Politics in 140 Characters or Less

Has it really come to this?  The exchange of ideas and opinions in politics has been reduced to 140 characters, a meme, or short quote?  The most popular and most read pieces today are those which are just quick hits.  Gone are the days where most people read an entire article, opinion piece, research paper, or economic analysis.  The vast majority of Americans now rely on the quick and easy to argue their opinions or positions.

Have Americans attention spans completely disappeared?  Whether one goes on Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, or other social media, people are most likely to respond to the quick and short pieces.  The numbers are staggering when you start paying attention; people "like" pictures and short quips much more than well researched and published pieces.

In addition, even when people glance at pieces, they assume the title says it all.  Have they not heard the phrase, "never judge a book by its' cover?"  A title may say something, but it is the details that matter more.  It is the details and information contained under the title which give breadth and depth to the matter at hand.  Yet, so few of us continue to inform ourselves.  Even those of you now reading this, are part of that small crowd who continue to search for information.  And, I hate to tell you, there is little information but my opinion in this editorial.

Maybe I can find a meme for this article?

Government Advertising

Why should a government be allowed to advertise services to the people?  After all, it takes taxpayer money to fund the advertising and costs more money when people use the services.   Sure, people need to be informed of services available to them in times of need.  But, most of the services advertised would only be missed by people living under rocks.

First, there is the advertising of Healthcare.gov. Really, do we need advertising to promote this? Do you know anyone that does not know about the ACA, aka Obamacare?

What about the cost?  It is no secret that many government plans cost taxpayers excessive amounts.  Just how much is being spent to advertise the handouts?  It is hard to say, since the numbers are so deeply buried in line items that it

Conservative Love...How the Media Has it All Wrong!

There is something special about my political affiliation overlooked by many. In fact, it is doubtful that many even think about it, even thought they are part of it. Conservatives offer a brotherly love that cannot be found in any other political association.  

Tonight, the distinction was made clear to me on Twitter of all places!  I had decided that I could not think of anything to write about, yet I wanted to post something original, or at least, derived from an interaction or thought.  Rather than stare at my blank screen, I decided to use the time to expand my fellowship on Twitter.  I did what many newbies to social networks will do; follow their friends followers.  Simply put, I went through my Twitter feed and followed each re-Tweet from those I followed which was Conservative in nature.  I soon realized that my phone was annoying me, beeping like mad, as people responded.  So, I did what any normal person would do; I muted the damn thing!

Splash...There is Some Lemonade in Your Face!

Sometimes, life throws lemons at us and other times, it throws lemonade at us.... Yes, life can get a bit sticky!  My mom always taught me never to discuss politics, religion, or race.  But, I have found that not discussing these topics with friends and strangers leads to a pretty dull life. Sometimes, it is more fun to live outside the cultural "norms".  Yes, one has to be careful on what they state, to a certain extent.

Today, I was, once again, pleasantly surprised in a conversation with a friend of mine.  I have known him and his wife for about 2 years now, but we have never really gotten into politics before.  Our sons are inseparable, playing together every moment that they can.  Yet, in all that time, we have never really discussed politics.  I am not really sure why?  They know I write, wear my opinions on my sleeves and am not afraid to speak my opinion to anyone.  Since they had never made a comment on Facebook, Twitter, Google, or any other social media, I just assumed they had no interest in politics.