Ben Franklin Opined on Harvard in 1722

By Chuck Marshall

Some Things Never Change

Dear Wise Readers- 

These days I'm reading a biography of Ben Franklin- actually listening to- and came across his opinion of Harvard when he was a teenager and still living in Boston. He was considering to enter a trade rather than attend Harvard as some of his peers were planning. It was written, as Franklin often did, under a pen name- in this case a middle aged woman named "Silence Dogood". If you have the time it's quite a read, hard to believe he was around 16 when he wrote it ! (Mind you, this would have been written in the early 1720's) He's basically calling Harvard students spoiled, simple minded brats who learn nothing but how to think more of themselves.

"I fancy'd I was travelling back thither, I reflected in my Mind on the extream Folly of those Parents, who, blind to their Childrens Dulness, and insensible of the Solidity of their Skulls, because they think their Purses can afford it, will needs send them to the Temple of Learning, where, for want of a suitable Genius, they learn little more than how to carry themselves handsomely, and enter a Room genteely, (which might as well be acquir'd at a Dancing-School,) and from whence they return, after Abundance of Trouble and Charge, as great Blockheads as ever, only more proud and self-conceited."

All I can say is, some things never change.

Conspiracy Theories from the Middle

 By Chuck Marshall 

I'm politically moderate, but I tend to lean to the right - at least this year. I CANNOT stand what I see as unfairness, no matter who the victim is. I have a few questions that the corporate media doesn't ask or answer-- maybe some of you can ?

1) Why were the opinion polls so far off ? From a 14 point deficit the week before to dead even results in Wisconsin alone. I won't waste your time but it's a long list of "wrong" opinion polls.

2) The election was clearly breaking in the direction of Trump the evening of the elections until several states had to "stop counting". Why was it ok to take a year of our time over the Democrat's Russia-gate theory of "collusion" but any question from the Republicans this year- after a few hours - is the stuff of "conspiracy theories" ?

3) Why is Russia so much more worrisome than China ? One is a neutered old world power that can barely influence their neighbor Ukraine. The the other manufactures everything we own and has enormous influence and power world wide.

Polls Got it Wrong-- Again

 By Chuck Marshall 

Dear Wise Readers---

Hello fellow Americans-- a few thoughts on opinion polls.

1) Why are they so wrong AGAIN ? They had Biden up by 14% last month, and up by 8% over this past weekend. Statistics is a science, so is the science now wrong ?

2) Why is there no "undecided" category anymore in most polls ? We should believe everyone has made up their mind when called by pollsters?

3) Much like a court argument, survey questions can be very easily manipulated. That's why "leading the witness" is grounds for an argument to be overturned by a judge. If I'm to believe polls I'd like to hear exactly what questions are asked., not "the President's approval rating is down" with no explanation as to how the question was worded.

4) Who are they asking ? Some of these polls seem to have been asked at a the Democratic national convention. We hear "1500 likely voters across the US", but what's the mix ? How many R's, D's and I's ?

5) Most likely, surveys are being manipulated. Remember this isn't your local newspaper bloviating, these are massive, international conglomerates that want things to go a certain way. The truth is a quaint concept that they care about only as long as it's good for their profits and power. Scrutinize, scrutinize, scrutinize and don't be gullible to their narrative.

6) What can you do about it ? Ignore the opinion polls. They are a steaming pile of bullshit. Picture Mr. Burns from the Simpsons when you hear the talking heads blabbing on about what "the American people are thinking". Blah, blah, blah.

In my humble opinion.....

Election 2020: Marshall in the Middle Endorses....

 By Chuck Marshall

The Establishment VS the Mighty Little Guys 

Dear Wise Readers-  

     The election of our lifetimes ?  Most elections call themselves the most important ever.  Much like the latest hurricane threatening Florida or Louisiana-- "it's just the biggest in history !!!"  I will say however, that this election, more than any one before,  is about the mighty and powerful against the average American citizen and it could have a serious effect on our government and its privileged.  

      I first voted in the election of 1984 and voted for Ronald Reagan.  The only Democrat I ever voted for in the presidential election was Bill Clinton in 1992.  The only non-mainstream candidate I ever voted for was Gary Johnson, the Libertarian in 2016.   I was a registered Republican from 1984 to 2004.  I was an Independent from 2004 to 2016.   I changed back to the Republican party as I realized the two parties had such a lock on power in our country.  It was admirable, but futile and naive of me to think the Independents could gain power in the "swamp".   There's too much to overcome;  lobbyists, powerful party members, the corporate media,  Wall Street,  international conglomerates, high tech, big Pharmaceuticals, etc......they all are vested in the traditional party system because it suits them most.   One day we will have candidates that are Independent or of a third party but we must first remove the maggots feasting on the rotting corpse of political decency.  

     Everything changed in 2016.  Donald Trump ran away with the Republican party and went "rogue" as the presidential candidate for the GOP.   I despised Trump for the same reasons most people despise him.  He's course, rough, rude, insulting, bad mannered, conceited, self absorbed and egotistical.   He's orange.  I even had a letter published in the Orlando Sentinel highly critical of Donald Trump.  Then I had a change of mind.  What changed you ask ?  I watched the mainstream media go into meltdown over Trump's election.   All sentiment of unbiased coverage and professionalism left them like the professionalism that had just left the White House.  Their disguise was stripped for all to see.  I then watched as they and the Democratic party worked tirelessly to remove the duly elected Donald Trump from office.  A bogus Russian investigation led by a platoon of Democrats investigating for a year-- ultimately finding nothing.   An impeachment over one perfectly legal phone call.  Spying was revealed to have occurred during  President Trump's candidacy.  The media ignored all of this and anything good about Trump and attacked everything about him. They worked tirelessly to get him out of office.  Why ?  I understand not liking him, but the reaction was and is above the fray.  Something is odd about their hatred, as if they stand to be in big trouble if he continues to rule.  Not the American people, but them, the privileged, the DC elite, the swells of Manhattan, the lobbyists,  and the one dimensional vapid Hollywood stars.  

     Something has been revealed this past four years.  The swamp is much worse than any of us thought and everyone is involved in it;  the Democratic party, what's left of the establishment Republican party, and everyone that benefits from their rule in DC have been feasting at the pig- trough of American work ethic and decency to feed themselves.  Actually,  they've gorged themselves on special privilege and the never-ending money machine that is Washington DC.  While he's surely not perfect,  Donald Trump is the only human being on earth that has any chance to stop them.  Therefor, Marshall in the Middle endorses Donald Trump and Mike Pence for President and Vice President of the United States of American.  May God bless them and protect them from the sharks of our government that continue to bite chunks out of our American republic in blood filled waters - eyes rolling back in ecstasy as they feast.  Stop them now you old SOB.  

"Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough contempt.  Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud" 

Psalm Chapter 123, Verse 3 and 4. 

Undecided Voter Missing in Action

 By Chuck Marshall 

                                                Poll Pie Chart from 2012 

Dear Wise Readers--

     I continue my criticism of the Corporate Media in this blog.  Why ?  Mainly because I see them as a window into just how corrupt our government and world has become.  They feel they have and SHOULD have the power to tell us how to think.  I disagree.  The power is with the people, and until they respect that fact I will continue on with my perpetual attacks.   In my writing I often refer to Mad King George, as a parallel to our American Revolution.  In case anyone missed it., THEY - the corporate media- are "Mad King George"., and it is our responsibility to remove them from their throne. 

Does anyone else wonder why there is no such thing as "undecided" in the corporate media's hysterical, vapid, empty -headed coverage of elections ? I noticed this in 2016 and this year I haven't seen any promoted poll that even refers to the undecided. It's almost like they like to manipulate the public somehow because "undecided" gives too much power to the public. THEY call the shots, not us. At least for now. Also, no "other" groups- Libertarian, Green Party, etc.... They no longer exist ? It's as if they need that battle going on between the two. In pure speculation I would assume it's because it's more profitable to have a battle between two goliath giants than including pesky "other" groups that might interrupt the boxing match. In addition my previous blog referring to the international corporations and governments needing easy access to our legislators. Any "minor" party could interrupt that flow just as Donald Trump has been a major speed bump in their plans.

In My Humble Opinion.

Old Fashioned Debates

 By Chuck Marshall 

Dear wise readers, 

     I posted again on FB today my humble opinion regarding politics.  I cannot help myself.  I'm a zebra with stripes.  A cheetah with spots.  A frog with a ribbit.  I am what I am.  Anyway,  what was my "beef" today ?  I can't stand the idea that I have friends on FB that have actually blocked my posts or would potentially de-friend me if I uttered a political comment to the contrary of their own opinion.  It's just so immature and dimwitted and really, at the end of the day.. boring  !  Why shy away from debate- aren't people curious why some people think the way they do ?  I love hearing opinions, even if they aren't my own.  My problem is when an opinion or category of opinions is muzzled.  It tells me the people doing the muzzling are up to no good because they cannot debate.  They have no answer but to shut you up.  That's not what our country is about.  We will NEVER solve our problems until we start listening to each other. 

     The Mainstream or corporate media is the most guilty of this.  They want to control the thoughts of people not listen to other ideas.  Why don't they see that the concept of hearing opinions equally and fairly debated is actually quite interesting AND can be entertaining !  Maybe even more entertaining than hating Donald Trump !  

Anyway, here's what I said;

"I am very vocal with my opinion because that's just who I am. I care about every FB friend I have but I often wonder about people not willing to hear other opinions. I know some people have un-friended me and blocked me for disagreeing with them and for expressing an opinion "too far to the right" or horror of horrors- defending Prez Trump. To those people that defriend people for their opinions I want you to know that I feel sorry for you for living such a shallow, narrow minded, uninteresting life in an echo chamber. This is a free country, if you want controlled thought then move to China, Venezuela, Cuba or North Korea. In those countries there's never a contrary thought because if it comes up that thought goes to prison along with the human thinking it."

In My Humble Opinion !

The Silent Tyranny of Modern American Media

Mad King George- The Tyrants Among Us 

By Chuck Marshall 

Dear wise readers,  

I had a post on Facebook that I left up for a few hours but decided it was too political to leave up. It is not too political for this blog though ! It was in response to a "friend" demonizing Fox News for "ruining" America. So, here it is;

"To all of you that hate Fox...the solitary voice of conservative thought on the national scene ! I rarely watch news anymore but I have found it a comfort that Fox is there with an opinion that leans conservative & not in agreement with the rest of them. Diversity of thought. .Corporate media control the thoughts of the public that watch them & are puppets of international conglomerates. They broadcast opinions of the left because it's far easier to control a left leaning government that feels entitled to maneuver the laws in their favor according to the wishes of corporate lobbyists. Disney bought Fox & it's slowly shoving it towards the left. Eventually it could be to your liking but any voice in favor of free thought & small controlled government on the national scene will be lost. Such ideas are a threat to those at the top of our society, in government, corporate, etc... You think you're supporting the little guy by cheering on mainstream journalists but it's actually quite the opposite. Liberties enshrined in the constitution could become vulnerable to shrill, hysterical, mob rule of the far left. Freedoms that even you consider important will be in danger of obliteration by a despotic government. Muzzle the voice of opposing views with great care. Eventually, it will be you who's muzzled."

     In several earlier blogs,  I labeled the idea of a Deep State or the "powers that be" as "Mad King George" because they are so much like the crazy king of England that managed to lose America due to his reckless thrusts at demonstrating power and refusal to see reason.  Our King George is a motley crew of career politicians,  corporate lobbyists, virtue signalling executives, a tyrannical media (that does the thinking for a lot of dimwitted people),  Hollywood superstars/executives cooped in their mansions with bodyguards and a sack full of obsequious bullshit,  and an academic/scientific community that feels it has now taken the place of God.   I don't believe in any conspiracy because to do so would imply something intelligent is going on.  It's not intelligent, it's just tyranny doing what it does- silencing the opposition and imposing its ideas on all of us  whether we want it or not.   All in the name of equality and "fairness".   They impose their will on the American people.  This is a very dangerous thing to do.  

Have a good day.  

Putting the Covid19 Viral Outbreak in Perspective

 By CE "Chuck" Marshall

Putting it all in perspective 

     Dear wise readers, 

     Although it was tempting to write about the political conventions of this past couple of weeks, I honestly did not watch any of the Democratic convention and only watched a few of the speakers from the Republicans and the President's speech.  I haven't felt moved to write on them, but I will write on my own perspective from the center.  Stay tuned. 

     Meanwhile, the world is still agonizing over the Covid19 pandemic that has spread throughout the world.  Since it began many have been puzzled (myself included) by the reaction from society and from the world's governments.   Was -and is -shutting it all down really a rational and intelligent thing to do  ?   There have been other flu epidemics and the reaction was hardly close to how we're reacting to this one.  What's different ?  The differences are; 1) It's highly contagious and can spread through close contact very easily.  2)  It has a much higher mortality rate than your normal seasonal flu.  3% death rate VS 1/10th of 1 %-- so it's 10 to 30 times more lethal.  3) The media is using the pandemic as a boost to their bottom line as today's society increasingly avoids them, they need more and more aggressive and alarming stories to keep people watching.   4)  The political extremism in today's society has boiled over into how we all react to a real risk.  "Are you a kind and considerate Democrat or a brave and rational Republican ?"  seems to be what's implied.  Consequently, like everything else these days, it has become political.   

     As you can well imagine, I'm in the middle !  I wear a mask because I understand that this is alarming to a lot of people so I take their feelings into consideration.  I don't think the mask makes much of a difference though and the symbolism of the left- leaning media and our governments covering our mouths is a troublesome fact.  I keep social distance because that makes the most sense to preventing the spread,  but I do go out to dinner with very little anxiety.   I intend to get out to nearby Walt Disney World soon before things start getting busy again because I've been wanting to ride the new Star Wars ride but I've never been willing to wait 2-3 hours for a 3 minute ride.   The risk for COVID vs wasting two hours of my life standing in a line is worth it !   

     Let's take all this in perspective though.  What are your chances of dying from the COVID19 ?  Statistics and odds can be very confusing because it depends on what group you're talking about and the situation.   I already mentioned that the risk of dying from COVID is 3%, but keep in mind that's IF YOU GET IT !  If you're under 35, the mortality rate drops to 1%.   So here's an easily understood scenario;  The chance of catching COVID19 on a commercial airplane assuming all passengers are wearing masks is 1 in 4500 OR- .0002. (CNN study)  Let's compare that to other statistics.  

- Chance of taking a commercial flight (as an example of being in a cramped area where people cannot move)  and catching COVID19 and then dying (not accounting for age) ;  .00006% or 1 in  60,000 

- Chance of dying in a car accident in your lifetime- 1 in 115 or nearly  1% 

- Chance of being being struck and killed by lighting- 1 in 6,000,000

- Chance of developing and dying of cancer in your lifetime-  1 in 7 - 15% 

-Chance of developing and dying of heart disease 1 in 6- 17% 

- Chance that you will die of ANYTHING next year-  1 in 715 or .0014%

      My point is, if society is really so worried about dying that they are willing to see everything shut down- as happened for the entire country in April and continues in places like California-  then consider this;  your chances of reducing the death rate and suffering of your fellow human would be much more effective if you and all the people you know were encouraged to stop smoking, stop drinking, eat right, get regular exercise, and don't have sex with strangers.  Take care of your body and pay attention to your family's habits and stop deciding for the rest of the world that your fear of death justifies we be equally alarmed and hysterical such that we are prevented from living and moving around as free citizens.  

Have a good day.  

To Wear a Mask or Not to Wear a Mask... That is the Question

By CE "Chuck" Marshall

       To wear or not to wear a mask ?  It depends on who you ask of course, but in my humble opinion,  it depends on the situation.   

How the Left Looks at it:

     The left sees wearing a mask as necessary to protect the innocent and to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.  They think anyone that does not wear a mask or demonstrates a lack of concern to wear a mask is not as human as they are.  These violators are defined as "not caring" what happens to other people.  This is usually their opinion of conservative ideas.  The mask itself is a highly symbolic example of them as a political group that has morphed into a hysterical mob of virtue signalling dilettantes (in as far as their understanding of REAL oppression) who have never seen a victim they didn't love, unless it's a white heterosexual man of course.   By all means, muzzle anyone that disagrees with their outrage.  They love to control other people and they demand we all react to their specific worries and sensibilities.  How dare you doubt their concerns ?  

     Their hysterics are fueled by the corporate media that is delighted with President Trump's falling ratings.  The fact that all this hurts Trump's chances of continuing as President gives the media great motivation to keep the "death tolls" running on their daily reports along with shrieking headlines about the "rampant spread" of this dangerous virus  (that has a less than one in a thousand chance of killing you - IF YOU CATCH IT-  for those younger than 40).  They even go so far as to exaggerate the rates of spread according to Red state VS Blue state.  Blue states good.  Red states bad.  

How the Right Looks at it; 

     The right sees it as another example of their freedoms being taken away.  Twitter lights up ablaze with warnings that it will be your freedoms of religion and speech that are taken away next !  They warn these will be removed systematically as a consequence of this suspicious virus (in their mind) that interestingly comes from communist China, one of the least free countries in the world !   In addition, with the virus are connections to other suspicious characters such as Bill Gates who we all know is out to halt all reproduction in the world and make a trillion dollars on the vaccine.  (Sarcasm) 
     

     The right is once again, seen as anti science as they ridicule the ineffectiveness of the mask to prevent the spread - especially since Fauci said at the beginning of all this that a mask is ineffective.  He did change his mind,  after all !  (Of course he had his reasons for this pivot if you look into it).   They follow the back and forth over a drug the President claimed would stop the virus but has not been sanctioned by the scientific community- another example of the "deep state" looking to bring down Trump.  Conspiracy theories are never ending.  The right looks on in disgust as they see the left defining  "hate speech” and “racism” and “xenophobia”, their usual rallying cries and they twist themselves inside out to find the latest victim to advocate for existent or nonexistent oppression.   Always there is  a reason, in their minds, to keep conservatives quiet but now they can literally cover their mouths !  

How Marshall in the Middle Looks at it;  

     At the end of the day;  Given the likely reality of more people getting sick if people do NOT wear their mask I don’t think it’s asking so much to wear them when around other people.   Demanding they be worn as soon as you walk outside is draconian, though.  Shutting down an economy is absolutely absurd.   I understand the concern from the left but I also understand the anger from the right.  Our ancestors came to this country in order to NOT be told what to do.  It’s in our blood.   You, those that demand we all see things the way you see them are the true oppressors. 

The Star Spangled Banner is not Sacrosanct

Published in the Orlando Sentinel - Today  July 11, 2020

**Other Options for our national anthem should not be dismissed. 

 

By CE "Chuck" Marshall 

     I wrote this letter to the Orlando Sentinel in regards to a column written by a guest columnist, Choice Edwards.  They did print my letter with some adjustments.  I actually liked their version a little better, which is unusual as they typically hack away at my letters, sometimes removing the meat of what I was saying.  The struggles of a writer !! 

Anyway, here is the original version.  If you don't get the Orlando Sentinel and want to read their version, then comment below and I'll send it to you.  

      "I read the column by Choice Edwards regarding a change to the National Anthem (Banner should give way to more unifying anthem) with great interest as I see the Star Spangled Banner as a song that sprang from a relatively minor war (the war of 1812) in our nation's history and that focuses on the flag of our country rather than our country !  In addition, it has only been our official anthem since 1931 so is not a sacrosanct aspect of our nation such as the constitution.  Mr. Edwards points out one of the historical reasons for the Star Spangled Banner becoming our nation's national anthem was at the hands of American leadership ever worried about offending the citizens of the south back in the early 20th century.   We should all step back and recognize, finally, that the Confederacy was a traitorous rebellion that ended the lives of 500,000 young Americans in the Civil War in a futile effort to maintain a southern economy based on human bondage.   It's certainly no longer necessary to be cautious regarding any nostalgia for the old south (and I say that as a son of the south on both sides of my ancestry).  It is appropriate to consider a new national anthem that holds us together as a multicultural people victorious against tyranny and oppression.   A national anthem that celebrates the beauty and ideals of America.  A song that draws us all to stand up." 

Kindly Yours 

Chuck Marshall

A Voice of Compromise

Compromise Yields Progress for all Americans 

By CE "Chuck" Marshall 

     I like a compromise.  I do it every day in my work as a plant broker.  It works, we talk, we each want one thing but each party "gives" a little and we come to an agreement then a transaction is completed and we both walk away happy.  Compromise works.  Our nation was established and built on numerous compromises.  It was born and developed on compromise.  Yes, there was disagreement but in the end each side moved in order to allow the essence of liberty,  freedom and justice to be established and grow strength.  Today, we have no compromise in government or the media (of which the difference is hard to tell since most media take a political side) and it's all about the combat.  Who's going to win?   Who has the better candidate ?   Who takes advantage of the American people better ?  

     Whatever happened to compromise ?  Why is there no compromise?  I think there are many reasons.  Americans (and perhaps all people, I suppose) tend to see things as a game or sport so since we can all watch on TV the debate, we start choosing sides as if its the FSU Seminoles VS the Florida Gators.  We also have a media that profits from the argument not the agreement.   Since it's more money for them and their corporate overlords,  the fight is on.  Finally, because our federal government is so powerful and capable of issuing trillions of dollars of debt to throw at nearly any problem (no matter the consequence to future generations)  then it's easy to suckle at the tit of "everybody else's money".  

     I'm convinced that the overwhelming size and power of the federal government is a detriment to the ordinary Americans and our future.   I'm convinced it gets in the way of progress rather than enhances progress.   I'm convinced that the only solution to keeping a representative government both here and abroad is to keep a tight grip on its power, to disperse its power whenever logical, and to encourage compromise between the two philosophies of government;  Government VS Private at the local level according to those being governed.  The consent of the governed is key.  

    We still hold the power as individuals living in the United States of America.  The key to domestic tranquility is to reestablish this power and to encourage compromise.   What with all that being said, I am reverting the name of this blog, hopefully for the last time;  "Marshall in the Middle" for its implication to compromise and as a homage to my family name of which I am very proud.  

Have a nice day !  😊

Kind Regards,

Chuck Marshall 

The Silent Racism of the Mainstream Media

By C.E. "Chuck" Marshall 

                                                  Harriet Tubman- An American Hero 

    

     I've watched some of the news this past few weeks regarding the anger over the murder of a black man in Minneapolis.  The video is disturbing to watch and the white man on the black man's throat certainly looks to be guilty of 2nd degree murder, if not first degree.  That's for the courts to decide.  He should be punished and it looks like he will be punished.   

    I have been purposely avoiding much of the news because it's so frustrating to see my fellow Americans in such trouble at the hands of rioters run amok burning businesses and public buildings simply because they feel they aren't getting fair treatment.  I say "my fellow Americans in trouble" because it's the small businesses and law abiding citizens- the innocent children and elderly especially- that will suffer the most for all of this.  Many of the youths that burned and damaged their own city will either leave it or be in prison over the next few months and years so it really doesn't matter to them.   They are young and healthy and eager to rage again in other ways against a world they see as the enemy.  The entire world,  including each other are their enemies.   But they are their own worst enemy, and I think that's evident to everyone.  Not all of us are willing to point it out,  least of all the media.  

     The media seems to enjoy these types of situations.  Like the fights that break out in school yards and draw a pack of blood thirsty, pimple faced brats to encourage those in combat.  The media is by far the most guilty of spreading the horrors of this rage and making it a plague on our country by turning the fury that is inner city America today into a show.  They enthusiastically film the burning of businesses, the turning over of cars,  and the beating of innocent people.  They quietly try to restrain their enthusiasm with politically correct comments about the horror show unfolding.  They are by far the most guilty of all that has happened over the last weeks.  They present it all to their audience as they click their tongues and gather the money for their corporate overlords who could not care less about the citizens of inner cities.    

     There are no new ideas.  There are no realistic solutions.  There is nothing but blame towards the police and the "systemic racism" here in America.  Where did this systemic racism spring from ?  It springs form the mainstream media that insists black America is somehow less than the rest of us and needs special treatment under all circumstances.   It's implied by the mainstream media that Black America must be placated and helped because they cannot defend themselves.  We're led to believe we should hold black America to a lesser standard because "that's just how they are".  What about the people who didn't riot and now have no business to buy groceries from or a community center to go to and who now live in an even less safe environment than before ?   Who's protecting them ?  Will the talking heads be there when the gangs, crooks and rapists have free reign of these neighborhoods ? Will the white liberal,  virtue signalling twits be there when the police refuse to go to certain neighborhoods to protect the innocent for fear of inciting another riot ?  Will they be there to help those that cannot help themselves ?   They are the true racists in our society by exploiting African Americans for decades.  Worse than the KKK or rednecks with Confederate flags, they hide their racism behind condescending arrogance and low expectations.  Obsequious pigs.  All of them. 

In My Humble Opinion. 

  

Argument for a Convention of States- Part 4 of 4 - Pigs at the Trough

By Chuck Marshall 

                                                        "Mad King George"- Hard at Work 

     So, what's to be done ?    Hopefully the previous three parts of this blog have outlined the problem of federal government that's out of control and the many consequences of such power.  The 50 states have the ability to remove a lot of that power,  especially the power to spend but also the power to legislate within each state according to the tastes and customs of each state.    Why do we have laws preferred in California applied to the citizens of Georgia if the people of Georgia are offended by that law ?   We're 50 separate states for a reason.   In fact, the advantages of spending and laws springing from the state level would be an opportunity to truly visualize what works and what doesn't work for the governing of our people.   A convention of states would allow the most peaceful and effective way to drive power out of Washington, DC and back closer to the American people.  Best of all,  there's no work to be done to set up this "day of jubilee".    There's  no need for revolution,  or civil war,  or riots in the streets until our leaders hear our demands.  It's already in the constitution under Article 5.  

      There are many ideas for Amendments to hold power in check at the federal level.  An organization exists for moving forward on the Convention of States and they have a list of tentative objectives for the first Convention.    The link to their organization and it's list of objectives is at the end of this blog.  This is not the only idea 'nor the final decision because Article 5 is owned by the people not any one organization.  But we need a path to go, so if it be this particular one then so be it.   The COS Action has the most established track for what this blog is elaborating on.   It's a start.  As Winston Churchill famously said "It is not the end, it is not the beginning of the end, but it is perhaps the end of the beginning".  

     The "powers that be" at the federal level of government , corporate and special interest  (ie, "Mad King George") will argue all day against such a thing.  Indeed I'm sure they would love to delete Article 5 altogether.   Remember, it's not just our government leaders but all those who benefit from unlimited trillions of dollars.    The fact is,  our Congress is a tool of all the pigs that feed at the trough of American bounty.   This idea, the COS,  threatens the smooth path to legislation that the special interests (think litigation legislation, medical legislation, corporate, etc...) have become so wealthy and comfortable with.   Moreover, these multi- national corporate interests are owned and operated by people and groups who are not necessarily interested in American liberty and justice.   You see, the corporate multinationals would  no longer have an easy path to legislation that favors them.  Why not ?   Because our leaders are no longer "for sale" if reelection is limited to one or two terms.  Imagine, they can actually start doing their job !  The media detests this idea because the power will no longer be cradled in Washington, DC but will be as significant in the state capitals making their job much harder and of much less influence.  Importantly, remember, the media giants are all owned by large multinational corporations who are beholden to a lot of things, but not the American people.   They will shriek ; "This will ruin us".   It will ruin them,  is what they mean.  "Mad King George" fears for his head, and he should.  

     Take the time to glance at the COS website below and join or contribute if you feel strongly enough.  The people must get their power back and that will only happen if real decisions tend to be made at the local level not the federal level.  The future of our children, grandchildren and all of posterity depend on it.  

https://conventionofstates.com/

In My Humble Opinion.  CM 

Argument for a Convention of States Part 3 - To This We Leave Our Children

By Chuck Marshall

                                                                The Great Depression 

     So, today we have a federal government that has grown to proportions of debt that are not sustainable.  The national debt stands at around $24 Trillion and there is no end in sight.  That's equivalent to $69,000 for every human being in the United States.  Our leaders spend money as if there is no consequence to the debt.   I ask ;  "How could never-ending spending have no consequence" ?   Surely, there are consequences.  And, this begs the question;  "What would national bankruptcy look like ?"   I'm not an economist but most likely a world-wide depression would result with catastrophic consequences for our children and grandchildren including widespread poverty, war and disease.  (Read "The Grapes of Wrath" or watch "Cinderella Man" if you want to get a slice of depression era life)

There are other consequences right now;   

1)  The government creates an agency for every conceivable problem thus making that problem permanent.  Why permanent ?  Because where's the motivation for those directing or working for that agency to fix the problem ?  If you're successful you're putting yourself out of work.  So, they grow and grow and grow.   Like a massive corporation that solves no problem and builds nothing.  Never is there an end game.  

2)  The federal government spends money for wars, foreign support,  social welfare benefits, the arts, public buildings, university research, etc.... (the list could go on and on quite a bit)  with no attention to the economies of these endeavors and without bringing in money to cover the expense.  It simply spends money that's not its own.  Indeed, it spends money that does not exist hence the $24 Trillion of debt.    In addition, as with the problem with agencies above - what's the end game to all this ?   Is there an intention to fix the problem and find solutions or to simply spend as much money as possible ?  

3)  They wage wars and send our young people across the oceans to be killed and maimed in wars that often do not involve us directly and always cost quite a bit of money.  The Iraqi War cost several Trillion dollars alone.   Is spending trillions of dollars on a foreign nation's internal problems really worth it ?  Nation building is not in our constitution.  There have been exceptions in history, such as in standing up to the horrors of Nazism but that is rarely the case for the wars here in the 21st century.  There are other ways to influence the world with American integrity and decency that do not involve our young people getting butchered on foreign soil.  

4)   They don't raise taxes because it would cost votes.   They don't suggest minimizing social welfare because that would cost votes.   Certainly no reduction in our military because it never seems to be a good time and...... would cost votes !   So, nobody is willing to do the hard work and make the tough decisions because it's easier not to.  

     The national debt is but one problem.   The scope of the federal government's size is so large that protesting its actions seems hopeless.  Along with that enormous size comes enormous power for all involved.  The tentacles of such a powerful government can reach into many aspects of our lives, and with the onset of social media and the internet, it's even easier to "control" what people are allowed to hear.   So many elections have produced the same "do nothing" politicians that ally themselves with one of the major parties and nothing gets done  It's a never ending argument between them with the American citizen as the unfortunate victim.   

     In addition, many of our national leaders seem to get suddenly wealthy after working in the capital for a few terms.   I have no proof of nefarious actions but it certainly doesn't make sense to send people to DC who very quickly find financial benefit.  They leave their home states with bright eyed concepts of "fixing things" only to morph into the sleaziness of our modern day Rome- Washington, DC with its bureaucrats and corporate lobbyists who make them mysteriously wealthy.    "This is for the benefit of the American people" they seem to convince themselves.  Especially the American people sitting in the halls of Congress- Mad King George again !  Is that being a representative ?  It's all farcical !  

   

In My Humble Opinion.  CM

    

Argument for a Convention of States - Part 2 - The Biceps of Liberty

By Chuck Marshall

                                                            The Biceps of Liberty 

          

     For those not wrapped up in politics or who are simply not well acquainted with the Constitution, there is an article within the constitution that provides for the power of the states to reign in the federal government.  It's called Article 5.  Why have you never heard of this ?  There are many reasons.  The "powers that be" (or "Mad King George", as it were)  don't want you to know about it because it means they would have less power and influence if it were to be exercised.  In addition, because it has not been exercised this important muscle of the "body politic" has grown fat and flabby.  We, the American people,  have not been working this muscle.   In fact Article 5 has hardly been used at all since it was inserted into the constitution over 200 yeas ago at this writing.   I say it's time to pull out the dumbells and start working the "biceps of liberty" to get our country back to being within control and under the power of the people.  

      Article 5 states this;  "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate."

     It's important to note as you read, that it mentions congress and two thirds of both houses, amendments shall be proposed OR "on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments".  That's where the Convention of States comes into play.  The reason this is so important is it's highly unlikely anyone in Washington, DC will call for limiting their power at the federal level in favor of the states.  That will not happen.  The only way for the people to truly correct the overreaching power and malevolence of the national government is for them to be forced to give up this power.  They will not enact laws or amendments that reduce their own power.   Our  "Mad King George" has no interest or intention of relinquishing his crown voluntarily.  

In My Humble Opinion, CM 

Argument for a Convention of States - Part 1 - Common Sense

By Chuck Marshall

                                                                    Thomas Jefferson 

"A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.”   Thomas Paine, 1776 from Common Sense.  

      These were the immortal words of Thomas Paine in 1776 at the introduction of his book "Common Sense".   His book is credited with changing the mind of enough colonial Americans to side with a revolution against England.  He inspired them to stop being afraid, to start thinking for themselves,  and stand up to the King of England and all his allied power here in North America.   

     We have our own King of England today, but it's not the actual King of England, of course.   It's the media establishment, the political parties, the multinational corporations and the Lobbyists of our capitals that do the bidding of the wealthiest and most powerful people and entities of the world.  They are the “Mad King George" of our times. 

      In the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson declared that “Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” 

       Indeed, we do have  our own "Mad King George" today.   Our "Mad King George" is a federal government out of control with spending, drunk on power, beholden to large moneyed special interests, and at constant battle within itself as one party versus the other.  A never ending orgy of spending, avarice, petulance, greed,  partisan warfare and malevolent intentions that leave the American citizen as the least important aspect of their daily endeavors.  It's time to consider Thomas Jefferson's words and review our arsenal of power as Americans.  The time has come.  

In my humble opinion.  CM 

     

The Once Proud New York Times

Letter to the Orlando Sentinel- COVID19

   By Chuck Marshall 

     I read the thoughtful editorial on how dangerous the Corona Virus is to the public.  A lot of the explanations as to why we should all be alarmed were understandable and well expressed.  I do have to point out that any statistics could be skewed by the widespread belief that hospitals and Doctors are given more money from the government if  COVID19 is counted as the reason for death and the entire emergency seems to be more a cause for excitement than honest reflection.   In addition any ideas that question this entire shutdown or the statistics are quickly squashed or restricted by social media, you tube, etc... and given no attention by the Mainstream media.  Don't blame the public for being suspicious of your explanations when the real truth is not something you or your profession seem very interested in.  

I'll Advise if Printed !  

What is China Guilty Of ?

    By Chuck Marshall 

      There was a long article from the Associated Press today elaborating on how the President is after China to blame for the Virus outbreak.  In my humble opinion, the article was focusing on the wrong offense- regardless of who is accusing who of what.   China shut down its entire country to control the spread of the Corona Virus in the manner that any autocratic tyranny would operate with no regard to the logic behind locking up healthy people.  The Communist party decided to shut down society and so it happened.  As a consequence,  Italy,  and then Spain and then most of Europe copied the Chinese government.   In our country the President and various states were immediately convinced that we must do as the Europeans did and shut  down society to protect us from ourselves.  The idea is that government has the answers and individuals are incapable of making decisions to protect themselves and their families.   

     While I agree that large events and groups should have been limited and  that 15 days to "flatten the curve" sounded logical at the beginning,  the government and fear overwhelmed logic and stretched this exercise into months of government overreach.  China is a communist country that does not have free elections and has made things such as going to church illegal.  Not because of a virus but because it threatens their power.   It's only guilty of behaving as the tyrannical government that it is.  

COVID19 Deaths and the Vietnam War

By Charles E. Marshall

                                   COVID19 Deaths and the Vietnam War 

      I've read several reports of how the COVID19 death toll now sits at a higher rate than the Vietnam War.  Not a terribly good comparison as the 50,000 that died in the Vietnam war were at the beginning of their lives and averaged around 19 or 20 while the COVID19 deaths are over the age of 44 by 95% and nearly 50% are over 75.  No life is unimportant, but I think we all agree we'd rather die at 80 than 19.   In addition the mostly young men in Vietnam were sent by humans to fight other humans on the other side of the world in a futile war that was largely political.   COVID19 was an invasive virus that came upon us through no particular person's fault, although it's often implied Trump could have somehow stopped it.   I think this is an important distinction because both parties and the media are so quick to send our young people off to war just because old leaders and their moneyed supporters could not come to some sort of rational plan for peace.   It's good for corporate and it's good for ratings, right ?   Will human life be so very important the next time egos and gobs of money are on the line or will we once again send our young people off to be mangled and butchered ?  COVID19 and wars.  I don't like the comparison  

Covid19 Shutdown- Has it been Necessary ?

   

     Was the economic shutdown we are now enduring necessary ?  Ever since the President announced he was instructing the states to shutdown their economies due to the threat of Covid19 I was skeptical.   Walt Disney World (a 25 minute drive from my house) announced they were closing for at least a few weeks and I was sincerely upset because I really thought it was unnecessary to put all those people out of work for even one day.  These are my neighbors and friends.   As time went by and we were spoon fed more information from the government and their friends in the media (who seem most happy and involved in a story when there is fear and conflict and death)  I came to believe it was necessary to "flatten the curve".  My niece, who is a Doctor, published a meme explaining the importance of "flattening the curve" and that made sense to me.  I don't want the Doctors and nurses dealing with this to be overwhelmed and if we need to stay home to lighten the load for a few weeks., that makes sense.   In addition, of course we don't want people suffering for lack of medical care.  I hope that at the very least that was a consequence of this shutdown.  

  

     It has been FIVE weeks and the emergency seems to have passed.   I understand that we need to be cautious about reopening, but now I'm doubting the entire thing was helpful and that it may even be harmful.   The herd immunity that would have come about if we had kept the economy open would be in full swing by now and most of us would be immune to it.   Now, most of us are not.   There is a video going around from a Doctor in California that outlines some of this doubt.  He is at the front line and he is not a government official or the President or the Governor- meaning there's no motivation for him to have it end up in any way other than to lighten the load and help his patients.   He is dealing with this., and he 'nor his peers at that hospital feel the shutdown should continue as it is.  The caveat he offers is that we need to have widespread testing so we know who can affect the vulnerable.  These people should be quarantined, not the entire population.

      So, was the nationwide shutdown necessary or even helpful ?    Time will probably tell, but the reader must remember we now have a government and a media that are very tied into the multi- national corporations and governments (of all varieties) of the world that have a vested interest in gaining power and influence in the day to day activities of all human beings and it will end up, according to them,  to have been necessary because the entire episode empowers them even more.  They need to be the heroes because they know better than all us hillbillies and common folk trying to make a living.  Never mind the truth.  "Time will tell"?  I have no idea, but I like to think that ultimately the truth will be clear and "history will tell".

   

Corona Virus and the Role of Government

By Chuck Marshall

     The Corona Virus (aka COVID19, Chinese Virus,  Wuhan virus, etc....) is changing our world within the matter of two months.  What's going on  ? What's really going on ?

          I have seen many viruses come and go before but I've never seen such a reaction.  Is it the virus or is it the media and government that are causing such distress for all of us ?   Is this a case of the government overreaching or is it a case of them acting in our best interest ?  Is there something they're not telling us ?  Is this a conspiracy to bring Trump down ?  Is it the Chinese sending it to the rest of the world on purpose to create even more disruption and instability in free societies that they would not have to contend with ?

     All of this also lays out the moral decisions of government to demand closing of the entire economy.   Is it necessary ?  Are there other options that might prove better and could keep all of society still working  ?   I suppose we can examine the details of what worked and what did not after all this is over.  Time will tell.   The question is also whether that's the role of government to "protect people from themselves".  I understand halting public gatherings such as sporting events which are purely for entertainment, but church and other benevolent operations could perhaps be allowed more flexibility given certain guidelines.  Shutting down any business, in my humble opinion, is not the role of government.   Individuals have the responsibility to protect themselves and their families.  If a business maintains a limited number of guests or customers to keep space between them then I see no obligation of the government to shut down anything. 

     It's all common sense, but that's sorely lacking these days and our government has no such thing.  It is an elusive frame of thought that seems to have escaped the public domain many decades ago. 

An American Voice

By Charles E. Marshall                                                                               March 14, 2020

     Dear loyal readers-

     I've changed my blog name again.   Since I started this blog back in 2008  it has gone from "Chuck Marshall's Humble Opinion" to "Marshall in the Middle" back to "Chuck Marshall's Humble Opinion" and now "An American Voice".    I feel the need to speak up for Americans, all Americans not just the left or the right which is why I chose "Marshall in the Middle".  This title, however, comes off as just a little too "folksy" and it leans towards a humorous  title that lacks serious solutions.   I'd rather introduce my thoughts as being "An American" first and foremost  with ideas that can help all Americans and stand as a living and breathing think tank for new ideas.  Ideas to better society here in America and consequently even the world as America still often stands as a global example.  In addition,  "Chuck Marshall's Humble Opinion" is too broad in its implied topic and is also a little too familiar and implies levity when that's often not my intent.  I do still want to offer humor for my blogs but that will be more in the fabric of my thoughts and not the overall theme of the blog.  Therefor, the name change.   Also,  in going with the more "formal" approach to this blog I've decided to sign off as Charles E. Marshall instead of Chuck Marshall for the same reasons mentioned above.   I'll always be "Chuck" but for matters reflecting and perhaps affecting the nation I feel "Charles" makes the matter a bit more thoughtful.

 

** Note to readers, the name did not stick- I changed it back to Marshall in the Middle- but I can't delete though.  I'm very sentimental.  LOL 

    
Very Sincerely,

Charles E. Marshall

Trump is a Racist --- Or Not ?

March 1, 2020 --- By Chuck Marshall- "Truth Pastor"

Donald Trump with black leaders (1990's?) Back when he gave them gobs of money and was a Democrat.

I've decided to be a "truth pastor", spreading the truth because you wont' hear it on the TV or from any media, corporate, or political leaders. This week is "Donald Trump is a Racist?".

I've heard this since Trump was in the primaries. It's been uttered over and over by the media, CNN, MSNBC, the networks, and of course the Democrats and even a lot of Republicans.

Is it true ? I guess nobody knows for sure because only Donald Trump truly knows his thoughts on race. I see a lot of pictures from his career as a "really rich guy" since the mid 1980's and I've seen no evidence he is a racist from that. The media seem to latch onto his comments about Mexicans coming into the USA and raping and killing people. Although, I'm sure most Mexicans are not like that- there are some, so it's not a lie to make that comment. When he did make those comments he seems to have simply been defending the fact that we need firmer borders and we need immigration policies that make sense. That I agree with. Is that a racist concept ?

Truth O Meter- "Donald Trump is a Racist" - On a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most accurate., I would say this statement is about a "2". I only give it a 2 because all humans are kind of racist and this goes back to our tribal roots to stick with those we are most alike. That's not a crime, that's being human.

All you have to do is google search "Trump with black leaders" and you'll find dozens of pictures just like the one at the beginning of this blog, many of them from this past week. This begs the question, if they're lying about this basic fact, what else are they lying about ?