Notes on Assorted Topics- Mostly Politics, But Not All
The Gutting Of Government is Well Underway
As expected, the taking of hatchets to government is under way at full throttle. As one would expect from a Trump initiative, it is being done with zero thought to impacts or smooth execution. Just ripping things and people apart. It is worth noting that this is being done for several reasons, and those reasons tell you who is driving the processes and why.
There are the Plan 2025 people, led by the nominated Director of OMB, who simply want to dismantle government at every opportunity and turn the country into something of a Libertarian landscape, with what were core government functions going to the private sector. This is represented by the “everyone should retire early” and “all grants, etc. are frozen” fiascos.
Then there are the Trump true believers, who want to punish anyone remotely connected with Trump’s legal problems and who want to ensure no one, and no thing, is left standing that could still inflict justice on Trump and company. This is most represented by the firing of prosecutors and dozens more in the Department of Justice.
Third, there are the conflict of interest types. Surely Elon Musk is the most obvious one of these. Right after Trump took office, Musk pressured the head of the FAA to resign (this just days before the DC crash). The FAA had recently fined Musk’s space company millions of dollars in fines for safety and other violations.
Note that in the initial round of Trump tariffs (which you and I will pay for), China got the least new tariffs. Guess who is working to do much more business in China and wants to be on their good side? Yep, Musk. Also included in this category is the attempt to mass fire Inspector Generals – people who are really good at finding corruption and conflict of interest. Mark my word – this will be the most corrupt administration in modern history.
The DC Air Collision
What a heart breaker this one is. At a time one may reasonably expect a modicum of leadership and adult conduct from Trump, we got the opposite. Families who lost people in this crash are owed an apology.
This one hit close to me for a couple of reasons. One, I have flown that helicopter route myself. It’s a tight squeeze in that part of DC airspace. Two, people are quick to speculate on what happened. I advise patience. We have heard bits and pieces but an aircraft crash, especially a midair, is like a puzzle of a million pieces. Only after all pieces that can be found are located and all data run to ground do you know what likely happened. Two aircraft, two crews, physical space, and air traffic control all have a piece of this one. Let’s run it to ground correctly.
I would note the highlight of air traffic control personnel that has been raised is not a new problem. You might remember that Reagan fired all ATC controllers at one time. There was a mad scramble to bring in the people en masse. The result has been that about every 20 years a huge percentage of that population retires and shortages surge.
Making an air traffic controller is not a quick nor easy process. These are special people with the most challenging job imaginable. I am hoping AI might help before long. The system never recovered from Reagan’s decision to this day.
The Democrats Have a New Party Chair
Ken Martin, from Minnesota, seems up to the challenge and ready to fight. Time will tell pretty soon if that is the case. Read about him: https://democrats.org/news/ken-martin-elected-as-new-dnc-chair-commits-to-build-democratic-party-to-win-to-expand-and-to-last/
My one suggestion is to get a grip on communications – Trump and company flood the country with actions and notices, people get exhausted and confused. I would love to see something along the following:
A once a week short briefing and handouts, with rotating speakers highlighting up and coming Democratic leaders. Each weekly session highlights the most damaging thing Trump and his enablers did to hurt the country and the world. Make fun of Trump, too – cut him down to size. Short, crisp presentations, with good graphics, references, and workable on all media, highlighting how these things hurt Americans.
The Washington Post Has a New Slogan
I loved the old WAPO slogan- Democracy Dies in Darkness. It was true, and the paper lived by that motto, for the most part.That is no longer the case, by any means. The new slogan? Riveting Story Telling for All of America.
Says it all, doesn’t? I never imagined the Washington Post falling so far. Truly a sad thing, and a real loss.
The Information That Comes With Prescriptions
Here is a small irritation in life I bet more than a few of us have noticed. When you get a prescription, it often comes with a printed set of pages detailing the risks, side effects, etc. I am, perhaps, the rare guy that actually sits down and reads all that stuff. It is not helpful that these items are usually printed in something like 6 point type in long paragraphs. It is like reading the Rosetta stone on paper.
Unbelievably dense and complex text, in tiny type completely bare of white space or paragraph breaks. Buried in most of them are words to the effect that you should not take this if you are allergic to the product or any of its ingredients. How might one know that? These things are not written by the medical folks, but by lawyers. Would love to see a mandate to make them clear, simple, and legible. I’m sure RFK, Jr. will get right on that should he be confirmed….
The Loss of a Dog
We lost our sweet old dog Bonnie about a week ago. Time, age, and infirmaries caught up with her. We knew it was time and so our last gift to her was to let her go as easily as possible. The services who come to your home to carry out the transition are wonderful – so grateful to have this option when needed. One would think that at this point in life, having been through this a few times in the past, it would be easier. It was not. It was right, but what a pain in the heart.
The older I get, the more I love, respect, and prefer the company of animals. What noble and pure creatures they are. Wonders to behold, joys to interact with, teachers from whom we could learn much. As a collection of species, I think they are better than us. Or at least better than we deserve to have as companions. If only we were half the creatures our pets think we are.
See you next week.
Bill Clontz
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As always, a thoughtful and insightful piece. I appreciate the glimmers of hope you share. We need hope right now. I too grieve what the WAPO has become. And I cried when I read about Bonnie. I think I cry because I remember each dog i have known and loved in my own time. Special parts of our life.
Bill and Meg, so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing knowing how much you loved and cared for her, as was the case with all your past dogs. Having home service for this difficult decision was a blessing for you and Bonnie.
Jerry and Ann