life,  rants,  thoughts

Astounding Ignorance

So last night’s announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed and the recent nonsensical babble of Trump for president made me realize just how little certain people really know about politics (and budgeting money, which I guess shouldn’t surprise me since so many Americans are in debt) and how some of us cheer for politicians like we would our favorite baseball team. Some people give as much consideration to who they vote for as they do choosing their favorite Actor or Comedian. Smart politicians who aren’t black and white on issues scare and repulse these people. Some like their politicians pulpit pounding and sure of themselves – even when they’re wrong. It’s sad really.  And it’s likely the reason the rest of the world calls us “stupid Americans”.  Only in this country will people vote for a man just because he looks like someone they would have a beer with. 

I have a lot of opinions about politics (which I’ll keep to myself). I have a lot of unconventional (politically incorrect) ideas on how to balance the budget that I guarantee you would work.  I’m technically not a Democrat – though I am *NOT* a Republican. Used to vote Republican a lot, but that’s changed in recent years and I’m not sure what they could do at this point to get me back. I think the Tea Party is full of a bunch of wackos (sorry, but I do).  Really – I’m independent at this point. I also consider myself well-informed. I read a great deal and get my news from numerous news agencies (not from radio talk-show hosts, political pundits, my friends or from Facebook).  I follow politics more than the average person.  I base my decisions on who to vote for based on voting records, public statements (usually event specific – not campaign specific- because it can be telling), how articulate a candidate is, and how married to their own ideas they are.

A friend of mine recently told me I should run for public office. But the truth is I know myself and I know that behind this cute, mild-mannered exterior hides a tyrannical dictator. I should NEVER, under any circumstances, be given  power like that (power corrupts).  lol!  So if I ever run for a public office, please – don’t vote for me. 🙂  (Yes, I’m kidding, I would never run for public office and I’m really not evil. It was tongue in cheek.)

All this said I do have a point. I know we’re not due for another big election until next year, but maybe now is the time for those among us who aren’t educated to start educating themselves.  If you are a registered voter and you do vote and you’re not really informed — please take the time to educate and inform yourself about the issues and the people you’re voting for before you vote.  It will go a long way to making sure you’re not voting for people who aren’t representing you and your interests. 

Incidents like what happened in Wisconsin and Michigan happened because undereducated voters voted poorly. Then they found themselves surprised when the very politicians they voted for “turned” on them.  Make sure the people you vote for  REALLY stand for what you believe in (okay, you’re probably not going to find anyone you agree with 100%, but if you can get 70% or more you’re golden) by looking at their voting records (not by listening to their spin or ra-ra political speeches – all candidates will tell you what you want to hear).  There are helpful resources that can aid you in your quest to become a more informed individual. One of them is Project Vote Smart

Another issue are those chain e-mails where it tells you the political party you don’t like is trying to pass some evil Bill to destroy your world. I’ve watched people freak out over fake Bills because they immediately believed everything Aunt Martha forwarded to them. Before jumping the gun and forwarding it to all your friends, check it out to see if it’s true or not. Why panic other people when there’s really no such Bill in the House or Senate? Instead — go the the House or the Senate and look the Bill up! All states have this information online, too! So if it’s local – look it up!  All of this stuff is PUBLIC record and freely available on the Interwebs! (I only bring this issue up because I’m tired of people sending me this crap because after I look it up and find out it’s false, I feel compelled to send the real information – that it’s false replete with appropriate linkage – to everyone it was sent to.)

Another point I have to make is geared toward Donald Trump for president fans — I’m surprised at how many people have told me they’d vote for him and really think he’s a great businessman and self-made. HA! The reality is he’s not a good businessman and he didn’t earn his millions. He inherited his money from his daddy and he’s had a lot of failed business ventures. I wouldn’t let him balance my personal checkbook, let alone vote him in as president to try and balance the national budget. But that’s just me. I’m not so sure “You’re Fired” foreign policy would work either.  Of course I don’t think the guy is really going to run (or even has a chance). But I think those who really think Trump is awesome should at least know the facts before they blindly tell everyone they’d vote for Trump because they liked him on The Apprentice.

Steph is an award winning and bestselling author of thrilling steamy and paranormal romances, dark urban fantasy, occult horror-thrillers, cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, sword and sorcery fantasy, and books about the esoteric and Daemonolatry. A Daemonolatress and forever a resident of Smelt Isle, she is happily married and cat-mom to three pampered house cats. Her muse is a demanding sadistic Dom who often keeps her up into the wee hours of the morning. You can contact her at swordarkeereon@gmail.com

One Comment

  • Brid

    Donald Trump is an ass. A woman at work was telling me how awful Obama is and as far as I could tell her only reasoning behind this opinion was because he’s black. The ‘N’ word was used a few times.Did I ever mention that I live in one of the most racist states ever?

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