This overview provides a glimpse into what to expect from President Trump’s next four years. The political and economic landscape will undoubtedly be dynamic, with significant implications for various segments of the population. President Trump’s Second Term: What to Expect 2024-2025: Setting the Stage Inauguration and Early Policies: President Trump’s second term begins with a focus on solidifying his base and implementing key policies. His administration is expected to prioritize immigration reform, including the continuation of building the border wall and implementing stricter immigration policies, Trump has also promised to cut taxes further, particularly for corporations and high-income earners. Congressional Dynamics: With Republicans likely holding a majority in both the House and Senate, Trump will have more leeway to push through his legislative agenda. However, he may still face opposition from within his party on certain issues, particularly those that require significant funding or are highly controversial. 2025-2026: Economic Policies and Social Security Tax Cuts and Economic Impact: Trump’s economic policies will likely include extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reducing corporate tax rates, and eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits. While these measures aim to stimulate economic growth, they could also increase the federal deficit and potentially lead to cuts in social programs. Impact on the Lower Middle Class: The lower middle class may face mixed outcomes. On one hand, tax cuts could provide some financial relief. On the other hand, proposed tariffs and a potential national sales tax could increase the cost of goods, disproportionately affecting lower-income households. The burden of a national sales tax is typically regressive, meaning it takes a larger percentage of income from lower-income earners. Social Security Concerns: Trump has pledged not to cut Social Security benefits, but his economic policies could inadvertently strain the program’s funding. Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits and other revenue-reducing measures could exacerbate the funding crisis, potentially leading to benefit cuts in the future 2026-2027: Legislative Battles and Policy Implementation Healthcare and Education: Trump’s administration may attempt to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act, focusing on reducing federal involvement in healthcare. Education policies could see a shift towards school choice and voucher programs, aiming to increase competition and improve educational outcomes. Infrastructure and Trade: Infrastructure development will likely be a key focus, with Trump pushing for significant investments in rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, and airports. Trade policies will continue to emphasize tariffs and renegotiating trade deals to favor American interests. 2027-2028: Preparing for the Next Election Political Climate and Midterm Elections: As the 2028 midterm elections approach, Trump’s administration will focus on maintaining Republican control of Congress. This period may see increased political polarization and efforts to rally the base through populist rhetoric and policy initiatives. Long-term Economic Impact: The long-term effects of Trump’s economic policies will become more apparent. While tax cuts and deregulation may boost economic growth, the potential increase in the federal deficit and strain on social programs could pose significant challenges. Defense, NATO, and Terrorism Defense and Military Spending: Trump has consistently advocated for increased military spending and a strong national defense. His administration is expected to continue this trend, focusing on modernizing the military and ensuring the U.S. maintains its global military dominance. NATO and International Relations: Trump’s relationship with NATO has been contentious. He has criticized NATO members for not meeting their defense spending commitments and has suggested that the U.S. might reduce its involvement if other members do not increase their contributions. This stance could lead to tensions within the alliance and impact the U.S.’s role in global security. Terrorism: Trump’s approach to combating terrorism will likely involve a combination of military action and intelligence operations. He has emphasized the need for strong borders and strict immigration policies to prevent terrorists from entering the country. Additionally, Trump has advocated for aggressive measures against terrorist organizations abroad, Immigration Policies Mass Deportations: Trump has promised to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. This plan involves mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, increased workplace raids, and the use of the U.S. military to assist in enforcement. Critics argue that this approach could lead to significant humanitarian and economic challenges. Border Security: Building and expanding the border wall remains a priority for Trump. His administration will likely continue to allocate significant resources to border security, including hiring more border agents and implementing advanced surveillance technologies. Asylum and Visa Policies: Trump’s administration is expected to implement stricter asylum policies and reduce the number of visas issued. These measures aim to curb illegal immigration and ensure that only those who meet stringent criteria are allowed to enter the country. Legacy and Future Prospects: Trump’s second term will shape his legacy and influence the future direction of the Republican Party. His policies and leadership style will continue to be a source of debate and analysis, impacting American politics for years to come.. Post Views: 5
Category: Public Figures
KAMALA HARRIS GUNS AND MISINFORMATION
FIRST LET ME MAKE IT CLEAR. I AM NOT NOW OR EVER HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH ANY POLITICAL PARTIES. THERE IS NO ROOM IN GOVERNING OUR NATION FOR POLITICS. Just two of the many reasons I CAN NOT vote for Kamala Harris. Aside from never getting a direct answer regarding her plans for OUR future. She speaks nonsensically I know preschoolers who are able to communicate better. One of President Biden’s first orders to VP Harris was to oversee the illegal immigrant invasion. We still have seen no action. Except to place Trump ideas in effect, like many other things. {I can only expect the same thing). NO POSITIVE ACTION, for another 4 years if she is elected. We know she is incapable of thinking on her feet, and has to be fed what to say. Just like a puppet. So, do we know who will be pulling her strings if elected? MAYBE some subversive group (?), A quote from the woman; herself regarding GUNS and the Privacy of your home. Yes, Kamala Harris did make a statement about authorities checking how guns are stored in homes. This remark dates back to 2007 when she was the District Attorney in San Francisco. During a news conference about new legislation aimed at enforcing safe storage of guns, she said, “Just because you legally possess a gun in the sanctity of your locked home doesn’t mean that we’re not going to walk into that home and check to see if you’re being responsible and safe in the way you conduct your affairs” To me this is a corner cutter for a means of doing an “UNREASONABLE SEARCH”. A means to enter YOUR HOME and make up any reason they want, to SEIZE YOUR PERSONAL SELF DEFENSE equipment, Not to mention any thing else they might not like. Now let us look at another thing Ms. Harris seems so proud to stand up for..MISINFORMATION Yes, Kamala Harris has addressed the issue of misinformation on several occasions. In her speeches, she has emphasized the dangers of misinformation and the importance of combating it to protect democracy and public health. For example, during her campaign and tenure as Vice President, she has spoken about. Now let us look at another thing Ms. Harris seems so proud to stand up for..MISINFORMATION. the need for accurate information, especially in the context of elections and public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Misinformation can undermine trust in institutions and spread false narratives that can have serious consequences. Harris has advocated for greater efforts to ensure that people have access to reliable and truthful information. We live in a world of misinformation, especially from politics. Example of misinformation,(simplified). Simple sentence: “I don’t like chocolate milk” Simple enough? Of course the politicians AS WELL AS MEDIA,(depending on what they want to push). Let’s omit the word, (one word), “DON”T”. Now it looks like I said, “I like chocolate milk”. Or omit the word CHOCOLATE. Now it appears “I don’t like milk”. If you omit the word milk, Now it appears that “I don’t like chocolate”. To sum up: WHO would make the judgement of what is misinformation? THE GOVERNMENT !!!! Now if this is the type of RULER you want vote for the potential Tzarini. (My word), for a female Tzar. Or maybe Marxist, as she apparently grew up in a household of Marxist. I have NO idea what to expect from Ms Harris. I really expect the END of our Freedoms as we know them. She appears to want to take away at least two or three of our Constitutional Rights. Today 2 or 3 by the end of her term we may be living under Russia’s PUTIN, or Hitler. Now lets look at the Trump side. What can I say? I don’t agree with everything he says. I don’t always agree with things he does. BUT, he does say what he thinks, SO I know what I am getting. I think a lot of things he says is in jest, just to make a point. Mark Twain was very good doing this. Post Views: 26
Electoral College: Protector of Small Populous States RIGHT TO VOTE
It has been brought to my attention, some states are taking steps to eliminate the ‘ELECTORAL COLLEGE”. Apparently the people trying to eliminate the Electoral College, either missed that day in school, or was asleep when the subject was being taught. You see the Electoral College was put in the constitution to protect smaller states from being RULED by the whims of the larger populated states. It is a safe stop; which is more necessary now than at the time of its placement in the constitution. Before you begin reading the main body of this post, I ask you to keep in mind these numbers. (Although the Electoral College isn’t perfect please consider these numbers). Then tell me who completely controls the “POPULAR VOTE”. California: 38,889,700 people. Texas: 30,978,754 people. Florida: 22,975,931 people. New York 19,467,232 people. Pennsylvania 12,951275 people. I am using numbers available for April, 2024. The total population of just these 5 states, (according to my calculator), 335,893,238 that is almost 336 MILLION PEOPLE. Now as for the other 45 states (again according to my calculator), 206,982,776 almost 207 MILLION PEOPLE. My point being with 5 states having 129 MILLION MORE PEOPLE THAN THE remaining 45 states. These 5 states have more than enough people to elect whoever they want not necessarily who is best for the entire country. This conundrum (to ME). Do I want a president I do not want or even have a say in? The Electoral College is a mechanism established by the United States Constitution in Article II, Section 1. It was intended as a compromise between those who advocated for the election of the president through a vote in Congress and those who believed it should be decided by a popular vote of qualified citizens. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors in total, which represent the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and three additional electors from the District of Columbia. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes. This system is not based on equal representation of individuals, but rather on equal representation of states. Now let’s consider your hypothetical scenario where just five most populated states control a presidential election. These states are California (55 Electoral Votes), Texas (38), Florida (29), New York (29), and Pennsylvania (20) as per the 2020 allocations. This adds up to just 171 electoral votes – still far short from the required majority of 270. Therefore, even though these states might have large populations, they alone cannot decide an election through popular vote due to our current electoral college system. However, if we were to shift to a direct democracy model or use only popular vote to determine elections, theoretically these states with high populations could indeed dominate national elections. This could lead to political imbalance and neglecting interests of less populous areas which often have unique socio-economic and environmental issues that require specific policy attention. If this were the case, citizens from less-populated states might feel that their votes don’t carry enough weight or their voice is not heard adequately in deciding national leadership. This could lead to certain degree of voter disillusionment or lower voter turnout among them because they may see their role as insignificant next to larger populace areas. This concern forms one of key arguments behind maintaining our Electoral College – it ensures all parts of country can have recognizable say in choosing our national leader irrespective of their population size. Furthermore, the electoral college system forces presidential candidates to seek support from a wider geographic base, instead of just focusing on densely populated urban areas. It maintains the balance of influence among states and encourages candidates to understand and respond to diverse needs of different states. So despite criticisms, many argue that maintaining the electoral college is an important tool in preserving our federal system and ensuring that all parts of the country have an equitable say in national elections. In conclusion: What am i missing? After all I am sure these lawmakers have a much better education than I do. OR, are they ??? What is their motive for taking away the voters rights, as IT IS possible that the votes cast by these 45 states are just a matter of going through the motions, allowing the residents to feel their votes count. Thank you. Artie Fischal P.S. Please feel free to leave me comments those who agree and those who don’t agree. Maybe I’ll learn something. Post Views: 134
If Elected I Will: Promises Made by Politicians
Election time is here ! We can tell by the sprouting of signs in lawns, billboards, newspapers, TV and Radio ads. (which is, it seems at least one or two out three ads). They fall into three different catagories. One is telling you how bad a person their opponent is. The second is telling you what a terrific person the one who’s being told what a louse he is by his opponent. The Third is PROMISES, that are in truth what the politician thinks the people he represents want to hear. So, today let’s take a short look at how valid, or likely those freely strewn promises have of actually happening. It is really more complicated than what we see here; but this will give you somewhat of an idea how most of the things promised Won’t happen. I would much rather hear, “These are the things I WANT to do”. Rather than, “This what I WILL do, if elected”. Doesn’t that sound more truthful? So here we go. When politicians run for office, they often make a variety of promises to the electorate. These campaign promises are designed to align with their constituents’ values and concerns, and are intended to illustrate the candidates’ goals if they are elected. However, it is true that these promises sometimes extend beyond what the politicians themselves can personally deliver. Let’s look at some of the reasons why this is the case. 1. Separation of Powers: In many democratic societies, powers are divided among different branches of government. For example, in the United States, power is split between executive, legislative, and judicial branches. If a candidate running for an executive office (like President or Governor) makes a promise that requires legislation to be passed or changed, they will need cooperation from the legislative branch where lawmakers may not share their views or objectives. 2. Opposition: Politicians often face opposition from other elected officials who either have different views or might not want them to succeed for political reasons. This opposition can come from within their own party (intra-party) or from other parties (inter-party). This opposition might block or delay legislation needed to fulfill certain promises. 3. External Constraints: Sometimes events outside a politician’s control can hinder their ability to fulfill promises made during campaigns. The economy could enter a recession; there could be natural disasters; international events could demand time and resources–all these factors can divert attention and resources away from certain campaign promises. 4. Public Opinion: Public opinion can shift over time due to external factors or changes in societal attitudes which may make it difficult for politicians to keep certain campaign promises without risking public approval. 5. Constraints by Law and Constitution: Many countries have constitutions that place restrictions on what government bodies can do within their jurisdiction which may limit a politician’s ability to fulfill some election promises. Despite these constraints, it’s important for citizens in any democracy to hold elected officials accountable for their campaign pledges within these realistic limits. If a politician consistently fails to meet their promises without good reason, voters can express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box in the next election. An educated electorate is a key pillar of any healthy democracy, and understanding the real constraints politicians face can help voters make informed decisions about which candidates truly have their best interests at heart. Post Views: 129
My Week Playing as an Amateur in the Masters Tournament of 2024
HI ! My name is Mike. I want to thank Wayne for permitting me to tell my story. It is a story about my once in a lifetime experience. First a little background of my self. Unlike some of my friends who lived in the city, I was raised on a farm. Where work came first. While they began to play golf early in their life; heck for some of them the golf course was their baby sitter. Their parents paid for a family membership at the local club. While the parents worked the kids played golf all day. I was in my twenties when I first picked up a golf club. I was a carpet and tile installer, (then we were called floor covering mechanics), one would spend a year or so as an “intern”, which meant I helped carry the carpet, linoleum, or tile into the house for the journeyman installer. As time passed I was given more responsibility. I learned how to sew a seam in the carpet that was invisible, how to cut a seam in linoleum that was very hard to see, and how to install tile on both floors and walls. One day after work my boss asked me if I played golf. I told him I had played some miniature golf. He said, “No, no, real golf”, heavily stressing real. I said, “Never, why would anyone want to hit a little white ball, carry a heavy bag of clubs, about 200 yards, hit it again, and repeat the process for a couple of hours. He handed me a used Byron Nelson 6 iron and took me to the field behind the shop. He hit a couple of balls and seemed to marvel at its flight. He told me the 6 iron was the easiest one to hit. He told me take the club and showed me how to hold it. He dropped a ball and told me to try it. I missed the ball about ten or twelve times. (More instructions). Finally I made contact and I was amazed as the ball took flight. Before that session was finished I was hooked. My Uncle who was an avid golfer gave me an old set of clubs and a handfull of used balls. I found myself behind the bosses shop sometimes before and after work, just hitting balls with the various clubs. Then came the day my boss took me to the city golf course and he began to give me putting lessons and he never seemed to tire of telling me how to stroke the ball, read the greens, and relax. One day my Uncle told me his employer, was having a scramble, family members were invited to play. My Uncle was a pretty good golfer and so were the other two golfers. I agreed to play. It was kind of a downer. We never used a single one of my shots. UNTIl the 18th hole. It was a par 5. We were on the green in 3, but we had a about a 30 foot putt. “Go ahead”, my uncle said,” show us the line” Can you imagine the surprise on all their faces, and mine when the ball somehow found its way into the cup. I made a keeper on the last hole. (the only one we used). We made our way to the clubhouse and sucked down a soda, while waiting tor the results, which didn’t take long as we were the last team to finish. Soon the announcement was made that our team had won by one stroke. My team mates were patting me on the back saying “It was that long putt you made that won it for us”. I knew better; if it hadn’t been for their play all day we wouldn’t have been in the position to win. As it turned out we each got club bucks to spend at the pro shop. Because I didn’t have golf shoes I spent some of it on a pair of white wing-tip golf shoes, and the rest I purchased a driver and 3 wood. This was before the metal clubs came out so they were wooden woods. I still use them. I have used that same set of clubs, the Byron Nelson 6 iron included all my life. From then on I was totally hooked. I moved on from my job at the floor covering shop, and soon made a friend who loved to play golf, (actually he played to get out of doing his honey-do list at home). We played nine holes about every day, maybe 36 holes on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Actually we seemed to spend more time in the woods surrounding the course as well as on the course and when it wasn’t busy around the water hazards hunting golf balls. (When he moved to a different house he had about eight or nine 55 gallon drums of balls. In fact he actually paid for his club membership by giving the club a drum of balls, each year. We joined a league where we were way outclassed. I finally established a handicap in this league of 14. Occasionally I would win a sleeve of balls for long drive, or closest to the pin, and sometimes for low score with handicap. My friend and I would enter local tournaments, we didn’t win any but sometimes we would finish in the top ten. But we always had fun. Our group from work every Wednesday would have a choose up we had enough for about 4-5 foursomes. We played if you got a bogey you got 1 point, par was 2 points, birdie was 3 points, and the rare eagle was 4 points. High score won a share of the money we chipped in. Low gross got the rest. Although we played as foursome it was an individual thing, every man for himself. Then as my children… Continue reading My Week Playing as an Amateur in the Masters Tournament of 2024
SOLAR ECLIPSES: A COSMIC SPECTACLE WITH EARTHLY CONSEQUENCES
Historical Significance Throughout history, solar eclipses have been more than celestial events—they’ve shaped human narratives and influenced pivotal moments . Here are a few intriguing examples: a. The Battle of the Medes and Lydians (585 BC) In ancient times, a solar eclipse halted a war between the Lydians and the Medes. As day turned into night, both sides ceased fighting and sought peace. This event, recorded by Greek historian Herodotus, demonstrates how eclipses can alter the course of history. b. Mark Twain’s Fictional Eclipse Rescue In Mark Twain’s novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, the protagonist escapes execution by predicting an eclipse. While fictional, this tale echoes real-world instances where foreknowledge of an eclipse influenced decisions. Effects on Humans Cultural Significance: Eclipses have woven themselves into various cultures, often associated with gods, transcendental forces, and mystical creatures. Emotional Impact: Witnessing an eclipse evokes awe, fear, and wonder. It’s a reminder of our place in the cosmos. Effects on Animals Behavioral Changes: During an eclipse, animals exhibit intriguing behaviors: Crustaceans and Zooplankton: These tiny creatures swim toward the surface, mimicking their nighttime behavior. Orb Weaver Spiders: They dismantle their webs when sunlight disappears briefly. Circadian Rhythm Disruptions: Plants and animals experience disruptions in their daily rhythms due to sudden darkness. Photosynthesis pathways in plants are affected, leading to reduced food production. Effects on Plant Life Photosynthesis Impact: When sunlight returns after an eclipse, plants struggle to resume their circadian rhythm. Major disruptions occur in photosynthesis pathways, affecting overall food production for the day. Adaptation: Some plants close their leaves during an eclipse, minimizing water loss and protecting sensitive tissues. Precautions for Humans and Animals Eye Safety: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse. Use proper eye protection. Animal Behavior: Observe how animals react during an eclipse. Document any unusual behaviors. Solar eclipses are cosmic marvels that leave an indelible mark on our planet. As the moon briefly obscures the sun, it reminds us of our interconnectedness with the universe. Post Views: 109
MLB Opening Day: Then and Now
[adrotate group=”1″] 🌟⚾️ As the crack of the bat echoes across stadiums, fans eagerly anticipate the start of another Major League Baseball (MLB) season. Opening Day is a time-honored tradition, a moment when hope springs eternal for every team and fan. Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to 1954 and 1974, comparing those historic opening days to the present. 1954: The Orioles Return to Baltimore The Scene In 1954, baseball fever gripped Baltimore as the city welcomed back big-league baseball after a long absence. The St. Louis Browns had relocated, becoming the Baltimore Orioles. On April 15, 1954, schools closed, and city employees enjoyed a half-day off to celebrate the Orioles’ return. Opening Day Lineup The Orioles faced the Chicago White Sox at Memorial Stadium. The crowd of 46,354 witnessed Clint Courtney hit the first home run in Baltimore’s new ballpark, securing a 3–1 victory for the Orioles. 1974: Aaron Ties Ruth, Schmidt’s Heroics, The Scene In 1974, baseball was still America’s pastime. On April 4, Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate for the Atlanta Braves. His three-run home run tied Babe Ruth’s all-time record of 714 career home runs. The crowd erupted, and history was made. Opening Day Lineup On April 6, 1974, Mike Schmidt, a future Hall of Famer, delivered a walk-off home run for the Philadelphia Phillies against the New York Mets. The chilly Veterans Stadium witnessed Schmidt’s heroics, setting the tone for an exciting season. 2024: A Global Celebration The Scene Fast forward to 2024. The MLB season kicks off with international flair. The Dodgers and Padres play in Seoul, Korea, while all 30 teams participate in a traditional Opening Day on March 28. Exciting matchups, doubleheaders, and special events await fans throughout the season. Opening Day Lineup From the Orioles facing the Angels to the Red Sox taking on the Mariners, each team’s lineup reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The game has evolved, but the magic of Opening Day remains unchanged. Closing Words Whether it’s 1954, 1974, or 2024, Opening Day symbolizes hope, resilience, and the timeless joy of baseball. As the sun sets over the diamond, fans cheer, players give their all, and the promise of a new season unfolds. Let’s savor every moment, celebrating the past while embracing the future. Play ball! 🌟⚾️ [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 124
St. PATRICK: The EMERALD APOSTLE: A POEM
[adrotate group=”1″] Born not on Irish soil, but across the sea, In Britain’s realm, his story began Patrick, a lad of noble birth, Destined for more than mere mortal span. Captured by raiders, torn from kin, He found solace in Ireland’s wild embrace. Six years a shepherd, heart heavy with longing. He turned to faith that desolate place. In dreams, a voice whispered divine and clear, “Escape, young Patrick, flee this verdant shore” He journeyed, barefoot across rugged terrain. Guided by angels to freedoms door. Yet another vision awaited him there. Angel’s plea: “Return ,O Patrick, dear friend. Bring light to this land, where druids roam and weave Christianity into its ancient blend./ In green meadows, Patrick walked and taught, His words like dewdrops on shamrocks’ leaves Three hearts in one—the Holy Trinity— He revealed through clover, a truth that weaves. On March seventeenth, the world dons green, In honor of this saint, both humble and grand. Church bells chime, and Irish families gather, To celebrate faith, heritage, and the land. Lenten prohibitions yield to joyous feasting, Cabbage and bacon grace every plate. And in the pubs, where laughter dances, Green beer flows, a merry twist of fate. Dr. Thomas Hayes Curtin, an Irish soul, In New York City, a century ago, Decided to paint the ale with shamrock hues, A festive libation, a radiant glow. Not with magic, but a drop of wash blue, A touch of poison, yet the crowd rejoiced. Green beer was born, a St. Patrick’s tradition, A toast to the saint, a jubilant voice. So raise your glass, dear revelers all, To Patrick, the shepherd turned apostle. His footsteps echo through time’s emerald halls, Guiding us toward love, hope, and the celestial. In every verdant sip, we taste his tale, A blend of faith, courage, and mirth. St. Patrick, forever woven into Ireland’s fabric, A beacon of light across the emerald earth. May the shamrocks twirl, the bagpipes play, And green beer flow on this hallowed day. Sláinte, St. Patrick, your legacy lives, In every heart that dances where the clover thrives. [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 112
THE DISRUPTIVE SHIFT
[adrotate group=”1″] Daylight saving time, that biannual clock dance, disrupts our internal rhythms. Here’s how: Health Risks: The sudden shift messes with our bodies. Researchers link DST to increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, mood disturbances, and hospital admissions. Inflammatory markers spike due to stress, and car crashes become more likely after the spring forward. Energy Conservation Myth: Benjamin Franklin’s candle-saving idea birthed DST, but today it’s questionable. Lighting accounts for less energy use, and extending daylight hours encourages more air conditioning and heating. Mood Disorders: Contrary to popular belief, extra evening sunlight doesn’t necessarily make us healthier. Data suggests DST exacerbates mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Circadian Rhythms: Sunlight synchronizes our internal clocks. While evening light is great for outdoor activities, it can disrupt our sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep at our usual bedtime. The Two-Hour Gap Now, let’s focus on the peculiar scenario of a state being two hours ahead of the sun. Imagine waking up while the world outside is still cloaked in darkness. Here’s what happens: Darker Mornings: After DST, mornings become gloomier. The sun rises later, affecting our wake-up routines. On March 9, Milwaukee will see sunrise at 6:11 a.m., but on March 10, it won’t rise until 7:09 a.m. Evening Sunsets: On the flip side, evenings gain extra daylight. By April 15, the sun sets at 7:36 p.m. in Milwaukee, granting 13 hours and 29 minutes of daylight. Trade-Off: While longer evenings are delightful, the cost is darker mornings. Finding the right balance is tricky. Longest Day of the Year Remember the Summer Solstice? It’s the longest day, when the sun reaches its zenith. This year, Milwaukeeans will bask in 15 hours and 25 minutes of daylight on June 20. The sun rises at 5:10 a.m. and sets at 8:36 p.m. DST isn’t just about adjusting clocks; it’s about recalibrating our lives. As we spring forward, let’s be mindful of the effects—both positive and negative—of this temporal tango with time. BUT, Our government officials do not care about OUR HEALTH. All they care about is having more time to play Golf and enjoy the benefits of their extravagant lives. Nevermind the average working man’s needs. I suggest those who want DST should adjust their times to their schedules, NOT force the general public to observe DST’ers to go along with their whims. DST’ers I ask you. How much time have you saved. (SAVED, as a rule means to put aside for use at a later date). When to you plan to make that withdrawal of time. Answer YOU HAVE NOT ONE MINUTE IN YOUR BANK. YOU WILL NEVER USE IT. Maybe DST should really be called SDT (SUN DELAYED TIME), at least that would be more HONEST! [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 120
THE DISAPPEARANCE of CENTRAL AMERICA: A TALE of INEQUALITY, VIOLENCE, and MIGRATION
[adrotate group=”1″] When I attended school way back in the 1950s, we were taught the 3 AMERICAS. 1. North America: Canada, United States of America, and Mexico. Then there was 2. Central America: Now made up of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. However, you rarely, (if ever), hear Central America mentioned. Did North America eat up these countries, OR did South America take them over? So I decided to do a little research. This is all I could come up with. Apparently this area is still CENTRAL AMERICA, seems the MEDIA is unaware of the existence of Central America. This will be a two post story. Please let me know… DOES CENTRAL AMERICA STILL EXIST? PART 1. Central America, a region steeped in history and complexity, has witnessed profound changes over the centuries. From colonial conquests to modern-day struggles, its story is one of resilience, tragedy, and hope. In this blog post, we explore the disappearance of Central America—a disappearance not of landmass but of lives, dreams, and stability. Roots of Inequality and Violence Central America’s woes trace back to the age of Spanish colonization. The legacy of inequality and violence has haunted the region for centuries. Here are some key factors: Spanish Conquest: The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century marked the beginning of a tumultuous era. Indigenous populations were subjugated, their lands seized, and their cultures suppressed. The seeds of inequality were sown. Elites vs. Populations: Over time, small criminal elites thrived at the expense of the masses. These elites controlled resources, perpetuating poverty and injustice. The majority struggled to survive, caught in a cycle of exploitation. US Intervention: The United States played a pivotal role in Central America’s fate. Sometimes unintentionally, other times deliberately, US actions shaped the region. Whether motivated by profit or ideology, the consequences were far-reaching. The Desperate Exodus Fast-forward to the present day. Families in Central America face a hellish existence—a reality the US has helped create. Here’s how: Costly Journeys: Desperate to escape violence, poverty, and hopelessness, migrants embark on perilous journeys. The cost of smuggling services has skyrocketed—from $1,000 to up to $12,000. Families take out loans, hoping that reaching the US will be their salvation. US Policies: US foreign policy has often favored the powerful and wealthy. When activists championed the dispossessed, the US either intervened against them or turned a blind eye to their plight. The result? Families flee their homes, seeking refuge from a system that failed them. Unintended Consequences: Enforcement measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration inadvertently increased the stakes. Failure meant debt, and the only way to repay it was to keep trying. Women and children migrate, hoping to stay together. The Missing Voices Central America’s disappearance isn’t just about physical borders—it’s about the missing voices. More than two-thirds of migrants fleeing the northern triangle countries (Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador) have experienced murder, disappearance, or kidnapping . The toll is staggering: Guatemala: More than 45,000. El Salvador: Over 5,000. A Call for Change Central America’s struggle continues. Poverty, violence, and corruption persist. But so does resilience. Communities fight for justice, families search for their loved ones, and activists raise their voices. As we reflect on Central America’s disappearance, let us remember the faces behind the statistics—the lives lost, the dreams shattered. And let us advocate for a world where no one vanishes into the void, where every voice matters. In the end, Central America’s story isn’t one of disappearance; it’s a story of survival, endurance, and the unwavering quest for a better tomorrow. [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 98
