Chapter 7

The Political Industry

Scaling Down the Political Industry

The political industry is a loosely affiliated group of people, systems, and regular events
overseen by the media, big business, think tanks and other non-profit organizations, academia,
fund raisers and big donors, political parties, and the government. Surprisingly, many aspects of
our political system are not actually needed in order for us to move closer to the ideal America.
The nation does not need a multibillion dollar political industry in order to be successful. That is
not what the Constitution is all about.

The political industry stokes the fires of anger, resentment, controversy, and scandal
within the political parties, and within the hearts of the American people, and takes the nation off
course.

The political industry is a mist of darkness that hides the truth and confuses us as we talk
with one another about possible ways of achieving important goals. It's become an end in itself,
demonstrating pure arrogance towards the Constitution, and becoming an enemy to the American
people.

The political industry lacks basic goodness at its core, which is why it rarely develops
good leaders. Goodness in one's soul inspires others. That is where the true leaders of society
come from.

The political industry––we need to dismantle it by reducing it down to its most basic
functions. It has a role to play, but only a minor one. We the citizens need to do the important
work of running the country and making society successful.

Political Activism vs. Problem Solving

Political activism is becoming less and less effective as a mechanism for social change in
modern America. That's because it's superficial at its core and not true problem solving for the
nation. The goal of political activists is power and ever more legislation that is often ambivalent
or contrary to the public good. The constant pursuit and holding of political power by one party
or another has become far more important to us as a nation than the process of working together
to solve problems.

The ideal America is peaceful, calm, and without much loud talking. Debate is loud
talking. Public policy speeches and party platforms are loud talking. Political advertisements on
TV, radio, the Internet, and road signs are loud talking. Demonstration marches (with some good
and necessary exceptions to this rule of the past noted) are loud talking. We should strive to
solve America's problems quietly together without seeking for political power or having flowery
words written by newspaper columnists or historians about us in return.

Political activism should be driven by love of country, not hatred of others. Patriotism is
quiet––a special kind of reverence for our great nation and its beautiful flag. It is something we
feel inside our soul. It is best expressed outwardly through uplifting music, parades, the pledge of
allegiance, memorials, inspirational stories, and tears of gratitude. If you are inspired every day
by true feelings of patriotism, you will make America a better place in all that you do.

Political activism should work towards peace in the nation. Peace is not just to be free
from war overseas, but to be free of political, race, and religious wars at home. This America,
free of internal conflict on the home front, can then be an example of peace to the rest of the
world.

Political activism should work towards prosperity in the nation. We should channel more
of our time and energy into helping grow and perfect the American economy, which benefits
everyone. The political system too often just does the opposite––deflating markets and consumer
confidence through scandals, partisan speeches, political gamesmanship, and frivolous policy
proposals.

Let's chart new territory in political science, unlearning the principles of today's political
activism.

People should not enrich themselves through political activism. That has been the core
problem with the political industry, past and present. It's not been about substance. It's been
about money, power, careers, and legacies.

Political activists, and all participants in the political industry, should embrace the
principle of minimal reimbursement. This means to ask for and receive only the minimum salary
necessary for their time. Lucrative six-figure, seven-figure, or even high five-figure salaries
should be discontinued. High hourly rates or big-dollar contracts for political consulting work
should be discontinued (JRE Link, 2020-0303 (Tue), COM-STR2).

TV networks, newspapers, radio stations, think tanks, law firms, and other consulting
companies should not have their politics-related services and products be profit centers anymore (JRE Link, 2020-0303 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Work done in the political arena should be done pro bono as much as possible. Volunteer
your time and services outside of your regular employment (JRE Link, 2020-0303 (Tue), COM-STR2).

In other words, let's make the political industry of America bare bones, with only
minimal expenditures, and with no profit or high salary incentive for participants (JRE Link, 2020-0303 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Political activism coming from businesses and celebrities––We don’t need political
messages delivered via Hollywood movies, TV shows, popular music, famous athletes, or
products and advertisements from corporate America. Businesses and high-profile individuals
across America can best help the country achieve its goals by focusing their time and resources
in support of true problem-solving efforts, by being good role models and leaders in society, and
by creating as many good jobs as possible through sound business decisions and the sharing of
their wealth.

Hollywood, in particular, can do spectacular things for the nation once it has gotten its
own house in order and has learned how to set a good example. Hollywood truly has the power
to change the world. We have seen hints of this greatness in so many fabulous movies and TV
shows. We'd like to see a new golden age of Hollywood emerge, surpassing any and all eras of
the past.

Good actors and actresses in movies. Good men and women in real life. Hollywood stars
should work harder to embody the high integrity of the heroes and heroines they often portray on
screen in movies and television. Bringing these heroes and heroines to life in your real-world
examples will make the wonderful movies and TV shows you do resonate ever more powerfully
in the hearts of the American people (JRE Link, 2019-1030 (Wed), COM-STR2).

Make America a G-rated country.

Abandon the R-rated content, the PG13-rated content, and even some aspects of the PG-
rated content. Then present your inspiring work on screen for all audiences throughout America
and the world (JRE Link, 2021-0921 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Present beautiful stories, the lessons of life, and important principles of humanity without
the corrupting influence of liberal bias. Present the truth of things as it is... like was done with
Judgment at Nuremberg in 1961, one of the greatest movies ever made (JRE Link, 2021-0921 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Audiences will treasure forever the performances in Hollywood movies that are
captivating, not just in artistry, but in timeless truths (JRE Link, 2021-0921 (Tue), COM-STR2).

In sports, let's bring true stardom to the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, Major League Baseball
(MLB), and the other team and individual sports across America, professional and collegiate
both. All of the starting players, and all of those waiting in the wings on the sidelines, should try
much harder to be excellent role models in society, bringing their new-found wealth and good
examples in life back into their home communities. Big money doesn't need to be a corrupting
influence on star athletes. It can be a marvelous blessing to themselves, their families, and their
communities. Being a good role model is much more than just donating a million dollars here or
there. It is to be a man or woman of true kindness and good character throughout your life (JRE Link, 2020-0402 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Political activism––conventions. We don't need the glamour, stage production, and
marketing of partisan political conventions or other campaign events. Why regularly divide the
nation needlessly through fiery speeches and insults aimed at our fellow citizens? Instead, we
might consider having a single political convention where members of both parties attend, and

the true heroes of America––those in the armed forces, in the intelligence services, in law
enforcement, in community public service, in education, in business, in sports, in entertainment,
and in government––are given the spotlight to address the nation and tell their stories. In other
words, let there be a regular celebration in each election season of a prosperous and united
America rather than a celebration of the two political parties and their left and right visions of a
divided America.

Political Parties That Work Well Together

The ideal political party is simple and transparent, with minimal full time staff. In this
way, the needs and desires of the people it represents are communicated directly through to the
government and to the public at large, and the party doesn't take power unto itself and promote
its own interests.

The principles of political parties should be de-emphasized, for these principles are what
create division in the nation. The great truths of mankind are not unique to one political party or
another (JRE Link, 2019-0926 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Establishing common principles of truth between the two political parties should always
be the goal rather than competing principles of half-truths. An eternal battle between two sets of
incomplete and often divisive ideas creates a difficult pathway to peace and prosperity (JRE Link, 2019-0926 (Thu), COM-STR2).

The truth is vast, eternal, and all-encompassing. It holds the answers for all we are
searching for in our lives.

The truth of public policy for all nations of the world is an important subset of this all-
encompassing truth, with each country having its own particular challenges and needs to work
through on behalf of its citizens.

America, even though she is the greatest nation on earth, has her own challenges and
problems to deal with. The political parties of America cloud our vision as we look for the truth
in public debate and in the policy initiatives of government. The parties like to pretend that the
truth is their own, but in reality, the truth has its own voice and speaks its own words.

The political parties have some things that are true, some things that are only partially
true, and many things which are not true. This mixture of beliefs and principles that are true,
partially true, and not true at all is born out in the troubling partisan visions of the future that
each party has. Much of the pure truth that our nation needs to lead us forward is not seen or
used by them, only a small part.

But it's not just a problem in the political parties.

As a citizen, ask yourself this question:

There are hundreds of important issues facing the nation. You have your own political
beliefs; but which of your beliefs on public policy are actually true and which of them are not?
It's not easy to know for sure.

And as you dive deeper and research these issues, they become even more complicated
and the truthfulness of your beliefs concerning them is less clear. The political leaders and
political parties of our nation have the very same problem. That's why it's so important for all of
us—as citizens, and as leaders—to lay aside our political beliefs and seek after the truth of public
policy. That's how the ideal in government is created.

Lay aside political beliefs. Lay aside political orientations. Truth has everything we need (JRE Link, 2022-0227 (Sun), COM-STR2).

That's it—truth. Not a man's belief.

Pure and simple, the truth is calling on thee, America (JRE Link, 2021-1026 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Choose brilliance over political idealogy. Truth is brilliant (JRE Link, 2021-1021 (Thu), COM-STR2).

It's a cinch. The truth is simple, and the changes America needs to make are equally
simple (JRE Link, 2022-0131 (Mon), WSE-MAIN).

Truth will accelerate positive change (JRE Link, 2022-1012 (Wed), WSE-MAIN).

If truth doesn't work in public policy, then nothing else will. The frivolous policy
initiatives of politicians and activists are hardly a good substitute (JRE Link, 2022-0201 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Left, right, left, right—the nation goes in circles. We need to stop that (JRE Link, 2021-1021 (Thu), COM-STR2).

It's not liberal, moderate, conservative, libertarian, or green party perspectives that we
want. It's what the truth is, policy by policy, and issue by issue (JRE Link, 2021-1130 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Truth should preside over the nation and lead her forward, not one party or the other.

You don't negotiate the truth of public policy between political parties in Congress. You
discover it together as friends and fellow citizens, working side by side, through a process of
learning.

The right policy, once implemented, is like beautiful music that creates perfect harmony
in the nation.

Perfect harmony—all citizens across the country coming together like the Les Miserables
full company finale of One Day More on Broadway. A grand performance of the American
people joyously singing together as one on the world stage that inspires humanity forever (JRE Link, 2022-0313 (Sun), COM-STR2).

The parties must come together as one. They have no greater purpose in their existence
than to unify the country and to embody truth in all acts of government undertaken.

And the same is true for us, the American people. We must come together as citizens,
learning and adopting true principles. The ideal America will be brought to pass naturally as we
do this.

Truth and unity both... that's what we want. The correct policies are selected and a unified
nation stands behind them, ready to assist in their implementation.

Wedge issues––No. Shared ideals––Yes (JRE Link, 2019-0926 (Thu), COM-STR2).

If Americans can be of one heart and one mind, the solutions to all of our nation's
problems will become increasingly clear to us.

America: Repent of the political activism nonsense and pursue soundness and continuity
in public policy.

Good public policy is what matters in the end, not the legacy of politicians or parties.

Good, long-lasting public policy is bipartisan and is passed by legislators without regard
to elections.

Let's not hear any more arguments as to which political party is better to lead the nation,
because that misses the point. The truth of public policy being fully understood and implemented
is of far greater importance to the nation than which political party is in power.

So, there's a clear path forward for America if everyone will humble themselves, open
their eyes, and just see it.

Humility is a good national strategy. Unity and policy successes will then come more
easily for us (JRE Link, 2021-1201 (Wed), COM-STR2).

America will be fine. She will prosper. Let's all be unified as a people to ensure that this
happens.

A new dawn—America will love and love and love. Momentum towards the ideal in
public policy will bring a new joy among us as citizens.

Problem solving throughout America is a friendly effort among the citizens. Political
battles have no place in this glorious, faith-inspiring work (JRE Link, 2021-0711 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Personal ambition can quickly destroy one's integrity. So, all of us in the political world,
and all of us in the business world, need to learn how to be selfless (JRE Link, 2021-0731 (Sat), COM-STR2).

The personal ambition of so many has led us to this political mess and gridlock... a
gridlock not just in government, but in society overall (JRE Link, 2021-0731 (Sat), COM-STR2).

We have an America that is lost at sea, unable to steer herself amidst the storm. An
America that is conflicted on what is true and what is not. An America where the media thrives
on chaos, not peace. An America where there is a constant feeling of unsettledness in the hearts
of the people, with no end in sight. This is the vision of our future had by the political parties, the
politicians, the media, and the political activists as it stands today (JRE Link, 2021-0731 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Anger, whether on the left or on the right, is not the right emotion to change the nation
for the better. Love and respect for one another will soften hearts and lead to cooperation in
everything we do (JRE Link, 2021-0515 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Let's establish the foundation by which we can be successful in achieving our nation's
goals. All citizens working together and enjoying peace—this is the America that we yearn for.

The days of making public speeches attacking each other, of scathing editorials and
opinion pieces, should come to an end (JRE Link, 2021-0706 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Partial lies or outright lies are considered to be fine when describing the opposing
political party. That's the world we've been living in.

The media war between left and right—what a waste of time every day! Just stop it.
Nobody wins.

Politicians, the media, and we ourselves, the American people, have created a divided,
50-50 nation, which puts extreme pressure on our election laws and our institutions of
government (JRE Link, 2021-0919 (Sun), COM-STR2).

In a 50-50 nation, there is resentment and mistrust on both sides. There are no winners in
elections (JRE Link, 2021-0919 (Sun), COM-STR2).

In a 50-50 nation, the political parties undermine free and fair elections in the following
ways—bitter, contested elections; lack of uniformity and standards in counting rules; ballot
harvesting; election lawsuits and fights over election laws; gerrymandering of districts;
politicization of census-taking rules; politicization of immigration laws; judge shopping; the
politicization of courts; and every other trick that party activists and lawyers can come up with to
gain advantage. It's not a pretty picture.

Everybody in America—including the media—needs to stop worrying about the next
election. The party in-power is always worrying about losing power. The party out-of-power is
always worrying about winning power back. The idea of a successful, unified, bipartisan nation
is completely lost in all of this worrying (JRE Link, 2021-0820 (Fri), COM-STR2).

The goal for political parties has always been this—How do we get our base out? How do
we appeal to independent voters? How do we successfully attack the other party and their
candidates through negative ads? (JRE Link, 2021-0820 (Fri), COM-STR2)

Instead, the goal for political parties should be this—How do we get our base to come
together with the base of the other party, and with independent voters, NOW, in this very
moment, regardless of any impact on the next election, to work together towards the nation's
goals? (JRE Link, 2021-0820 (Fri), COM-STR2)

What we need is this—Faith in God. Faith in our inspired institutions of government.
Faith in ourselves, and faith in each other (JRE Link, 2021-0515 (Sat), COM-STR2).

The excitement and joy of truth, pure truth. We long for the clarity and simplicity in our
lives that truth brings.

The American people say to their elected officials—We love the "T..." "T" for truth.

Don't use the word "truth" as a political weapon. Truly mean it when you say that you
love truth and want to establish it throughout America.

Embrace truth. Feel truth in your heart. Seek after the truth in all that you do.

Let's challenge the status quo of society with a long ensemble of truthful utterances
manifest in public policy initiatives (JRE Link, 2019-1227 (Fri), COM-STR2).

Society has some things right and some things wrong. Let's all work together to fix the
things that are wrong (JRE Link, 2019-1227 (Fri), COM-STR2).

Indeed, political parties need to admit when they are wrong... and most especially when
they have been wrong about an issue for many decades. It takes a great party to admit when it is
wrong. And that's exactly what we need... great political parties (JRE Link, 2020-0819 (Wed), WSE-MAIN).

Parties should should keep an ongoing list of their historical policy mistakes in a
prominent place on their websites and keep it updated on a weekly basis, as new mistakes are
inevitably going to occur day by day as well. Both large and small policy mistakes should be
tracked—all of them. Admitting to, and tracking mistakes is how parties learn and improve. And
that high level of transparency is exactly what the American people want and need to see.

Don’t try to cover up policy mistakes through political strategists and political
commentators on TV and radio, or via columnists in newspapers or on the Internet. Policy
mistakes should be (1) acknowledged openly and communicated through to the American people
once and for all, (2) left behind in the annals of history (i.e., no longer pursued by party members
and pundits), and (3), not defended any more in the public square (JRE Link, 2020-0819 (Wed), WSE-MAIN).

Elected officials and political parties should not take credit for those positive
developments each day, in the nation and in the world, that they have don't have a role in
creating. Spinning events to your political benefit is not transparency in government. Just be as
honest and accurate as you can on what leads to our successes as a nation.

That is one of the great evils of our political system. Elected officials using the
instruments of power—or any possible good news of the day—to try to make themselves look
good in the eyes of the people.

Press secretaries that lie. Political consultants that lie. Speechwriters that lie.

The political party that requires all of its candidates to serve just one term, that is fully
transparent in all its activities, that confesses all of its past sins, and that is completely honest
about the strengths and weaknesses of every one of its policy initiatives, is the one the American
people should vote for and support (JRE Link, 2022-0502 (Mon), COM-STR2).

There's politics and there's real life. Let's have the political parties start to focus on real
life for a change (JRE Link, 2019-0628 (Fri), COM-STR2).

Keep the well-being of all citizens in mind every day, not just those who agree with you
wholeheartedly, or belong to your political party.

Division in America is subtraction from our great legacy. Political factions create
unnecessary division (JRE Link, 2019-0904 (Wed), COM-STR2).

A patriotic citizen says—I'm grateful to be here in America. I want to work together with
others to solve problems in society. Patriotism inspires me to look for commonality with my
fellow citizens (JRE Link, 2019-0904 (Wed), COM-STR2).

Let's try to eliminate the daily skirmishes back and forth between the two major political
parties. A delightful calmness we'll ensue in the nation and we'll all enjoy happier lives (JRE Link, 2019-0928 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Our two-party system has endured a marriage of survival for many generations, with
fighting occurring at every turn. Why not enjoy instead a marriage between the two political
parties of shared prosperity, happiness, and peace for the generations to come?

The Left came through for us. The Right came through for us. What if both sides of the
political divide were to come through together for America at the same time with good
leadership and sound policies? Our eyes as citizens would be filled with tears (JRE Link, 2018-0406 (Fri), COM-STR2).

"Please listen to me, America," says God. "Your hearts need to be as one."

Build upon the rock of truth, not the sandy foundation of political ideologies.

Country over party. Country over self (JRE Link, 2018-0609 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Promote a unified America, not your political party's partisan approach to winning
elections and governing.

Party platforms serve no purpose. It's time to move on in life without them (JRE Link, 2019-0105 (Sat), COM-STR2).

The purpose of the two-party system is not for us to continually impeach each other's
character, or to impeach each other's leaders (JRE Link, 2018-1201 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Conspiracy to impeach––a great tragedy for the nation (JRE Link, 2018-1201 (Sat), COM-STR2).

The joy of a partisan impeachment is always short-lived (JRE Link, 2018-1201 (Sat), WSE-MAIN).

Partisanship Undermines the Nation's Goals

Something bad happened in America almost from the beginning––partisanship.

The president––if he belongs to the other political party, we will treat him badly with our
words and actions because of our blind partisanship (JRE Link, 2018-0225 (Sun), COM-STR2).

We can't see things even-handedly. Our hearts are set on partisanship. We know of no
other way of life (JRE Link, 2019-0113 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Take off the dark sunglasses of partisanship and stop barking at each other like a couple
of angry dogs.

Partisanship makes one blind as a bat (JRE Link, 2018-1215 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Partisan, blindly partisan, stupidly partisan––partisanship becomes progressively worse in
the heat of political debate or a political campaign.

Partisanship is to be overbearing, argumentive, and dismissive of others. In other words,
a politician (JRE Link, 2019-0712 (Fri), COM-STR2).

There is a case to be made for bipartisanship (JRE Link, 2018-0322 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Be wise. Be bipartisan (JRE Link, 2022-0730 (Sat), WSE-MAIN).

Bipartisanship in public debates—always being courteous and friendly. Bipartisanship in
all public policy initiatives.

Lose your partisan abilities and your divisive rhetoric.

The political activist says these words to his followers––Division in the country feels so
good! What more can we do to undermine America and her goals? (JRE Link, 2018-0304 (Sun), COM-STR2)

The political activist says––That's enough friendly conversation. Let's get back to
fighting again so we can solve the country's problems through increased hatred of one another (JRE Link, 2019-0307 (Thu), COM-STR2).

The country has been badly wounded politically for decades. Let's bind up each other's
wounds. Let's bind up the country's wounds (JRE Link, 2018-0111 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Be a catalyst for peace. Sow tenderness in the nation.

Peace is the word, is the word, is the word... (JRE Link, 2017-0614 (Wed), WSE-MAIN).

Build with peace... build the ideal America through peaceful means.

A child asks his teacher in school: Can you show us how American society works? (JRE Link, 2021-1017 (Sun), COM-STR2)

An inspired teacher responds: We are all learning together how society is supposed to
work. Our goal is the ideal society in America, so we need everyone to contribute ideas and think
of how we can improve things. Free speech and problem solving are the key tools in this effort,
not political movements or street marches (JRE Link, 2021-1017 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Is it possible to love our political enemies and do good to them?

Developing a lifelong friendship with one who was once a political enemy––what a great
accomplishment! That is how the world comes together.

We have politicians hating other politicians, activists hating other activists, cable news
channels hating other cable news channels, conservative and liberal websites hating each other,
and the citizens of red states and blue states hating each other.

Anger and hate are the enemy we face, not the people of the opposing political party or
the people who live in a different state or city. Loving the country as citizens means that we learn
to love each other, and cast out anger from our hearts. That's probably the most difficult thing we
have to learn as Americans.

The people living in Middle America are not deplorables. The people living in the inner
cities of America are not deplorables. The liberal elites are not deplorables. The Christian Right
are not deplorables. Let's value all Americans the same. Let's value each other.

Don't be a liberal who hates conservatives (JRE Link, 2019-0818 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Don't be a conservative who hates liberals (JRE Link, 2019-0818 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Take liberals and conservatives away from arguing and move them to the proper
workspace of problem solving.

We need liberals and conservatives who step up and cross the great divide to extend the
hand of friendship to the other side. These should not be once-in-a-generation overtures. These
are friendship offerings done daily by great men and women of the nation who are ready to get to
work and are the true leaders of America.

"I want to work with you," says a Democrat to a Republican.

"I want to work with you," says a Republican to a Democrat.

See how nice that works? It's speaking simple words to one another like this that helps us
turn the corner and be the type of people that we want to be.

Bipartisanship is not to assemble a "gang of eight" compromise bill, try to pass it through
a divided Senate and House, and then negotiate to have it signed by a reluctant president.
Bipartisanship is 100 Senators, 435 House members, the president and the administration, an
unbiased media, an unbiased Big Tech and business community, and the American people all
laying aside their individual or party agendas and working together every day in the pursuit of
truth.

America should follow the example of the classic Christmas movie The Gathering where
all members of the family came together over the holidays and learned how to resolve their
differences.

The words we speak should not come across as propaganda. Truthful words are
recognizable to everyone and soothing to our souls (JRE Link, 2022-0821 (Sun), COM-STR2).

Blue state and blue city government leaders need to moderate their stances on issues and
move to the center. Progress will occur almost immediately towards the problems plaguing the
inner cities and poor rural areas they are in charge of once this is done (JRE Link, 2021-1223 (Thu), COM-STR2).

It's madness in New York. Liberals there have made government the enemy, not a friend (JRE Link, 2022-0221 (Mon), COM-STR2).

Close out the far-left policies in California and start fresh in government again with new
leaders and new ideas (JRE Link, 2022-0317 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Other leading blue states—Illinois, Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, Maryland,
Delaware—and blue cities nationwide should do likewise.

Covid masks at some point became like burkas, with individual freedoms taken away,
and the science behind them becoming more and more faint (JRE Link, 2022-0221 (Mon), COM-STR2).

Politicians—particularly in blue states—lost their moral standing early on with the
Covid-19 mandates and policies. Instead of taking a cautious, common-sense approach to the
emerging science of Covid, a highly-politicized, extremist approach was undertaken by many
that was not properly balanced with (1) the severe economic damage being done, (2) the loss of
constitutional rights, and (3) the dire health effects across the nation resulting from the Covid
lockdowns and policies.

"Mandates... these damn things," say the American people.

"Knock if off, Fauci!

"Knock it off, you power-hungry politicians and bureaucrats!"

If health officials are mostly unsure or somewhat unsure of what to do, then mandates as
public policy are not helpful, and probably even damaging to the cause. Instead, look for the
evidence of what actually works, and follow that. A lite hand by government—coupled with
maximum information and transparency to the public—is the best approach, even in a pandemic (JRE Link, 2021-1108 (Mon), COM-STR2).

A heavy-handed approach, whether by the CDC or state governments, is not too far away
from the terrible extremes of the CCP that the world has seen play out again and again. America
does not need or want such severe mandates in public policy to overcome health emergencies.
Let common sense rule the day.

Science and the scientist have been drifting apart from each other because of the
politicization of universities, corporate boardrooms, government agencies, and otherwise
respected international bodies. This needs to be reversed and set straight for America and the
world to suceed.

A left-leaning politician says—Liberal scientists are going to appreciate our liberal policy
initiatives, with the NY Times, the Washington Post, the three major news networks, the popular
culture in the media, and Big Tech ready to back us up at every turn, amplifying and enforcing
our message with their monopoly powers. So, everything works out smoothly for us (JRE Link, 2022-0221 (Mon), COM-STR2).

All governors, in both red and blue states, should stop trying to promote themselves in
pursuit of higher office on the national stage. Just manage your states quietly and successfully—
focused entirely on the citizens of your states and their needs. Higher office may come for you
one day, but don't allow personal ambition to drive your decision making, time, and attention as
govenor. Being a successful governor is an end in itself; so, be content in life with that. We need
fifty state governors with booming economies and thriving communities, each a great success
story of its own, that America can proudly share with the world (JRE Link, 2021-1223 (Thu), COM-STR2).

We should all be fair-minded people. Let's all start fresh in this wonderful new world of
fair-mindedness (JRE Link, 2019-0203 (Sun), COM-STR2).

The truth is found when we carefully listen to, and are fair with one another. There is
calmness. There is understanding.

Hyperbole does just the opposite, taking us, and all those who may be listening to our
words, away from truth. There is confusion and contention among us, and a lack of
understanding.

Don't seek to contend with your fellow citizens on points of political doctrine, but to be a
friend and a blessing to their lives where possible. Differences between us tend to get worked out
that way over time using this approach.

Don't be overly invested in any political orientation. Step back and see the big picture of
America and the world. Take the hard edge off of your online forum posts and be self-critical.

Try not to talk in a political way and not to think in a political way.

Don't be an agitator. Live a good life as best you can and help others do the same.
Embrace the substantial gains in civil rights already achieved in America and build on that
foundation. Don't undermine or belittle those gains through endless political activism.

End the marching madness in the country. Stand against the violence of political
activism. Don't let violence in any form defeat our nation's goals.

Mob rule in the streets will be our downfall––No rule of law. No peace in society. No
ability to work together to solve problems (JRE Link, 2018-0901 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Mob rule on the Internet will be our downfall––No due process. No opportunity for
people to learn from their mistakes, change their lives, and try to make amends (JRE Link, 2018-0901 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Political activists want their ideology to triumph even if it hurts the country overall...
which it often does.

The agitator says––There is no basis for further discussion. Our minds are dead against
resolving the key issues (JRE Link, 2018-0821 (Tue), COM-STR2).

Extreme Left. Extreme Right. Don't ever let extremism win out in America. The
graveyards of failed states are overflowing with the tombstones of those killed by extremist
leaders.

Partisanship is bad. Extreme partisanship is disastrous.

Today's political divide––the Left looks bad and the Right looks bad. An obvious lose-
lose situation (JRE Link, 2018-0719 (Thu), COM-STR2).

America is like a large modern jet with two powerful engines––the Republican and
Democratic parties. The political industry, in contrast, is like a violent thunder and wind storm
that endangers us as its passengers riding on the plane at takeoff, during flight, and at landing of
each election cycle. The two engines working together and staying in sync, however, can safely
take the people of America where they want to go.

So Many Unnecessary Scandals in America

America is continuously preoccupied with so many unnecessary scandals (JRE Link, 2018-0405 (Thu), COM-STR2).

Exciting new Halloween costumes are the only October surprise the country needs.
Please, no more dirty tricks to swing elections (JRE Link, 2018-0609 (Sat), COM-STR2).

Scandals hurt the innocent bystanders––friends and family members of public figures in
the news. The press often goes too far and loses its moral authority.

On the other hand, scandals in the nation will be greatly reduced if critical mistakes can
be avoided in the first place. Let's all try to avoid self-inflicted wounds in both our personal and
public lives.

Public hearings in Congress are seen as the place to build one's career, to destroy political
opponents, and to gain political advantage. The end result––the nation is plagued by scandals.
The concept of sincere and honest oversight of government has long since been discarded by
career politicians who like to perform on the big stage.

Scandals damage political parties. Scandals distract us, slowing down or even bringing
progress in the nation to a halt. Let's not be a country that celebrates scandals and the demise of
our fellow citizens, even if they are political enemies. Forgiveness is an important part of the
political process. There is serious work to do.