Don't get in the way of the pendulum!

The surprise result in the 2016 presidential election was driven by a large segment of the citizenry feeling overlooked, ignored, and insulted by the political and media establishment.  The powers-that-be are shocked and surprised, but the common citizen once again demonstrated that power originates from the people.  Our constitution and its framers continue to inspire awe.

Hillary Clinton wished President-elect Trump success and told her supporters they “owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.”  President Obama, while announcing he had invited Trump for a meeting at the White House said, “the peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our republic” and committed to an orderly and professional transition such as he received from George W. Bush.  Again, the power of our democracy is awe inspiring.

Many are not happy with the outcome of the election.  Their values and expectations for the direction of the country have been disrupted.  Understandably, they are disappointed.  But to expect one’s views and preferences to dominate uninterrupted in a democracy is foolhardy.

My Vote - fight consolidated power

The 2016 Presidential Election is upon us.  The three presidential debates are over.  It is time to make a decision.

Never before have I expended so much energy in making a decision about my vote. Faced with two very flawed candidates from the two major parties the decision is more difficult, and the ramifications more profound than in previous elections.  Simple impulses to vote for the person one dislikes least or because a historical barrier will be broken are not adequate in this election.

I believe that the greatest threat to our nation at this point in its history is consolidated power. 

Powerful moneyed elites and international corporations drive choices, two parties entrenched in power for 160 years are beholden to them and completely disconnected from the common citizen, federal Executive powers expand unchecked, a massive entrenched bureaucracy has become a power unto itself, corporate media is the handmaiden of powerful interests rather than the watchdog, and digital-age companies are unchecked as they increase power greater than the industrialists and financiers of the Robber Baron era of the late 19th Century.

The elections of 2016 and 1852

The two very flawed presidential candidates presented as nominees in 2016 result from a divisive two-party system that is long overdue for tumultuous change.  That change is likely to occur over the next two or three presidential election cycles and may result in a major political party realignment such as occurred in the period 1852-1860.

The Democratic and Republican Parties have dominated the political process of the United States for over 160 years.  Two-party dominance over such a long period has resulted in a political system unresponsive to the needs, concerns, or desires of most citizens.  Despite the warnings of George Washington and others to avoid factions, the success of the Democratic and Republican Parties is now largely dependent upon the creation of factions and the exploitation of division.

The Democratic and Republican duopoly is not mandated by the Constitution.  These two parties can be replaced by two others – or three, or four.   If both do not wake up and begin to focus on solving the problems of citizens of the United States in a manner acceptable to a broad consensus majority - they deserve to be replaced.

Freedom From the Press

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a state dinner at the White House on October 18, 2016.  The Italian Prime Minister was the guest of honor.  George Stephanopoulos and his wife were pictured at the event.  The full guest list of the White House state dinner revealed a half dozen other media attendees from NBC, MSNBC, and NPR.

For those who have forgotten or are not old enough to remember, George Stephanopoulos was the Communications Director for Bill Clinton’s first presidential bid. After Clinton’s election he became White House Communications Director.  Later in the Clinton Administration he was made Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy.  He left the Clinton Administration in 1997 to join ABC News as a political commentator.

Stephanopoulos now sits as the most important personality in the “news” division at ABC.  He hosts two of the networks three major news and information programs - Good Morning America and ABC’s Sunday Morning This Week - and held titles of ABC’s Chief Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent.

In a Quandary? - Vote Strategically

Most voters are dissatisfied with the choices they face in the 2016 presidential election.  Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by as much as 55% of the electorate.  Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even higher at over 60%.  Under these circumstances many voters in non-competitive states may find a non-typical path the best option to avoid an unacceptable vote for either of the two major party candidates.  Simultaneously, these voters may have a long term positive impact on future elections.

Sixty percent of voters live in non-competitive states.  In these 34 states the Electoral College votes are pre-determined because the states are so overwhelmingly Red or Blue.  Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are certain of who will win in each of these states.  For the minority-Red voter in a Blue state or the minority-Blue voter in a Red state the vote they cast will make no difference in the election outcome.

This creates an opportunity for minority-Blue or minority-Red voters in each of these 34 states.  Those voters should vote strategically by casting their ballot for either Gary Johnson (Libertarian Party) or Jill Stein (Green Party).  Again, there will be no impact on the election outcome, but a tremendous potential long term improvement in the election process.

The Voter Quandary

A large portion of the electorate faces a quandary in the presidential election.  Quandary is defined as “a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation.”   The tension voters feel from this quandary increases as the November election draws nearer.  The need for a decision to relieve that tension is pressing.  What is a voter to do?

The voter in the 2016 presidential election is faced with flawed candidates from the two major parties.  Polling consistently reflects an electorate that is unenthusiastic about either candidate.   Hillary Clinton is viewed unfavorably by over 50% of the electorate.  Donald Trump’s unfavorable percentage is even worse at nearly 60%.  One recent poll reported Clinton at 55% and Trump at 63% unfavorable - unprecedented in a presidential election.

Faced with such an undesirable choice many voters are looking for alternatives.  In the extreme there are rumors of Hillary Clinton’s health issues forcing her out to be replaced by Bernie Sanders.  On the Republican side it is rumored Trump will quit the race to be replaced by a rescuing hero/heroine riding in on a stallion.  These far reaching scenarios are very unlikely near fantasies.

Cancel South Coast Rail

This week the MBTA announced the South Coast Rail project will cost $3.4 billion - a more than 50 percent increase over the original $2.23 billion estimate. The original completion date of 2022 extends to 2028.   If past is prologue, the cost estimate will continue to rise.  Governor Charlie Baker should cancel this project and refocus economic development funding directly in Gateway Cities.

The South Coast Rail project has been under evaluation since the 1980s.  It would restore old rail beds of the former Old Colony rail line to provide commuter rail service from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston.

The MBTA announcement points out several issues that should concern taxpayers in Massachusetts – MBTA incompetence, over regulation, and a cultural and economic mindset more fit to the 1900s than the 21st Century.