Washington: No Town For A Fair Hearing

Fairness, decency and decorum were nowhere to be found in the halls of the Senate building in Washington last week.  Those principles were shredded in the name of partisan politics.  The conduct of some senators turned a serious subject, sexual misconduct, into a farcical circus.

No matter whether you believe Christine Blasey Ford or Judge Brett Kavanaugh, everyone should be chagrined by what they witnessed during the Senate Judiciary hearings.  Instead of collegial etiquette, they were treated to political grandstanding, bickering and backbiting  What a national disgrace.

Normally,  confirmation hearings are somber and sober affairs even in the worst nomination battles.  But not this time.  On opening day, 70 screaming, unruly hecklers were arrested for interrupting the proceedings.  The unprecedented rowdiness set the tone for the remainder of the hearings.

The so-called protest was orchestrated by Democrat activists.  Several were caught on camera paying the demonstrators.  Each person who showed up was paid $50 to disrupt the hearing, received free breakfast, lunch and was given money for bail, according to news sources.  It was a blatant charade.

Despite the obvious theatrics, California's Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein praised the protesters for their outburst against the nominee.  Senator Feinstein, 85 years old and seeking another six-year term, should have condemned the outrageous behavior.  But she was just warming up for her hit job.  

After days of contentious hearings, it was clear Judge Kavanaugh had emerged unscathed.  That is when Senator Feinstein sucker punched the nominee with allegations of sexual misconduct.  She had kept the allegation secret since July, hiding the information from Republicans and Judge Kavanaugh. 

In spite of denials, Senator Feinstein or her proxy leaked the sexual abuse charges to news outlets. No one else had knowledge of the bombshell. She knew the salacious details would ignite a media frenzy that would put her in the national spotlight and boost her campaign.  Shameless political pandering.  

Judge Kavanaugh and Republicans were caught flat-footed.  The nominee and Senator Feinstein huddled privately prior to the hearings.  Never once was the issue of sexual assault raised during the meeting.  Her scheme was to back stab the judge and torpedo the nomination.  Fair play be damned. 

Once the alleged victim's story was made public, it was a matter of time before two unsubstantiated  charges followed.  It was obvious to all but the most partisan Democrat these were orchestrated to create a narrative that Judge Kavanaugh is a serial abuser.  Yell rapist enough times and it sticks.

The stories of abuse have a couple of things in common.  The alleged incidents happened 32-36 years ago.  There are no corroborating witnesses or sworn testimony to support the charges  Democrats cared nothing about the presumption of innocence.  Women should be believed, they bellowed. 

Every victim--male or female--has a right to be heard.  But in America, allegations are just that--allegations--until proven.  Democrats tried to turn the country's standard of due process on its head.  As a result, the hearings devolved into a Kangaroo Court with the accused convicted by the mob.

Democrats attempted to justify their lack of fairness by comparing the hearings to a job interview.  Really?  Please raise your hand if you have ever been on a job interview where you were unexpectedly confronted by a sexual abuse charge?  Waiting.  Still waiting for a show of hands.

As a delay tactic, the Democrats brayed for an FBI investigation.  Senator Feinstein in July could have demanded and been granted an FBI inquiry the moment she received Ms. Ford's letter.  Why didn't she? The senator contends she wanted to honor Ms. Ford's request for confidentiality.

Her claim is not credible since the story including Ms. Ford's name was surreptitiously leaked to the media.  Additionally, the committee chairman offered to fly to California to interview Ms. Ford privately.  The invitation was declined.  Senator Feinstein wanted to engineer a spectacle.

At the eleventh hour the committee majority agreed to ask the FBI to investigate the matter.  Democrats know this a red herring.  The FBI will interview the judge, Ms. Ford and witnesses.  That's it.  The agency will NOT issue an opinion or evaluate the truthfulness of statements.

Democrats know full well the FBI's role.  This is just another stall tactic. Expect Democrats to claim a one-week investigation is not long enough.  Anticipate more baseless allegations to drip...drip..drip into the overflowing bucket of media slime.

Democrats announced minutes after Judge Kavanaugh was chosen for the high court that his nomination was dead on arrival.  Party financial backers and their liberal base demanded it after Judge Neil Gorsuch won Senate approval.  Democrats have every right to vote against this nominee.

But Democrats have no right to irreparably damage a once collaborative process of advice and consent for political gain.  The have perpetrated an injustice on both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh. The Democrat Party will one day reap what it has sown.  That day can't arrive soon enough.  

China: Top Threat To American Secuity

Russia, Russia, Russia. Americans have been spoon-fed a diet of news about Russian election interference, cyber attacks and military incursions. As a result of the frenzied coverage, most people are convinced Russia is the chief menace to America.  However, China stands as a far greater threat.

China's aggressive military spending, its extensive cyber spy network and its burgeoning economic dominance make the nation of 1.3 billion people a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future.  The Asian superpower dwarfs Russia economically, technologically and militarily.

While Russian hackers have intruded computer networks, no country has compromised U.S. government and business security to the extent of the Chinese.  Most experts agree the Chinese have stolen more secrets than Russia to the detriment of America's security and industry.

Just this year a Chinese government hacker invaded the computers of a Navy contractor, stealing massive amounts of highly sensitive data related to undersea warfare.  The theft included secret plans for the development of a supersonic anti-ship missile for deployment on Navy submarines.

Website Security Today concluded that China is the number one culprit in stealing business intellectual property of U.S. companies.  By some estimates, countries pillage almost $600 million in American intellectual property annually.  Most of that economic damage is perpetrated by China.

Four in ten cyber attacks on American government agencies, defense and high-tech companies originate or can be traced back to China.  While Russia and North Korea are also prowling cyber space, the Chinese have been the most active and most successful in hijacking America's secrets.

Economically, China ranks second only to the United States.  China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of economic output, is $24 trillion.  However, many economic experts believe China has already surpassed America if the statistics are adjusted for purchasing power.

China's manufacturing output overtook the U.S. almost a decade ago. Its exports are more than a third-larger than America.  Since 1978 when China initiated economic reforms, the GDP has grown tenfold.  The country has a work force of 806 million people, compared to 129 million for the U.S.

China's economy is averaging almost seven percent real growth per year.  The annual growth rate from 2015 to 2017 was 6.9 percent, 6.7 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively. During the same period, U.S. growth averaged less than three percent.  Russia's economy was virtually flat by comparison.

The China boom has allowed the nation to expand its global influence by investing in virtually every country worldwide.  By CIA estimates, China had direct foreign investment of $1.34 trillion in 2017. These investments purchase political and economic influence in a host of nations.

Using its new economic wealth, China has pumped up its defense budget.  Today its military spending is almost four times larger than Russia.  The Chinese are producing more weapons, buying the latest military technology and increasing defense research and development.

Even increased military spending by America will not close the gap soon.  That's because about one-half of America's defense budget goes to military personnel.  By comparison, soldiers' pay makes up a tiny portion of the military budget for China.  The lion's share goes to purchasing new weaponry.

China already boasts a powerful military and it is expanding rapidly.  The Chinese are building more aerial combat fighters, attack submarines, destroyers and are developing a super carrier for its Navy.  According to the CIA, China ranks first worldwide in combat aircraft, battle tanks and submarines.

While Russia has interfered in Ukraine and Syria, the Chinese have been on an island-building spree in the South China Sea to spread its military footprint. China has constructed port facilities, military buildings and airstrips on the man-made islands located more than 500 miles from the mainland.

The island buildup has become a major point of contention between the U.S. and China.  The installations pose a potential threat to about $1.2 trillion in bilateral trade that flows through the South China sea. The islands also enable sustained Chinese air and sea patrols far from its border.

In addition, the Chinese are the main sponsor for the rogue regime in nuclear-armed North Korea. Without China's purchase of North Korean coal and other products, the dictatorship would collapse.  No wonder Kim Jong Un doesn't mind kissing the ring of China's benevolent leader Xi Jinping.

Russia, under Vladimir Putin,  will always be on the threat radar.  But China represents the bigger challenge because of its growing military, economic and foreign influence.  The Chinese goal is to become the world's top superpower.  If achieved, American and global security will be at risk.

Immigration: The Changing Face of America

Americans are deluged daily with tearful stories and alarming statistics about illegal immigration. It creates a perception that most immigrants come to the country by sneaking across the border.  This narrative obfuscates the reality that the overwhelming majority of immigrants arrive here legally. 

Activists and the politicians claim oppressive waiting requirements, high costs and excessive paperwork 'force' newcomers to skip the legal process.  That's baloney.  The majority of foreign-born immigrants (75%) in this country played by the rules and survived these pseudo barriers.

The truth is America's process for accepting immigrants is less stringent than many countries.  Foreign-born individuals who wish to live in the United States have a straight forward path to lawfully enter the country. While it requires diligence, it is not overly burdensome. 

Without diving into the weeds,  the procedure begins with an application for a visa or green card, the first step toward becoming a lawful permanent resident.  Visas are available for immigrants with family members or relatives residing in the U.S.  Businesses also sponsor visas for immigrants.

After living in the country for five years as a legal resident, foreign-born nationals can apply for citizenship.  Each circumstance is different, but it can take anywhere from six months up to two years to complete the naturalization process and earn citizenship.  The cost is about $725.

If that process is so cumbersome, how do critics explain the fact that the U.S. welcomes approximately 680,000 new citizens during naturalization ceremonies every single year?  And applications for citizenship are increasing.  There were 239,628 requests in the most recent quarter.

Despite spurious complaints about the process, America remains the top destination for immigrants worldwide since at least 1960.  One-fifth of the world's immigrants today live in this country.  That evidence suggests America's immigration rules are not a deterrent to foreigners.

According to Current Population Survey (CPS) , more than 43.7 million immigrants resided in the United States in 2016, accounting for 13.5 percent of the total population estimated at 323.1 million.  The foreign-born population increased by 449,000 from 2015 to 2016.

To illustrate the dramatic growth, in 1970 immigrants represented 4.7 percent of the population. By 2000, the proportion of immigrants reached 11.1 percent of America's residents.  That means the number of immigrants living in the U.S. has zoomed upward 78 percent in the last 46 years.

Mexican nationals are the largest slice of the immigrant population pie chart with 26 percent. There are an estimated 11.6  million Mexican immigrants living in the country.  However, the percentage of Mexicans is lower than the peak of 30 percent in 2000 as more nationals arrive from other countries.

For example, India was the leading country of origin in 2016 with 175,100 individuals entering America.  China and Hong Kong followed with 160,200 immigrants.  Mexico was third on the list with 54,700. Cuba ranked fourth with 46,600. About 1.5 million foreign nationals arrived in 2016.

While Mexicans outnumber other immigrant populations, a glacial shift is occurring below the surface. Indians now comprise nearly six percent of immigrants with Chinese (including Hong Kong) representing five percent.  Filipinos are at four percent with Cubans and Vietnamese close behind.

Many immigrant adults today are better educated than their American counterparts.  For instance, 51 percent of Asians have at least a college bachelor's degree, compared to 31 percent for the total U.S. adult population.  By comparison, only six percent of Mexican immigrants have a college degree.

A Pew Research Center analysis found that immigrants accounted for nearly one-fourth (23%) of babies born in the United States, yet represent only 13.5 percent of the population.  This baby boom is driving overall population growth.  Without immigrants, the U.S. birth rate would be declining.

If current trends hold, immigrants and their descendants are projected to account for 88 percent of the population growth through 2065. Those figures underscore the importance of legal immigrants to the vibrancy of the American economy, boosting the labor pool and increasing economic activity.

Many of the new arrivals are doing better financially too, especially those from Asia and India.  A Pew Research analysis found that Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Indian immigrants have fewer family members living below the poverty line than those from Mexico and Central America. 

Immigrants have been a positive force throughout American history. That remains true today.  The media should extol the inspiring stories of successful legal immigrants instead of spotlighting only illegals.  America's face is changing.  And that is good news that should be celebrated.

How We Can Insure World Peace

Who doesn't favor World Peace?  Beauty queens, pacifists, politicians, preachers and even proctologists clamor for earthly bliss.  Everyone claims they desire tranquility, a world free of strife.  We daydream of the human race holding hands around a blazing campfire signing Kumbaya.

Not going to happen.  Forget North Korea, China, Russia or the mullahs in Iran making nice with any nation.  Peace starts at home.  How many families do you know where everyone gets along?  I thought so. Why do we think World Peace is attainable when blood feuds exist in families?

Think about it.  It's Thanksgiving and two bald uncles, your peevish parents and a few aunts are perched at the dinner table waiting to carve the turkey.  Instead they began slicing up each other over hurt feelings from three decades ago.  Families hold onto to grudges like a drumstick.

These people are related for goodness sake.  They are supposed to share some common DNA.  Perhaps, a few character traits or Elephantine ears like Uncle Neanderthal.  Bloodlines don't matter when families huddle in the same room for more than a few minutes.  Turbulence ensues.

Remember when your cousin Billy Bob called you fat and ugly?  That was 33 years ago.  And now you are svelte and tanned and sport a new face lift.  Shouldn't that relieve the sting?  No way.  You suffered through high school and college.  Now it's payback time.

Tragically, family conflicts have been with us since the dawn of humanity.  Grab your bible and flip to Genesis, Chapter 4, verses 1-16.  Cain, the first born son of Adam and Eve, becomes enraged with his brother Abel and murders him.  Jealousy was Cain's downfall and much of humanity's.

Know any families where siblings are jealous of each other?  Just pray they are not packing heat at the next family Christmas social.  I know your brother appears docile.  But after a few toddies, he flings a tumbler of gin at you and gripes about how Mom always liked you better.  Better duck!

Dysfunctional families are the norm today.  Grown ups can't move pass the emotional stress of Dad's tongue lashing about their choices in teenage boyfriends.  Must have felt like the end of the world 20 years ago. News flash: Parents makes mistakes, too.  Your pity parties are boring.

Today families are even more complicated with divorce and same gender marriages.  Imagine being told your mother is your dad and your aunt is your biological mother.  Urge your children and grand kids to pursue careers in psychiatry.  There is a fortune to be made.  Lifetime financial security.

Add to this blended mix the toxic nature of politics and family.  Any talk of political issues or figures ignites a fiery kitchen debate with your sister-in-law Susie Mae.  Before too long, you are shaking fingers at each other and digging deep into your vocabulary for pithy insults.

Those kind of heated arguments lead to estrangement.  You decide to no longer speak to ancient Uncle Frankenbeans. When he calls, hang up. Dispatch a note telling him that you no longer plan to attend his funeral.  Find someone else to read from Paul's gospel about peace at the church service.

Yet people still wonder:  "Why can't we just get along?"  Really?  Isn't it obvious?  Humans are an emotional tribe. The truth is that we are 98 percent emotions and about two percent rational thinking.  Emotion never healed a personal wound.   Bitterness creates feelings of lasting resentment.

My advice is to stop pining for World Peace.  You will be happier just knowing it is an impossible fantasy.  It won't happen until every family on the globe is reconciled, contented and grateful for each member of the circle.  The chances of that occurring are one in 7.6  billion (the world's population).

If you really want World Peace, sow seeds of harmony in your family.  Forgive those who have hurt you. Apologize to those you have harmed.  Love those who are unlovable.  Assign the past to the past. That will make the world a better place.  And you will be better off too.