Anyone who has read my “rants” probably has figured out that I write in a stream of conscienceness. I don’t plan out my words. Yes sometimes I think about the subject before I start. But mostly I just get riled up and my fingers start thinking for themselves. Today, however, I have actually given quite a bit of thought to the subject. And l am not pissed off or riled up! Not that I wrote an outline or anything like that. But it is something that has been brewing in my head for a while. Now I just have to let my fingers do the talking.

Most people believe what their tribe believes. The group that surrounds people has to be alike in culture. Thoughts or beliefs that are anti to the tribe can result in feeling alone, left out, ostracized. People want to belong, they want to be part of the tribe. Anyone attempting to correct their beliefs is turned away and considered dangerous to the culture.

Arguing with someone who has strong-held beliefs can be frustrating if you believe they are wrong. The more one feels that their opinions are being discounted the stronger those opinions can become. No one wants to hear that they are wrong. And no one wants to bullied by those who cannot believe themselves to be wrong.

So let’s calm down and have civil arguments, proper debates and social gatherings where we can discuss and debate all sides of beliefs and opinions. Name calling and doomsday predictions will not bring sides to the table. We are a country of differences. That is what makes up our “American Culture”. We have hundreds, if not thousands, or sub-cultures within our borders but we all have common threads.

We want to be heard

We want to be believed

We want to be free

We want to count

I want to believe what I want to believe. I also want to listen to those who think differently. I need to know that I can be wrong and that I can change my mind when I find out. Others need to listen and know also.

There is nothing that can Make America Great Again more so than the acceptance of our differences and the commitment to understanding in what and why another believes. Politics, social hierarchies, financial class, none of these matter in the end. There will always be conservatives and liberals, upper class and lower class, rich and poor. That is what our country is made of. Muhammed Ali said it best “Different strokes for different folks”. (Truly it was Ali who is considered the first to use this phrase. Not Sly Stone.)

In just a few days we will hold, what is considered to be, one of the most important elections in our history. You all know where I stand. But now I am ready to listen to intelligent arguments. I hope that all of you out there will exercise your right to vote (only once) and that before voting you will search your conscience and make sure you are voting what you really believe and not just what your tribe says is right.

Let’s all calm down a bit.

I can feel it coming! The clash (not the band) between the government controlled military and the people of the U.S.

It starts with the “President?” claiming there are riots in California by people wanting to leave sanctuary cities. I live in California, I haven’t seen any rioting, haven’t heard anything on the news, from friends, nothing! This is a clear case of the the “President?” beginning the journey to a military state. He will continue to convince people that the country is on the verge of anarchy. And of course anarchy needs to be dealt with in harsh manners.

Now we hear that the caravan coming from Honduras is full of criminals, drug dealers, killers, etc.. Will there be a showdown at the border? The thousands of people making this march across thousands of miles have already faced blockades at the Mexican border city of Tapachula. Mike Pompeo stated that the caravan is using women and children “as shields as they make their way through (Mexico).” And “This is an organized effort to come through and violate the sovereignty of Mexico, We’re prepared to do all that we can to support the decisions that Mexico makes about how they’re going to address this very serious and important issue to their country.”

The “President?” had this to say about what would happen if Mexico doesn’t stop the caravan: “If that doesn’t work out, we’re calling up the military, not the guard, we’re calling up the military and we’re going to have the military stationed, They’re not coming into this country. They might as well turn back.”

The “president” is now equating Democrats with unruly mobs. Saying that anyone that votes for Democrats are crazy. Claims of violence and mayhem pepper his speeches. All the while he gloats over how Greg Gianforte’s body slam of Ben Jacobs help win the race for the Republican. Approval of violence when it suits his cause while stating that the other side is creating the violence.

We have long seen the admiration, even love the “president?” has for ruthless dictators. Adoring Putin, Kim Jung-un and the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Accepting the explanation of Jamul Khashoggi’s death is abhorrent. Once saying during a campaign that he loves the Saudis, they give him lots of money for apartments. And even in the face of the Crown Prince, MBS, once stating he had Jared Kushner in his “back pocket”, he still loves his despots. Remember when he said that he and Kim Jung-un “fell in love“. These are his people, his role models, his cohorts on the road to power.

These statements and more are leading the way towards full dictatorship. Convincing the citizens of upcoming violent revolution and anarchy is the way that dictators slowly take control. Pitting one side against the other is the only way that such an agenda can take hold. We must, as a country, not allow this type of action to become the norm. History shows what is in store for us.

Some of you may think I am a raving liberal. That’s not far off, but not quite on the nose either. I have always been what I would call fiscally conservative and socially liberal. I did not care much for McGovern and I didn’t mind Reagan. That really isn’t the point of this rant. Conscience is the point.

I would like to talk to women here…. Women, if you can say to yourself that you are happy with the way the republican majority publicly treat women, then vote your conscience. If you believe that the republican majority has the balls it takes to treat you as an equal, respective you, believe you, then vote your conscience. Would you want your daughter, sister, niece, etc. to know that you will vote for the Trump disciples? Then vote your conscience.

And don’t say that your afraid for your young sons, how scary it is for them growing up in today’s climate. If they don’t harass or assault a woman they have nothing to worry about.

And now to the minority citizens of this country. Can you look yourself in the mirror and say “I believe in Trump”, then vote your conscience. Can you tell your sons, brothers, nephews, etc. that you believe the republican majority has your back, then vote you conscience.

I know the economy is humming right now. In past years this might have swayed my vote. This year I have to vote my conscience! And, yes there are deplorables on both sides of the aisle. But I can’t stand by and watch the degradation of this country by old, racist, misogynistic white men. I have to vote my conscience. My vote may not be what is best for economic health, but we have to turn this country around. We have to use the infamous campaign slogan and really Make America Great Again!

So, please Vote Your Conscience. Anything else is not your best!