Texas GOP Gets Aggressive: Physical Confrontation and Moving Texas Far Right

From a sociological perspective what has happened in GOP in Texas is interesting. It appears there was a big movement to the right.  ( I'm taking a somewhat neutral stance on these issues but I do have my own personal beliefs which creates a type of bias and that is always toward the rational center where logic, values, and compromise come together. The acceptance of that bias in science also makes me a little more logical. Its those who do not accept their bias that lead to false understandings and interpretations. Not that anything I say is correct. ) 

There appears to be many beliefs that relate from abortion rights, prayer in school and homosexuality. These are not issues I need to go into because they are personal beliefs and any legislative actions ( or no actions) are discussed through our current political process (Its also not the point of why I writing.). 

Where I find concerns are three things that appear to be moving outside of our processes 1.) booing of Republicans working on compromise (possibly meaning less future ability to compromise), 2.) intimidation of lawmakers by Proud Boys (I think this would violate some laws. One can't just claim themselves to representatives of the GOP and use threats of violence against other members. It gets back to our ability to hold extremist type behaviors accountable. I have no idea what actually happened but if true that is a significant signal that violence will be a future tool to politically control others.) 3.) reversal of laws that protect voting (hinting at a level of white supremacy and a return to pre-slavery perceptions of values. Maybe not...but let us see what other things come out over the next year to see if it leans in that direction or another direction.). 4.) Legitimacy of voting (If we go through the process and it doesn't verify the votes then the rest appears to be political manipulation that focuses on the illegitimacy of the voting system itself. That is fundamental to democracy; at least our current form of it.)

Some of the behaviors likely raise red flags in terms of national, racial, religious based justifications for extremism (We have to wait to see what happens in other states and locations.). If these articles are correct it would appear there is a larger acceptance of hard uncompromising value systems. Rigidity in thinking has become popular. That will make it difficult to rationalize with the movement. It starts a break in society (Perhaps something like 25% of staunch followers that are not willing to work with others and perhaps willing to overstep to force others to accept their way.). 

There also appears to be two different GOP's forming. MAGA and what I would call "Old Guard" Republicans. It would seem that MAGA has moved far enough right to possibly be seen as a new party. At present they also appear to be overshadowing the larger "Old Guard" GOP due to lack of coordination and willingness of members to voice their opinions (I think that will change soon as it appears that some Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump and the MAGA movement. RINO seems to be loosing its value as roles are reversed. i.e. pot calling the kettle black. One could make an alternative argument that MAGA has used the Republican name to gain membership but has turned far enough right to no longer represent the larger Republican base. It makes an assumption, which can be wrong, that the larger base hasn't moved further right but is more silent. That is not an argument for or against movements but one of simple observation based on terms used a few years ago and terms used now. It almost seems as though there is an acceptance that Trump is a fad that after the "ride the wave" hype he will be a liability for candidates. Its not there yet but there just seems to be a sense of it.). 

This is where it gets pretty dangerous for the GOP's future. They run the risk of permanently changing the fundamental nature of the party through a nationalist movement and then being dissipated completely in the aftermath (i.e. taking on current movement beliefs that won't have long term appeal. Some movements do change once they are in power so that is something that we will just have to see what happens. It may be a non issue after the election or it may be a national thorn in our foot.). Rising nationalism only works for so long and there are so many people opposed to it (Think of the Democrat half of society and a portion of the existing GOP that are not happy with MAGA. The full percentages remain to be seen. I suspect one can pull them together from polls and publishing. A quick rise to power is possible but also chaos and a quick decline.) that it will not be the sweeping up of an entire nation (Like we have seen in Nazi Germany). It will create major shifts and splits of which some could lead to group violence (i.e. the potential threat to Congress during the Capital Riots and the use of Proud Boys to threaten lawmakers at their own party function. It should make us think a little.).

Time will tell what happens and of course those who like history and political analysis will wait and see. I only seek to understand and have not veered from my political perspective (I'm a light right "Old Guard" Republican loyal to the Constitution and 1.) Freedom of Speech and 2.) Freedom of Worship (Any religion). Thus I view things from that perspective with the acceptance of a slight bias. The rest is just observation and a little logic. It could be wrong, it could be right, and it could be something else. That is the nature of history and analysis.)

You may want to read this article. Texas GOP goes full MAGA at 2022 convention

Thinking About the Different Forms of Extremism And Why We Are Not Solving the Problem

It seems as though there may be different forms of extremism that have their own brands. Each based in a deep sense of identity. For example, you have religious based extremism, far right/left political extremism, cultural extremism (ethnocentric, sports, hometown, etc..) and other forms of ism. For example one might be national oriented and another racial oriented but they are going to have similar root strains of dysfunctional thinking.

What makes these similar is that they are deeply held beliefs about self and one's perceived superior right to determine the affairs of others. This is one of the reasons why might or over right is a the key tool many of these groups use (i.e ideology with an aggressive/violent flavor. Can include dangerous rumor spreading, passive-aggressive behaviors, blocking local opportunities, and/or violence. It is about "getting" the targets and raising their status within their social group.). 

Such groups struggle with logical dialogue and as long as they are connected to their core identity group/clan. They are unlikely to develop higher critical thinking skills. Their values and beliefs are anchored to their perceived in-group perspective and without being removed from that group they will continue to support those defunct values. 

That creates a problem for everyone else as poor values and distorted perceptions are often not well managed within the law and such groups often function without accountability (sometimes with the blessing of some law enforcement professionals). This is often why we are seeing a level of social upheaval (I'm 100% for law enforcement and 100% for civil rights. They are not mutual exclusive like our politicians and extremists state.).

The law becomes a type of toy to play with because it has few mechanisms for dealing with aggressive behaviors that aren't necessarily an outright attack but if allowed to persist could either lead to violence or encourage violence among others (...especially among those tied to group identity, with social support, and mental health issues. We also have problems going back and holding such groups accountable for the damage they caused leading to two different kinds of societies with different justic systems within the same society. Local extremism and hate is underreported and often not investigated. Federal investigators will often take such situations seriously because they have greater responsibilities for society outside of their local social networks. True right? )

The people who engage in these behaviors feel no remorse and are willing to lie, deceit, steal, or manipulate to get their way (The ends of harming others justifies their means. Its an ethical issue.). They don't care about anyone outside of their social network. Without a level of accountability they have no real reason to stop (They change form but they don't stop) and until it becomes unprofitable socially for them to act that way they will continue forward. 

I have outlined a Michigan Track and Solve strategy for those who take the carrot to self development but I do believe criminal prosecution for those who don't is warranted (Because I have a Muslim sounding name and have been a target of a group with hate leanings I apparently have NO IDEA what I'm talking about. Yet few others in our socio-political structure have come up with much. Maybe its much better to engage in petty political arguments than it is to solve real problems faced by the American/"American" people. 🤷). This is where moral conscious matched with a proper legal structure can help determine what kind of nation we will be going forward (We seem to be struggling with a vision that ties us together. Worse, some are trying to split us apart. Two doors open and we only need to choose one. We should be careful because as we step through one we can't also go through the other. One might lead to the beginning of our end and the other to a new beginning. Maybe not?). 

“No man ever steps in the same river twice. For it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus

Is Life Supposed to Be Like This? Happy Fathers Day!

Each person chooses their life. Happy Fathers Day. Escanaba Harbor.

Nothing More Frustrating Than Multiple Flight Cancellations and Poor Service

It always strikes me odd when there are massive flight cancellations followed up by even poorer customers service.  This weekend has experienced massive delays across the nation as something like 6,000 flights were cancelled or delayed on Friday (USA Today). To me that just seems a little over the top and it is unlikely all of those cancelations were weather related. Seems like a chronic airline logistical management failures that are too unprofitable to be corrected.

First, while I'm not a flight expert I would think one would build some some slack in the flight chain with an additional pilot and/or plane on stand by per region. If a flight is going to be delayed significantly this stand by flight can get there in a few hours and take people to their destination. 

Second, when things do go bad there should be a level of compensation. proactivity, and general remorse for really messing things up. If its the airlines fault they have totally put their customers in a bind and should be doing their best to take care of all expenses, find hotels, and compensate per day customers are stranded (I'm not sure what that would cost. Maybe too much. Maybe they will learn quickly to fix their long term problems before a donkey and cart seem to be more reliable. 🤷). 

Someone might say why should the airlines do this? They are a business not a charity. I think it would help them to sort of develop strategies that don't include putting customers at risk. Some industries learn from the school of hard knocks and as long as they are not required to "make it right" then the customer is the one who eats the costs and inconvenience.

If your consistently running too lean I think that your just begging for problems. If you don't have enough pilots or don't expect a few to call off from time to time one is engaged in gambled wishful thinking where the customer always gets the bad hand  (We have lots of smart people who can calculate what it costs the airlines during call offs/pilot sickness but are way less concerned about the customers costs. We might consider requiring them to calculate the total costs to customers.). When you don't schedule well and everything turns into chaos that seems to be an airline problem.

We are not talking about someone being a little inconvenienced or waiting an extra few hours. We are talking about being completely stranded with no place to go but sit in the airport. Some with kids, pets, important meetings, etc... New cities and unsure of where to stay for the night or being too late to do anything. Some might not have the money to pay for hotels, cabs, and food. 

That won't stop natural disasters and weather related cancellations because those are unforeseen but it might put a dent in poor management practices. It will tilt a little more toward the customer stakeholders versus the airline bank accounts (I have been told that some seats are even sold 2X in hopes that some don't show up.)

Now, on the flip side of that argument someone could argue the cost would rise for customers if airlines had a stand by plane/crew per region. I think a reasonable profit and a few dollars extra for more guarantees would be ok. Yet, I would trust my accounting versus the industry's accounting as I suspect $20 more a flight versus $200 a flight would seem more reasonable. I would have to ask an economist (Someone independent would have to calculate the total profits, costs, and market potential.).

For now it looks like the consumer is stuck eating the costs of inconvenience. We will see what everyone comes up with. I travel a lot so I'm cringing at my next flight. My last one was terrible but the airline did make an attempt. An extra $200 a day for related expenses would have been reasonable. Instead I had to chase them to pay for the expenses. grrrrrr 😬

The Importance of the Soo Locks and Great Lakes Infrastructure

 We haven't been mining much as a nation but there is renewed interest in finding ways to hedge our strengths and resources (We gave too much away I think in the name of a few pennies of profit.). There is also some desire to return a portion of manufacturing back to the U.S. (That won't happen with expensive old models of mass investment to the same interested parties. We need to have focused investments to create new products that shake industries. We should be able to build the right infrastructures to create synergy and growth but policies must be focused on change. ) As a nation we don't have a solid understanding on how infrastructure can interact with new investment models and the creative & labor class to develop whole new industries. We are stuck in old world/Industrial Age thinking (Like the Delta County innovation model with shipping hub. While it may not serve many political interests it is something we should sort of consider for regional development. Take it, throw it in the trash, or whatever but I'm sure there would be a good prototype size/market that would work.) 

I applaud the effort to strengthen the Soo locks but am yet disheartened that good ideas are often discarded without enhanced redevelopment of advanced manufacturing in Great Lake communities. We need to be smarter and think about where we are going to be as a nation in 20 years. Rethinking our economic approaches is important. We need methods of enhancing innovation and making the U.S. the place where new things are built. Disruptive technologies can have butterfly effects throughout industries if done well and the right parties are brought to the right locations to enhance, speed and spread innovations. 

Putin Rebuilding the Soviet Union: Why Ukraine Has Become Important

It appears that Putin has a plan to rebuild the Soviet Union and has been engaging in "Russification" of prior territories. You can gain more in the CNBC article Putin Lashes Out. With some of the movements in the area, speeches and the way they are trying to re-navigate the socio-economic culture I would say there may be a few things going on.

1.)Putin trying to create a hard split between West and East (He likely sees it as a long term strategy).

2.) Pitching the U.S. as the unipolar global leader (This is more propaganda stuff to rally their base and those with grievances).

3.) Reaching out to any other nation that wants to do business with them (Trying to place themselves in a leadership position and gain resources.)

4.) Winning in Ukraine is their primary strategy (If they win in Ukraine they will have regional superiority i.e. Black Sea). There are likely political and economic strategies to this acquisition for shipping and regional influence.

5.) Putin calls for investment in an effort to draw new capital and create allies. 

6.) Ukraine is likely a launching site for a much bolder plan that is not specifically military but likely has military components. 

7.) Resocialzing people to the Russian lifestyle is an attempt to recreate the cultural iron curtain that will go along with the economic curtain. 

Here are a few ideas I encourage our leaders to do.......

1.) End the small time political squabbles and solve problems in a bi-partisan manner. 

2.) Move on from the Trump situation and find a new leader for conservatives and work with Democrats. (I personally think Pence would be a good choice for conservatives. Its not personal against Trump but there would be significant issues with him managing the entire country and maintaining that support.). We must end the toxic nature of extremism (It seems to be hyped by foreign influence along with far right manipulation. I'm an "Old Guard" Republican that believes in our institutions and Constitution.).

3.) Develop our military capacity and industry through innovation systems. That will mean moving away from the "connected" to get things done and often done in new ways (I would think a type of split % to ensure new thoughts and ideas bubble up.)

4.) Develop our infrastructure for shipping and plug and play energy (I had a plan for a Delta County regional shipping center.)

5.) Develop Rapid Innovation systems to ensure we innovate our industries and return much of the manufacturing back to the U.S. (An unfinished theory. I have lots of other things going on so it not finished and hard to find the time to finish it. Its theory structure and basic tenants are valid.) 

6.) Universalize our American values so they apply to everyone in a way that ties us to our essential beliefs. 

7.) We must continue to build our international coalitions and support with other nations. This is why integrity and focus on higher principles in leadership is necessary (We can't play games with politics or each other. It reflects negatively and gives the wrong signal. The world is watching. Let us be smart on how we solve problems and interact with others.)

8.) There are so many things like education, resource use, etc... that would make a difference. It would be hard to list them all. However, people need to think about national competitiveness. We must ensure our people are competitive and that requires human capital development.

I think our leaders have a responsibility to make the most competitive nation they can. We will have to wait to see if they can overcome their challenges and focus on solutions. I think they can but they may end up waiting until the general population is fed up with lack of solutions over important issues (A third pressure that impacts both parties.). Fingers crossed they focus on the bigger picture. This is more of a sociological viewpoint more than personal opinion. Something can change and it changes everything else. Some of the problems stem from not understanding their bigger role in creating the context for our next level in development. We adapt or we risk further divisions. I like to understand things and see if there are potential solutions and how those turn out in history. (...and yes I do have a Muslim sound name but that should not be associated with perceptions of patriotism. Patriotism is more than surface symbols. If the two are still associated you might still have some issues.)

Day 3 Capital Riots: Why We Still Struggle with Domestic Extremism?

I guess I'm confused by the whole thing. I have to admit while I'm considered smart but I don't quite understand the logic (Maybe I'm a little slow). For example, if there is the possibility that something was miscalculated it is recounted.  

Fine...no issues....we recalculate and the recount showed nothing (There may be slight variability but from my understanding It would be rare to have so many states wrong across many different voting districts.). There was a written policy for it I believe.

Instead of accepting the process results there seems to be an attempt to create pressure to change it. If one wanted to work within the system someone would have said ok let us recount and see what happens. 

I guess we have a hard time understanding extremism and the desire to use pressure and/or violence to control others. In this case, entering the capital and using violence isn't the right solution and is an intimidation tactic. 

I'm not sure why we seem to increasingly use power and aggression to "get one's way". I do understand the toxic nature of current politics, COVID change of patterns, new digital transformation, international competition and lots of other pressures. 

Yet why does one feel more entitled to use violence against others? I'm not sure. I'm trying to understand it from a hometown grounds level (May have different values/goals but the irrational group hate is the primary issue.)

Conservatism isn't about breaking long established traditions. In my understanding, it is about protecting certain institutions and essential values in society (They would be stronger if universalized). Freedom of speech and freedom of religion being central to many of those values. None of this seems related but it does appear related to the game of elections but not to the fundamental principles of conservatism (I'm not saying I'm right I'm saying I'm trying to understand why I have a break in logic. That means there is an extra thing going on that would better explain that break. That likely sits in the extremism and manipulation realm.)

 Day Three Highlights Video 

If you want to watch the full version it is below....

Nearside Hit in Polo: Moving the Ball Away

One of the difficult things for new polo players is the nearside hit. Its not a natural movement. When starting it is difficult to position the arm in such a way that leads to stronger form and more control. The other day I went out and trained a horse and beyond general control there is also my ability to hit the nearside well. Practice makes perfect so I need a lot more practice!

This video really helps understand the nearside hit and how the arm and ball are positioned. 

Interacting With Those Who Spawned Hate: Consideration and Long-term Solutions

Hate is a powerful motivator and I want to be fair and not overly harsh. We are in a small town and those who caused the problem and I are likely going to interact again at some point (Its nearly happened a few times. I'm not going to have a choice in the matter and I'm not going to avoid it or limit my life for their behavior.). It should be noted that this wasn't a small spat of someone cussing me out. I could go on and on with a laundry list of things that were inappropriate but it ranged from financial gain all the way over to being targeted by their close friends and local police corruption (Most of the police are good and the one's outside of that social network I have developed positive relationships with.). 

Their supporters and those they manipulated to target me and my kids (They devalued them/me and put them at risk of which in some ways we are still dealing with), super cool "sports group" are huddled somewhere in a corner and I haven't seen them lately. They are likely hanging at a local golf course club. There have been a few smaller incidents of rudeness but nothing over the top (In some cases they didn't even know it was me but its part of their aggressive self-entitled sports culture. Also why I think its important to ensure they are aren't teaching young kids they are coaching the same values their parents hold. There were complaints by others and observations that indicate that is at least partially true). Where they did know it was me there were some levels of snickering and mocking (I don't react but take note.)

So I can't say with 100% surety that this won't be another problem a few years down the road when they feel comfortable to engage in aggressive behaviors again. I can only go with what I feel and those feelings are somewhat subjective even though there are factual supports/observation to them (See I'm not a radical. I know what is more fact and what is more subjective but likely the best explanation.). What happened here was not normal and a downing (Nearly complete except for some quick reactions and some good natured officers/officials/people.) of the local justice system because 1.) the aggressors were popular (and of course the "right" race and religion) and 2.) we were the "outsiders" (...again based on race and religion and self interest. We actually have a genetic history in the area longer then most of those targeting us but as with all "third world type thinking" that makes no difference in cleansing behaviors.) 

My hope for punishment for them was that they 1. have the records audited (...part of the reason why they justified hate through self interest and how they in many ways manipulate others for that gain. Whether we are seen as "dirty" Muslims or not or whether they view my kids as "nigga" babies I don't think that justifies theft and potential violence.) and in turn have mandatory mental health help (I went and checked myself out and was given a green light and they should be required to do the same. Their rage indicates there are lots of other underlining issues. It would be helpful to them and helpful to us.) I have not had to change my recommendation because its justified. One could rule more harshly and that would have some legitimacy as well but I'm a softy.

Do you see how radical "Muslim" I am? 1. ) I want them to be held to account (they can actually keep the money if they stole it {preferably donate it to abused kids and/or orphans} but it shouldn't be swept under the carpet. My kids would probably need those resources but again they are Black so it is what it is in our current state of affairs. If your the wrong type you will likely understand the truth within the truth and why we must change. No punishment necessary. Just let them know they can't hide it and someone will look and shed light on some of their motivations.) and 2.) require them to go to mandatory mental health because that is the best way to help them, resolve future problems, and come to a resolution. Someone might ask what I think we should do with the sports loving hate group? I don't know. Maybe someone popular should tell them the coolest thing now days is to jump over cliffs without parachutes (Ok...sorry I don't actually believe that. It would be funny if I didnt actually feel a percentage of them would try it if thought they would get a group kudo/gold star for it. How about we tell them the "coolest" thing to do is be adults more worried about their own lives then doing the flying monkey bidding of others). What else can you expect....I do have a "Muslim" sounding name? The extremism of it all!!!! 😏

So I should not expect not to see them around town. In many ways I don't expect justice will happen (even though I think it did in some ways) but that their behavior was very dangerous and highly targeted (Not a good situation). One wrong move and my kids could have lost a father, lives could have been ruined, and lots of other bad things could have happened. So far I just get the feeling they are shrugging and saying "Who cares its "those" people?". So I can't say any real learning has occurred (I do believe some of the police departments that were initially involved realized quickly they were fed false information and they learned and adapted positively. That is a good thing and restores trust. Some of the others associated with that initial group who have heard the "rumors" are polite but non engaging.)

I can only say the last time I saw one of initiators they started being manipulative and talking louder in what appeared to be an attempt to 1.) manipulate an older person (i.e. looks like a money and embarrassment issue) and 2.) to put me on notice they can continue to cause as much problems as they want (I'm open because I'm not sure after everything they are still doing that. I can only say that the behavior is indicative of either not understanding the gravity of the situation, mental health issues as it relates to constant manipulation, or some other issue.)

I have no facts in the sense that 1 +1 =2 exactly. We are dealing with a group issue pushed by a few people who can gain from it. This isn't a normal situation. Only one person came out to tell me why they were doing this and the rest sort of acted without telling me why (I have seen a few of their kids and they seem to feel genuinely sad and remorseful their parents are like that. There is hope for the next generation. 💗). So I can only interpret information based on factual observation (without necessarily stating they are facts but reasonable partial conclusions.). If you asked them they might say, "We just don't like him.". There are lots of people I don't like and I'm still polite and dont coordinate group hate. Likewise, I believe it would be hard for anyone in that group to pin point where I (or kids) have done something wrong to them and in most cases they don't know me. This is where we sort of have to go back around to the "dirty" Muslim and "Nigga baby" beliefs.

Right or wrong I have no idea. What I can say is that I will have to somehow get accustomed to interacting with such individuals in such a small town (its bound to happen) and thus far it seems that when we do see each other they engage in what appears to be aggressive type behaviors (sour grapes for a foiled plan). I have not experienced any remorse from them or their social group. Most of the other people in town have rejected their racist/bigoted rhetoric and have been welcoming (Told you is a beautiful place worth investing. More investment will likely provide exposure to this group through new types of people that come visit, stay, work and raise their kids. There is lots of opportunity and love here. Inadvertently they exposed a problem that can now be addressed. Its a little like opening the wrong Forest Gump box of chocolates. However, they may have done similar things in the past when someone in their group has a "problem".  Maybe not! 🤷) We are the ones who absorb the risks (In the back of my head I cringe at my kids coming to visit. They have been pulled over in an unmarked police car and I have been followed. There are a lot of risks to them being the wrong color in a place that seems to be highly influenced by a distorted sports clan {Most are good but don't have healthy boundaries}. That will likely be overcome soon and they can come visit when they want.)

I recognize group hate and extremism is something we don't yet have a handle on (Depends on how you define these behaviors.). Its not something we completely understood 10 years ago and now as a nation we must find a path through it (Kind of why I'm writing about it while trying not to be too specific so as to protect individuals while not sugar coating what happened. I do have a right to protect myself and my kids if I feel there are on going/future risks. ). If nothing else there will be a huge paper trail if someone gets the "bright" idea they want to remove the "problem". Time will answer all questions. No one ever said freedom is free. We all must sacrifice to keep the flame burning. Most of the time it's just standing for what is right.  Something some of our leaders should consider over the next few years. For now I need to buy groceries and do my other chores (Other then a few small incidents it doesn't seem to be a problem to do that anymore.)

"China Sky Eye" Detects Possible Extraterrestrial Life

Accordingly the Chinese Press Release indicates that the China Extraterrestrial Civilization Research Group of the Department of Astronomy and Extraterrestrial Civilization Research Group of Beijing Normal University may have found some indication of life outside our orbit. That comes in addition to some amino acids found on asteroids. You can get an easy to understand explanation in LiveScience.

Apparently the unknown meaning of the electromagnetic signals were received but are not able to be understood (At least as far as published.) However, I wonder if these might more or less be our older signals that were distorted and bounced back (i.e. meaning we just don't understand fully how earlier communications can travel, be launched into space under certain pressures and what forces send them back to us distorted. There could be 100's of explanations. Word of warning...I'm not the expert. ). Its possible I suspect and everything should be explored before a conclusion is made. No one really knows for sure until we can take selfies with green men. 👽

I do believe that we MAY someday come to a point where we meet and see something intelligent outside our orbit (Sometimes we struggle inside our orbit.🤔 LOL Sorry. 😂). Whether we are truly there yet remains to be seen. This is part of the reason why we, and others, are so much involved in the space race. Statistically even if Earth is 1 in a billion it would mean there are others out there. Nano Nano!