[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Boomer

If this country does not get moderates in power, we (well, actually our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren) are going to have a mess of a country — from all directions.

On one side, hate and conspiracy theories and re-writing history (Orwellian-style) are ruling people I thought were normal, people I have known all my life. I think there is neuroscience behind some of this that has converted the thought processes of the susceptible.

The common denominator is that they tune into screens that constantly hammer the emotional part of their brains with fear, hate, paranoia, urgency — negative emotions — until obsession kicks in and takes over their lives, launching them into a frenzied alternative universe where lies are truth and truth is lies — and, sadly, often poisoning longterm relationships.

Btw, the use of references to the novel 1984 that we so often see thrown around by conspiracy theorists and their ilk is a bassakwards reference. In Orwell’s book, there are 4 Ministries with titles that mean the opposite. The Ministry of Truth is actually the department of propaganda. Orwell must be spinning in his grave to see his dystopian novel used as part of the current propaganda machine. Maybe they should actually read the book — won’t happen though.

On the other side, I am seeing things I do not understand, and I keep thinking I must be missing something. This child credit thing is one of those things.

If the government wants to actually do something to lift children from poverty, the money would be more effectively spent by setting up and staffing well-run daycares and pre-schools for working parents whose earning ability does not allow them to get ahead — but they are going to work. This would not only make childcare accessible for lower-earning working families, but it would give the children a good start on learning.

I also think there should be more of an incentive for corporations to set up on-site childcare to be available for working women. I know some employers have this, but not enough do. I think this could be an excellent use of tax incentives for employers.

As I said, I do not understand this child credit thing, but my first thought is that it is naive. Actual planning time and money could be far better spent on an overall plan to help working parents with an ongoing investment in facilities and staffing for childcare and early education.

If such a thing were to actually happen on a nationwide scale, all of our society would benefit. Doling out money to individuals looks to me like a naive attempt at a quick-fix that might work for a percentage of families, but a lot of it will fall through the cracks — as do so many of our nation’s children.

I am truly and deeply concerned that hate and lies are winning the fight for the Soul of America. The party of most of my past has morphed into something monstrous that will devour us. But the naïveté from the other side needs to be brought in line.

If you have read this, you have seen what a moderate looks like — albeit a socially, slightly left-leaning moderate with a head for money and a strong opinion on how the government could spend it wisely to do some actual good.

Boomer — a for-real moderate (an endangered species)

So when are you starting your run for US Senate???? I'd be happy to contribute!