Controversies over free speech on college campuses and othe place serve to remind us that free speech is in the eye of the beholder, and that people tend to disrespect expression they disagree with. The thing is, however, free speech really is a suicide pact. We’re either all in it together or not at all.
Donald Trump is pushing through radical right policies, including a tax revamp and a crackdown against immigrants. But Democrats could reverse all that if and when they retake power. So everything will be just fine. Right?
Some airlines are emulating low-cost carriers like Ryan Air to introduce new “sub coach” categories of passengers who receive even fewer privileges and worse treatment than the already abysmal coach. Which would be OK if the price were significantly lower…but that’s not always the case.
Republicans rammed through their tax bill without Democratic or popular support. Buried within this trickle-down economic sham are a bunch of secret provisions that have little to do with taxes, such as dealing a lethal blow to Obamacare.
Staff of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were told by supervisors not to use words like “science-based” and “vulnerable” because it might reduce their chances of obtaining funding from the Trump Administration and the Republican Congress. Where does this Orwellian mind control go next?
After a would-be suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in a subway tunnel near Times Square in New York City, it became immediately evident that he was one of those self-radicalized Muslims who was highly influenced by ISIS videos. Certainly it isn’t surprising that Muslims are angry at the United States for its terrible foreign policy and that some of those angry people will lash out with violence. But what does that say about us?
Democrats have only mounted token opposition to the Republican/Donald Trump tax plan despite the fact that it seems to go against a lot of things the Democrats are in favor of. What’s going on? Just like the Republicans, Democratic politicians rely on campaign donations by rich individuals and large corporations that stand to benefit from major tax cuts.
Minnesota Senator Al Franken was accused of grabbing constituent’s buttocks during photo ops and of pretending to grope the breasts of a fellow comic in a photo. He is resigning and has been disgraced. Meanwhile, Alabama senatorial candidate nearly won the special election and is viewed by the right as a hero. The difference? The more repentent you are, the more you get punished for sexual assault or harassment.
Politicians who are directly responsible for the murders of thousands of women walk away scot-free. Meanwhile, though to grab a few asses face the destruction of their careers. No intelligence is arguing that sexual harassment is acceptable, but let’s get serious: if women are important, shouldn’t their lives be important too?
As sexual harassment accusations proliferate against prominent man, especially in workplaces, don’t be surprised if you see some men shying away from any interaction with women.
