A recommended read -- "First Principles" Thomas E Ricks -- Harper Collins Publishers.
Just getting started, and Ricks pulls the right cords to keep this reader going. It is the type of read to let me enjoy the lessons and re-ignites an interest to learn more.
Ricks presents information America's first four Presidents which instructs the reader on how the Founders thought, how their thinking developed, where they came from in the their political journey, and why these affect our democracy today. More when I am done reading.
Ok, so what else. My three readers (I found out an additional one showed up in the last few months) know what life has been like the last eight and if you need to know use the digital tools you have. Even though I find myself not directly engaged in many leadership roles it is a responsibility that lingers and I feel will manifest itself again. Trying to hide, but that tactic is unsustainable.
America is on the cusp of change and every citizen's duty is to participate in the democracy in order to sustain the democracy. Some think this participation needs to be violent--it is just because they do not have the capacity to do anything else. Others stand aside with no personal or political agenda. You gotta at least vote, and sign up for your representative email distribution!
I remember the influence JFK exerted over the electorate -- encouraging people to participate. The famous inaugural quote “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” . . . . A perfect example. As there was, at the time, a surge of interest in government, governing, and serving. But it has waned. Too many citizens do not consider those who work in government as public servants. Indeed it would be good to know how many government workers consider themselves public servants.
The last administration did not care on whit about how the President's Office enabled the violence in its last closing days. I think it was understood and it could be leveraged into something to create an outcome that would have been abhorrent to all of us non-believers. The public image the administration presented was that of personality and self absorption. I really hope that goes away.
So here is where my thoughts are going--
Why government is not a business and should not be run as a business
Let's bring back virtue into our collective thinking
Is sovereignty an unmalleable condition in relations with other country's
Can honor, dignity, and pride be re-admitted into government service
Is the Republican Party platform sustainable
Does the "party of Lincoln" even exist
Does it matter
Considering the popular vote outcome for President
How can the President lead a divided nation
Is it possible for the true believers to compromise
Will moderate democrats keep the pendulum centered
Can racism be eradicated
Can local government manage the onslaught of radicalism
"We got a lot to drink about"
