I have pledged to not use this forum to represent or speak against a political candidate, and so far have kept this pledge. But, as a wordsmith and student of history, I can, and will define some terms to try to make sense of the chaos.
#1. Our Constitution set up three branches of government so they could operate the keep checks and balances on each other. We are choosing those we hope who can keep their duties as executives, legislators, and judges and not overstep their bounds. Unfortunately, the last twenty years or so, legislators vote party lines rather than rationally dealing with the language of the bills they debate. There is little compromise, and many worthy bills and proposals never get to vote.
Therefore, executive orders have emerged in order to get things done. And, in recent times, the judicial system has ceased to be blind and has been used to prosecute those in opposing political parties, spending millions of taxpayer dollars, embroiling itself in controversy, and ceasing to apply laws equally. In other words, all three sections of government have overstepped their bounds established in the Constitution.
#2 Today’s newspapers and TV channels are misusing terms. Here are some According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the differences in this election display terms such as Fascism and Socialism, though they are blurred and subtle. America needs to choose between characteristics of each of these, yet stay in the guidelines of the American Constitutional provisions. “Fascism refers to a political movement characterized by extreme nationalism, strict social and racial hierarchies, and forcible suppression of opposition, among other tendencies. Socialism refers to a political movement that advocates for the removal of social inequality and the collective or governmental ownership and control of the means of production (what the economy produces and how).”
#3 What is an executive? What are his/her duties, responsibilities, characteristics, traits, abilities?
Again, according to Merriam-Webster: a: of or relating to the execution of the laws and the conduct of public and national affairs
b: belonging to the branch of government that is charged with such powers as diplomatic representation, superintendence of the execution of the laws, and appointment of officials and that usually has some power over legislation (as through veto)
As voters, we need to assess each candidate’s ability to fulfill this role. Executive responsibilities with budgets, deadlines, oversight, judgment, ability to work with others to achieve goals, stature among international groups and heads of state, ability to communicate, and stature or authority, and proven judgment in times of crisis must be apparent to the voter. We must have confidence in our leaders.
#4 Illegal: again, according to Merriam-Webster: : a person who enters or lives in a country without the documentation required for legal entry or residence
#NGO: nongovernmental organization: how taxpayer funds supply funds for relocating and caring for illegal aliens (not migrants-which indicates people go between countries and do not try to become citizens of the second country) “ATLANTA (NewsNation) — From the local to the state and federal level, Americans are paying a hefty price for the humanitarian crisis at the southern border, and in a way, the federal government is able to hide the true cost of the border crisis from the public through NGOs.
The majority of migrants arriving in cities like New York or smaller towns across America, do so with the help of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) — organizations like charities or religiously affiliated nonprofits.
In the past two years, Border Patrol holding stations have constantly been at overcapacity in dealing with the massive influx of migrants crossing illegally into the U.S. When this happens, Border Patrol releases processed migrants to NGOs to shelter, feed and coordinate travel for migrants to their final destination.
“Once received, whether it be the adult population or the families, the sites will then work with them, and the general term that we use is we go through a ‘processing.’ ” John Martin, the deputy director for the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, said. “That processing is to facilitate travel to the destination of their choice.”
NGOs receive billions of taxpayer funds through several federal departments like the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services.
According to Forbes, the NGO Catholic Charities USA received $1.4 billion from government support compared with $1 billion in private donations. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service reported more than $93.1 million in U.S. government grants.” Jorge Ventura, Devan Markham
Updated: Jun 7, 2023 / 01:10 PM CDT https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/ngos-american-tax-dollars-migrants/
Enough said. We, as citizens have a responsibility to assess our information, make informed decisions, and understand the implications of name-calling and inuendo. May we exercise informed decision making this week. Note: I have already voted. bwj
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