What kind of country do we want to be?

The last night of the Democratic National Convention underscored the stark contrast between the two men who are running for President of the United States this year. Do we want kindness and compassion or meanness and indifference? Do we want a President who helps someone who stutters, or someone who makes fun of folks who do? Do we want someone who admires and befriends strongmen, or someone who listens to and supports other democratic leaders? Do we want someone who values truth, or someone who is willing to say whatever it takes to win? Do we want someone who is only interested in those who support him, or someone who tries to accommodate those with whom he disagrees?

Whatever one might think of his ideology or policies, it is clear that Joe Biden is a man of character and integrity. It is clear that he is someone who has suffered loss and has refused to wallow in self-pity. It is also apparent that he loves this country and is devoted to public service.

For me, the choice is clear. Those who are familiar with this blog know that I decided long ago that Donald Trump is unfit for the office he currently holds - that I would NOT support his reelection was a forgone conclusion. I am, however, pleasantly surprised that my vote does not have to be negative - it will not be an unpleasant task to vote FOR Joseph R. Biden for President of this republic! And I hope all of you will consider doing the same.

Here We Go Again!

 The Wall Street Journal has published an article about current efforts by foreign actors to interfere in the upcoming 2020 U.S. election. Apparently U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia, China and Iran are all actively working to influence American voters ahead of the November election. See the article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/russia-working-to-damage-biden-s-white-house-bid-spy-agencies-say/ar-BB17HAvg?ocid=msedgntp

Their reporting is confirmed by the Director of The National Counterintelligence and Security Center, William Evanina. In a statement on their website, he wrote:

"China is expanding its influence efforts to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and counter criticism of China. Beijing recognizes its efforts might affect the presidential race.

Russia’s persistent objective is to weaken the United States and diminish our global role. Using a range of efforts, including internet trolls and other proxies, Russia continues to spread disinformation in the U.S. that is designed to undermine confidence in our democratic process and denigrate what it sees as an anti-Russia 'establishment' in America.

Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions and divide the country in advance of the elections. Iran’s efforts center around online influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content."

See his full statement here: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/ncsc-newsroom/item/2136-statement-by-ncsc-director-william-evanina-100-days-until-election-2020

In short, here we go again! Let's hope Russia isn't as successful this time as they were in 2016! Hopefully, a Biden Administration will take a more active role in fighting back against these attempts.

 

FACT CHECK: Trump has NOT done more for blacks than Abraham Lincoln or John Lewis!

Donald Trump says "Nobody has done more for black Americans than I have." He makes this claim because of black employment statistics during his administration prior to the economic downturn resulting from the pandemic.

For the sake of argument, let's give Trump credit for creating those jobs. Abraham Lincoln emancipated the slaves and made black Americans citizens of these United States. John Lewis was one of the primary figures in the Civil Rights Movement and worked tirelessly to ensure that black Americans had a voice at the ballot box. Hmmmm, in the grand sweep of history, three years of job creation doesn't seem like much compared to those achievements. What do you think?