A Crazy, Busy Week in Politics – “The Sunday Political Brunch” – August 1, 2021
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A Crazy, Busy Week in Politics – “The Sunday Political Brunch” – August 1, 2021
“Jan 6th Investigation” – Day One of the Select Committee on the January 6th Capitol Riot was stunning and breathtaking. To hear the four brave police officers testify was just jaw-dropping, as they were clearly outnumbered, and in danger of losing their lives. Hearing a Black officer repeatedly called the N-word was jarring. The most amazing thing though was the officers’ restraint. They could have legally opened fire on their attackers, as deadly force is allowed to counter deadly force. Courts have long upheld clear cases of police self-defense. Part of me wonders that, if they did open fire, might it have dispersed the crowd and chased the attackers away? But it’s a gamble, it could also embolden the attackers.
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“Caught with Our Pants Down Again!” – We are on the verge of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. That attack was no surprise. U.S. intelligence had plenty of information for years that Al Qaeda was likely to launch an assault on U.S. soil, after its deadly attack on two U.S. embassies in Africa in 1996. Fast forward to 2021, and there was plenty of evidence that a major, potentially violent assault on the U.S. Capitol was coming. You need to look no further than President Trump’s tweets, and those of his supporters. January 6th was the day for Congress to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. So, we knew a violent protest was heading to the Capitol, but the strategic response plan (if there even was one), was sadly lacking. Sound familiar?
“The Hoe!” –I love this story; I hate this story. Full disclosure: I strongly oppose the concept of “political correctness.” We are a country of free speech, not speech police. Let the marketplace decide. Let the public decide when it’s offended; don’t tell them when they should or shouldn’t be offended. If you say something stupid or offensive, you’ll face the consequences and public backlash. In a free and open market, potentially offended people be forewarned. But I’ll admit it’s one thing to speak freely, it’s another thing to have artificial intelligence, or AI, interpret what you said.
“Mark, What on Earth are You Talking About?” – The “Facebook Police” is a group of people, and even more so, a group of algorithms that monitor the social media site for offensive, racist, threatening, or hateful language. I get it. It’s a private business that wants to monitor, and if needed, regulate its content. The potholes happen when artificial intelligence can’t discern good versus evil, or even the multiple interpretations of one word. Case in point: A western New York garden club, known as WNY Gardeners on Facebook, was recently shut down. According to the Associated Press, the group was told, “We reviewed this comment and found it goes against our standards for harassment and bullying.” The offensive phrase was the mention of a popular gardening tool, known as a “push pull hoe.” Really!!! All I can say is Santa will be banned by Facebook, if this December he says, “ho, ho, ho!” Good grief!
“Infrastructure Vote” – It now appears we are ever closer to having a federal infrastructure bill. On a vote of 67 to 32, the Senate passed a procedural vote to start debate on the specific bill to improve infrastructure, to the tune of $1 trillion dollars. 17 Republicans joined with all 50 Democrats to make it a truly bipartisan effort. It will pass the Senate, but the big question remains in the House. Speaker Nancy Pelosi also wants President Biden’s $3.5 billion dollar reconciliation plan approved which includes billions for “social infrastructure” items such as childcare funding, and in-home adult health care. Many Republicans oppose the total price tag.
“Another Trump v. Bush Faceoff” – The Trump and Bush families are hardly political allies. In fact, some of the animosities can only be described as bitter. So, it’s no surprise that former President Donald Trump has endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) Texas, for reelection. Paxton is being challenged by Land Commissioner George P. Bush (R) Texas, the son of former Gov. Jeb Bush (R) Florida, and grandson of President George H.W. Bush. In a statement Trump said, Paxton is a "true Texan who will keep Texas safe." That is a clear slap at the Bushes, most of whom are not native Texans. (George P. grew up in Florida, the others in New England). But Texas adopted and loves the Bush family. This is a race to watch.
“Trump’s Texas Two-Step” -- There was a special election in Texas this week for an open House seat. Former President Trump backed Susan Wright, the wife of Rep. Ron Wright, who died earlier this year from COVID-19. But State Rep. Jake Ellzey upset Wright on a vote of 53 to 47 percent. This is one of the first tests of whether Trump’s backing will be a blessing or a curse in 2022. It’s just one race, so it’s not enough evidence to draw a conclusion or prediction yet.
“Sarah Sanders for Governor” – Another race where former President Trump is likely to weigh-in, is for governor of Arkansas. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, daughter of former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) AR, and Trump’s former spokesperson. Sanders made news this week, by agreeing to get vaccinated. "Like many of you, I have had a lot of misinformation thrown at me by politicians and the media during the pandemic. And, like many of you, I spent a lot of time sorting through it all, trying to make the best decision I could for myself and my family," Sanders said. Arkansas has had a low rate of vaccinations, and a big spike in positive cases during the latest surge. A bit of trivia, the Huckabee’s, like Bill Clinton, are natives of Hope, Arkansas. What are they putting in the water down there?
If the next presidential election were held today, for whom would you vote? Just click the comment button and let us know.
