Politics ain't EZ

In a Facebook discussion of a particular political candidate, it was mentioned that he had served in the military. One commenter said, "What has military service got to do with running for office, anyway?" Well...

Let me preface this by saying that each individual is just that: an individual. Some benefit from training and experience more than others, and some are simply untrainable. With that caveat, you ask: What has serving in the military got to do with running for office?

The military teaches leadership. 

To be a good leader you first have to be a good follower. The military teaches that a good follower: Keeps their ego in check; forms strong credibility; is committed to a purpose; focuses their efforts for the maximum purpose; supports others

The values taught to support leadership include: Service before self;  loyalty; duty; respect; honor; integrity; ethics; courage; excellence. 

Where else, outside a solid, loving home are these values taught?

Those who have not served in the military would be dumbfounded to learn that much more time and resources are spent on values training than on the military skills of shooting, fighting, and killing.

Tell me: Which of these values and behaviors do you NOT want in a political candidate?

It is EZ to find what you are looking for

I just read an article on Medium.Com, entitled, "The Unintentional Racism Found in Traffic Signals" (https://level.medium.com/the-unintentional-racism-found-in-traffic-signals-b2899c34fefb"

Which caused me pause. Never mind the premise of the 'walk' signal being a 'white man' and the walker needing his 'permission.' Can an unintentional act or condition be racist? Is that possible?

I believe and freely grant that unintentional acts or conditions may be harmful and may need to be addressed and/or corrected. Harmful, yes. Racist? Not so much.

The definition of racism, courtesy of Dictionary.com, is:

(1) a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human racial groups determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to dominate others or that a particular racial group is inferior to the others.

(2) a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.

(3) hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

Where is there room for defining unintentional acts or conditions as racist?

Racism *requires* belief, policy, or action because of hatred or intolerance based on the belief that one of another group is inferior. I see no evidence that that can possibly be anything but intentional. An action might be unconscious or unrecognized and that action might be harmful and need to be corrected--that's why humans need to communicate with each other--and what a blessing to all that we can. But if it is racist -- it is, by definition, intentional.

After further reflection, I have noted that the title of the subject article really says a lot: "The Unintentional Racism *Found* in Traffic Signals." Not "The Unintentional Racism *Placed* in Traffic Signals." I guess one finds what one is looking for.

I brought home over $100 worth of fresh vegetables today from Safeway. I bought these because Glenda has decided she wants to follow a vegetarian diet. I thought I had enough veggies to last us a week. I came out of a meeting today at abut 2:30 to find that Glenda has chopped and is frying all of the new fresh veggies.

SMDH.