

No matter the outcome of the election, our the basis of our Republic is the individual vote. Laws regulating voting must be non biased and allow equal access and opportunity to all citizens to participate. The laws also must continue to secure the votes. Once they are cast and tallied, we must all accept the outcome. This hedge by President Trump undermines all aspects of our voting process…we will see where it takes us.

The holiday season tends to bring out the best in people. Kindness is found in giving trees, secret Santa exchanges, community concerts, lighting the menorah and much more. There is little judgement, just a sense of giving. People that truly engage in the holiday spirit are generally happier.

So, why don’t we do this all year round? None of us are perfect. We all do things that annoy someone else. But why cant we be more patient and kind with those that think, act or dream differently than we do? Why are we so afraid to listen and care all year long?

Small towns, big cities, nations and the world are all in turmoil. The scale of the challenges are different, but the resulting frustration, anger, political maneuvering is all the same. It divides people.

So, lets enjoy this holiday season. Let’s practice kindness, patience and love. If we spend the next 30 days focused on these behaviors, they will become habits. Maybe, just maybe, we will then have a joyful 2020.

Impressive move this weekend by McDonalds to remove their CEO, Steve Easterbrook, for an inappropriate relationship with a member of staff. Upholding one’s personnel manual should not be the cause of a pat on the back, but in today’s world, unfortunately it is.

During Easterbrook’s tenure, McDonalds has enjoyed a resurgence in the marketplace. The stock value has doubled, tech investments have led to improved efficiencies and sales have improved. Too often Boards would have looked the other way to keep someone like this running the ship. Even Wall Street painted a negative view of his departure and downgraded the stock.

This sort of behavior should never be tolerated. Company culture is driven by what the standards of behavior are to be and then how individuals are held accountable for living them. A company’s greatest asset is its employees, their effort, intellect and drive. If you let the culture slip, employees leave or worse, don’t give their best.

Rep. Katie Hill stepped down this week as pressure mounted regarding an inappropriate relationship with a campaign staffer and potentially a member of her House staff. Her willingness to resign is refreshing in the political space. Her male counterparts should take a lesson from her. She is correct in stating there is a double standard in Congress regarding sexuality and genders.

What is amazing about all of this is the majority of Americans are sexually conservative, meaning partners should only have sex with each other, not other people. While they hold that belief to be true in their personal lives, they are unwilling to hold others to that standard.

Classic case, Donald Trump. He brags about multiple affairs, but the religious right of Americans uphold him as a fantastic person, just what the country needs. He constantly belittles others that do not agree with him, but they defend his bullying because he is under attack from the Democrats. Somewhere, I believe, that Jesus taught to turn the other cheek. Rise above the mess. Be a person of character.

This example of hypocrisy continues with how the religious right are treating Mitt Romney. Romney has had tremendous success in private and public service. Never once has he been accused of inappropriate relationships. Never once has his integrity been questioned, yet the right continuing belittles him because he calls out Trumps inappropriate behavior. They share similar political views, just not morality.

If America is ever to be great again, it must return to the moral values that it was built upon. The Founding Fathers were not perfect in their behavior, but they aspired to be better. Today, we are rising to the lowest common denominator of behavior. Congrats to McDonalds & Katie Hill for rising above and giving hope that we can be better…

I am constantly amazed at the partisan shock and awe regarding different parts of government fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. Playing for sound bites and trying to play to their bases has always been the game in politics. Although, every generation has produced someone who rises above the muck and leads us down a moral path, not a partisan one. Unfortunately, we don’t have one right now…nor during the Clinton Impeachment.

To be clear, I believe that Clinton and Trump both have committed crimes sufficient to warrant an impeachment inquiry proceeding in the House of Representatives. We have checks and balances for a reason. It is the role of the House to determine if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. It is the role of the Senate to determine level of guilt.

Clinton’s high crime was lying to cover up an inappropriate sexual relationship. Representative Katie Hill just resigned over an inappropriate sexual relationship. I respect her courage, Clinton could learn a lot from her.

Clinton’s other crime was he was not true to the legal contract he entered into with Hillary. Moral violations of marriage contracts are not punishable in terms of jail time, but are nonetheless a violation of the terms of the marriage, hence the need for divorce.

Trump has committed several acts that put into question his moral, ethical and intellectual discipline. His abandoning the Kurds, his sexual relationships outside of his marriages, his attempts to cover-up his relationships with foreign powers, his bullying and belittling of people that disagree with him and his inability to bring any deals to completion.

While all of his shortcomings don’t rise to the level of High Crimes and Misdemeanors, in a totality they do. Just as they did with Clinton. I applauded the House for taking the steps to uphold their Constitutional responsibilities.

I am disappointed, though, in the Democrats’ political gamesmanship regarding the process. I agree with closed door sessions to ascertain the legitimacy of testimony, but their sharing of testimony after each session is shameful. We have a presumption of innocence in this country and this behavior rots the very core of that ideal.

As the process moves forward, I believe all Americans are hoping for a fair and honest evaluation of the facts. I hope that both sides of the political spectrum will take off their blinders and began to evaluate the situation logically.

If social media had existed during Clinton’s impeachment as it does now, I am sure that most individuals on both sides of the aisle would be eating crow now. Their complaints are more in defense of a party, than standing true to defending what is morally right and legally prescribed in our Constitution.

Since the 2000 Presidential elections there has been a cry for the dissolution of the Electoral College. Following the 2016 elections, it has started again, namely by the losing candidate, Hillary Clinton. Regardless of political ideology, we should all denounce Mrs. Clinton’s call for abolishing the Electoral College.

If we take a short tour through US history, we will recall that our Founding Fathers struggled for several decades to put together a Constitution that formed a Republic, not a democracy. A democracy gives a simple majority the power to rule. A Republic balances power so the will of the minority is not totally lost.

The principles of a Republic are found in having two houses in Congress, the process to change the Constitution, Presidential veto and Congressional override, and of course, the Electoral College.

The Electoral College structure, first and foremost, signals that we are in fact, United States, not simply one collective country. This principle is significant because it was the struggle of large vs. small states that drove the Founding Fathers to structure the government as a Republic and not a democracy. Each state is given a voice that carries weight. It means that a Presidential candidate cannot ignore the 38 States whose populations are less than the 12 largest States.

In the 2016 election, that is exactly what Mrs. Clinton did. She ignored the rust belt States in the final weeks of the campaign and lost their Electoral votes to Mr. Trump. Our Founding Fathers would have been pleased with the outcome, not because of the ideology of the candidates, but because the safeguards put in place performed as planned.

It is a slippery slope for those who call for one person, one vote. Eliminating the Electoral College would be the beginning of the end of our country. Soon the underlying structure of Congress would be changed from two Houses. Every State would not receive representation. Super majorities to preserve the Constitution would be eliminated to simple majorities. Juries would only need 7 votes to convict instead of a unanimous vote. Chaos would quickly become the rule of the day.

Democratic ideals are good, but the foundation of a Republic is superior. May all Americans recognize and understand the fundamental differences and seek to preserve them. May we not heed sore losers efforts to destabilize our society.

Four and half years ago I wrote a similar article. The main characters were Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. The primary characters have changed, but the story is the same. We live in a divided country that is further being divided, being led by our elected officials.

It is interesting in visiting with people across the country that we as the general population are moderates. We tend not to swing too far left or right. But we have elected officials that do and they are destroying our country.

Fixing what is wrong is not as hard as it seems. It requires all of us to exercise a bit of humility. We need to be willing to sacrifice being right fro doing what is right. We need to be willing to truly listen and then build upon what others say, rather than putting them down. Often society sees humility as a weakness. In reality, it is what builds bridges and allows us to move forward for the better of all mankind.

Regardless of what President Trump says tonight or what the Democratic response is, it will mean little if there is not an exercise of humility. It is likely that both sides will dig in on their positions, unfortunately. The country will continue to exist, but live far below the expectations of our Founding Fathers.

I had the unique opportunity to grow up in the Washington, DC area during the 80’s & 90’s. The District and surrounding suburbs were in full growth mode during the Reagan years. The schools I attended were full of students from all walks of life – ethnically, politically, religiously and economically.

Memories serves that the most popular past time in school was to discuss and debate, everything. It certainly was a great training ground for learning, listening and developing ideas and opinions. The best part is that we took everyone’s opinions, whether we agreed or not, and respected them. We were able to be friends regardless of political, social or religious viewpoints.

We also were able to see firsthand how players in Washington were able to work with one another, regardless of political ideology. Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neil worked together. Orrin Hatch and Ted Kennedy made great compromises to move the country forward.

Now we not only see the art of the deal, of compromise, lost on our leaders, but on society as a whole. Social media has unleashed a new platform to ridicule, reject and ostracize people because of their beliefs, lifestyle choices or actions. We are quick to judge and slow to forgive. We judge others in terms of black and white but want to live in shades of gray for ourselves.

We now determine the worth of others based on their beliefs regarding abortion, immigration, religion, spending, entitlements, political party and so on. There has been lost on all of us the need to speak and act in kindness. One of my favorite bumper stickers of all time is from Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream – Practice random acts of kindness. While they didn’t invent the phrase, they certainly have helped to remind us of the importance of doing for others.

I contend that the breakdown of our society and the world as a whole is the stunning lack of civility. There are many that bully and abuse their way to accomplish many things, sometimes things that are of benefit. The problem is the damage that are left in the wake of bullying usually outweighs the benefits.

Let us therefore, find ways to forgive those around us. Let us randomly bless others. Let us get involved with our communities. Let us rediscover the civility that has been lost.

So 2016 is certainly creating lots of amusement around the world.  While many are concerned about the reality of an economy in turmoil, the election process for the next President of the United States is turning from a comedy of errors to ugly, politics as usual.

The underlying cause of amusement is the candidates on the extreme left and right that represent how far Americans distrust of government has become.  The debates are comical in both primaries.  No meaningful topics are discussed nor tangible solutions offered.  Overplayed language about America this, America that, have hope in the future, the middle class deserve better, etc.   Personal attacks are ramping up as the number of primaries increase.  Establishment candidates are struggling to devise means to bring down upstarts that are pandering to extremes and fear.

The sad part of the current stage of the process is that no time is being spent on putting America on a solid foundation for future generations.  The lack of actual dialogue concerning real issues – national debt, religious freedom, Second Amendment, healthcare, etc. – is shocking.  There are many great proposals to tackle many of these issues on both sides of the political spectrum, but candidates are unwilling to engage in meaningful pursuit of change.

Unfortunately, this same behavior is trickling down to the States and local governments.  Communities are becoming apathetic because their elected leaders are not making decisive decisions to improve their communities, in many cases.  A democracy requires active participation by those elected and those that do the electing.

So for now, we have amusement, not substance.

First and foremost, condolences to the the Scalia family.  It is hard enough to deal with the loss of loved ones, then to hear Washington pick it up as a political tool is sad, at a minimum.  God bless the Scalias.  May you feel of the thoughts and prayers of a grateful nation for the service Antonin provided.

While not everyone agreed with Justice Scalia and his positions on the law, it is clear that his colleagues respected his intellect and good nature.  There are many who are critical of his voice, but that is the beauty of our governmental structure.  Our Founding Fathers knew first hand that it is impossible for everyone to agree all the time.

As for the hypocrisy, it does not lie in Justice Scalia as much as it does in the White House, Congress and of the campaign trail.  The hypocrisy lies in the fact that had the political persuasions that occupy the three branches of government been reversed, they would have all flip-flopped as to what is the proper way to address the situation at hand.

That said, President Obama has an obligation to the citizens of the United States to appoint a new Justice.  The sooner the better.  The High Court deserves to be fully staffed.  He ought to be careful and thoughtful as to who he appoints.  Making the appointment a political pawn could go either way, a benefit or a disaster for Democrats running for office.

Republicans on the other hand have the same challenge facing them.  With a press corp that generally leans left in its perspectives and reporting, it makes the political beast of nomination and whether or not to vote a bit more challenging for the GOP.  Nonetheless, an up-down vote is a must.  The GOP cannot afford a filibuster.

The selection of a Supreme Court Justice should not be political, but driven by the ability of the appointed individuals to make clear, rational and logical analysis of the legal arguments placed before them.  They must also have shown a reluctance to legislate from the bench.  That responsibility belongs to the other two branches of government.

In days long gone by, back room negotiations would occur that would allow for debate, disagreement and ultimately compromise.  And while compromise is often viewed as a bad word, in the political world it really means coming to terms with the fact that you don’t get everything you want, but find a way to get what you need and give the other side the same.

It would be nice to see the Obama administration and the GOP led Senate get together and advice, appoint and approve a qualified individual for the the Supreme Court.  An individual who has a significant track record for logical, insightful decision making based on the law and not one looking to legislate from the bench.  Otherwise, the hypocrisy of Washington continues on the coat tails of Scalia’s legacy.

Hillary Clinton started a push for universal healthcare during her husband’s first term in office.  It failed tragically.  After 8 years of a Republican in the White House, Obama took his turn and got a bill passed.  Here is what Obama screwed up and what Republicans are too blind to understand:

1.  We need universal healthcare.  The cost of caring for the uninsured is being borne by those who do pay for healthcare.

2.  We need to get rid of pre-existing conditions.  The actuaries that rule the payment tables can easy account for these types of situations.  It is critical that everyone is afforded insurance.

3.  Everyone does not need nor want healthcare.  This is true, but everyone should be required to have catastrophic and preventative insurance.  Annual check-ups and insurance for unforeseen incidents.  This type of healthcare could be covered under Medicare with little to no additional overhead.  It is paid for out of FICA funds or on self employed individuals year end tax return.

4.  Healthcare exchanges are good only if they improve competition and are privately run.  The government is not efficient at running anything.  To think they can run an effective exchange is poor logic.  Federal law can outline the requirements and then let the markets get to work.  The only way it will really work is to help breakdown barriers, particularly State restrictions and populations.  We need national exchanges that States opt into participating in.  That will increase competition and drive down rates.  State exchanges means the same old closed markets.

5.  Limits must be placed on malpractice claims.  In the workplace, if an employee believes that they have been discriminated against, they file a claim with the EEOC.  If the claim has merit, then it goes to court.  In the medical world, we just sue.  Jury trials award millions, lawyers take a third and our Court and medicals costs skyrocket.  We need limits just like the Feds have set up with regards to Worker’s Compensation.  We need to have defined amounts that account for loss of function, loss wages (current and future) and emotional distress.  These figures should be determined by logic, not the emotion of a courtroom.

6.  Young, healthy Americans are doing little to complain about Obamacare requirements to purchase insurance.  Repeatedly the Obama administration has stressed that if healthy people do not join their pool, they cannot make the math work.  As stated in #3, they do not need and most likely do not want health care.  Having them purchase catastrophic care protects insurance paying consumers right now and allows them the freedom to choose.  Get angry, healthy people.  You are getting taken advantage of…

7.  Subsidies suck.  We cannot continue to subsidize everything we do in this country.  We also have to stop over-regulating everything.  If we would curtail malpractice awards, require catastrophic coverage and remove barriers to insurance coverage, the market will make up for difference.  Minimum oversight and capital markets.  That is what Washington cannot figure out…

NBC News/WSJ poll released yesterday says 60% of Americans would fire all of Congress, including their own Representatives.  Meanwhile, the President’s ratings have stayed fairly flat, though his ratings in the Very Negative category have grown by 4 points while his Very Positive ratings have gone up by 1 point.  Read the entire poll results here.

Here is what I don’t understand about the press, the polls and the politicians…It still takes two to tango.  Both Houses in Congress have refused to talk.  Congress and the President are not talking.  Why isn’t 60% of the American people saying to get rid of everyone?

The reality is both sides of the aisle, Democrats and Republicans, are just as stubborn as the other.  We point to the Tea Party members and blame these new members of Congress, when in reality, the old supposedly moderate Republicans and Democrats have not figured out how to accomplish anything either.  The President’s insistence, along with Senate Leader Harry Reid, that he will not negotiate with a gun to his head is no different than the Tea Party saying we want spending cuts.  It is going into a negotiation unwilling to budge.

The irony of the matter is that both sides are working so hard to preserve whatever power they believe they have and whatever legacy they believe they are creating, that they are actively destroying both.  Power in politics only partially comes from office and title, the majority of it comes from persuasion and capable leadership skills.  Legacy is based on accomplishment.  Currently our Federally elected officials are failing at both.

I will post more thoughts on Obamacare, spending cuts, tax review and the largesse of our Federal government in future posts.  For now, it is enough to ask, why aren’t we equally upset with both dance partners?

The election cycle for 2012 has come to a close.  While some are looking toward 2014 and 2016, most of us “regular” people are wondering what is going to happen today.  Judging by the last week since the election, nothing is going to change.

Whether Republican, Democrat or Other, we should be concerned.  Romney and Obama both said nice things about working together, but since then, we are back to partisan fighting and grandstanding.  Obama is claiming a mandate on taxes, both parties are fighting over the Patraeus’ affair and the Benghazi attacks.  The fiscal cliff is looming with no real compromise on the horizon.

The challenge that both parties have to understand is that neither is right.  The only mandate is cooperation.  Control over the Government is fairly well split right down the middle.  Most Americans are moderate.  Most elected officials are not.

We need leaders that act like leaders not bickering school kids.  We need someone to stand up, tell the truth, and lead us toward a balanced solution.  Leadership requires courage, determination and persuasion.  So far, we have no clear leaders, in Congress, the White House or America.  The popular vote was not decisive.  Control of the House or Senate is tenuous.  The Supreme Court is split.

America, it is time to stand up and hold our elected officials accountable for improving the country.  Build a tax law that provides adequate funding and incents Americans to save.  Downsize government spending in military, domestic and social services.  Tighten our reach abroad to what we can manage, both tactically and financially.  Live within our means.

Lets start the dialogue.  Lets push for realistic solutions that will lay a foundation for another 200 years.  Lets not leave the next generation despair as our gift.  Lets be great again…