Tis the season and the 115th anniversary of President William McKinley's death, so tis the time to talk politics. In today's digest I look at demographic shifts, the power of dialogue, and the role of political style. Oh, and I praise Glenn Beck, that's a first.
As always, happy Wednesday and happy reading.
This Day in History
1901 - President William McKinley dies as a result of gunshot wounds suffered eight days earlier while in Buffalo. McKinley was shot twice at close range, and one of the bullets lodged in his stomach. Doctors were unable to find and remove it during surgery, and the president developed gangrene and died just over a week later.
The Times, They Are a Changin'
Slowly of course, but surely nonetheless. Things are not as they once were are not as they will become, but if Mississippi might vote Democrat then something is different (from Politics USA). I doubt this will happen in 2016, and perhaps not even in the foreseeable future, but the fact that states like Mississippi and Texas are becoming purple is a sign of shifting demographics that also mean changing political winds. This election season has created internal strife for both political parties, and if Trump somehow manages to lose important Republican strongholds, I believe a major political realignment will shortly follow.
Dissent and Divisiveness
As deplorable as Donald Trump is, how much does my heaping vitriol on him represent a better alternative, and does it really make me that different from him...? Questions I don't like to ask myself, but this article from reader Chelsea in England forces me to ponder my role in the politics of divisiveness (from the Washington Post).
Opinionated though I am, I do question how, if, and when my thoughts are helpful or obnoxious. On the one hand, I feel compelled to use my voice to stand up for what I believe in, but on the other hand I realize that there are limits on what that means and when it is effective. Finding unity sometimes involves discomfort, but not antagonization.
Get to Know Nader
Meet Ralph Nader, professional political crusader, and a man who has played a far more important role in our recent political history than he gets credit for (from PS Magazine). In this interview Nader comes off as a thoughtful rogue, someone who is committed to his principals and his cause, perhaps to a self-defeating extent. During an election cycle in which both political parties are struggling to maintain party unity, and in which a 3rd party candidate has a chance to be on the debate stage, it is worth reflecting on what Nader's brand of politicking brings to our system, for better and for worse.
Trying to Bridge the Divide
I can't believe I'm about to do this, but I have to give a shout out to Glenn Beck. Beck, the prominent right-wing commentator has made me roll my eyes dismissively in the past, but he deserves praise for his recent op-ed in which he explained his empathy with Black Lives Matter (from the NYTimes). As much as this surprised me, it also made me quite happy, and I applaud Glenn Beck for his desire to understand and empathize with others. More efforts like this would lead to more dialogue, more compromise, and necessarily more progress.
What's Up, Winston?
Wassup, Winston! Looking cozy and perhaps confused, Winston is a lovable pup whose favorite pastime is...you guessed it, cuddling. And how could you say no to a face like that!? Hailing from Mississippi where he lives with his human, Marta, Winston can be found snuggling and eating, or perhaps eating and snuggling. He loves his mom, and gets sad when she's gone, but is always waiting for her when she home to seem him! Big thanks to Marta for sharing Winston.
Will's Weekly Trivia
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IF you choose to answer the question, respond to staton.will@gmail.com with your answer. Please note that by competing you are giving me permission to publish your first name in the trivia leader board each week.
Last Week:
1. The London Blitz began with how many consecutive nights of bombing? ONE POINT
2. Which WWII leader is one of the author's favorite historical figures? ONE POINT
3. What is the name of the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated? (HINT: It was Russian) ONE POINT
4. Who was king of Sweden during the 30 Years War? TWO POINTS
Answers:
1. The Blitz began with 57 consecutive nights of bombing. This answer was in the TDIH link, and finding it there is NOT cheating!!
2. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Britain, is one of my favorite historical figures.
3. The largest weapon ever exploded was called Czar Bomba.
4. Gustavus Adolphus was king of Sweden during the 30 Years War.
This Week:
1. Who was the last 3rd party candidate to win electoral votes (HINT: it was NOT Ross Perot)? ONE POINT
2. In 2000, which state held a week's long recount that was finally called off by the Supreme Court? ONE POINT
3. What day is election day? ONE POINT
