TygrBright sez: I will not let them win the War on Christmas

The Qualifications This Democrat Seeks in a 2020 Presidential Nominee

First, and most important: Family values. The candidate I support must understand that the well-being of families of ALL types and configurations, of all races, faiths, national or ethnic origins is the most important concern of the Federal government. This certainly includes basic security (especially security from Russian propaganda, economic and political manipulation) but also educational and economic opportunity and - MOST CRITICAL - breathable air, drinkable water, sustainable food production from the earth for generations to come.

Second, and almost as important: A character appropriate for leadership of a complex and diverse people. The candidate I support must have maturity, compassion, intelligence, and an innate sense of ethical grounding. They must be able to weigh the benefits of a compromise against the costs- especially the non-monetary costs. They must be able to see the long-term as well as the short-term possible outcomes of a policy. And they must be able to make difficult decisions when competing interests and priorities among their supporters are at stake, and communicate effectively their reasons for a particular decision.

Third, and very important indeed: Political viability. This is a complex quality that balances experience and accomplishments against charisma and communications skills. It includes a "clean closet", a minimum of burned bridges, and enough humility to acknowledge what they don't know as well as what they do know. It strikes a balance between standing up firmly for core principles, and being flexible in accommodating differing agendas and priorities.

Fourth, and also important: The candidate should be in some way symbolic of the end of white heterosexual Christian patriarchal privilege. This doesn't mean that I won't support a caucasian male under any circumstances. It does mean I'd prefer someone who isn't a caucasian male, and if a caucasian male does want my support, their experience and their record should demonstrate their clear commitment to ending the privilege that comes with their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. "Clear commitment" including risks taken and accomplishments already achieved.

I do realize that I'm unable to get everything I want. While I've listed these qualifications in a rough order of importance, that doesnt' mean that I wouldn't weight them differently in combinations unique to distinct individuals.

Some of the definitions of terms I've used are also pretty individual to me as well- my definition of "innate sense of ethical grounding" will probably have ramifications that others may not have. But I'll know it when I see it.

hopefully,
Bright

Here's What They'll Do Next if Tuesday Brings an Overwhelming Blue Wave

I have seen it before, in many forms.

When they lose, this is what they do: They look for a fault line.

Then they start inserting wedges. Small ones at first. Silly-seeming ones.

They get lots and lots of wedges in.

Then they start banging on the wedges, trying to fracture and divide the ones who defeated them. Rob us of effectiveness and capability. Get us fighting one another, rather than pursuing the agenda that brought about their defeat and promised hope, making liars of us.

And we have one BIG fault line offering itself as a target.

So let's prepare.

What fault line am I talking about?

We're fighting back against racism and misogyny. We want to redress centuries of oppression of those marginalized for their brown skin and non-european ancestry. We want to root out the systemic patriarchy that has deprived half of our citizens of agency and equality. This is essential, if we are to secure the existence of this planet and a future for all children.

And therein lies the fault line.

All those white women who pick up the cell phone to tell the police about black people doing the scary stuff of daily life, not to mention the 'soccer moms' who voted for [Redacted].

All those rap lyrics about "hos" and "bitches" and the machismo cultures that produce stunningly toxic misogynists with brown skins.

It may be all too easy to divide us along that fault line. What are we going to do about it?

Can we prepare?

If we are lucky, Tuesday night may usher in an unprecedented wave of new leadership: Black and brown leadership. Female leadership. Young leadership. Exactly who we need to map out new paths to a better future.

Unless they successfully exploit that fault line and get us wasting all that energy against ourselves.

Can we be ready?

Strategies?

Suggestions?

Analysis?

Disagreement?

This enquiring mind wants to know.

thoughtfully,
Bright

Here's the thing about "Birthright Citizenship":

UNLESS you are a naturalized citizen, you are a "birthright citizen."

I'm a birthright citizen.

My mother is a birthright citizen.

Her mother was a birthright citizen.

Her mother's mother was a naturalized citizen.

My daughter is a birthright citizen.

My grandson is a birthright citizen.

If [Redacted] wants to 'end birthright citizenship' NONE of us would be citizens. Except maybe my great-grandmother who was naturalized.

What is [Redacted] even talking about?

Amendment 14, Section one, says: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

So if [Redacted] takes out the words "born or", we're left with... what? "All persons naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

WTF is he babbling on about? Disenfranchising millions of Americans?

Why is the country not rising up en masse and demanding his resignation?

bewilderedly,
Bright