What's on my mind?

The House of Representatives has not passed a budget that would provide sufficient funding for important government programs such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Additionally, they have proposed cuts to these programs that could disproportionately affect the poor and middle class. These budget proposals are "self-inflicted" and could have a negative impact on the economy and the American people.

Former President Trump has interjected himself into the conversation, as is his usual practice, in an apparent attempt to slow down criminal proceedings against him. Many Republican sycophants in the United States Congress support him.

Former President Trump has called on congressional Republicans to let the government shut down in a dubious effort to undermine the criminal proceedings against him. Despite federal criminal proceedings being exempt from shutdowns, Trump's demand is unlikely to succeed, as Republicans in Congress are divided on whether to support a government shutdown. Even if a shutdown were to occur, it is unlikely to stop the criminal prosecutions against Trump, as federal criminal proceedings are exempt from shutdowns.
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Trump's demand is a sign of his desperation and his willingness to use the government as a weapon against his political opponents. It is also dangerous and could lead to a political crisis. It is important that Congress reject Trump's demands and continue to support the criminal investigations against him.

In the event of a government shutdown, some federal employees are deemed essential and required to work without pay. These employees perform jobs that are essential to the national security or health and safety of the American people. Examples include law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, emergency medical technicians, air traffic controllers, border patrol agents, military personnel, prison guards, hospital staff, food safety inspectors, public health workers, and air pollution inspectors.

In addition to essential employees, some other federal employees may be required to work during a government shutdown, but they may be furloughed later and receive back pay. This includes employees who are working on essential projects, such as national defense or disaster relief.
The number of federal employees who are required to work without pay during a government shutdown varies depending on the severity of the shutdown and the priorities of the administration. In the 2018-2019 government shutdown, approximately 420,000 federal employees were required to work without pay.

Government shutdowns are disruptive and can have a negative impact on federal employees and their families. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal employees, has called on Congress to pass legislation that would ensure that all federal employees are paid during a government shutdown.

The Constitution guarantees that members of Congress will be paid, even during a government shutdown. This is based on Article I, Section 6 and court interpretations. The reasons for this include Congress’s responsibility for budgeting and funding, and its essential role in government functions. However, there is a partisan divide on public opinion regarding this issue, with Democrats more supportive than Republicans of congressional pay during a shutdown.

Some people may face financial difficulties during a government shutdown. It might seem that this would be a significant incentive for Republicans to avoid a shutdown. However, some MAGA Republicans are willing to take extreme measures.

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What's up guys.

So, what's on my mind today?

Ageism

Okay guys, let's get into this.

It is evident, and perhaps many of you would concur, that discussions surrounding President Joe Biden’s age often indirectly target his Vice President, Kamala Harris. It is crucial to recognize that these critiques are often laden with undertones of misogyny and racism.

I understand your perspective. Change can indeed be challenging for many to embrace. However, in the unlikely scenario that President Biden is unable to fulfill his duties, Vice President Harris possesses a substantial background that equips her to execute the responsibilities of the office competently. It’s important to note that President Biden has exhibited no indications of cognitive decline. He has not experienced any momentary lapses that have affected Mitch McConnell, nor has he demonstrated the verbal confusion evident in a recent speech by the former president. 

It can indeed be perplexing to comprehend why the media might focus on this particular issue, especially when contrasted with the numerous questionable cognitive moments of the former president, these range from his cryptic ‘cov-fe-fe’ tweet to his unanticipated late-night medical visit to Walter Reed Hospital and many more. It is worth reiterating that President Biden has not demonstrated any such behaviors.

 there is a significant correlation between physical health and cognitive health. Engaging in physical activity has been linked to enhanced cognitive functioning and overall brain health throughout an individual’s lifespan. Moreover, higher levels of physical activity have been associated with improved cognitive functioning in older adults.

When examining the health habits of President Biden and former President Trump, it’s clear that their exercise routines differ significantly.
President Biden maintains a regular exercise regimen, typically working out five days a week for approximately 45 minutes per session. His routine encompasses a variety of activities, including weightlifting, cardio, and core exercises. Additionally, he is known to enjoy cycling and utilizes a Peloton bike for indoor workouts.
In contrast, former President Trump does not adhere to a regular exercise routine. While he is known for frequent golfing outings, his physical activity beyond this is relatively limited.
Regarding the comprehensiveness of their routines, President Biden’s regimen appears more holistic. His routine targets all major muscle groups and promotes cardiovascular health. While golfing can certainly be beneficial for health, it may not provide as comprehensive a workout as the variety of exercises included in President Biden’s routine.

It's important to note that many media outlets and individuals tend to focus on the most obvious or easily accessible information, rather than conducting a thorough investigation.

In my view, President Biden has demonstrated commendable performance in his duties, ranging from providing military funding for Ukraine to managing the economy. It’s unfortunate that his age often becomes the primary focus in media narratives. It’s crucial for media outlets to ensure comprehensive and balanced coverage of all aspects of a president’s tenure, rather than concentrating on singular aspects such as age.

It’s worth noting that there's only a three year difference between the former President, Trump, and President Biden.

Okay, guys.

That's what's been on my mind today.

You guys have a good day.

Peace out.

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While I have strong negative feelings towards the terms' cancel culture' and 'blank has been canceled,' it's important to note that when you cancel something, such as a subscription, a flight, or an appointment, you are responsible for the action. When someone claims to have been canceled or says that they are canceling me, it seems they are shifting the focus away from their actions and now assuming a victim mentality.

It is apparent in how they speak about it. They say things like, 'they are canceling me.' Again, this directs blame toward the accuser and away from the person who has done the wrong thing and instead of the person being held responsible or applying certain consequences for specific actions.

Harvey Weinstein was not canceled. He was held accountable for his actions. Similarly, the young lady in New York who called the police on a black man was not canceled. She was simply facing the consequences of her actions.

The term 'cancel' has a relationship with something that is being discontinued and is never to return When a TV show, a model of something, and death are cancelled; they all have the connotation of finality or the end of something. It seems that people who claim to be 'canceled' want others to perceive it as a form of social death and they will never be heard from again.

However, this is not the case. It is important to understand that there are consequences to our actions, and we must take responsibility for them. No one is trying to cancel you.

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It is essential to identify the root cause of a problem and then find ways to address that cause to solve said problem. The issue of undocumented immigrants has the bloody hands of capitalism all over it. People who migrate to the United States without authorization come here for various reasons. Some individuals seek economic opportunities, while others flee violence or persecution in their home countries. Additionally, some people immigrate to reunite with family members already residing in the United States.

How do they get here?
According to a report by the Pew Research Center, a significant number of undocumented migrants entered the United States legally through ports of entry such as airports or border crossing points. These individuals were subject to inspection by immigration officials but have overstayed their visas and are now undocumented in the United States. These people are overlooked because it's a problematic narrative for the media. There isn't an easy picture to draw attention to, like those at the southern border. However, most individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally are apprehended at the southwestern U.S. border and originate from Mexico or Central America. This is the picture that we often see. This narrative allows the media to participate in lazy journalism.

A fundamental question is how people become aware of these economic opportunities within the United States.

Well, that's easy. 

Immigrants become aware of economic opportunities in the United States through various channels. Some common ways include:
Word of mouth: It's probably the most used means of spreading the word of economic opportunity in the United States. Friends, family members, or acquaintances who have migrated to the United States may share their experiences and inform others about the available economic prospects.
Online resources: Immigrants can access information about economic opportunities through online platforms, job portals, social media groups, and forums. These platforms provide insights into job openings, high-demand industries, and potential career paths.
Migration agencies and consultants: Some immigrants seek assistance from migration agencies or consultants who specialize in guiding immigration procedures, job prospects, and economic opportunities in the United States.
Community organizations: Immigrant community organizations often play a crucial role in disseminating information about economic opportunities. They may organize workshops, seminars, or networking events to connect immigrants with potential employers or provide guidance on starting businesses.
Educational institutions: Immigrants pursuing education in the United States can explore economic opportunities through career services offered by universities and colleges. These services provide resources for internships, job placements, and networking opportunities.

Given that we live in a capitalist financial system, it is essential to analyze whether employers can maximize their profits by hiring undocumented workers.

Of course, hiring undocumented workers can provide financial benefits for employers. According to an article on LawFirms.com, employers who employ unauthorized workers may experience lower labor costs and increased profit margins. 

The Center for American Progress reported that California and Texas have historically had the largest undocumented workforce in the United States. California has approximately 1.4 million undocumented workers, while Texas has around 1.2 million.

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The prevailing inequality in this country is evident from the current situation. The privileged and the ordinary people are not on the same level. The wealthy have more advantages and opportunities than the rest of us. They also use their power and influence to create unfair barriers for those who challenge them. For instance, many contractors who worked for the former president, Donald Trump, were either underpaid or unpaid. They sued him, but he used delaying tactics, making the legal process more costly for the contractor. 

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The main topic here is to explain why I support unions. There are many arguments in favor of unions, but the most important one is the power of the collective. This power enables workers to achieve better outcomes than they could individually. It also provides the basis for other benefits of unions, such as higher wages, better working conditions, and more influence on policies.

We live in a capitalist economic system where nothing is free. Everything has a price. Even in a socialist economic system, nothing would be free, but things would be more equitable. Regardless of the system, some effort is always required to obtain things.

A common strategy of many wealthy people is to discourage the use of collective action and to promote individualism among workers. However, this is a foolish and short-sighted approach. A lesson can be learned from the classic novel Gulliver’s Travels, where the protagonist, Gulliver, wakes up in the land of the Lilliputians, who are tiny people who had to work together against a giant foe.

Unions are like the Lilliputians, and they can usually only achieve what is best for the group by working together. Some people like to discourage others from participating in unions by highlighting the cons, but in this instance, the positive aspects of a union and collective bargaining far outweigh the negative.

Wealthy sports owners utilize collective bargaining to secure favorable outcomes for themselves. They understand the strength of speaking with a unified voice and negotiating as a group. This is a valuable lesson that workers can learn from the wealthy.

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Sports have the potential to reduce racial discrimination by cultivating a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and fair competition among diverse groups of people.

This statement appears to be the superficial remark everyone expects you to make. It is indeed a convenient way to avoid revealing the truth. Sports are driven by money and winning. Even if some owners harbor racist sentiments, their desire to maximize their profits and success overrides their racial biases when selecting black players for their teams. 

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How would you react if I said that America's favorite game was a lesson in socialism? You might wonder if I will discuss the stadiums partly funded by taxpayers' money. Although that is one aspect of the NFL's socialist structure, it is not the main point of this discussion today. I am referring to the NFL's revenue-sharing system.

The NFL owners have two sources of income: national and local revenue. The local revenue, which consists of 60% of ticket sales, concessions, parking, and corporate sponsorships, is earned by the teams themselves and depends on each team's market size and performance. The owners get to keep this revenue for themselves. This is not a discussion about this source of income.

I am talking about the national revenue sharing. The National revenue comprises TV deals, merchandising, licensing, and 40% of ticket sales, negotiated by the league and distributed equally among the teams. The owners get to keep 53% of this national revenue, and the players get to keep 47% of this income.

The "why" is the most interesting part of this whole thing. Why is the national revenue shared equally among the owners? Easy, it's to foster competitive balance and financial stability among the teams. In other words, no one team can gain an advantage because they are in a bigger market and can bring in more money. 

In 2019, the national revenue amounted to about $18 billion. Each football team received approximately $500 million. Another way that the NFL owners try to maintain fairness is the use of the salary cap. The salary cap is the maximum amount each owner can spend on the players' contracts. It is paid from the national revenue. You know, the revenue that is shared equally. The salary cap was about $224 million in 2019, which is slightly less than 47% of $500 million.

This resembles socialism to me. These multi-millionaires and multi-billionaires are concerned with fairness and they do not want teams with bigger markets to outperform them because of money. Socialists contend that capitalism inevitably results in unfair and exploitative concentrations of wealth and power in the hands of the few who prevail in free-market competition. This reminds me of the quote, “Do as I say, not as I do.” I suppose a socialist structure only works if you have millions or billions of dollars.

Additionally, do you know the entity that helps the players get paid, ensures their medical expenses and health are taken care of, and provides other benefits? It’s the NFL Players Association. I suspect that the owner influenced the choice of the name. Perhaps they dissuaded them from using the term union. However, the NFL Players Association is essentially a union. Just like a Cadillac and a Honda are both cars. Anyway, ask yourself, why is it that a union is good for these millionaire players, but multibillion-dollar companies fight so hard against unions? Companies like Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, McDonald’s and others have resisted the formation of unions so that the average worker cannot benefit from the power of collective bargaining.

These wealthy individuals have deceived you, so that they can retain the profits from your labor for themselves.

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The modern GOP's simplistic approach to the word "woke" is astonishing. To equate it with something negative is downright foolish. Can you imagine telling your child or parents to "sleep on" everything someone says or does to them? For example, "You can sleep on what John or Kenneth is saying to you. They have your best interest at heart." Or "You can sleep on when you leave your drink on the table to go to the bathroom. Nothing will happen to it."

To be asleep is to be unaware of what is happening, which is the opposite of being woke. To be anti-woke is to refuse to challenge things. It is to go through life passively, accepting everything at face value. It is to be vulnerable to manipulation.

Can you imagine this being the sentiment at any time in history? Gen X women, especially, can relate to the experience of having to carry dimes and quarters in case they needed to make a phone call because they were not safe walking alone.

It is concerning that the GOP would want their constituents to be asleep. Cults and cult leaders, on the other hand, would definitely want their members to be asleep. It is in the cult leader's best interest to have members who are not paying attention, who are numb, or who are asleep to what is happening around them.

If you know a Democratic leader, encourage them to turn the GOP's anti-woke campaign on its head. We need to be more vigilant than ever in challenging the status quo and protecting our democracy.

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The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the United States after the Civil War. However, thousands of former slaveholders who had relied on enslaved labor for their economic prosperity faced a loss of income and power. So, they sought alternative ways to exploit black people to gain or retain income and power. The federal and state governments would play a significant role in black people's economic oppression.

A business owner knows labor is the most significant and indispensable business cost. It always has, and it always will be. But with new technology, replacing some of the labor costs with machines is becoming easier. But after the end of enslavement, there weren't many machines that could replace the work of the free labor enslavers had.

Some might argue that exploitation is a personal responsibility and not a systemic issue. However, this ignores the historical and legal context that has enabled white people to exploit black people in the United States. The withdrawal of federal troops from the South after the Civil War was followed by the enactment of Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation and discrimination.

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