And A Glimmer Of Optimism?

With some trepidation that I might spoil the "pessimism" theme, I present the following: 

Over the past few years I have been frustrated by three things: #1 never hearing individuals in positions of power or prominence articulate the underlying problems that need to be addressed, OR #2 hearing the problems articulated with no real solutions being offered (translation: just bellyaching), OR #3 hearing the proper things addressed but in ways that were completely obnoxious and frankly so offensive that I almost didn't want to agree.  That is what makes this short address by Dr. Ben Carson so refreshing.  Not only is he a man of high profile and intelligence (head of pediatric neurosurgery at John's Hopkins for 25 years), not only does he clearly articulate some of the most important problems in America AND point out some solutions, but he also does it in a way that is actually forceful and polite at the same time.  That's not to say I agreed with every detail, and at times it felt like it could have been somewhat self-promotional.  Then again, if I felt strongly about something and wanted to offer more detail to as many people as I could, I might reference my book or website too.  Long story short, the totality of his message added to an incredible life story coupled with an excellent delivery were something I've been needing for a while.  If men such as this still exist, then maybe there is more to be hopeful about in this nation than I have assumed.

Your Daily Dose of Pessimism #2

Welcome to the United States of America, wherein:

#1 An official poll worker who has held that position since 1988 can stand in bright daylight and announce with gusto and pride both "yes I voted twice" and "there was absolutely no intent on my part to commit voter fraud" after sending in an absentee ballot AND voting at the poll AND forgetting to flag her signature as "absentee voter" in the poll book as per polling place instructions.  In addition, the worker filled out absentee ballots for her granddaughter who also later voted at the poll.  She also filled out absentee ballots for her brother and at least 2 other residents at her place of residence.  But such is all OK because it was an "accident" and for a good cause.  When asked if she would fight the charge, she responded with righteous indignation, "Absolutely. Absolutely, I'll fight it for Mr. Obama and for Mr. Obama's right to sit as president of the United States."

 #2 An American businessman can be arrested, tried, and convicted to federal prison for 8 years and 1 month for violating the Lacey Act (which allows the US to prosecute a violation of another country's wildlife laws even if the US does not have such laws) by buying lobster from a fisherman who violated an arcane law from Honduras that requires, among other things, lobsters to be packaged in cardboard rather than plastic.  Courts of appeals upheld the conviction and the Supreme court declined to hear the case. The businessman spent more than 6 years in federal confinement and lost his business.  ... Oh yeah, and during the initial prosecution, the Attorney General of Honduras defended that US citizen with a letter stating, among other things, US prosecutors had "deemed as valid laws that the Government of Honduras, through all appropriate channels, has determined not to be applicable to the case."  In other words a US citizen lost his business and 6+ years of his life in US custody for breaking foreign laws that the foreign country said did not apply.

If either or both of of the above items frustrates you, consider: (A) Contacting your Senator or Representative, (B) forwarding this to others who will hopefully do the same, (C) learning how to hyperventilate in a paper sack.  As long as its not plastic...

Enjoy your stay!