OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

Dear President Obama,

I have heard and read reports of your efforts to reach out to leaders in Congress concerning the open seat on the US Supreme Court.  In spite of your efforts, it appears that Mr. McConnell and the Republican caucus in the Senate are still determined to wait until the next President takes office, and sends them a nomination.  Apparently, they feel that in choosing a new President, the American people will also be choosing the next nominee for the court.  I can imagine that this fills you with frustration, and yes, while I don’t agree with it, I can also see the map of thinking by a Republican Majority Leader.  It is not without logic, but I’m not sure it serves the country very well.  So, what do you do? 

U.S. Supreme Court

I have an idea about what you can do on this issue.  I believe my idea resonates with both your position as President, and your skills as a constitutional professor and a very capable public speaker.  Frankly, I believe it connects with your passions, and many of your core beliefs as I understand them.  So, what is my idea?

Leave the “fight” behind on filling the open US Supreme Court position, and take the high ground.  Begin a persistent conversation with the America people about the US Constitution, and the US Supreme Court.  In this campaign season, make this your campaign.  Become a professor to the nation on this issue, and these topics.  Calmly remind us of the steps required to fill the open seat, and where responsibility for each step lies.  Resist sarcasm and embrace sincerity.  Through history lessons, remind us what qualifications and attributes the greatest justices brought to the bench.  President Kennedy gave a speech with similar intent on the topic of peace at American University on June 10, 1963.  He was eloquent as I believe you can be.  

Rise above the partisanship and tug of war between the Democratic and Republican parties.  Ignore the special interests.  Focus on helping America find a new justice who will do their part in fair constitutional interpretation, and writing good law.  Then after all of this, you may find that the American people will tell both the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate that they should consider a nomination by you.  Or, at least you will know that if you are unable to submit a nominee, you have prepared the ground by raising the bar of excellence so that the next President will have to meet a high standard with their nominee.  The American people will require it. 

I know these suggestions and my thoughts are unconventional, but all of us are longing for quiet steady leadership.  If you will give us this leadership, you will be as a  “father to the nation,” and be taking steps which will unite us.  You are clearly a loving husband to First Lady Michelle, and a dedicated father to Sasha and Milia.  So, I believe this role will feel comfortable to you.  By leading in this way, you will be laying the corner stones and building blocks of a great appointment, whoever makes it.  Spend the time with all of us in America to build our expectations for excellence.  Then it’s up to us.  I believe in America as you do, and I don’t think we’ll let you down.

President Obama, great Presidents are remembered for how they lead the country, not their party. Leaders don’t always do what is expected.  That’s why they are leaders.  Do the unexpected.

God bless you and God bless America, 

David W. Wygant

Copyright © 2016 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved. 

Minnesota Primary Results

Yesterday, August 12th, 2014, the Minnesota primary election was held.  Current reporting is indicating that only slightly less than 10% of the eligible voters cast a vote.  According to predictions, this seems to be what everyone expected.  The reasons given are classic:  Midterm election, Disinterest or disgust in politics generally, or maybe in Minnesota we’re doing pretty well according to some.  For better or for worst, depending on your point of view, the budget is in balance at the moment, and our unemployment rate is generally low.  Of course, if you don’t have a job, you wouldn’t consider pretty low as good enough.  Nonetheless, and in any event, the primary election results are now in.

Let’s look closely at the statewide races.  This year in Minnesota the statewide top of the ticket race for Governor is between Mark Dayton (incumbent-Democrat) and Jeff Johnson (challenger-Republican).  The race for U.S. Senator from Minnesota is between Al Franken (incumbent-Democrat) and Michael McFadden (challenger-Republican).  Now the candidates reset their clocks and begin campaigning to win the election in November.

It’s also time for we voters to reset our clocks and watch what the candidates do next.  Let’s get into the habit of using the Voting Alert Beacons.  We can start with the core Beacons:  Beacon #3:  Listen/Ignore, Beacon #4: The Polls, and Beacon #5:  The Money.

Beacon #3:  Listen/Ignore

Go back to the Voting Alert Beacons blog and review the detail of this step.  At its core is that we want to only listen to what the candidate says about themselves, their positions on the issues and what they plan to do.  Ignore everything else they say.  To begin, check the candidate’s websites.

Mark Dayton

Jeff Johnson

Al Franken

Michael McFadden

Beacon #4:  The Polls

This is about what you shouldn’t do.  I know that sounds negative, but it’s important not to read polls and not to participate.  When a candidate’s representative call you, a polling company appears, or the media interrupts your day, just say no.

Beacon #5:  The Money

Let’s start with the numbers as of the end of July (see below).  This information comes from the Federal Election Committee and from the state of Minnesota.  Generally, it’s what we might expect (not saying this is OK).  The incumbent has a lot more money in total and they have a lot more money from PACs and special interests.  Again, review Beacon #5 and remember the ideal candidate won’t take money from special interest groups and only smaller amounts from individuals.

Minnesota Governor Candidates

Mark Dayton

Individual  $549,437.07

Lobbyists  $11,540.00

PACs  $41,446.86

Jeff Johnson

Individual  $204,640.29

Lobbyists  $2,898.40

PACs  $1,050.00

Minnesota Senate Candidates

Al Franken

Individual  $12,442,034.00

PAC  $1,003,139.00

Candidate  $0.00

Other  $1,680,395.00

Michael McFadden

Individual  $3,147,166.00

PAC  $249,500.00

Candidate  $5,200.00

Other  $2,448.00

NOTE:  There is a lot more money in the senate race because contributors (individual and special interest) from all over the country send money.  Human nature being what it is, the result is that whoever our Senator is really doesn’t faithfully represent Minnesota, as they should.

OK, VOTERS, let’s get to work.  Let’s get ready to vote in November by following the Voting Alert Beacons along the way.

Spread the word!  Tell your friends about the Voting Alert Beacons!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2014 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

COMMENT AND QUESTION: The Search for Truth

Comment

In a Voting Alert Beacons post on May 17, 2014, I discussed the virtues of truth and honesty.   Following is a portion of what I wrote:  

“Truth can be found in the alignment of our senses with ideas and viewpoints that are supported by facts.  To pursue the truth we need to use our intellect, our spirit and all of our powers of intention.   It has always been a quest, and still is.

Outside of a way of living, talking about something, or in taking an action, honesty doesn’t mean much.  However, it is everything when our lives, the words we speak, and the actions we take line up perfectly with the truth.  The truth, not from only our point of view, but from point of view of others, too.  Our honesty isn’t so much about ourselves as it is about how we treat others, the actions we take, and what we give of ourselves to the world around us.”

It is perhaps the most important goal for us as citizens that the public servants we elect are truthful and honest.  This is not only true for how we work together as Americans, but it is equally true for how we treat the world around us, especially our closest friends and allies.  An example the world is currently experiencing is the conflict between Israel and Hamas (it’s not between Israel and the Palestinian people).

Two days ago, I posted another “Comment and Question” about Hamas and the lack of support President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the administration are showing Israel.  I also included comment about Britain, Germany and France, and how weak they are at this point in history as evil seems to be emerging everywhere.  Lastly, I questioned the Media in terms of factual and unbiased reporting.  The Media as a group generally claims that they are presenting all the facts and reporting with no bias.  Well, maybe not.  

Somehow the truth seems to emerge eventually though. Today, I found several videoclips (Facebook and Twitter) that are factual, truthful and simple.  See what you think.

The Middle East Problem

The Empty Spaces in Gaza

Questions

President Obama, have you done your homework?  Did you view the above videoclips?  Has this kind of information been presented to you in your intelligence briefings?  If you haven’t seen this kind of information before, as President, have you fixed the problem for the future?

Secretary Kerry, why did you even think it was a good idea to negotiate with Hamas?  You realize that they are on our American (and most other countries) terrorist organization list, right?  Do you understand that the strongest negotiating position is always from truth and honesty?  

Media, I asked in my post two days ago why no one seemed to be able to find information about what Hamas is doing on the ground.  Others, not in the media, seem to find information.  Why haven’t you?  Why do you interview Hamas leaders and members?  Why do you give a listed terrorist organization a “microphone?”  Do you realize that if you were a company doing business with Hamas, it would be illegal?  I’m not at all in favor of limited the Media and curtailing the First Amendment, but can’t you just present all the sides with more truth and honesty?

BOTTOM LINE:

Now and in the future, when we cast our votes and elect public servants, let’s work harder at finding people who will serve with truth and honesty.  If it’s the President, lets elect someone who will lead from the “high ground.”  If it’s Congress, let’s elect people who begin with truth and honesty as they find common ground to work together from, and solve problems.

Spread the word!  Tell your friends about the Voting Alert Beacons!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2014 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

Could Mayors Do A Better Job?

I promise you won't regret spending the 18 minutes needed to listen to Mr. Barber.  You will see it as time well spent. 

In his TED presentation, Benjamin Barber offers a thoughtful analysis on why democracy seems to be in trouble in America and around the globe.  His thoughts connect well and make sense.  See what you think!

http://www.ted.com/talks/benjamin_barber_why_mayors_should_rule_the_world.html

What do you think about his idea of "changing the subject?"  Do you believe him when he says that mayors already rule the world?

In my previous post, I proposed we keep our Senators and Representatives in our states and districts more than we send them to Washington DC.  If we do, won't they feel the need to get things done just like mayors?  Perhaps, they will learn from the mayors. 

What would happen if we were to cast our votes as if voting for city mayors or council people?   Use the Voting Alert Beacons to increase the power of your vote.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2014 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.

A New Vision - Bring Them Home

What if Representatives and Senators moved their principal office from Washington DC back to their districts and states?  With the transportation and communications systems available in this modern era, there are many reasons why it would work and even more reasons why it would be a good step for better public service and good government.  Keep in mind that very profitable companies now work daily on a global distributive model.

What does some of the fine print look like?  What does this mean?  In terms of the week, this might mean our public servants are in Washington DC on Monday and Tuesday.  For the remainder of the week, they are close to their constituents.  In terms of staying in touch, keep in mind that individuals and groups of people are now routinely connected with each other no matter where they are on the face of the planet. 

What else might change? 

The most important high level change is that they are closer to who they represent.  It is easier for them to remember where they come from.  Their “memberships” in the political parties will be correctly balanced by proximity to their constituents.  Their representation of us becomes stronger then their allegiance to issues and parties. 

The Representatives and Senators are also closer to their state government counterparts.  When they properly work together, they form an important counter weight to the accumulation of power in the federal government.  State’s rights is reinforced.

Special interests would have a more difficult time asserting influence.  The special interests will find it difficult and costly establishing a lobby office in each state.  Now they just set up one office in Washington DC.

Local media becomes more important and pronounced.  National media will have some of the same problems as special interests.

There will be important practical advantages too.  It will be less expensive to set up state or district office versus a very expensive and egocentric DC office.  The perks of office will likely be more normal if the Representative and Senators are close to their constituents.

Goal:  Work toward a time when great ideas will cast a show on the accumulation of great power.

Spread the word!  Tell your friends about the Voting Alert Beacons!

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They always have been and always will be.

Dave

Copyright © 2014 by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.