tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48467624108169034342024-02-22T03:14:56.090-06:00Edward's BlogWelcome to Edward's Blog. I post things here that are of general interest to me. I keep two other blogs including the EPNetwork Blog at http://epnetwork.eroe.com, which covers the podcasts that I do and Edwards's Life Trek at http://lifetrek.eroe.com which is about My Sports and Taking the Time To Auto Pause LifeEdward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-36265835249824729062022-11-23T11:11:00.000-06:002022-11-23T11:11:56.958-06:00What Borgen Could Teach the United States House of Representatives<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OGJih7OO-b2evaGlaQqaQp6v_1-Sb5ciLIb4IN6_hr6sDxYYQhseV0kuhTDoe6VSyQ3MbrjAz1oQyzyY0Ug0jjU5TwQiHls21b1UdPs1rCg9hyNJNzdUrHrnPqpKU96AkQsgwpqfka37BMisSrQqEqzuqAUnP6LemeAMenYmBAKoCzERgQ5fCSum/s1280/BorgenLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1280" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OGJih7OO-b2evaGlaQqaQp6v_1-Sb5ciLIb4IN6_hr6sDxYYQhseV0kuhTDoe6VSyQ3MbrjAz1oQyzyY0Ug0jjU5TwQiHls21b1UdPs1rCg9hyNJNzdUrHrnPqpKU96AkQsgwpqfka37BMisSrQqEqzuqAUnP6LemeAMenYmBAKoCzERgQ5fCSum/w320-h130/BorgenLogo.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I recently watched the Danish series Borgen on Netflix,
which follows the Prime Minister of Denmark during and then after she served in
other government positions, in this political drama. Parliamentary forms of
government are very different from the split in roles that we have in the
United States with the Senate, House, and President through a two-party system.
While we will probably never adopt this form of democracy, it is interesting to
think of some things we could learn from it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From what I have read about parliamentary systems and
watched unfold in Borgen, differences with parties must be worked out in
advance to form the government, rather than just being at loggerheads and
getting nothing done. A parliamentary system could help prevent societal
polarization, encourage political agreement, and lead to higher levels of
government accountability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are now faced in 2023 with a Republican controlled House
of Representatives, that because they do not have a large majority, must
compromise on unneeded investigations of President Biden, Dr. Fauci, the
Department of Justice, and who knows what else so that Kevin McCarthy can have
the votes necessary to be the Speaker of the House.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why can’t rational minds in both the Republican and
Democratic Parties in the House of Representatives come together and form a
centrist coalition and cut out the extremist elements of each party. Those
individuals would not receive a voice, as they would not be named to important
committee chair posts by the coalition. What a great thing if Kevin McCarthy or
another Republican could preside over a House Chamber that wants to compromise
and get some things done, rather than waste time and effort while we all
suffer, and our tax dollars are wasted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With this centrist coalition, perhaps we could finally come
to some agreement on immigration, to name only one example. It would also
finally put to rest the MAGA element that only wants to destroy our democracy. Our
recent election showed that both Democrats and Republicans do not want this
type of future, as many of these radicals were soundly defeated in their
respective elections. It is time for all Americans to stand up and demand that
congress work together for the betterment of our democracy!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Borgen Logo is from the Netflix Website.<br /></p>
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p>Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-934358170357801272021-03-03T11:44:00.002-06:002021-03-03T11:44:48.499-06:00A Message to Texas Governor Greg Abbott<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenI3hdt6BjPgR1bHPY55bgRk8irc5KrzjG_FE85Cc0s7gVxDsIim6Erkc8SXaHmJgwBTVOijyEn-DTrRuutw_wj_9Eplw-hFGv8ZF44LM-rGbuYOYeWhdwZrf5RRhhv4LbyukfhKx3ew/s1280/GovernorAbbott.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenI3hdt6BjPgR1bHPY55bgRk8irc5KrzjG_FE85Cc0s7gVxDsIim6Erkc8SXaHmJgwBTVOijyEn-DTrRuutw_wj_9Eplw-hFGv8ZF44LM-rGbuYOYeWhdwZrf5RRhhv4LbyukfhKx3ew/s320/GovernorAbbott.png" width="320" /></a></div>I was very concerned with the announcement by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 2, 2021, lifting all COVID-19 mandates. I wrote to him through his website today, March 3, 2021, and the text of my message is below. The picture is courtesy of The Hill publication.<br /><p></p><p>Governor Abbott,<br /><br />I was very dismayed with your decision to take away the mask mandate and allow all businesses to fully open up in the state of Texas. My youngest son is finishing up college in Texas and I have other friends that are just getting over the power and water issues caused by the very cold weather you recently had.<br /><br />We are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and are just now finally ramping up vaccine production. There are also variants of the COVID-19 virus that are active across the country and in Texas that are even more virulent. By opening up this will only lead to a further spread of the virus across Texas and through people traveling into and out of the state it will also spread to other states. Spring break will become a super spreader event.<br /><br />Being a public health graduate, I do hope that you are closely listening to the public health and medical professionals in your state that I am sure are expressing the same concerns. Please reverse this decision and help save the lives of Texans and all Americans. We will beat this virus, but we all need to be working together. Right now, that means continuing the mask mandates and limiting the opening of businesses. We all want to open things up but doing it prematurely will only prolong the pandemic and allow even more mutant strains.<br /><br />I apologize but did not know much about you until I heard your announcement yesterday. I saw that you were in a wheelchair and looked it up thinking that it was something temporary. Furthermore, I read about what happened which is a very inspirational story of real perseverance. We need that same perseverance with the COVID-19 virus. Please don’t give up the fight when we are so close.<br /><br />Thank you for listening and you’re understanding.<br /><br />Take care and be safe.</p><p>Edward R. Eroe <br /></p>Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-33935069314867425192020-12-19T12:43:00.001-06:002020-12-19T20:29:49.283-06:00It's A Wonderful Life!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtty6xKgUm03OsqY0EC1SNgEG_Ehl3t9vNKKC_W_BcIQTZJ_7htEXX7c3lR-jBeONfnyRAiG8dKiIIAEt24PhaeUs6CYVuBIoUZq12xpTGE8UkOwNrdtPBjQExfr9Ti7d8l-VzsIVKLpY/s1374/Its+a+Wonderful+Life+-+Praying+to+God.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtty6xKgUm03OsqY0EC1SNgEG_Ehl3t9vNKKC_W_BcIQTZJ_7htEXX7c3lR-jBeONfnyRAiG8dKiIIAEt24PhaeUs6CYVuBIoUZq12xpTGE8UkOwNrdtPBjQExfr9Ti7d8l-VzsIVKLpY/s320/Its+a+Wonderful+Life+-+Praying+to+God.png" width="320" /></a></div>It's A Wonderful Life, the 1946 classic movie with James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore directed by Frank Capra, is one of my favorite, if not my favorite!<br /><p></p><p>The film is considered one of the greatest films of all time. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The American Film Institute ranks It's A Wonderful Life as its Number 1 inspirational film of all time. It was met initially with mixed reviews and was financially unsuccessful but did become a classic Christmas film after it was put in the public domain in the 1970's. For more information go to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Wonderful_Life" target="_blank">It's A Wonderful Life</a> Wikipedia page. <br /></p><p>In an article by Rachael Scott on December 19, 2020 titled <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/19/entertainment/its-a-wonderful-jimmy-stewart-world-war-ii-service/index.html" target="_blank">How World War II shaped It's A Wonderful Life</a> on CNN Entertainment, I learned something I never knew about the movie. Rachel says in the article:<br /></p><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>"The movie captures a period of American
life packed with some of the most landmark historical events in the 20th
century, including the Great Depression and World War II.</p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>After
serving in the Army Air Corps, Stewart had been absent from Hollywood
for five years when he was offered the role in It's a Wonderful Life.
He was initially hesitant to do the film, according to biographer Robert
Matzen, but it was his only offer except for a film featuring his war
service.</p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>'It's a Wonderful Life was a result of Jim's war experiences because it unlocked this depth of
soul in Jimmy ... He had to learn to act again and that's what you're
seeing on screen. It's like lightning that just got captured in a
bottle,' biographer Robert Matzen told CNN. </p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>This
is seen in one of the film's most iconic, unscripted scenes, when
George Bailey finds himself at the end of his rope: 'I'm not a praying
man but if you're up there and you can hear me, show me the way.'</p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>George Bailey wasn't scripted to cry, but Jimmy Stewart did.</p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><p>'As
I said those words, I felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people
who had nowhere to turn, and my eyes filled with tears. I broke down
sobbing,' Stewart said in an interview in 1987."</p><p>I did not know this about the scene until reading Scott's article. It shows the empathy that Stewart had and was able to convey. The film speaks to us today during this terrible pandemic. So many are out of work, have lost loved ones to COVID-19, are suffering themselves from the virus, and are experiencing mental health issues including even thinking about committing suicide. Much like Jimmy did in the movie.</p><p>The Guardian Angel Clarence showed George Bailey how different the world would be if he no longer existed and what an impact we all make in the world. Clarence was the symbol of hope and while we may not have a guardian angel the movie shows that success is not about materialism but how much each of us give back. Today that includes everyone on the front line during the pandemic, most importantly healthcare workers but all others that allow us to obtain food and stay warm. Let's hope congress can do it's part by assisting those out of work and not playing politics with people's lives.<br /></p><p>With vaccine now becoming available and a new administration about to be inaugurated there is hope again. Mr. Potter did not succeed and neither will Trumpism. Empathy and caring for everyone is back with a Biden Administration.<br /></p><p><br /></p></div><br />Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-8857738172305779712020-11-17T09:31:00.000-06:002020-11-17T09:31:26.169-06:00Former President Barack Obama Talks about His New Book, George Floyd, President Trump, and the Divisions in Our Country<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkMDkiJVlmAmk7BVKy6llyvCwmOak-s5TH7m92nEV53ynye0atYJUlkPWGDQgI-9exEF8N87WvfQ9SNYwcTZqAQp12M8gZnGiPSlLQIVYqV1C-oWsa75WNngoiey0bM2SUSxnZLK9iG0/s1240/obamascreengrabsmotw0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkMDkiJVlmAmk7BVKy6llyvCwmOak-s5TH7m92nEV53ynye0atYJUlkPWGDQgI-9exEF8N87WvfQ9SNYwcTZqAQp12M8gZnGiPSlLQIVYqV1C-oWsa75WNngoiey0bM2SUSxnZLK9iG0/s320/obamascreengrabsmotw0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is an excellent interview of Former President Barack Obama by CBS Correspondent, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Pelley" target="_blank">Scott Pelley</a> on <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes/" target="_blank">60 Minutes</a> this past Sunday, November 15, 2020.<p></p><p>In the interview Obama talks about his new book, George Floyd, President Trump, and the divisions in our country. I highly encourage all my friends to see this interview. You can view it on the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-60-minutes-cbs-sunday-morning/" target="_blank">CBS 60 Minutes website</a>.<br /></p>Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-74875061995043720162020-11-09T14:14:00.010-06:002021-03-11T07:50:03.827-06:00Inspiring Words from President-Elect Joe Biden<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiACicFRCDckgSdhLOVCNHE0QEFDH_UkYioOtqYGnUqfKQL-NiJDZ1UdgTREZkyiXoLd_nc1WH48yEh4odwcW4X9cq2Go_3U2Yp9s5B7-AOX5WGrn-ZHrdALsv2L_npj_9sNBij4cvvc/s1280/PresidentElectJoeBiden201107.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiACicFRCDckgSdhLOVCNHE0QEFDH_UkYioOtqYGnUqfKQL-NiJDZ1UdgTREZkyiXoLd_nc1WH48yEh4odwcW4X9cq2Go_3U2Yp9s5B7-AOX5WGrn-ZHrdALsv2L_npj_9sNBij4cvvc/s320/PresidentElectJoeBiden201107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President-Elect Joe Biden</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">These are some very inspiring words from President-Elect Joe Biden's Victory Speech on Saturday evening, November 7, 2020.</span></span><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It was so refreshing to hear a president that wants to pull our country together to face the many issues we have, including this terrible COVID-19 Pandemic!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">For all my friends, no matter how they voted it is time to stop the divisiveness and work together. Joe Biden has the experience, skills, and empathy to bridge the divide and lead us down this path. Here are Joe's words:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.”</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation -- 74 million.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation -- the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband. I would not be here without the love and tireless support of my wife, Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family. They are my heart.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Jill’s a mom -- a military mom -- and an educator. She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn’t just what she does -- it’s who she is. For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president -- Kamala Harris -- who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It’s long overdue, and we’re reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Kamala, Doug -- like it or not -- you’re family. You’ve become honorary Bidens.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">To all those who volunteered, worked the polls, local election officials -- you deserve a special thanks from this nation. To my campaign team, to all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I thank you for everything. And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we built, the broadest and most diverse in history.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Democrats and Republicans and Independents. Progressives, moderates and conservatives. Young and old. Urban, suburban and rural. Gay, straight, transgender. White. Latino. Asian. Native American.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest -- the African American community.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of elections myself.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">But now, let’s give each other a chance. It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric. To lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again. To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season -- a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">This is that time for America. A time to heal.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Now that the campaign is over -- what is the people’s will? What is our mandate?</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The battle to control the virus. The battle to build prosperity. The battle to secure your family’s health care. The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country. The battle to save the climate. The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Our work begins with getting COVID under control.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We cannot repair our economy, restore our vitality, or relish life’s most precious moments -- hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us -- until we get this virus under control.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort -- or commitment -- to turn this pandemic around.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me -- as I will for those who did.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end -- here and now.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It’s a decision. It’s a choice we make.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">That’s the choice I’ll make. And I call on the Congress -- Democrats and Republicans alike -- to make that choice with me.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">America’s story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity. Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long. We must make the promise of the country real for everybody -- no matter their race, their identity, their ethnicity, their faith.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">America has always been shaped by inflection points -- by moments in time where we’ve made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Lincoln in 1860 -- coming to save the Union. FDR in 1932 -- promising a beleaguered country a New Deal. JFK in 1960 -- pledging a New Frontier.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And twelve years ago -- when Barack Obama made history -- and told us, “Yes, we can.”</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">We stand again at an inflection point. We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose. We can do it. I know we can.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I’ve long talked about the battle for the soul of America. Now we must restore the soul of America.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Tonight, the whole world is watching. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">You see, I believe in the possibility of this country. We’re always looking ahead. Ahead to an America that’s freer and more just. Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect. Ahead to an America that cures disease -- like cancer and Alzheimers. Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind. Ahead to an America that never gives up.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">This is a great nation. And we are a good people. This is the United States of America. And there has never been anything we haven’t been able to do when we’ve done it together.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">In the last days of the campaign, I’ve been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">“And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,<br />Bear you on the breath of dawn,<br />Make you to shine like the sun,<br />And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”</i><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">And now, together -- on eagle’s wings -- we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country -- and a thirst for justice -- let us be the nation that we know we can be.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed.</span><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span face="Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">God bless you. And may God protect our troops.</span><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"> </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Joe Biden</i></span></p>Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-62292220706536808972020-10-10T09:07:00.000-05:002020-10-10T09:07:28.617-05:00Covid-19 has unmasked the true nature of Donald Trump and Trumpism - Jonathan Freedland <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYNQ_oTc8YFzPELuU-IoF3yoHK2t-yHbqklGvaz34jsQgPMc5rmuFzDc9BaFt0ndfT2r4rTR9SnbmT22a-g7DKNU_RP_iLlm9LrMU17CxL1rdYR4UFyUEIcbbgudNlF6fwKjun6i-EGU/s1240/Screenshot_2020-10-10+Covid-19+has+unmasked+the+true+nature+of+Donald+Trump+and+Trumpism+Jonathan+Freedland.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYNQ_oTc8YFzPELuU-IoF3yoHK2t-yHbqklGvaz34jsQgPMc5rmuFzDc9BaFt0ndfT2r4rTR9SnbmT22a-g7DKNU_RP_iLlm9LrMU17CxL1rdYR4UFyUEIcbbgudNlF6fwKjun6i-EGU/s320/Screenshot_2020-10-10+Covid-19+has+unmasked+the+true+nature+of+Donald+Trump+and+Trumpism+Jonathan+Freedland.png" width="320" /></a></div>This is an excellent opinion piece by Jonathan Freedland that was published in The Guardian on October 9, 2020.<p></p><p>Donald Trump is not only a useful idiot to Vladimir Putin but is dangerous to the health of Americans and our democracy. He has so mismanaged the COVID-19 Pandemic and it did not have to be this way. Other countries were able to contain the virus and open their economies and due to his misinformation we have had the most deaths per capita than any other major developed country. Donald Trump also received the best care for COVID-19 in the totally government run Walter Reed hospital at no cost but still wants to take healthcare away from millions of Americans they get through the Affordable Care Act. And, he only paid $750 in taxes!</p><p>I know some of my friends will agree whole heartily with this article and others will dismiss it. To those that dismiss it I hope you have read it and that you understand how dangerous this man is to our American values. Donald Trump cares only about himself and nobody else. He is destroying the Republican Party and our country. I hope my Republican friends will wake up to this fact. It is time to put an end to Trump and Trumpism. The real "Fake News" is just about everything Donald Trump says and has ever said. Don't be conned again in this election.<br /></p><p>The link to this piece <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/covid-19-unmasked-true-nature-donald-trump-trumpism" target="_blank">Covid-19 has unmasked the true nature of </a><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct/09/covid-19-unmasked-true-nature-donald-trump-trumpism" target="_blank">Donald Trump and Trumpism - Jonathan Freedland</a> is here.<br /></p>Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-45988518398847375462020-04-26T13:40:00.001-05:002020-04-26T13:41:38.794-05:00Dr. Anthony Fauci Cold Open - SNL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk0tAW66T883aim7s6RnnbS66pcPCFEX21KkASRa1HfRQqMFAuTzwbxxct4SbY2qe7Ux-9Nocw4yHQ6m-knIaN_EihPAi4_NaqIntI1T3OTO8HOkoq9nbQyhRh3ZKHOi95OxPpe5pD-U/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Dr+Anthony+Fauci+Cold+Open+-+SNL+-+YouTube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk0tAW66T883aim7s6RnnbS66pcPCFEX21KkASRa1HfRQqMFAuTzwbxxct4SbY2qe7Ux-9Nocw4yHQ6m-knIaN_EihPAi4_NaqIntI1T3OTO8HOkoq9nbQyhRh3ZKHOi95OxPpe5pD-U/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Dr+Anthony+Fauci+Cold+Open+-+SNL+-+YouTube.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is one of the best Saturday Night Live opening segments titled, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW56CL0pk0g" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci Cold Open</a>, for many reasons!<br />
<br />
Brad Pitt plays Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Allergy_and_Infectious_Diseases" title="National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases">National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases</a> (NIAID and who has been providing factual information during the White House COVID-19 Briefings. When interviewed by CNN on April 10, 2020, Dr. Fauci was asked by Alisyn Camerota who he would like to have play him in a possible upcoming SNL episode on the White House briefings, and he said Brad Pitt in a joking way.<br />
<br />
Well, Brad Pitt not only did a great job of playing Anthony Fauci on April 25, 2020, it was what he said at the end of the segment that really was heartfelt and touching. Way to go Brad!<br />
<br />
Thank you Dr. Fauci, along with Dr. Deborah Birx the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Global_AIDS_Coordinator" target="_blank">United States AIDS Coordinator</a>, for your thoughtful and factual leadership through this horrible COVID-19 Pandemic.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-31836296649143039262020-04-23T17:27:00.002-05:002020-04-23T17:27:24.117-05:00Conservative activist family behind 'grassroots' anti-quarantine Facebook events<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwX4UNmqIDcBbYbEvLn1BjBQmQllkDF9f7WnBuKeJh4Ts8ortuCZ3Qo4WQBDFDSLJ2rrLZRGuknZHKhA9OoW17YUWG9aFsOQpDLFFYVLenxpUYDf7LgofxzZxT2LMtuIsqxf1IqWJ4Af8/s1600/200420-minnesota-coronavirus-protest-cs-828a_cdadb6757f2bed61adccbd9f78eb3985.fit-2000w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwX4UNmqIDcBbYbEvLn1BjBQmQllkDF9f7WnBuKeJh4Ts8ortuCZ3Qo4WQBDFDSLJ2rrLZRGuknZHKhA9OoW17YUWG9aFsOQpDLFFYVLenxpUYDf7LgofxzZxT2LMtuIsqxf1IqWJ4Af8/s320/200420-minnesota-coronavirus-protest-cs-828a_cdadb6757f2bed61adccbd9f78eb3985.fit-2000w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This story, titled <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/conservative-activist-family-behind-grassroots-anti-quarantine-facebook-events-n1188021?cid=eml_nbn_20200420" target="_blank">Conservative activist family behind 'grassroots' anti-quarantine Facebook events</a> by NBC News reporters, Brandy Zadrozny and Ben Collins is very concerning for our country since we are in the middle of fighting this terrible COVID-19 pandemic.<br />
<br />
The number of protests against "Shelter at Home" initiatives that have been put in place in most of our states is now being challenged for unfounded political reasons by right-wing groups. These protests also do make any sense because we all want things to get back to normal, if there is ever to be a normal again. Opening things up too early will only exacerbate the number of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and thus deaths. All of which will keep us from getting to at least a new normal in hopefully the near future.<br />
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<br />
I realize that there are many people hurting and out of work as well as the incredible pressure on our health system in fighting this pandemic. It brings to light that with so many unemployed now how flawed our system is in basing health insurance coverage on employment. Perhaps we do need a national health system or at least a public option that all citizens can obtain. People need not worry about getting the care that they may desperately need.</div>
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It is my hope that people will not follow these faux groups and obtain the real facts rather than these made up issues that, I am sure the ones propagating, would not follow themselves. We must work together. This is going to take time, so we all need to be patient in protecting ourselves, our families, our friends, and the citizens of this country.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-21056239654410451772020-03-17T15:16:00.000-05:002020-04-25T15:17:25.478-05:00America Doesn’t Have a Public Health System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aPp8geWvTIKLoDPgpJy3SqF5XVRUZIQRG0S1UXDouS5E2ITKEWQkyPvHgyTggmUt3aCgaZqnZyNqISQ1WJw5pGiWXTYhvDnZbdhzhd_19RhEocBxlHNmItrXlOjcEbmscid1UZh-zs0/s1600/RobertReich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aPp8geWvTIKLoDPgpJy3SqF5XVRUZIQRG0S1UXDouS5E2ITKEWQkyPvHgyTggmUt3aCgaZqnZyNqISQ1WJw5pGiWXTYhvDnZbdhzhd_19RhEocBxlHNmItrXlOjcEbmscid1UZh-zs0/s1600/RobertReich.jpg" /></a></div>
Once again Robert Reich hits the nail on the head with this post from his blog, titled <a href="https://robertreich.org/post/612790157414989824" target="_blank">America Doesn't Have a Public Health System</a>.<br />
<br />
As a graduate of a
public health school in healthcare administration, I have been saying
this for years. Yes, the United States has a great healthcare system but
we don’t have a public health system. The COVID-19 virus is exposing
our weaknesses in a glaring way.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-60056844139926302332019-03-23T15:25:00.000-05:002020-04-25T15:27:07.812-05:00The Alarming Scope of the President’s Emergency Powers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1NY3BGvOCGQkQYqZ5yhduiq9eqQN8pvlNc-Flf8aUO-XwgWtbcw9FvXvR7gg2_Yc-6a43XZdfZdo8XTrxJp5pAENF10VAMIyOQK4x78NFGIhUMQZ5E6Ok9Fm7GToOpvxeXFUMMiXKU/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-25+The+Alarming+Scope+of+the+President%2527s+Emergency+Powers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="914" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC1NY3BGvOCGQkQYqZ5yhduiq9eqQN8pvlNc-Flf8aUO-XwgWtbcw9FvXvR7gg2_Yc-6a43XZdfZdo8XTrxJp5pAENF10VAMIyOQK4x78NFGIhUMQZ5E6Ok9Fm7GToOpvxeXFUMMiXKU/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-25+The+Alarming+Scope+of+the+President%2527s+Emergency+Powers.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
This article, titled <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/01/presidential-emergency-powers/576418/" target="_blank">The Alarming Scope of the President's Power</a> by Elizabeth Goitein in the January/February 2019
Atlantic Magazine is very concerning. I recommend you read it no matter
what your political persuasion may be.<br />
<br />
I did not realize the scope
and past use of presidential emergency powers over the years and this
article details how and why we are where we are with their use. You will
be quite surprised. We must do something now to curtail and put checks
in place so that the president in the present and those in the future
cannot abuse this power like some in the past have done.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-71878652203899832102018-11-03T15:33:00.000-05:002020-04-25T15:34:56.126-05:00'You can't hack paper': How Oregon fights election meddling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Dlk-QWNzAwvlP2FKZLLSba18JRcYFvI36JyJLvooyWRX_auCVAYn_II2giDxvyLGkQHgZVi6un_ZuMA0DrBHTKICR_ntA7pxcpLw44qCuwEp7qkjnkdkjDxApfaYQ-vWksuFob42kSk/s1600/181102-oregon-paper-ballots-2-ew-1106a_a726e2fd0f936dc2dbd1f49772dd80f3.fit-2000w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Dlk-QWNzAwvlP2FKZLLSba18JRcYFvI36JyJLvooyWRX_auCVAYn_II2giDxvyLGkQHgZVi6un_ZuMA0DrBHTKICR_ntA7pxcpLw44qCuwEp7qkjnkdkjDxApfaYQ-vWksuFob42kSk/s320/181102-oregon-paper-ballots-2-ew-1106a_a726e2fd0f936dc2dbd1f49772dd80f3.fit-2000w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post_content">
This seems like the most logical,
convenient, cost-effective, and hack-proof way that all states could be
running their elections. Why invest in all the equipment, staff, time,
and polling place locations when everyone could just mail in their paper
ballots?<br />
<br />
Thanks to Cynthia McFadden and Kevin Monahan of NBC News
who wrote this article, titled <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/you-can-t-hack-paper-how-oregon-fights-election-meddling-n930481?cid=eml_nbn_20181103" target="_blank">'You can't hack paper': How Oregon fights election meddling</a>, on how Oregon Votes.<br />
<br />
Oregon instituted
vote by mail in 1998. Colorado and Washington also vote by mail and some
states have a vote by mail option. I took advantage of this method in
Minnesota.<br />
<br />
However you vote in your state be sure to vote! It is
your right and duty as a citizen. No complaints on policy and the
direction of our country if you don’t participate!<br />
</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-17639147942332172562018-07-25T15:40:00.000-05:002020-04-25T15:42:55.052-05:00Opinion: Why 'Fact Checking' and 'Reality Check' Do Not Apply to Trump<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7QzBFFgLGU-RhqkhzZtAhlHkdEfV9Xd4j4q2AVoYBqiQUIiFPjbJdwuZti3k2r5Ga55eSFiulnLDhozoGMqtmKV_QIb-Yxa2UOxSh_0flIToIvr2bA9TO3q3AhgM2oR9TQyvUzsCaGM/s1600/gettyimages-1004754442_wide-d9ce9a224da50f76e45bf8d925faadd5a17bca28-s1600-c85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7QzBFFgLGU-RhqkhzZtAhlHkdEfV9Xd4j4q2AVoYBqiQUIiFPjbJdwuZti3k2r5Ga55eSFiulnLDhozoGMqtmKV_QIb-Yxa2UOxSh_0flIToIvr2bA9TO3q3AhgM2oR9TQyvUzsCaGM/s320/gettyimages-1004754442_wide-d9ce9a224da50f76e45bf8d925faadd5a17bca28-s1600-c85.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post_content">
As I said in my post on April 17,
2017, I tried to come to grips with the fact that Donald Trump was our
president. I have now given up any hope as every day there is something
new that he says that is not true or just a bold-faced lie.<br />
<br />
Ever since his horrifying inaugural address on January 20, 2017
he has only gone more downhill and does not deserve to be our president.
In fact, I have called him the Liar In Chief (LIC) for many months now.
<br />
<br />
Given all this, why are not more Republicans and Democrats
speaking out against him? Why are we letting him ruin our country and
our standing with our allies? This is not about party this is about our
values and what we have stood for since 1776. Republicans who want to
obtain their tax cuts, supreme court justices, the destruction of the
Affordable Health Act will still have Pence if they impeach him in the
House of Representatives and convict him in the Senate.<br />
<br />
Democrats that
think it is better to wait until the election in 2020 because they feel
that Trump will be easier to run against need to beware. There are too
many people that don’t want the truth as evidenced by his campaign style
rallies that the LIC continues to do. We need to put country first.
Never before in our history have we had a wrecking ball like the LIC.<br />
<br />
I agree with Tom Steyer who has been calling for the LIC’s
impeachment for months now. He lists 8 impeachable offenses at this
website <a href="https://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.needtoimpeach.com%2Fimpeachable-offenses%2F.&t=OTU5ZDExMzdhN2Q1YjhkNTA2OWY3NThhMWIyYjQzNjkyZTM1OGQ3MSxyelF1Tk5OZA%3D%3D&b=t%3AlP2dbdxW8dh9wHgRlBkZ3w&p=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.eroe.com%2Fpost%2F176282592301%2Fopinion-why-fact-checking-and-reality-check&m=1" target="_blank">https://www.needtoimpeach.com/impeachable-offenses/.</a> I encourage you to sign on. Trump is a clear and present danger to our country and it is time for all of us to speak out.<br />
<br />
This NPR Opinion piece, titled <a href="https://www.npr.org/2018/07/25/632284603/why-fact-checking-and-reality-check-do-not-apply-to-trump" target="_blank">Why 'Fact Checking' and 'Reality Check' Do Not Apply to Trump</a>, by Ron Elving is an excellent article on why
fact checking, and reality checking does not apply to Trump. He does
this by explaining Trump’s past influences and how he has been running
his business for years. Click on the link above.<br />
<br />
Mr. Elving is a Senior
Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, where he
is frequently heard as a news analyst and writes regularly for NPR.org.
He was previously the political editor for USA Today and for
Congressional Quarterly. He has been a Distinguished Visiting Professional in Residence at
American University, where he is now an adjunct professor. In this
role, Elving received American University’s 2016 University Faculty
Award for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Appointment. He has also
taught at George Mason and Georgetown University.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-42870521954260961572017-12-27T19:26:00.000-06:002020-04-25T19:27:51.457-05:00Robert Reich Nails it Again! Excellent Post on 2017 and Some History on Why We Have the Income Inequality We Have Today! Unfortunately, it is Only Going to Get Worse with the Latest Tax Bill.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcaWPhU9hVELjeX-DMGT9OJlAyW2ufKYSUP5ebN2Fp05hgx37i5OBfTE1eT4Jhl9c5AV8BU4JJdvG_JPtHlEU2aGxy1Lv4dIuEJu_8wNa25y-hfE0LsiETMUuR8Z-5gADRTznudbyhgY/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-25+Robert+Reich.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcaWPhU9hVELjeX-DMGT9OJlAyW2ufKYSUP5ebN2Fp05hgx37i5OBfTE1eT4Jhl9c5AV8BU4JJdvG_JPtHlEU2aGxy1Lv4dIuEJu_8wNa25y-hfE0LsiETMUuR8Z-5gADRTznudbyhgY/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-25+Robert+Reich.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post_content">
I follow Robert Reich and he has
posted some of the best commentary and facts on a variety of subjects. This post, titled <a href="https://robertreich.org/post/168931874425" target="_blank">A Year with Trump</a>, includes a great video on how we got to where
we are with income inequality.<br />
<br />
Robert Reich is Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at
the University of California at Berkeley and Senior Fellow at the Blum
Center for Developing Economies. He served as Secretary of Labor in the
Clinton administration, for which Time Magazine named him one of the ten
most effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-32105837252856242132017-12-09T19:58:00.000-06:002020-04-25T20:01:50.304-05:00Support Al Franken to stay in the Senate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyI-rvuw9h78MfcXExXpKeqOSSoMJaNxjShyqsnoSYonkQZefhEW_dsOzUpHtpv9j_UFrx9ASq83ttUZ1t0oz1arcaJiga2pJEDHaJeOfICcg4CoFEcfwXyKBLoXLb-g1PdyZ8YfnktY/s1600/cEOaioUDkYdGcEA-800x450-noPad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyI-rvuw9h78MfcXExXpKeqOSSoMJaNxjShyqsnoSYonkQZefhEW_dsOzUpHtpv9j_UFrx9ASq83ttUZ1t0oz1arcaJiga2pJEDHaJeOfICcg4CoFEcfwXyKBLoXLb-g1PdyZ8YfnktY/s320/cEOaioUDkYdGcEA-800x450-noPad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
Please sign this <a href="https://www.change.org/p/dianne-feinstein-support-al-franken-to-stay-in-the-senate" target="_blank">petition</a>! Minnesota Senator Al Franken should not resign and there needs to be a full Senate Ethics Investigation completed.<br />
<br />
I believe that some of these accusations will be shown to be politically motivated and not true. Democrats are trying to be self righteous in pushing Senator Franken out, which is very misguided. Innocent until proven guilty and not guilty by accusation! Go to this <a href="https://www.change.org/p/dianne-feinstein-support-al-franken-to-stay-in-the-senate" target="_blank">link</a> at Change.org to sign the petition.</div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
Former Republican Minnesota Governor, Arne Carlson, is also urging Senator Franken not to resign. A December 10, 2017 article and interview from Minnesota Public Radio is here: <a href="https://blogs.mprnews.org/capitol-view/2017/12/former-gop-minn-governor-urges-franken-to-stay/" target="_blank">https://blogs.mprnews.org/capitol-view/2017/12/former-gop-minn-governor-urges-franken-to-stay/</a></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
This article titled "Facts, nuance should matter more in Al Franken rush to judgement" by John Ziegler in USA Today on November 30, 2017 also raises questions about Leeann Tweeden's claim of sexual abuse. Article here: <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/11/30/al-franken-scandal-slow-down-sexual-assault-accusations-john-ziegler-column/886722001/" target="_blank">https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2017/11/30/al-franken-scandal-slow-down-sexual-assault-accusations-john-ziegler-column/886722001/</a></div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-28470701143706053122017-01-22T20:07:00.000-06:002020-04-25T20:09:29.203-05:00Trump’s Lies vs. Your Brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7XfraiLPlK3xg_JSlNaHwg1lqZJz4HDz9qvGDeTq0mU9xSsK1hwRPX1xRHXvjvRZppdFHoSlubNLLKzbu1xlKmBekgR6U0xswCEenBau057h2yKfakKtIAGy8pqh6Go2wt0d7i0SkyY/s1600/static.politico.com.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1160" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7XfraiLPlK3xg_JSlNaHwg1lqZJz4HDz9qvGDeTq0mU9xSsK1hwRPX1xRHXvjvRZppdFHoSlubNLLKzbu1xlKmBekgR6U0xswCEenBau057h2yKfakKtIAGy8pqh6Go2wt0d7i0SkyY/s320/static.politico.com.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post_content">
I have tried to come to grips with
the fact that Donald Trump is our president. I knew very early on that
he was nothing but a con artist from watching an excellent movie, call
“Trump: What’s The Deal” which exposes his business practices. The
documentary film, which was commissioned in 1988 by Leonard Stern was
finished in 1991. It was the first in a series on celebrity businessmen.
Link here: <a href="https://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=http%3A%2F%2Ftrumpthemovie.com%2F&t=NzY2ZWExOTMxYTQzN2ZmNzNlMzg3NzQ5NWRmNWZkODM3YWZjOGQ0Yyx6N1ZuOUhzWQ%3D%3D&b=t%3AlP2dbdxW8dh9wHgRlBkZ3w&p=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.eroe.com%2Fpost%2F156248142371%2Ftrumps-lies-vs-your-brain&m=1" target="_blank">http://trumpthemovie.com/</a><br />
<br />
It was horrifying to listen to Trump’s inaugural speech on
January 20, 2017 and his talk to the CIA as well as his Press
Secretary’s press conference on February 21, 2017 after the Woman’s
March. Trump painted a dystopian view of the United States and lied to
CIA personnel that his issues with the agency were all fabricated by the
media when his tweets say something completely different. Sean Spicer
spent most the administration’s first press conference saying that the
media distorted the number of people attending the inauguration when
pictures clearly show it was smaller in comparison to Obama’s first one
in 2009. Furthermore, what is the difference?<br />
<br />
The Woman’s March with millions of people marching across the
country and world against Trump and what he stands for is what we all
should be paying attention to. Trump has no mandate but he acts like he
does by ignoring that he clearly lost the popular vote and that the
Russians influenced the election. By not releasing his taxes we may
never know what entanglements he has with foreign governments and how
that may compromise decision making. That should be a law before anyone
can even run for president. His so-called “trust” for his many
businesses is a joke.<br />
<br />
I found this article by Maria Konnikova from the January / February issue of Politico click this link for the story from Politico <a href="https://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politico.com%2Fmagazine%2Fstory%2F2017%2F01%2Fdonald-trump-lies-liar-effect-brain-214658&t=NWI2YTA0YzM1MWMxNmZiZDdjNmE3MjI0ODIwYTMzNjJkYWJhY2UzOSx6N1ZuOUhzWQ%3D%3D&b=t%3AlP2dbdxW8dh9wHgRlBkZ3w&p=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.eroe.com%2Fpost%2F156248142371%2Ftrumps-lies-vs-your-brain&m=1" target="_blank">http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/donald-trump-lies-liar-effect-brain-214658</a>)
that is compelling and why we need to do everything we can to counter this very
narcissistic man.<br />
<br />
I do not believe he will ever step in or up to the
role of president. This is all about him and he can’t stand anyone
critical of his separate reality or what his Counselor to the President,
Kellyanne Conway, calls “alternative facts”. Oh, really, so now when
you don’t like the facts you make up alternate ones? I don’t believe
anything Trump says. Nothing! His lies are so pathological and very easy
for any person to clearly see.<br />
<br />
Maria Konnikova is the author of several books with one that
supports this article. The book is called “Mastermind” and it is an
investigation into the minds, motives and methods of con artists as well
as the people who fall for their cons. Whether you voted for Trump or
not she points out some very real dangers of his personality that we all
need to take heed of.<br />
</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-61940615800769234942016-04-17T11:41:00.001-05:002021-03-11T07:41:56.779-06:00The Problem With Hillary Clinton Isn’t Just Her Corporate Cash. It’s Her Corporate Worldview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT9VMd1Zf6EQZzIqvAEf55rTcEp5og9oKuYXB_9M_xlP8AU76Sp75eBPjNLipRKvTe39O1U-EK_Iw-mOp2SOYBGn8rH-ZKce0UgupoclDKbV5YjQgbkpNg_yR_ponbZS6Tc6eohlLcSs/s1600/Clinton_Goldman_Blankfein_rtr_img.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="896" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT9VMd1Zf6EQZzIqvAEf55rTcEp5og9oKuYXB_9M_xlP8AU76Sp75eBPjNLipRKvTe39O1U-EK_Iw-mOp2SOYBGn8rH-ZKce0UgupoclDKbV5YjQgbkpNg_yR_ponbZS6Tc6eohlLcSs/s320/Clinton_Goldman_Blankfein_rtr_img.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For all my friends in New York and other states that have not held a
primary or caucus as yet. Please read this <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/the-problem-with-hillary-clinton-isnt-just-her-corporate-cash-its-her-corporate-worldview/" target="_blank">article</a> titled, <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/the-problem-with-hillary-clinton-isnt-just-her-corporate-cash-its-her-corporate-worldview/" target="_blank">The Problem With Hillary Clinton Isn't Her Corporate Cash. It's Her Corporate Worldview</a> by Naomi Klein in The
Nation on April 6, 2016. Photograph by Shannon Stapleton of Re<span class="credits">uters</span><br />
<br />
What you will see is a sharp contrast between
Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton on climate change and how accepting
money from energy companies to fund her election is compromising her
decision making and our future if we don't rapidly move away from fossil
fuels.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-14967389290621287342016-01-26T11:57:00.000-06:002020-04-26T11:58:43.868-05:00The Post's Wrong-headed Attack on Bernie Sanders's Health Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_lPYGEnA0tj8sMwk8vfEzHZQjKYvJS4RBENZ0xzhJ74M7CyYwEui16a0HunRk5yr9GvX5p3fdUMI-CaXT5xUAhpRlhpKGFZb_Gwwq635ojcCoAqoo1SwfCPwYBvA3DrZ6wTc4YK9GVc/s1600/RobertReich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_lPYGEnA0tj8sMwk8vfEzHZQjKYvJS4RBENZ0xzhJ74M7CyYwEui16a0HunRk5yr9GvX5p3fdUMI-CaXT5xUAhpRlhpKGFZb_Gwwq635ojcCoAqoo1SwfCPwYBvA3DrZ6wTc4YK9GVc/s1600/RobertReich.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
If you do not already do so, please take the time and follow former Labor Secretary <a href="https://robertreich.org/" target="_blank">Robert Reich's Blog</a>. He has the most level-headed thoughts on so many subjects of importance.<br />
</div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
In this post, titled <a href="https://robertreich.org/post/138312932370" target="_blank">The Post's Wrong-headed Attack on Bernie Sanders's Health Plan</a>, he called out a recent Washington Post Editorial that was slamming the Bernie Sanders single payor health care plan. Reich correctly points out that the Post is assuming that the United States has the best healthcare, which in case you have totally been immune to how our system operates, it does not. For so many reasons!<br />
<br />
Lets name a few. Very high rate of infant mortality, not all Americans have access to healthcare with 29 million still not covered by insurance, high deductibles that are pretty much unaffordable by even those earning good incomes, very high administrative costs with insurance companies, and all this while spending more per GNP than most all other western nations. Canada, which has a provincial single payor system, is showing longer life expectancy, even though, okay yes you may have to wait a bit longer for some specialized services. All Canadian citizens have access, however! It is a right and it is not a right in the United States. It needs to be!</div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
It is very refreshing to have a voice of reason today.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-32893677084884345872016-01-23T12:02:00.000-06:002020-04-26T12:03:24.690-05:00America - Bernie Sanders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKXm_8Xpkqj36BxSXSfY3FJDpHv0CnpVkE_XA2fylfoK_khkmrGHRdPmFXoQGT2jiqYExCsQPgaFSbNZQrJ4-13sG2WZ4KEgruU_qCxdeakVNN2_nlfo2B6Y5U4XV5z7KO8HyCIA9SiY/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-26+America+Bernie+Sanders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKXm_8Xpkqj36BxSXSfY3FJDpHv0CnpVkE_XA2fylfoK_khkmrGHRdPmFXoQGT2jiqYExCsQPgaFSbNZQrJ4-13sG2WZ4KEgruU_qCxdeakVNN2_nlfo2B6Y5U4XV5z7KO8HyCIA9SiY/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-26+America+Bernie+Sanders.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the best political ad that I have seen in years. It defines
Bernie Sanders and the political revolution that he stands for and has
stood for his whole career. No matter your political persuasion it is
hard not to see the brilliance in this 1 minute ad, titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nwRiuh1Cug" target="_blank">America</a>. Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-54396559722997314662015-12-06T12:23:00.000-06:002020-04-26T12:23:55.635-05:00Donald Trump: What's the Deal?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI67r0yeuDHn37A2Tr3G1ENbc96yZ0cNkrTUkyuw9N0SYVhul-WS7YZg1JFswB23mk0X-7Ux3x5nTgAcsO1yoDCXkoTb2F9p-YxZxJm9sMgmhAWNLgmYeArOobdGHCup9mTyBIjH5yVs0/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Trump+What%2527s+the+Deal+Trump+What%2527s+the+Deal+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI67r0yeuDHn37A2Tr3G1ENbc96yZ0cNkrTUkyuw9N0SYVhul-WS7YZg1JFswB23mk0X-7Ux3x5nTgAcsO1yoDCXkoTb2F9p-YxZxJm9sMgmhAWNLgmYeArOobdGHCup9mTyBIjH5yVs0/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Trump+What%2527s+the+Deal+Trump+What%2527s+the+Deal+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This documentary film called <a href="http://trumpthemovie.com/" target="_blank">Donald Trump - What's The Deal?</a> was
commissioned in 1988 by Leonard Stern as the first of a series on
celebrity businessmen. It was finished in 1991 and except for a couple
of showings was never released until August 3, 2015.<br />
<br />
Those of every political persuasion should
watch this film, especially if you are contemplating on voting for Trump
for President of the United States.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-6778092160496533822015-11-21T12:33:00.002-06:002021-03-11T07:48:53.265-06:00Bernie Sanders Democratic Socialism Speech at Georgetown University on November 19, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm1PtANYZwd5dPVgDvzJtqTC6AJcxUbNZxJhcL91Soi8KYAjbSDgDSy59aRMUpye0VBXksstTb0fzL2ZNgfsRy66SiipndVsmy9Mye6G_yDlVMIKjiwk5eIC4SXqSWzub-Yi_52YSsBs/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Bernie+Sanders%2527+Democratic+Socialism+Speech+at+Georgetown+University+11-19-15+%2523BernieAtGU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipm1PtANYZwd5dPVgDvzJtqTC6AJcxUbNZxJhcL91Soi8KYAjbSDgDSy59aRMUpye0VBXksstTb0fzL2ZNgfsRy66SiipndVsmy9Mye6G_yDlVMIKjiwk5eIC4SXqSWzub-Yi_52YSsBs/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Bernie+Sanders%2527+Democratic+Socialism+Speech+at+Georgetown+University+11-19-15+%2523BernieAtGU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RellDX599HY" target="_blank">Bernie Sanders Democratic Socialism Speech at Georgetown University on November 19, 2015</a>, the Senator explains Democratic Socialism.<br />
<br />
I invite those of all
political persuasions to listen to this very thought provoking speech
that calls out his beliefs on equality and social justice by evoking
both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King. While I do not
agree with everything Senator Sanders says there is much truth to his
words.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-72422728900688474742015-11-11T12:39:00.000-06:002020-04-26T12:42:03.810-05:00Veterans Day 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh342Wyk6uuxiewCjGEWF6wY-ZsSF-rDDxjW2bGjNhks_6Am1ZVuttcEZtjvrbBUKdYLrxFUkbmNscNEaquw7lRE6cyEFJaX-KgJ8iaz_hFAYgy8Z2qqDewL9ef7qMpZAj-E5p3jl9TAaM/s1600/tumblr_nxnwr2x8Xu1qf8gu2o1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh342Wyk6uuxiewCjGEWF6wY-ZsSF-rDDxjW2bGjNhks_6Am1ZVuttcEZtjvrbBUKdYLrxFUkbmNscNEaquw7lRE6cyEFJaX-KgJ8iaz_hFAYgy8Z2qqDewL9ef7qMpZAj-E5p3jl9TAaM/s1600/tumblr_nxnwr2x8Xu1qf8gu2o1_400.jpg" /></a></div>
To honor those that have served in the military this Veterans Day I put
forth a quote by Jennifer Granholm, former Governor of the State of
Michigan from 2003-2010.<br />
<br />
She says the following in a blog post on May
26, 2012 when discussing congressional funding for veterans. "Be Clear:
we can't equate spending on veterans with spending on defense. Our
strength is not just in the size of our defense budget, but in the size
of our hearts, in the size of our gratitude for their sacrifice. And
that's not just measured in words or gestures."<br />
<br />
Let us remember that it
is our obligation to not only honor our veterans but to take care of
them as well. As all of us know, we have a lot of work still to do to
fulfill that obligation.<br />
<br />
Happy Veterans Day 2015.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-76153409742875510262015-11-05T12:47:00.000-06:002020-04-26T12:48:10.159-05:00Chris Christie's Plea To Change How America Handles Drug Addicts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCr05VRoaL6wn_y-ErvYakzkxkMT6U9SdP-QD0JXSt6jMSlYJ0vg46GX4kBh9L420DbedgbQG93_iThNS4JUQdGOz6V49_DIw0tNCWKp-rjqAUWv5X1RHcSZGKt68PH9SS6H4yn0bd1E/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Chris+Christie%2527s+Plea+To+Change+How+America+Handles+Drug+Addicts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCr05VRoaL6wn_y-ErvYakzkxkMT6U9SdP-QD0JXSt6jMSlYJ0vg46GX4kBh9L420DbedgbQG93_iThNS4JUQdGOz6V49_DIw0tNCWKp-rjqAUWv5X1RHcSZGKt68PH9SS6H4yn0bd1E/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-26+Chris+Christie%2527s+Plea+To+Change+How+America+Handles+Drug+Addicts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the sanest speech that I have ever heard from New Jersey
Governor Chris Christie!<br />
<br />
The video of his speech titled, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdYMx7sycW4" target="_blank">Chris Christie's Plea To Change How America Handles Drug Addicts</a>, has gone viral and, I
can see why, because it is a very personal account of his mother and a
law school classmate who were addicted to nicotine and pain medication
respectively.<br />
<br />
The speech was given at a campaign event in Belmont, New
Hampshire and his message is that addicts need to be treated instead of
judged and jailed. Christie went on to draw a parallel between his
pro-life views on abortion and addition. He said “I’m pro-life, and I
think that if you’re pro-life that means that you have to be pro-life
for the whole life, not just the nine months they are in the womb. It’s
easy to be pro-life for the nine months they’re in the womb. They
haven’t done anything to disappoint us yet. They’re perfect in there!
But when they get out, that’s when it gets tough.”<br />
<br />
No matter your views
on Chris Christie, abortion, or addiction this video is worth watching!Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-15539662336353004702015-08-21T13:51:00.000-05:002020-04-28T13:52:21.953-05:00July 2015 was officially Earth's hottest month in recorded history<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU88xv9T0it8oo2uBiuM7l4lOYT3VunLMjrkShOFo37KfOg0YKmmww3_O3IhLT2xBGM9jCZIdA95btT_-XipY9ztKDS5KjKxY7kzR437J3Y05rE3Ii7kW93Tf6hPsXPK2EMi7uHMf1Px8/s1600/wp-content%25252Fuploads%25252F2015%25252F08%25252Fnoaa-july-2015-640x495.jpg%25252Ffull-fit-in__950x534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="950" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU88xv9T0it8oo2uBiuM7l4lOYT3VunLMjrkShOFo37KfOg0YKmmww3_O3IhLT2xBGM9jCZIdA95btT_-XipY9ztKDS5KjKxY7kzR437J3Y05rE3Ii7kW93Tf6hPsXPK2EMi7uHMf1Px8/s320/wp-content%25252Fuploads%25252F2015%25252F08%25252Fnoaa-july-2015-640x495.jpg%25252Ffull-fit-in__950x534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
There have been several articles on global warming and this is another one titled, <a href="https://mashable.com/2015/08/20/july-2015-warmest-month-noaa/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedly" target="_blank">July 2015 was officially Earth's hottest month in recorded history</a>, from Miriam Kramer at Mashable.<br />
<br />
This issue is not a new one but it seems like heat records are being broken at an alarming rate. When is there going to be real action taken or are we destined to be like frogs in water that continues to get hot to the point of boiling?<br />
</div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
While I don't want to minimize the work that several groups have been doing to reduce carbon emissions we need to step it up big time. A carbon tax, while it will be painful, is the right thing to turn the incentives around towards a more sustainable energy policy. Fracking, while keeping oil prices down, is causing measurable unwanted changes and is not the long-term solution.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
We all need to do more, including myself, but we also need to elect leaders that stop denying and start doing! Thank you for reminding us Miriam.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-70996124253086243762014-12-07T13:59:00.001-06:002021-03-23T11:40:38.277-05:00Sanders Details Economic Agenda for America<div class="_2m1qj">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmptu1U5_RwAPdGgIhj4UZiMdgoKVyRhyGTIhg4I2Eb72Z-73AejdpIv3TXg-DIxv5OEWWNd4RxOhoU3LYwFqTqRbOnC3TRJLivN6F9zpraawwZdF3Dw0YbtXmtKyr7AXJI2h10Iuu8cE/s1600/bernie_sanders_debate_alone_ap_img.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1440" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmptu1U5_RwAPdGgIhj4UZiMdgoKVyRhyGTIhg4I2Eb72Z-73AejdpIv3TXg-DIxv5OEWWNd4RxOhoU3LYwFqTqRbOnC3TRJLivN6F9zpraawwZdF3Dw0YbtXmtKyr7AXJI2h10Iuu8cE/s320/bernie_sanders_debate_alone_ap_img.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On December 2, 2014 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) outlined a progressive economic agenda to reverse a 40-year decline of the American middle class and the growing income gap. It is titled, <a href="https://www.occupy.com/article/sanders-plan-new-economic-agenda-america#sthash.B2Dx05JK.dpbs" target="_blank">Sanders Details Economic Agenda for America</a> and was originally published on his campaign website. Photograph by <span class="credits">John Locher of the Associated Press.<br /></span></div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
Senator Sanders details a 12-point economic program and while I don't completely agree with all the items they are worth some meaningful discussion. His 12 points and my comments are below. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>1. Invest in our crumbling infrastructure with a major program to create jobs by rebuilding roads, bridges, water systems, waste water plants, airports, railroads and schools.</b> We should have invested much more in infrastructure from the beginning of the recession rather then worrying about deficits. I would also add that we should invest in our broadband Internet speed. By providing open and widely available Internet it would create many new businesses and help us keep up with other developed countries. We should be a leader in this area! </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>2. Transform energy systems away from fossil fuels to create jobs while beginning to reverse global warming and make the planet habitable for future generations.</b> We are already behind in reducing our dependance on fossil fuel. We need to spend more money on alternative energy and, with gas prices falling now, it would be a good time to increase taxes on fossil fuel to fund alternative energy sources. There is not going to be one magic bullet for energy but lets get our American ingenuity moving to solve this one and again, take a world leadership role. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>3. Develop new economic models to support workers in the United States instead of giving tax breaks to corporations which ship jobs to low-wage countries overseas.</b> Why we ever thought it was a good idea to create tax incentives for companies to move jobs overseas I do not understand. We need to provide tax incentives for companies to keep workers in the US as this is also a national defense issue in having manufacturing infrastructure capability. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>4. Make it easier for workers to join unions and bargain for higher wages and benefits.</b> I have worked as a leader and manager in both environments. I find the best alternative to be for companies to provide all their employees with fair wages and benefits. Not just upper management or owners. If management did this there would be no need for unions. For companies to quickly react to changes in the marketplace unions can sometimes add extra time to processes. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>5. Raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour so no one who works 40 hours a week will live in poverty.</b> This is an absolutely no brainer to me. The only way to really get the economy going is to have money in the pockets of all workers. Everyone wins because more services and products are purchased which helps owners. Henry Ford had it right in knowing that workers in his plants had to have an income that allowed them to purchase the Ford car they were producing. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>6. Provide equal pay for women workers who now make 78 percent of what male counterparts make.</b> Why we allow this to continue makes no sense. I don't have all the reasons for this discrepancy but can't we fix it now? </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>7. Reform trade policies that have shuttered more than 60,000 factories and cost more than 4.9 million decent-paying manufacturing jobs.</b> See number 3 above. We have plenty of great workers here in the US. Witness foreign car companies that build quality vehicles here. As said above, I also find this a national defense issue. Look how we transformed factories to make equipment needed in WWII almost on a dime. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>8. Make college affordable and provide affordable child care to restore America’s competitive edge compared to other nations.</b> I like the reform bill that Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has introduced. It is criminal that some students are coming out of school with loans equal to a second mortgage and not ever having the ability to declare bankruptcy and reduce or restructure these loans. The loans are like debtor prison and the interest rate is way above market these days. We should be investing in education and having higher standards on the diploma mill schools that are big beneficiaries of these loans. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>9. Break up big banks. The six largest banks now have assets equivalent to 61 percent of our gross domestic product, over $9.8 trillion. They underwrite more than half the mortgages in the country and issue more than two-thirds of all credit cards.</b> It is criminal that big banks received bailout money with much of it because of speculative derivatives and other risky investments that they created. All the banks did was turn around and foreclose on mortgages forcing many Americans to loose their homes and dignity. To add further insult they took bonuses with our tax money. The bailout should have gone directly to individuals because the banks would have been paid through mortgage payments and people would have been able to stay in their homes. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>10. Join the rest of the industrialized world with a Medicare-for-all health care system that provides better care at less cost.</b> We spend more than any other country on healthcare but yet have public health statistics like a third-world country. We all pay and get a lot less because insurance premiums are just cost-shifted to pay for this mess of a system, anyhow. In other countries this is not even a political issue. Both conservatives and liberals from the countries that have a true health care system, that assists all, think we are just crazy. We are if you really look at the economics of what we are doing. I would add to Senator Sanders Medicare-for-all system the ability for individuals to purchase private insurance on top of this system. I also do not believe health insurance should be tied to employers and I say that both as an employee and for a leader that has to choose plans for workers. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>11. Expand Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and nutrition programs.</b> I am not sure about expanding Social Security and Medicaid. Social Security should transition to an income-based benefit and not just expand it for everyone. Many individuals do not need Social Security with the retirement plans that they have. If we have a comprehensive Medicare-for-all health care system I see no need for Medicaid. Nutrition programs, especially for young low-income children, are an absolute necessity for them to succeed in future years. </div>
<div class="_2m1qj">
<br />
<b>12. Reform the tax code based on wage earners’ ability to pay and eliminate loopholes that let profitable corporations stash profits overseas and pay no U.S. federal income taxes.</b> We have provided tax breaks to companies to send work overseas and then expect those still employed to pick up the big tab. I do agree that we need reform as we have high taxes for companies, however, most companies with tax breaks, are not really paying that rate. Lets stop arguing and lower the rates and eliminate the breaks and loop holes.</div>
Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846762410816903434.post-24996637921329558272014-11-09T14:04:00.000-06:002020-04-28T14:10:19.607-05:00In Defense of Obama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSas7AyZ3bGhfHwQXsA-10XT0uxTdhhQO4kGd5oyoBbb3CEM-NsTbYozsOhZDXSwZYB7E903esb1Q4lmz10XiMfMs0v60H_bFZsHJvyXtyXdNBKnoUKkwA5pt2hrIVAz2R9wXqrZ3Vcxc/s1600/Screenshot_2020-04-28+In+Defense+of+Obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSas7AyZ3bGhfHwQXsA-10XT0uxTdhhQO4kGd5oyoBbb3CEM-NsTbYozsOhZDXSwZYB7E903esb1Q4lmz10XiMfMs0v60H_bFZsHJvyXtyXdNBKnoUKkwA5pt2hrIVAz2R9wXqrZ3Vcxc/s320/Screenshot_2020-04-28+In+Defense+of+Obama.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Paul Krugman writes an excellent piece, titled <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/in-defense-of-obama-171648/" target="_blank">In Defense of Obama</a>, on the presidency of Barack
Obama.<br />
<br />
No matter what your political leaning this is a good factual read
on the many successes of our president. The article was published in
the October 23, 2014 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine.<br />
<br />
Paul Krugman is an American economist who is the Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a columnist for The New York Times.Edward R. Eroehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049979462336269000noreply@blogger.com0