On the other hand, I do care about politics. Maybe too much at times, but then I’ve always been an activist and an idealist and a patriot. I firmly believe that if we live in a country and enjoy the benefits from residing in said country, we should be involved in the governmental process in some way.
The most fundamental way is to go to the polls during an election and cast a ballot for the best candidate for the job. I urge my fellow Americans to exercise this freedom to vote new people, and new blood, into Congress. No matter what side of the political aisle you reside, make sure your voice is heard this year.
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When it comes to entering into public discourse around current events, I try to take a reasoned and researched approach to what I write here on this blog or on social media. I use this approach as a way to process whatever is producing screaming headlines and angst among the general public for myself, then to pass information to others for consideration.
The more we consider an issue from many sides, the closer we can come to an understanding of the mess and reach a consensus on how best to deal with whatever conundrum we face.
A current issue grabbing a great deal attention is news of the deal Trump made to lift the sanctions on the sale of Russian oil. Four years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine, the United States, as well as numerous other countries restricted such sales in a squeeze play to financially hamper the Russians.
Now, revenue from oil sales will bring support the Russian military machine war efforts, and in essence it’s like Trump is throwing Ukraine under the bus. Not only has the U.S. stopped much of the aid to Ukraine, this latest move will only help Russia contine to bombard Ukraine.
Trump said he did away with the restrictions to relieve the pain of the price of diesel, especially for farmers here in the United States. I could almost give him credit for that if we could believe he had an altruistic bone in his body or true compassion for what the American people struggle with financially, but what is really at play here is no secret.
At least not a secret to folks who sometimes think before accepting every statement from the President.
His primary goal is to influence the midterm elections and stop what he sees coming – possibly significant losses in the House and the Senate.
If only more people could see through this smoke screen of Trump acting like he cares about the Average Joe and not be swayed by the words he uses. Too many people are taken in by his showmanship, not unlike the snake-oil salesmen who used to peddle miracle cures to small town festivals in the 1800s.
Put enough glitz and fast talk around any lie and it can look like the best thing to happen to modern civilization since the invention of the ‘skip ad’ button.
I’ve been heartened by news that the MAGA base that so blindly supported, adored, and believed Trump is showing signs of significant cracks.
For example, on a recent episode of The Daily from The New York Times, “MAGA’s Midterm Defectors” Caleb Renner a young farmer in Iowa was interviewed. Caleb is a 5th generation farmer, as well as a 5th generation die-hard Republican who said he got even more red when Trump first came on the scene in 2016. That’s when Caleb believed that Trump was enough of an outlier that he could do all the good things that he promised – like draining the swamp and cutting the deficit and bring prosperity back to Americans.
Caleb continued to support Trump in 2020 and 2024, but currently he’s pulling away from the party. He considers himself a populist libertarian and has expressed the wish that more people would stop pushing the red or blue button, just because that’s what they were raised to do.
Could we all just vote for the right person for the job and not a political party?
Currently, Caleb is considering voting for a Democratic candidate for governor and the Democrat candidate for senate in Iowa in 2026. Not because he’s joining the Dems, but he likes what those candidates are offering in terms of help for the people in that start.
I just want to say, “Yay Caleb!”
The two party system has fractured government, fractured our country, and fractured us socially. It’s time for people start thinking for themselves, and voting for themselves, not for a party that is always focused on protecting the party at all costs.
In order to vote in the Texas election process for the primaries, a person has to declare a party affiliation, so I have to decide between the GOP & the DEMS.
That is an absurd part of Texas election law, and if a representative in the state legislature was ever able pass a bill to change that, there are so many of us that would be delighted. You would have our support to help you get reelected.
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Before you go, I’d love your support for my new short story collection that is set up for preorder on Amazon. Special price – only .99 – and the book releases on November 24,2026.
If you enjoy short stories, you’ll love this eclectic collection. Romance, drama, comedy, and award winning stories with a touch of literary flair. Consider grabbing a copy for yourself and telling your friends and family about the book.
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That’s all from me for today folks. Sending my best wishes to everyone for a productive and pleasant week ahead. Whatever you have planned, Be Safe. Be Happy. And above all Be Kind.