trump

What “Make America Great Again” Really Means

5 Comments

I’ve been venting about Tomi Lahren for a few weeks, off and on, but this will be my final comments regarding her – at least I sincerely hope they are. I came to this decision because, much like the fellows over at The Buckley Club, I believe that in order for Conservatives to rebuild and move on, we must cut ourselves off from the toxic parasites currently reproducing in the diseased bowels of our movement. Such an infestation requires attention to continue its growth, and when I complain and whine I’m just giving them more of said needed attention.

I am finally ready to stop… after this post, of course. It might be a challenge, but I believe I can let go of the reactionary reins. I’m confident. Not Kanye West confident, but more like “I feel like I can walk past that plate of brownies” confident.

The X-Files the x files maybe mulder x-files Continue reading →

Tribalism

Death by Tribalism

6 Comments

“The source of every crime, is some defect of the understanding; or some error in reasoning; or some sudden force of the passions.” ― Thomas Hobbes

I’m going to ask my readers to bear with me on this one, because this post will feel as though I’m traveling down various rabbit holes and dragging you along with me. It’s going to be longer than normal – even my normal – but I hope you understand where I’m coming from in the end. You’ll get a glimpse of the mess that is my brain, but I’m doing so to provide a broad picture of how our tribe mentality has evolved. The good, the bad, and the ugly, all wrapped up in one post.

My post about why I’m supporting Evan McMullin (read here) made mention of the term “Tribalism,” and I received a good deal of feedback in regards to that particular label. I found myself explaining – repetitively – why I blame tribalism for the vast majority of our issues today, and why it’s at the core of my refusal to support either leading candidate. After having the conversations, I’m more convinced now than ever that it’s an important topic we need to discuss more often. Why?

Continue reading →

Bauer

Ten Reasons Why You Should Support Evan McMullin

26 Comments

So a lot has happened in the weeks between my last post and today, and now that the busy summer schedule is finally winding down I’ll be back to writing more frequently – and I’m pumped about it.

im back john wick i'm back movies keanu reeves

So, what all happened during this eventful break? Well, the conventions for both parties took place, and the narratives were surprising; the Left embracing a progressive quasi-patriotism it has been lacking, and the Right a stench of authoritarianism like we’ve never witnessed from a candidate – with any chance of ever winning – in American politics. The former lacking a candidate of character and as misguided in policy as they’ve been for many years, the latter utterly devoid of any principled foundation befitting a party prepared to lead the free world. Yet the people – adorned in their red, white, and blue apparel, some bathed in the artificial patriotism sold to them by an angry snake oil salesman – celebrate.

“The war for our soul has just begun,” we preach. A sobering set of words repeated ad nauseam from those – like myself – in the political trenches, found somewhere between the radical camps of big government, messianic certainty, socialism, nationalism, tyranny, and bitter ignorance. Many repeat the wishes of a redo as we as a country tear through the warning tape, and speed past the vast number of cautionary tales being replayed in our minds while a small portion of the nation celebrates in their reckless abandon, shaking the severed brake lines in their children’s faces. Continue reading →

Dems

Ready… Aim… Sit! And Pass the Pepperoni!

3 Comments

It’s political theater time again! 

By now you’ve heard about the marketing ploy, dressed up as La résistance, that took place on the House floor – literally – by Democrats. Maybe you’re one of the few wondering why this all went down, and what the Democrats wanted as a result. Now that the sit-in is over, I decided to write a condensed post that touches on as much of the debacle as possible. I highly encourage reading and watching the links I attach, as well.

Here goes! The week that nobody made you any safer: A recap.

What was clearly meant to conjure up emotions, and surely inflame cultural animosity, simply resulted in the crash and burn for any hope of meaningful dialogue.

Do you remember that scene in Jurassic Park when they lowered the cow into the Raptor cage? It was just full on disorder, animal moans, and inaudible screeches? This was not unlike that.

The House session officially ended in the wee morning hours on Thursday, but not before passing the Zika Bill.

Continue reading →

RyanRubioScott

Your Himalayan Blunder Notwithstanding, ‘I’m Sorry’ would do.

2 Comments

When I was little I was a rather delicate child, the type of kid who rarely found myself in trouble. Honestly, you could look at me sideways and I’d repent of any wrong doing. I’d lose sleep if I knew I had misbehaved, and I’d run to my Mom and admit my minor wrongs with the enthusiasm of a murderer receiving their last confession. My Mom, knowing how little was required to bring about better behavior in me, would often keep it simple; “Admit you were wrong,” she’d say. “Give your apologies, learn from your mistakes, and do better.” 

It’s a simple concept really, yet many find it to be increasingly difficult in the world of politics. Unless, of course, you’re Leslie Knope.

It’s a rare gem – worthy of news – to hear the words “I was wrong, please forgive me” from a politician. However, I believe it is exactly what we need. While this post will garner very little attention compared to most, and it’s doubtful that anyone who needs to heed its advice will actually read it, here goes.

It’s another week, and we have – once again – been presented with another pile of corrosive nonsense from the presumed Republican nominee. In addition to the increased ammunition against what must be the most bulletproof campaign in United States History, we’ve been presented with more politicians who are actually attempting to chastise Trump for his depraved ideals and tactics, while also continuing to pledge their support to him.

Continue reading →

books

Political Epiphany – I’ve met my ‘match’

11 Comments

Some may be surprised to find that if given the choice, writing fiction is far and away my first love – as opposed to giving my puddle deep personal reactions to current political issues. If I’m ever less of a coward, I might actually act on those ambitions, but until that day comes, here I am, offering up my opinions on the world around me. That said, my admiration for the world of fiction has so often molded my perspective on the world, and I believe that the most penetrating ideas, theories, and useful metaphors are born in the musings of make believe. As Albert Camus once said, “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”

This week I was engaging in a countless number of political debates on social media – it was just one fight after the other. I eventually deleted a few points that I had made, because – while I had not crossed the Rubicon – I had gone up to the political discourse etiquette line and began flirting with the other side. My post (read here) was mild in nature, yet set off a vast row of tumbling dominoes, and in the end I was given the labels of “purist” and “cannibal” by those who once appreciated my unabashed honest take on politics.

In this situation, standing by my principles required that I go against my personal desires, which also meant going against the desires of many who follow me.

Rubio has said multiple times that he tried to defeat Trump, that he did his best in the primaries to stop him from blanketing the conservative movement with the nationalist, racist, and sexist ideals of an egomaniac who has the power to utterly destroy. I agree, Marco tried. But Marco’s 2016 election legacy won’t be that he tried, it will be that when his own agenda failed he waved the white flag. While many refuse to fault him for this, and even I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be in his shoes, I will not apologize for expecting more.

Continue reading →

Captain Obvious

Quantifying Trump – Reproving Occam’s Razor

8 Comments

Until today I’ve been quiet on the internet lately, and I suppose it’s due to the “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all!” rule. If I said exactly what I’ve thought over the last few weeks, my list of allies would dwindle down at an unprecedented speed. Now, I’ve followed the rule fairly well, but yesterday I said I disagreed with Rubio and suddenly had the fiery depths of hell thrust upon my Twitter mentions and DMs. So, I’ve just decided to rip the proverbial band-aid off and pour alcohol on the wound.

How did we get here?

It’s a question we’ve all frequently asked ourselves throughout the last year, but very few have come close to giving an accurate answer. Most want to blame some mythical GOP establishment, others want to pretend like our politicians have been sitting dormant throughout Obama’s presidency – both are about as far from the truth as Twilight is from reality. I think the first step is realizing that Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are not the disease, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are merely a symptom of the disease.

I’ve been keeping track of actual statements that have been said to me, or in a general discussion, over the last two weeks (including some from today’s bloodbath on my social media accounts), and today I’m going to address them. I’m also going to tell you how such statements have paved the way for men like Trump. It’s not just about the state of our political party, it’s about the state of both political parties, and the country as a whole.

Continue reading →