Sad but true. Several weeks ago I tried to renew my auto registration online at DMV2U. The site was inoperative. I re-registered via mail. After reading this post, I accessed the DMV2U site, entered my registration info and it again failed to accept my data. It has apparently been down for over three weeks.
Your comment made me think I should upgrade my mostly useless drivers license (i carry a US passport) considering that only us foolish law abiding people need to carry them to drive in Oregon. The Astoria DMV office won't issue "Real IDs" and "no appointments available" in the DMV offices within 45 miles....
Your story is just one of thousands illustrating the systemic failures that plague us. Civil rights offices are overwhelmed, social services are severely understaffed, and mental health and addiction services are tainted by corruption and nepotism. The health authority is practically nonfunctional, and our justice system has become a deeply inhumane cesspool.
Meanwhile, more Oregonians are developing disabilities due to long COVID and preexisting conditions exacerbated by the pandemic. Labor bureaus and employment lawyers are overwhelmed, unable to keep up with the growing demand.
It's clear that Oregonians are increasingly unhappy with the state of affairs. The question we need to ask ourselves is why we continue to support a system so fundamentally broken. It's not just about who we vote for—it's about the very process that limits our choices and perpetuates these failures. We need to open our eyes to the reality that meaningful change won't come from within this corrupt framework. Instead, we must come together to demand a complete overhaul of the system, ensuring it truly serves the people it was designed to protect.
Remember Jared, the DMV records were 'hacked', by whom who knows. What information the hackers received and what they did or are doing with it again, who knows. But rest assured, more names were added to voter rolls around the state and all these new voters will surely vote for freedom.
Our government is most stable when there are adequate checks and balances. With super-majority Democrats in charge in CA, OR, and WA - their desire for power and their progressive, liberal dogma suffocates its residents. To hell with Conservatives and their views, instead these states have jumped aboard daily-changing social media demands - and as Jeff points out, spending money and expanding the machine but leaving the majority of citizens poorer and forgotten.
Where states demand equity on corporate boards and other areas, it should be necessary to strike a balance (by law) in our state government.
I do not agree with some of those who insist both parties have driven us off a cliff. Our Democrat run states typically have more taxes, liberal laws, and government on top of the pyramid.
I was born and reared in Illinois, approx 100 miles south of Chicago, right on Route 66. Yes, Democrat to the core - parents were hard core Democrats and I believe so to protect the “working man/woman.” Democrats today are chasing the liberal activists who line up on social media awaiting g their next cause. Democrat politicians, always hungry for votes, latch on to those sudden trends like flies on -hit. They’ve tossed out the Bible, stomped on the Constitution, and try to buffalo us pawns into believing their policies are for the good of mankind. Big deal $35T in debt - that won’t stop Biden and company from buying votes and paying off activists. It’s sad that Democrat pawns forgot their natural Independence and God-given freedoms for top-down government dictatorship.
I'm with you. Democrats are Communists now (aka Progressive). I'm kinda old. I used to be a Democrat. But I've seen what Democrat policies do to small businesses and working taxpayers. The taxes and regulations are brutal on small businesses. Taxes, not including income taxes, and compliance costs are a huge part of important industries like trucking and manufacturing. I'd say 1/4 to 1/3 of all costs.
Not Progressive policies, but Democrat policies. More and more taxes. More and more regulations. Building up like minerals and sediments build up in water lines.
greater Idaho here we come! seriously, what can be done to repair this horrific catastrophe? Mr. Jefferson's declaration ended up in armed conflict. is that our only solution? one bright spot in all this is that the U.S. Supreme Court recently, in one small way, has decreed that any laws be enacted only by the Congress of the United States and NOT some appointed bureaucrat pretending to interpret meanings established by Congress.
Sally, I will opine that most votes are for these people policies and promises. With Oregons' dirty voter rolls there is a large disparity between voters and votes.
You bring up an important point, and while it's crucial to recognize that many Oregonians vote for these people, policies, and promises, we must ask ourselves why. The root of the problem isn't just who we vote for—it's the system that presents us with limited and often flawed options.
Our political process is marred by corruption at every level. The system itself, designed to maintain the status quo, restricts meaningful change and perpetuates the cycle of ineffective leadership. This is not about left vs. right, Republican vs. Democrat—it's about a broken system that fails to serve the people it claims to represent.
We need to open our eyes and understand that our current process offers us a narrow path with pre-determined outcomes. The illusion of choice keeps us trapped in a cycle of disillusionment and frustration. The true change we need goes beyond electing new faces into the same corrupted framework; it requires a fundamental overhaul of the system itself.
Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness. Envision a process that genuinely involves and represents the diverse voices of all Oregonians, not just those with the loudest platforms or deepest pockets. We need to demand transparency, accountability, and a government that truly operates for and by the people.
The path forward requires us to look beyond the superficial choices we are given and to fight for a system that provides real options for real change. It's time to recognize that the problem isn't just who we're voting for, but the very process that limits our choices. We need to wake up, unite, and work together to dismantle the structures of oppression and rebuild a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
I'm not sure, but I suspect that the reason we are in this situation, is an excess of unquestioning "compassion". as a result we are throwing money at this perception without much thought about why the problems exist. thus with all that money out there, the charlatans are having a field day: not working? throw more money at it, and nobody is questioning whether it works or not, because it is the "compassionate" thing to do. thus an impregnable block of bureaucrats with no real solution but more money.
I absolutely see where you’re coming from. Many people misunderstand compassion, thinking it’s synonymous with being permissive or soft. True compassion is not without a backbone; it requires accountability and critical thinking. The situation we’re in isn’t due to excess compassion, but rather a failure to combine compassion with effective action. We're throwing money at problems without addressing the root causes or holding anyone accountable for results. This creates an environment ripe for charlatans, perpetuating inefficiency. Real compassion means demanding solutions that work and ensuring resources are used effectively.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be. I was forced out of my systems transformation role at the Oregon Health Authority by possibly someone mentioned in this article and maybe others who aren't. Bureaucrats resist change because they see no reason to embrace it. We're not providing that reason. True compassion begins with ourselves. We need to cultivate self-compassion and understand that we deserve better. This is the core of my work. I guide others to discover their worth and find self-compassion, just as I have done. It's truly powerful work. You might want to read Max Borders' book, "The Underthrow," or my friend Robertson Work's "Compassionate Civilization." The work that I do involves integration and synthesis of many of the concepts discussed in both of those books. You're fundamentally asking the wrong question. Nobody's coming to save us. Bureaucrats won't change, and neither will politicians. We need to change. We deserve better, and we need to fight for it. That is the essence of the compassionate revolution. When enough of us realize this, we'll start building better systems while the old ones crumble. They're not coming back, and they're not going to get better; they're only going to get worse. I'm not a nihilist. I believe we can do better. I believe in humanity, and I believe in Oregonians.
I would like to think you have a chance, but I have lived too long and seen too much. many years ago an historian studying democracy came to a conclusion:
At about the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in the year 1787, Alexander Tytler (a Scottish history professor at The University of Edinborough) had this to say about “The Fall of The Athenian Republic” some 2,000 years prior:
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
“The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
>> Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness... We need to wake up, unite, and work together to dismantle the structures of oppression and rebuild a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
Who is measuring those things? Are you? Is a machine? Your post is vague and lacking in specific details in some ways that are frustrating. How do you propose to change the system? Do you propose to depose overthrow the state and install your own system? Are you so confident yours would be better? How do you propose to dismantle these structures of oppression? Do you plan on considering how the dismantling work oppresses others? Just frustrating because I would like more specifics.
"Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness." Picture a society where these qualities are not only valued but meticulously cultivated and measured. While it's true that the specifics are challenging and complex, the essence of this vision is a call to wake up, unite, and collaboratively work towards dismantling oppressive structures and rebuilding a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
Who measures these qualities? Ideally, it is a combination of collective human wisdom and advanced tools designed to evaluate these traits fairly and accurately. It’s not about a single entity or machine having all the answers but about a community-driven process that constantly refines its methods and criteria. (we use these methods @ The Compassion Collective)
As for specifics on changing the system, it's not about overthrowing the state in a violent upheaval but about gradually transforming our institutions through persistent and thoughtful action. This transformation involves:
Grassroots Movements: Building local initiatives that demonstrate the effectiveness of compassionate and equitable leadership. (The Compassion Collective - www.thecompassioncollective.earth)
Policy Reforms: Advocating for and implementing policies that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. (Currently systems gatekeep policy work)
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of these values through education and media. (Tied to educational reform, see above)
Collaborative Innovation: Encouraging collaborative efforts across different sectors to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. (Fundamentally breaking down the hierarchies that impede collaboration, transparency, and accountability, The Compassion Collective uses holoarchical generative system design)
Holarchical Generative System Design is a framework for organizing and evolving systems based on the principles of holarchy and generative design.
Holarchy: Unlike a traditional hierarchy, a holarchy is a system where each unit, or "holon," is both a whole entity in itself and a part of a larger system. This structure allows for flexible and adaptive relationships among different levels of the system.
Generative Design: This aspect focuses on creating solutions that are self-improving and evolving. It leverages principles from biology and complex systems to design processes that can adapt and grow over time, often using computational tools and algorithms to explore a wide range of possibilities and optimize outcomes.
Together, Holarchical Generative System Design aims to create systems that are dynamic, resilient, and capable of continuous improvement. This approach is particularly useful in complex environments where adaptability and innovation are crucial.
Dismantling structures of oppression requires a careful, considerate approach that minimizes harm and avoids creating new forms of oppression. It involves:
Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, in meaningful dialogue to understand their needs and perspectives. (This requires facilitative leadership, not top down leadership)
Systemic Analysis: Identifying the root causes of oppression within current systems and addressing them through targeted interventions. (Currently we are still putting bandaids on gaping wounds)
Sustainable Practices: Ensuring that changes are sustainable and that they genuinely empower people rather than simply shifting power dynamics. (Holarchical Generative System Design)
It's true that these ideas may seem vague and ambitious, but they are starting points for deeper discussion and collaborative action. The specifics will evolve through our collective efforts, insights, and creativity. The answers lie within us as a society, waiting to be discovered and implemented.
I appreciate the sentiment but I don't need luck, what I really need are a few more people who can see beyond the confines they've placed themselves in.
I'm sure if you look there are a lot of people out there that would love what you typed out above... I am not a good fit for any of that, but respect your right to pursue such things, and for some people maybe it is helpful! I have not used this app before. Probably shouldn't have responded to your post LOL
LOL. I guess that's true of the original Declaration of Independence, too, when it was issued. In the Oregon declaration, I guess the voting for non-statists would be, if it were to occur, the Revolutionary War - the action that validates the declaration.
Hahaha, I guess you are right LOL -- that's pretty funny. This is my first time posting a comment here on substack... I am a little bit confused by the post because the US declaration of independence was made only after a year of bitter war with Britain, it was not peaceful and I do not think it could have happened peacefully. I am not sure that the current situation in Oregon has much in common with the grievances that warranted Jefferson's declaration of independence and it seems like you never really make that connection in your post. Not sure if I am doing this right but I am a little bit confused by the post. I put some more examples of where I am most confused below.
"...in jealous service to its own aims devours Oregonians’ dwindling supply of moral, social and economic substance.... The moral decay that attends repeated subjugation to an incompetent and greedy state government must stop..."
What moral decay are you referring to? What economic substance does the state devour? I work for the state and it's really hard work, I make less than a quarter of what I would working for a company like facebook doing the same job (I am a researcher). You mention morals, greed, jealousy, incompetency... But I have not seen that here in Oregon. To the contrary, having lived in many different states and worked for many different state governments it seems like the state government here manages to do quite a lot with very constrained resources in the contexts I work in. I am very confused on the "dwindling morals" ... What morals are dwindling?
You also say: "The state exerts mastery over those elected to control it by ensuring, via public employee unions’ campaign contributions, that the big incentives point toward doing the bidding of the people who work for the state. ...cleaning up the damn trash is secondary to protecting the state employees who seem infinitely incapable of cleaning up the trash, or doing much of anything at all.... our state government mostly grinds along, protecting and enriching its own with little regard to the rest of us. "
Is there a specific public employee union that you have an issue with? What big incentives are you referring to? I make 1/4 of what I would make doing the same job in the industry and I enjoy no unique benefits that I know of working for the state. I do it because I enjoy having a job that serves others... I have a lot of responsibilities and work to do in my job working for the state... What trash are you trying to clean up? Do you mean litter? I hope you are not implying that people who don't have a home are trash... they are not, and I don't think that our founders would ever say that people that are homeless are trash.
You go on to say: "It is, increasingly, an entity distinct from and, in practice, superior to the public. It rarely operates at the consent of the governed; the governed exist only pursuant to the state’s consent..."
How is the state government superior to the public? In what way? The public in Oregon that do the same job as me are paid more, get more leave/vacation, often have stake in a company, and live in mansions. I live in a 3 bed 1 bath in a small town south of Portland.
"...Oregonians care a great deal about quality public education, safe streets and a reasonable balance between earnings and cost of living."
I care about these things too... But I am a little bit confused why you think independence from the state will give us these things.
Not that I admire the increasingly disfunctional one party (for a reason) state government of Oregon but this article is mostly just an unsubstantiated grievance rant.
The Oregon administrative state is almost Soviet in its inefficiency and lack of accountability.
Think back just a couple decades and there is the DMV computer fiasco, followed by the CareOregon 1/3rd of a BILLION DOLLAR failure, followed by the outright corruption of the La Mota/SecState scandal.
The apparatchiks are increasingly paid much more than elected officials. I was the elected DA for a quarter century and my salary - after decades - was considerably less than hundreds of people with jobs whose titles give no clue whatsoever of what they did or who they serve.
I was an active Democrat for decades, but like many others, have watched the party drift farther and farther to the left (some Republicans feel the same way in the other direction). Many of the Democratic leaders would be unelectable today, including former Speaker and Attorney General Hardy Myers, Sen. Betsy Johnson, and even Oregon's greatest statesman, Senator Wayne Morse!
None of the Republicans I know think their party has drifted farther and farther to the right. On the contrary, they believe their party has moved to the left, ideologically. And even I can see that many Republicans are now more like moderate Democrats than registered Democrats.
In Oregon I divide the Oregon Republicans between genuine good guys (like leader Helfrich), loons, like some of the senators gamed into being disqualified, and insincere wingnuts like David Brock Smith. But after 40 years in Oregon politics, I would define NONE of the current GOP delegation as "left."
I find it hard to say ANYTHING nice about any of the current Democrats.
I think Democrats are mostly Communists now, whether the voters realize that or not.
From what I've heard about David Brock Smith, he voted to put tampons in the boy's school bathrooms. Same with Christina Drazan. To me, that is a Leftist value. Why would they do that?
I don't think the Senators who walked out are loons. They did what they had to for their constituents - denying quorum to keep 'the current Democrats' from passing some bad bills.
The “awakening” will have to involve at least 60% of Oregonians to elect an orator and fire breather that doesn’t rely on public or union money to maintain the status quo. A mandate like this will give him/her the backing to clean up the trash of decades of corruption. I don’t see anybody being even close. It will probably take a cataclysm to enable the change we so urgently need.
Politics change, sometimes quickly. We are undergoing a major national shift in the parties' coalitions and the voting proclivities of certain demographic groups. Oregon is very unlikely to become a Republican state, but there is an anti-progressive majority here, now, I believe.
There is clearly an anti-progressive movement now. I doubt if it has achieved majority status. It’s encouraging that unaffiliated voters in Oregon outnumber R’s and D’s.
Catastrophe like a depression JR? We are flirting with one right now. Congress has been spending like the money tree is healthy and growing. It isn't, and other nations are now calling our bluff.
But Oregon Democrats, as much as any in the country, have allowed progressivism to supplant liberalism as the motivating philosophy of their party. Progressivism insists upon the superiority of government over the governed, for it is the people - the “experts” - who work in government who know how to make things better for everyone.
The time for subtlety has passed. The cognitive dissonance that blankets our society—across political lines, right and left, Republican and Democrat—has dulled our senses to the true enemy: a government that pretends to serve us while it oppresses us. They have us believing we are at war with each other, but it is they who orchestrate our division to maintain control. Wake up! Please, wake up!
We must recognize the psychological abuse we've endured, the manipulation that keeps us fragmented and powerless. This government has never been for or by the people; it is a machine of oppression, designed to subjugate us. We must rise above the lies and see the truth: our common enemy is not each other, but the system that binds us.
It is time for us to build anew. To succeed where the current system has failed, we must unite and create a society based on compassion, equity, and true democracy. We can no longer patch up a collapsing system with bandaids; we must tear down the old and construct a new foundation built on the principles of justice and empathy.
You accurately frame the current government tyranny, but … Compassion, equity and true democracy?” … is a recipe for tyranny and are the tools of oppression currently being leveraged by our ruling party here in Oregon (and federally). Those are anything but “North Stars” intended to lead us past governmental tyranny - frankly, they ensure it.
The founders knew that a “true democracy” would lead to the same kind of tyranny the colonies suffered under King George III. Read the full Declaration of Independence - it is uncanny how many of the same abuses KGIII perpetrated in the colonies mirror our federal and state government tyrannies.
Our founders intended for us to have a republican form of limited government - a constitutional republic - designed specifically to safeguard our liberties. The word democracy appears in neither of our founding documents (Declaration of Independence, US Constitution) for very good reasons. Contrasted with the way Democrats ALWAYS refer to “our democracy” and NEVER refer to our constitutional republic.
You raise an important critique regarding the current state of governance, highlighting concerns about the potential for tyranny under the guise of virtues such as compassion, equity, and true democracy. However, it’s crucial to unpack these concepts and their implementation through a metamodern lens.
First, it's essential to acknowledge the historical context you mention. The Founders indeed designed a constitutional republic with a system of checks and balances intended to prevent the concentration of power and safeguard individual liberties. Their wariness of "true democracy" was based on a fear of mob rule and the potential for majoritarian tyranny, which is well-documented in Federalist Papers and other foundational texts.
However, an integralist and metamodern perspective suggests that our understanding and application of governance must evolve to address contemporary complexities. Metamodernism emphasizes the integration of traditional structures with new paradigms, recognizing that values such as compassion and equity are not inherently tyrannical. Instead, they can guide us towards a more inclusive and just society when implemented with transparency, accountability, and a robust civic infrastructure.
The logical fallacy in your argument lies in a false dichotomy: the assumption that compassion, equity, and true democracy are antithetical to a constitutional republic and must inevitably lead to tyranny. This overlooks the potential for these values to coexist and enhance a democratic republic when balanced correctly.
**Addressing Specific Points:**
1. **Compassion and Equity:** When these values are wielded as tools of oppression, it's a misuse rather than an inherent flaw in the values themselves. A metamodern approach would advocate for systems that ensure these values are enacted through fair processes and with an awareness of their potential for misuse. For example, policies can be designed to promote equity without undermining individual freedoms, through mechanisms like participatory budgeting and community-led decision-making.
2. **True Democracy:** The term "true democracy" can be contentious. However, a metamodern perspective advocates for a deeper, more participatory form of democracy that transcends mere electoral processes. This includes fostering a democratic culture where citizens are engaged and empowered to influence decisions that affect their lives. It’s about enhancing democratic practices within the framework of a constitutional republic.
3. **Founding Documents:** While it's true that the word "democracy" doesn't appear in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, the spirit of democratic principles is embedded in these documents. The challenge is to adapt these principles to contemporary contexts, ensuring they serve to enhance, rather than detract from, our liberties.
In conclusion, the goal should be to evolve our political and social systems in a way that integrates traditional safeguards with new, inclusive values. This balanced approach can help prevent the concentration of power and protect against tyranny, while also fostering a society that upholds compassion, equity, and true democratic engagement. Embracing the complexities and pluralities of a metamodern world, we can strive for a future where governance truly serves the people in a holistic and just manner.
I appreciate your energy and intent, but forgive me - I read your words and I hear an inane Kamala Harris or Carmen Rubio word salad riff; referencing the neo-deities of post/meta modernism - as if their promises are somehow materially different or "better." That if we just dig deeper or different and more profoundly and listen to the siren song of post/meta modernism orthodoxy and it's prophets - we'll get big government to somehow be accountable and responsive to the "will of the people" this time. As if it actually could.
Portland, and Oregonians in general, are a generous lot - they are compassionate, tend toward equitable use of collective resources for the common good, eager with a helping hand and are open to a plurality of voices being heard and valued. Those values are with our people, our culture. Our government entities - (federal), state, Metro, county and city - are a pathetic failure at reflecting the good nature of our people. In fact, they have regularly weaponized our culture to our collective detriment. That is not a "bug" - that is a feature of the system. Not just this system - but government, by definition. A "meta-modern approach might advocate to ensure" til it is blue in the face, but later or most likely sooner - zealots, bureaucratic largess and need to justify itself or support the local union - would destroy said advocacy and intent.
I do not deify our founding fathers, but they listened to the lessons of human history and refused to succumb to the narcissistic tendency to believe that despite all evidence to the contrary - "this time, we'll get government right." No - time and again, what they got right is their perspective on the very nature of government - the zealots drawn to it, the nature of mob rule, the tendency towards tyranny and bureaucratic largess that is endemic to it.
Any North Stars other than Freedom and Liberty and "small, is better government" (i,e., government monopolies are no better than commercial monopolies) - will be weaponized against the people. Tis axiomatic. History and human nature inform us that your "more deeper, more inclusive democratic processes" will still breed tyranny - that you think otherwise smells of the utopian "re-imagine" schtick coming out of 2020 - and we are living the dystopian aftermath of those absurdities.
Unless, of course, your word salad recipe of post/meta-modernism includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Commerce is NOT the enemy of the people - unless it is a tyrannical monopoly. Government is a monopoly - which is why it is typically the enemy of the people; a tyrannical and unaccountable bureaucracy led by zealots - oftentimes corrupt (big or small). Support non monopolized commerce; squeeze the hell out of government.
- Destroy the public school monopoly. School choice coupled with $$ follow students. We MUST have competition to make schools more responsive and relevant. This will require schools to center families and kids - NOT the whims of the most ignorant and moronically radical lot produced by higher education = teachers. I was one of them, once upon a time; my wife currently is one of them. Nationally, teacher unions have done more than Russia or Chinese agents have ever done in terms of destroying this nation from within. The Hamas/Iranian proxy war advocacy in higher education illustrates perfectly the absolute rot of Oppression Theory embedded in all curricular subjects.
- Cut taxes. The good people of Oregon can use their money to support the causes that speak to them, NOT have them dictated by the mob or ruling party zealots who regularly and systemically undermine the will of the people. A free people - should be free to make choices that matter to them. Besides, the NGO/government/cronism Tax & Waste cycle is off the charts - worst in our history. (see https://oregoncatalyst.com/78375-oregon-11-fastest-dying-states.html)
- Nuke all DEI offices and personnel - yesterday. If you have to ask why, you are irredeemably part of the problem. That should decrease the cost (and improve the provision of) government services and higher education by 15-20% immediately. Use the $$$ to fund improved mental health support.
- Increase the size/scope of the Audit function; uncover and vilify corruption (both big and small). And put somebody from the non ruling party in charge of it - accountability.
- For every "right" enshrined by the zealots, there MUST be a corresponding "duty" required. Personal accountability.
However, I do agree with the elimination of DEI offices. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion should be embedded in our institutions, not reduced to performative bandaids within corrupt systems.
I appreciate your energy and intent, but I must point out that comparing my ideas to an "inane Kamala Harris or Carmen Rubio word salad" is a logical fallacy that doesn't engage with the substance of my arguments. Additionally, your characterization of “post/meta modernism” shows a misunderstanding of metamodern thought. Metamodernism seeks to synthesize the best insights from both modern and postmodern perspectives, promoting pragmatic and flexible solutions to complex societal issues.
The rest of your comment insinuates and infers, which I find disrespectful. You also continue with many logical fallacies that are just not worth the cognitive rigamarole. Have a nice evening.
Sad but true. Several weeks ago I tried to renew my auto registration online at DMV2U. The site was inoperative. I re-registered via mail. After reading this post, I accessed the DMV2U site, entered my registration info and it again failed to accept my data. It has apparently been down for over three weeks.
Remember this at least the THIRD DMV system.
Your comment made me think I should upgrade my mostly useless drivers license (i carry a US passport) considering that only us foolish law abiding people need to carry them to drive in Oregon. The Astoria DMV office won't issue "Real IDs" and "no appointments available" in the DMV offices within 45 miles....
Your story is just one of thousands illustrating the systemic failures that plague us. Civil rights offices are overwhelmed, social services are severely understaffed, and mental health and addiction services are tainted by corruption and nepotism. The health authority is practically nonfunctional, and our justice system has become a deeply inhumane cesspool.
Meanwhile, more Oregonians are developing disabilities due to long COVID and preexisting conditions exacerbated by the pandemic. Labor bureaus and employment lawyers are overwhelmed, unable to keep up with the growing demand.
It's clear that Oregonians are increasingly unhappy with the state of affairs. The question we need to ask ourselves is why we continue to support a system so fundamentally broken. It's not just about who we vote for—it's about the very process that limits our choices and perpetuates these failures. We need to open our eyes to the reality that meaningful change won't come from within this corrupt framework. Instead, we must come together to demand a complete overhaul of the system, ensuring it truly serves the people it was designed to protect.
Remember Jared, the DMV records were 'hacked', by whom who knows. What information the hackers received and what they did or are doing with it again, who knows. But rest assured, more names were added to voter rolls around the state and all these new voters will surely vote for freedom.
Our government is most stable when there are adequate checks and balances. With super-majority Democrats in charge in CA, OR, and WA - their desire for power and their progressive, liberal dogma suffocates its residents. To hell with Conservatives and their views, instead these states have jumped aboard daily-changing social media demands - and as Jeff points out, spending money and expanding the machine but leaving the majority of citizens poorer and forgotten.
Where states demand equity on corporate boards and other areas, it should be necessary to strike a balance (by law) in our state government.
I do not agree with some of those who insist both parties have driven us off a cliff. Our Democrat run states typically have more taxes, liberal laws, and government on top of the pyramid.
I think west coast Dems have a pretty bad recent record because they've gone so progressive. Not all Dem states are this bad.
Illinois is horrible. Chicago has been Democrat-run for over 100 years. Those weren't "Progressives" that destroyed Chicago.
I was born and reared in Illinois, approx 100 miles south of Chicago, right on Route 66. Yes, Democrat to the core - parents were hard core Democrats and I believe so to protect the “working man/woman.” Democrats today are chasing the liberal activists who line up on social media awaiting g their next cause. Democrat politicians, always hungry for votes, latch on to those sudden trends like flies on -hit. They’ve tossed out the Bible, stomped on the Constitution, and try to buffalo us pawns into believing their policies are for the good of mankind. Big deal $35T in debt - that won’t stop Biden and company from buying votes and paying off activists. It’s sad that Democrat pawns forgot their natural Independence and God-given freedoms for top-down government dictatorship.
I'm with you. Democrats are Communists now (aka Progressive). I'm kinda old. I used to be a Democrat. But I've seen what Democrat policies do to small businesses and working taxpayers. The taxes and regulations are brutal on small businesses. Taxes, not including income taxes, and compliance costs are a huge part of important industries like trucking and manufacturing. I'd say 1/4 to 1/3 of all costs.
Not Progressive policies, but Democrat policies. More and more taxes. More and more regulations. Building up like minerals and sediments build up in water lines.
greater Idaho here we come! seriously, what can be done to repair this horrific catastrophe? Mr. Jefferson's declaration ended up in armed conflict. is that our only solution? one bright spot in all this is that the U.S. Supreme Court recently, in one small way, has decreed that any laws be enacted only by the Congress of the United States and NOT some appointed bureaucrat pretending to interpret meanings established by Congress.
Oregonians need to vote better. Overturning Chevron was awesome, in my opinion.
My predictions are that overturning Chevron will accelerate the collapse by eroding democratic institutions at a faster rate.
one small step for man - Neil Armstrong. :o)
Most Oregonians vote for exactly these people, policies, and promises. There's your problem.
Yep!
Sally, I will opine that most votes are for these people policies and promises. With Oregons' dirty voter rolls there is a large disparity between voters and votes.
You bring up an important point, and while it's crucial to recognize that many Oregonians vote for these people, policies, and promises, we must ask ourselves why. The root of the problem isn't just who we vote for—it's the system that presents us with limited and often flawed options.
Our political process is marred by corruption at every level. The system itself, designed to maintain the status quo, restricts meaningful change and perpetuates the cycle of ineffective leadership. This is not about left vs. right, Republican vs. Democrat—it's about a broken system that fails to serve the people it claims to represent.
We need to open our eyes and understand that our current process offers us a narrow path with pre-determined outcomes. The illusion of choice keeps us trapped in a cycle of disillusionment and frustration. The true change we need goes beyond electing new faces into the same corrupted framework; it requires a fundamental overhaul of the system itself.
Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness. Envision a process that genuinely involves and represents the diverse voices of all Oregonians, not just those with the loudest platforms or deepest pockets. We need to demand transparency, accountability, and a government that truly operates for and by the people.
The path forward requires us to look beyond the superficial choices we are given and to fight for a system that provides real options for real change. It's time to recognize that the problem isn't just who we're voting for, but the very process that limits our choices. We need to wake up, unite, and work together to dismantle the structures of oppression and rebuild a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
I'm not sure, but I suspect that the reason we are in this situation, is an excess of unquestioning "compassion". as a result we are throwing money at this perception without much thought about why the problems exist. thus with all that money out there, the charlatans are having a field day: not working? throw more money at it, and nobody is questioning whether it works or not, because it is the "compassionate" thing to do. thus an impregnable block of bureaucrats with no real solution but more money.
I absolutely see where you’re coming from. Many people misunderstand compassion, thinking it’s synonymous with being permissive or soft. True compassion is not without a backbone; it requires accountability and critical thinking. The situation we’re in isn’t due to excess compassion, but rather a failure to combine compassion with effective action. We're throwing money at problems without addressing the root causes or holding anyone accountable for results. This creates an environment ripe for charlatans, perpetuating inefficiency. Real compassion means demanding solutions that work and ensuring resources are used effectively.
so how do you fix that? no bureaucrat in their right mind would go along with that.
I know firsthand how challenging it can be. I was forced out of my systems transformation role at the Oregon Health Authority by possibly someone mentioned in this article and maybe others who aren't. Bureaucrats resist change because they see no reason to embrace it. We're not providing that reason. True compassion begins with ourselves. We need to cultivate self-compassion and understand that we deserve better. This is the core of my work. I guide others to discover their worth and find self-compassion, just as I have done. It's truly powerful work. You might want to read Max Borders' book, "The Underthrow," or my friend Robertson Work's "Compassionate Civilization." The work that I do involves integration and synthesis of many of the concepts discussed in both of those books. You're fundamentally asking the wrong question. Nobody's coming to save us. Bureaucrats won't change, and neither will politicians. We need to change. We deserve better, and we need to fight for it. That is the essence of the compassionate revolution. When enough of us realize this, we'll start building better systems while the old ones crumble. They're not coming back, and they're not going to get better; they're only going to get worse. I'm not a nihilist. I believe we can do better. I believe in humanity, and I believe in Oregonians.
I would like to think you have a chance, but I have lived too long and seen too much. many years ago an historian studying democracy came to a conclusion:
At about the time our original 13 states adopted their new constitution, in the year 1787, Alexander Tytler (a Scottish history professor at The University of Edinborough) had this to say about “The Fall of The Athenian Republic” some 2,000 years prior:
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
“The average age of the worlds greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From Bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”
not much has changed since then.
>> Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness... We need to wake up, unite, and work together to dismantle the structures of oppression and rebuild a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
Who is measuring those things? Are you? Is a machine? Your post is vague and lacking in specific details in some ways that are frustrating. How do you propose to change the system? Do you propose to depose overthrow the state and install your own system? Are you so confident yours would be better? How do you propose to dismantle these structures of oppression? Do you plan on considering how the dismantling work oppresses others? Just frustrating because I would like more specifics.
"Imagine a new system where leaders are chosen based on their proven compassion, equity, and effectiveness." Picture a society where these qualities are not only valued but meticulously cultivated and measured. While it's true that the specifics are challenging and complex, the essence of this vision is a call to wake up, unite, and collaboratively work towards dismantling oppressive structures and rebuilding a government that genuinely reflects and serves its people.
Who measures these qualities? Ideally, it is a combination of collective human wisdom and advanced tools designed to evaluate these traits fairly and accurately. It’s not about a single entity or machine having all the answers but about a community-driven process that constantly refines its methods and criteria. (we use these methods @ The Compassion Collective)
As for specifics on changing the system, it's not about overthrowing the state in a violent upheaval but about gradually transforming our institutions through persistent and thoughtful action. This transformation involves:
Grassroots Movements: Building local initiatives that demonstrate the effectiveness of compassionate and equitable leadership. (The Compassion Collective - www.thecompassioncollective.earth)
Policy Reforms: Advocating for and implementing policies that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. (Currently systems gatekeep policy work)
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of these values through education and media. (Tied to educational reform, see above)
Collaborative Innovation: Encouraging collaborative efforts across different sectors to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. (Fundamentally breaking down the hierarchies that impede collaboration, transparency, and accountability, The Compassion Collective uses holoarchical generative system design)
Holarchical Generative System Design is a framework for organizing and evolving systems based on the principles of holarchy and generative design.
Holarchy: Unlike a traditional hierarchy, a holarchy is a system where each unit, or "holon," is both a whole entity in itself and a part of a larger system. This structure allows for flexible and adaptive relationships among different levels of the system.
Generative Design: This aspect focuses on creating solutions that are self-improving and evolving. It leverages principles from biology and complex systems to design processes that can adapt and grow over time, often using computational tools and algorithms to explore a wide range of possibilities and optimize outcomes.
Together, Holarchical Generative System Design aims to create systems that are dynamic, resilient, and capable of continuous improvement. This approach is particularly useful in complex environments where adaptability and innovation are crucial.
Dismantling structures of oppression requires a careful, considerate approach that minimizes harm and avoids creating new forms of oppression. It involves:
Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, in meaningful dialogue to understand their needs and perspectives. (This requires facilitative leadership, not top down leadership)
Systemic Analysis: Identifying the root causes of oppression within current systems and addressing them through targeted interventions. (Currently we are still putting bandaids on gaping wounds)
Sustainable Practices: Ensuring that changes are sustainable and that they genuinely empower people rather than simply shifting power dynamics. (Holarchical Generative System Design)
It's true that these ideas may seem vague and ambitious, but they are starting points for deeper discussion and collaborative action. The specifics will evolve through our collective efforts, insights, and creativity. The answers lie within us as a society, waiting to be discovered and implemented.
Wow, yikes. Okay... I have no comment. Good luck with that!
I appreciate the sentiment but I don't need luck, what I really need are a few more people who can see beyond the confines they've placed themselves in.
I'm sure if you look there are a lot of people out there that would love what you typed out above... I am not a good fit for any of that, but respect your right to pursue such things, and for some people maybe it is helpful! I have not used this app before. Probably shouldn't have responded to your post LOL
This feels eerily similar to Michael Scott's declaration of bankruptcy in the office.
LOL. I guess that's true of the original Declaration of Independence, too, when it was issued. In the Oregon declaration, I guess the voting for non-statists would be, if it were to occur, the Revolutionary War - the action that validates the declaration.
Hahaha, I guess you are right LOL -- that's pretty funny. This is my first time posting a comment here on substack... I am a little bit confused by the post because the US declaration of independence was made only after a year of bitter war with Britain, it was not peaceful and I do not think it could have happened peacefully. I am not sure that the current situation in Oregon has much in common with the grievances that warranted Jefferson's declaration of independence and it seems like you never really make that connection in your post. Not sure if I am doing this right but I am a little bit confused by the post. I put some more examples of where I am most confused below.
"...in jealous service to its own aims devours Oregonians’ dwindling supply of moral, social and economic substance.... The moral decay that attends repeated subjugation to an incompetent and greedy state government must stop..."
What moral decay are you referring to? What economic substance does the state devour? I work for the state and it's really hard work, I make less than a quarter of what I would working for a company like facebook doing the same job (I am a researcher). You mention morals, greed, jealousy, incompetency... But I have not seen that here in Oregon. To the contrary, having lived in many different states and worked for many different state governments it seems like the state government here manages to do quite a lot with very constrained resources in the contexts I work in. I am very confused on the "dwindling morals" ... What morals are dwindling?
You also say: "The state exerts mastery over those elected to control it by ensuring, via public employee unions’ campaign contributions, that the big incentives point toward doing the bidding of the people who work for the state. ...cleaning up the damn trash is secondary to protecting the state employees who seem infinitely incapable of cleaning up the trash, or doing much of anything at all.... our state government mostly grinds along, protecting and enriching its own with little regard to the rest of us. "
Is there a specific public employee union that you have an issue with? What big incentives are you referring to? I make 1/4 of what I would make doing the same job in the industry and I enjoy no unique benefits that I know of working for the state. I do it because I enjoy having a job that serves others... I have a lot of responsibilities and work to do in my job working for the state... What trash are you trying to clean up? Do you mean litter? I hope you are not implying that people who don't have a home are trash... they are not, and I don't think that our founders would ever say that people that are homeless are trash.
You go on to say: "It is, increasingly, an entity distinct from and, in practice, superior to the public. It rarely operates at the consent of the governed; the governed exist only pursuant to the state’s consent..."
How is the state government superior to the public? In what way? The public in Oregon that do the same job as me are paid more, get more leave/vacation, often have stake in a company, and live in mansions. I live in a 3 bed 1 bath in a small town south of Portland.
"...Oregonians care a great deal about quality public education, safe streets and a reasonable balance between earnings and cost of living."
I care about these things too... But I am a little bit confused why you think independence from the state will give us these things.
Not that I admire the increasingly disfunctional one party (for a reason) state government of Oregon but this article is mostly just an unsubstantiated grievance rant.
*dysfunctional :-)
The Oregon administrative state is almost Soviet in its inefficiency and lack of accountability.
Think back just a couple decades and there is the DMV computer fiasco, followed by the CareOregon 1/3rd of a BILLION DOLLAR failure, followed by the outright corruption of the La Mota/SecState scandal.
The apparatchiks are increasingly paid much more than elected officials. I was the elected DA for a quarter century and my salary - after decades - was considerably less than hundreds of people with jobs whose titles give no clue whatsoever of what they did or who they serve.
I was an active Democrat for decades, but like many others, have watched the party drift farther and farther to the left (some Republicans feel the same way in the other direction). Many of the Democratic leaders would be unelectable today, including former Speaker and Attorney General Hardy Myers, Sen. Betsy Johnson, and even Oregon's greatest statesman, Senator Wayne Morse!
None of the Republicans I know think their party has drifted farther and farther to the right. On the contrary, they believe their party has moved to the left, ideologically. And even I can see that many Republicans are now more like moderate Democrats than registered Democrats.
In Oregon I divide the Oregon Republicans between genuine good guys (like leader Helfrich), loons, like some of the senators gamed into being disqualified, and insincere wingnuts like David Brock Smith. But after 40 years in Oregon politics, I would define NONE of the current GOP delegation as "left."
I find it hard to say ANYTHING nice about any of the current Democrats.
I think Democrats are mostly Communists now, whether the voters realize that or not.
From what I've heard about David Brock Smith, he voted to put tampons in the boy's school bathrooms. Same with Christina Drazan. To me, that is a Leftist value. Why would they do that?
I don't think the Senators who walked out are loons. They did what they had to for their constituents - denying quorum to keep 'the current Democrats' from passing some bad bills.
The “awakening” will have to involve at least 60% of Oregonians to elect an orator and fire breather that doesn’t rely on public or union money to maintain the status quo. A mandate like this will give him/her the backing to clean up the trash of decades of corruption. I don’t see anybody being even close. It will probably take a cataclysm to enable the change we so urgently need.
Politics change, sometimes quickly. We are undergoing a major national shift in the parties' coalitions and the voting proclivities of certain demographic groups. Oregon is very unlikely to become a Republican state, but there is an anti-progressive majority here, now, I believe.
There is clearly an anti-progressive movement now. I doubt if it has achieved majority status. It’s encouraging that unaffiliated voters in Oregon outnumber R’s and D’s.
Catastrophe like a depression JR? We are flirting with one right now. Congress has been spending like the money tree is healthy and growing. It isn't, and other nations are now calling our bluff.
That may very well do the trick sorry to say.
This is absolutely spot on:
But Oregon Democrats, as much as any in the country, have allowed progressivism to supplant liberalism as the motivating philosophy of their party. Progressivism insists upon the superiority of government over the governed, for it is the people - the “experts” - who work in government who know how to make things better for everyone.
The time for subtlety has passed. The cognitive dissonance that blankets our society—across political lines, right and left, Republican and Democrat—has dulled our senses to the true enemy: a government that pretends to serve us while it oppresses us. They have us believing we are at war with each other, but it is they who orchestrate our division to maintain control. Wake up! Please, wake up!
We must recognize the psychological abuse we've endured, the manipulation that keeps us fragmented and powerless. This government has never been for or by the people; it is a machine of oppression, designed to subjugate us. We must rise above the lies and see the truth: our common enemy is not each other, but the system that binds us.
It is time for us to build anew. To succeed where the current system has failed, we must unite and create a society based on compassion, equity, and true democracy. We can no longer patch up a collapsing system with bandaids; we must tear down the old and construct a new foundation built on the principles of justice and empathy.
You accurately described the problem and what needs to be done about it. Doing it is what the real catch will be.
You accurately frame the current government tyranny, but … Compassion, equity and true democracy?” … is a recipe for tyranny and are the tools of oppression currently being leveraged by our ruling party here in Oregon (and federally). Those are anything but “North Stars” intended to lead us past governmental tyranny - frankly, they ensure it.
The founders knew that a “true democracy” would lead to the same kind of tyranny the colonies suffered under King George III. Read the full Declaration of Independence - it is uncanny how many of the same abuses KGIII perpetrated in the colonies mirror our federal and state government tyrannies.
Our founders intended for us to have a republican form of limited government - a constitutional republic - designed specifically to safeguard our liberties. The word democracy appears in neither of our founding documents (Declaration of Independence, US Constitution) for very good reasons. Contrasted with the way Democrats ALWAYS refer to “our democracy” and NEVER refer to our constitutional republic.
You raise an important critique regarding the current state of governance, highlighting concerns about the potential for tyranny under the guise of virtues such as compassion, equity, and true democracy. However, it’s crucial to unpack these concepts and their implementation through a metamodern lens.
First, it's essential to acknowledge the historical context you mention. The Founders indeed designed a constitutional republic with a system of checks and balances intended to prevent the concentration of power and safeguard individual liberties. Their wariness of "true democracy" was based on a fear of mob rule and the potential for majoritarian tyranny, which is well-documented in Federalist Papers and other foundational texts.
However, an integralist and metamodern perspective suggests that our understanding and application of governance must evolve to address contemporary complexities. Metamodernism emphasizes the integration of traditional structures with new paradigms, recognizing that values such as compassion and equity are not inherently tyrannical. Instead, they can guide us towards a more inclusive and just society when implemented with transparency, accountability, and a robust civic infrastructure.
The logical fallacy in your argument lies in a false dichotomy: the assumption that compassion, equity, and true democracy are antithetical to a constitutional republic and must inevitably lead to tyranny. This overlooks the potential for these values to coexist and enhance a democratic republic when balanced correctly.
**Addressing Specific Points:**
1. **Compassion and Equity:** When these values are wielded as tools of oppression, it's a misuse rather than an inherent flaw in the values themselves. A metamodern approach would advocate for systems that ensure these values are enacted through fair processes and with an awareness of their potential for misuse. For example, policies can be designed to promote equity without undermining individual freedoms, through mechanisms like participatory budgeting and community-led decision-making.
2. **True Democracy:** The term "true democracy" can be contentious. However, a metamodern perspective advocates for a deeper, more participatory form of democracy that transcends mere electoral processes. This includes fostering a democratic culture where citizens are engaged and empowered to influence decisions that affect their lives. It’s about enhancing democratic practices within the framework of a constitutional republic.
3. **Founding Documents:** While it's true that the word "democracy" doesn't appear in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, the spirit of democratic principles is embedded in these documents. The challenge is to adapt these principles to contemporary contexts, ensuring they serve to enhance, rather than detract from, our liberties.
In conclusion, the goal should be to evolve our political and social systems in a way that integrates traditional safeguards with new, inclusive values. This balanced approach can help prevent the concentration of power and protect against tyranny, while also fostering a society that upholds compassion, equity, and true democratic engagement. Embracing the complexities and pluralities of a metamodern world, we can strive for a future where governance truly serves the people in a holistic and just manner.
I appreciate your energy and intent, but forgive me - I read your words and I hear an inane Kamala Harris or Carmen Rubio word salad riff; referencing the neo-deities of post/meta modernism - as if their promises are somehow materially different or "better." That if we just dig deeper or different and more profoundly and listen to the siren song of post/meta modernism orthodoxy and it's prophets - we'll get big government to somehow be accountable and responsive to the "will of the people" this time. As if it actually could.
Portland, and Oregonians in general, are a generous lot - they are compassionate, tend toward equitable use of collective resources for the common good, eager with a helping hand and are open to a plurality of voices being heard and valued. Those values are with our people, our culture. Our government entities - (federal), state, Metro, county and city - are a pathetic failure at reflecting the good nature of our people. In fact, they have regularly weaponized our culture to our collective detriment. That is not a "bug" - that is a feature of the system. Not just this system - but government, by definition. A "meta-modern approach might advocate to ensure" til it is blue in the face, but later or most likely sooner - zealots, bureaucratic largess and need to justify itself or support the local union - would destroy said advocacy and intent.
I do not deify our founding fathers, but they listened to the lessons of human history and refused to succumb to the narcissistic tendency to believe that despite all evidence to the contrary - "this time, we'll get government right." No - time and again, what they got right is their perspective on the very nature of government - the zealots drawn to it, the nature of mob rule, the tendency towards tyranny and bureaucratic largess that is endemic to it.
Any North Stars other than Freedom and Liberty and "small, is better government" (i,e., government monopolies are no better than commercial monopolies) - will be weaponized against the people. Tis axiomatic. History and human nature inform us that your "more deeper, more inclusive democratic processes" will still breed tyranny - that you think otherwise smells of the utopian "re-imagine" schtick coming out of 2020 - and we are living the dystopian aftermath of those absurdities.
Unless, of course, your word salad recipe of post/meta-modernism includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Commerce is NOT the enemy of the people - unless it is a tyrannical monopoly. Government is a monopoly - which is why it is typically the enemy of the people; a tyrannical and unaccountable bureaucracy led by zealots - oftentimes corrupt (big or small). Support non monopolized commerce; squeeze the hell out of government.
- Destroy the public school monopoly. School choice coupled with $$ follow students. We MUST have competition to make schools more responsive and relevant. This will require schools to center families and kids - NOT the whims of the most ignorant and moronically radical lot produced by higher education = teachers. I was one of them, once upon a time; my wife currently is one of them. Nationally, teacher unions have done more than Russia or Chinese agents have ever done in terms of destroying this nation from within. The Hamas/Iranian proxy war advocacy in higher education illustrates perfectly the absolute rot of Oppression Theory embedded in all curricular subjects.
- Cut taxes. The good people of Oregon can use their money to support the causes that speak to them, NOT have them dictated by the mob or ruling party zealots who regularly and systemically undermine the will of the people. A free people - should be free to make choices that matter to them. Besides, the NGO/government/cronism Tax & Waste cycle is off the charts - worst in our history. (see https://oregoncatalyst.com/78375-oregon-11-fastest-dying-states.html)
- Nuke all DEI offices and personnel - yesterday. If you have to ask why, you are irredeemably part of the problem. That should decrease the cost (and improve the provision of) government services and higher education by 15-20% immediately. Use the $$$ to fund improved mental health support.
- Increase the size/scope of the Audit function; uncover and vilify corruption (both big and small). And put somebody from the non ruling party in charge of it - accountability.
- For every "right" enshrined by the zealots, there MUST be a corresponding "duty" required. Personal accountability.
I'll get back to you with the rest after dinner.
Right on, bro.
However, I do agree with the elimination of DEI offices. Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion should be embedded in our institutions, not reduced to performative bandaids within corrupt systems.
I appreciate your energy and intent, but I must point out that comparing my ideas to an "inane Kamala Harris or Carmen Rubio word salad" is a logical fallacy that doesn't engage with the substance of my arguments. Additionally, your characterization of “post/meta modernism” shows a misunderstanding of metamodern thought. Metamodernism seeks to synthesize the best insights from both modern and postmodern perspectives, promoting pragmatic and flexible solutions to complex societal issues.
The rest of your comment insinuates and infers, which I find disrespectful. You also continue with many logical fallacies that are just not worth the cognitive rigamarole. Have a nice evening.