I'm not going to do it!  I'm just not!  I'm not going to predict the outcome of tomorrow evening's debate.  Why?   Because as most political scientists will tell you, debates do not necessarily change the opinion of the electorate. They simply reinforce their preconceived notions as they relate to the candidates.  The reason?  Based upon political socialization (who we are and why we are), folks tend to rely upon the concept of selective perception and reinforcement.  We tend to listen to what we want to hear and ignore anything we do not want to hear. Statistically, it has been shown throughout the years that viewers of debates rarely change their views on the candidates.   The only time debates may affect viewers, is if there is a major gaffe.  Anything short of such an error does very little to "move the ball."  
       So what to expect?  To some, Clinton will lie through her teeth  (regardless of whether it was true or not). Trump will repeat his major themes while attempting to put Clinton into a preverbial corner.  Will either candidate appear to be more presidential than the other?  Looking presidential is subjective.  Demeanor will also go towards that view, but what is the bar each candidate must reach?  Thus far, there has been no bar set for Trump.  I mean, if he doesn't fall into the cracks of demeaning rhetoric, he will be perceived to have been successful.  For some, there is nothing either candidate can do to succeed.  So strap in, get ready and enjoy the obvious "made for television" event.  In that regard, Trump has the edge, he is after-all the creation of "reality television." 
         Last week I received a number of comments from Trump supporters.  Unfortunately, none were substantive. All were "Why don't you ever attack Clinton?"  Although I do not support Clinton, I have the right to attack Trump - for his entire ridiculous rhetoric without being a real supporter of Clinton.  Just this morning, I overheard a discussion in the locker room at the local YMCA.  The gist of the discussion?  "If Clinton wins, I will lose all faith in America!"  But how much faith does one have in America if this election changes their view of the country?  Some true patriots, huh? 
        I also read a local social media site proclaiming that society is "ignorant about the Stars and Bars and that just because the KKK endorsed and used it in a racial way, it simply symbolizes the Confederacy's desire to separate from the Federal Government."  What is truly ignorant is the fact that the Confederacy was actually disregarding the basis for the existence of the Federal Government they were allegedly protesting. The basis for "Federalism?"  The Constitution, of course! Talk about ignorant!  If you disagree, please then explain the language found in Articles I, II and III?  How about Article VI?  Plus - read the actual language in the Tenth Amendment.  It never says a word about the "Federal Government" but instead lists the government of the United States.  For strict constructionists and alleged "Constitutional Conservatives" (I still have not been told what that really means), why is this fact so easily ignored?
       To prove those that claim America is not great are so wrong, I would like to inform you of something underway as I write this.  Early on Friday, a teacher wrote a group of AP Government educators that she has only just  been allowed to return to her school that had been underwater due to the recent floods in Louisiana.  Her request?  She lost 20 years of teaching materials from textbooks, lesson plans, electronic assignments, you name it.  Now that she can return to teaching at a temporary school, she has lost everything she had so meticulously assembled over those two decades.  She desperately sought out help in how to not only cope with the loss, but also for help in putting something together to help her AP Government students learn their curriculum.  The outpouring of assistance to her has been amazing.  Folks are sending her assignments, lesson plans, and yes, some are sending class sets of text and handbooks.  So I'll ask you this.  IF Clinton is elected to the presidency, isn't there plenty of actual evidence that Americans ARE generous, ARE solid citizens and that our country remains GREAT?  What kind of patriot would ignore the actual real indicators of citizens helping citizens in favor of divisive rhetoric and political parties?  Obviously those with little actual faith in America, that's who.
          As President Ronald Reagan once said; "​We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.   THIS is what makes America great!  Not candidates with divisive rhetoric and followers ignorant of what America is really all about.   So enjoy the reality show we know as Presidential Debates and have a great week!

        Are we ready for "the" election of the century or what?  Often times, I really wish we were like other countries that limit presidential elections to just a few months instead of facing the endless cycle of campaigning.  Why? Because the campaigning seems to include messages that always pit Americans against fellow Americans - as if we were on two separate teams fighting for survival.  Someone has to lose, but in today's political climate, America seems to always suffer from such damaging contests.   We ALL lose as a result.  Need proof?  
           Although it is now accepted as "fact" that Hillary Clinton is a pathological liar, nothing she says or does will ever convince some Americans that it is genuine or necessary for the country.  Hence, if she is elected, so many will claim "She's not my president!"  "I didn't vote for her!"  And on the Trump side, a populist anti-government message is craftily conveyed wherein not only will Clinton supporters shy away from supporting a President Trump, but Congress itself may ignore him. Why? Because Trump and many of his supporters have a fundamental misunderstanding when it comes to how the government actually is structured. 
          With the recent hoopla over the refusal by professional athletes to stand for the National Anthem, a lot of folks scream outrage.  What's your point Rubin, so what?  It matters because many that claim "spoiled athletes protesting against the Flag - what a disgrace!" don't seem to realize their own hypocrisy on the matter.   You see, Donald Trump's entire political campaign is based upon a notion that America is no longer great. His political mantra that they proudly promote is  "Make America Great Again!"  Which begs the obvious question. If protesting what one sees as a social wrong while exercising their First Amendment Right of Free Speech is so "Un-American", how can those that claim America is not great be allowed a pass?  I mean, if you cannot fathom any perceived disrespect towards her, how come you cannot call out those that claim America isn't great anymore?  Isn't that a sign of disrespect towards our Flag and Anthem?              
         "Make America Great Again!"  What does that really mean?  To me, its a claim that America is no longer great - and that is simply a notion I will not accept.  So where is the public angst towards those that openly claim America "sucks" and needs to be improved?  There you go again Rubin, NO ONE said America sucks.  But how do you justify saying America needs to be great again without recognizing the inherent slam against the America we know (and I love) today?  We do need to improve America - by improving the quality of life of all (including education, environment, political empowerment, etc.). Yet if so many in America believe she is no longer great, than why do so many of them vociferously claim that those that don't stand for the Anthem or the Flag consider "leaving the country?"  But when did America lose its status as Great? Could it be when everyone became afforded Equal Protection?  Having the right to choose when it comes to abortion?  Having the same rights to a quality education?  Access to the voting booth?  What time in America do they want to go back to if America isn't still great today?
         Over the weekend a full-page advertisement ran in many newspapers.  The ad was sponsored by a Super PAC calling itself "Save America From Its Government."  That title banner of the ad?  "OBAMACARE: A CRASH COURSE IN GOVERNMENT INEFFICIENCY.  The first portion of the ad rails against ObamaCare as the cause for "$500 band-aids and $1,000 Aspirin."  Seriously!  It also mentions that Hillary Clinton can't be believed. Why? "Do you think the doctor who recently visited her at home and diagnosed pneumonia was paid by Obamacare?  First, Clinton was diagnosed the Friday before she had to be seen at her daughter's home on 9/11. Second, their claim that ObamaCare is the sole problem for the ills of the medical system is both disingenuous and naive. According to multiple sources, out of the approximately 318 Million Americans, only approximately 11.3 million Americans enrolled in the program (See: www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/01/07/more-than-11-3-million-americans-signed-up-for-obamacare-report-says/).  So why try to convince Americans that it alone is the cause for the high cost of doctors and treatment?  Because cynically they know Americans are easily duped.  Make American Great Again right?  Who needs ObamaCare?  I don't have ObamaCare insurance, neither do any of my friends.  So how is it that so many criticize it without even having it?  
       The ad goes on to claim that the government has taken over the home financing industry.   The ad reads, "The total costs to homeowners, including increased taxes for government involvement, will simply increase."  Huh? The mortgage crisis was in large part of the Banking scheme left unregulated.  Is that what the ad is supporting - allowing the same crooks back into the game - to operate free of regulation?  Also, last I checked, ALL monies used to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been paid back - PLUS.  (See: projects.propublica.org/bailout/).  So what's wrong here?  Their claim is that government involvement in home loans will crush taxpayers,  yet in reality, the government has profited from the turn-around.  Go figure?
         The next claim?  Obama "Doubled" our national debt!  Really?  Crash course on the Constitution folks.  See Article I, Section 8.  "All revenue measures (that means spending folks) must initiate in the House of Representatives!"  In other words, all debt incurred under Obama's presidency came from the work of Congress, not the President. And who has been in control of Congress during Obama's terms?  Mostly the GOP. (See: www.reference.com/government-politics/political-party-controls-congress-291f0a7a9cb3d9c1).  So what gives?  The icing on the top?  Somehow the increase in our national debt directly benefited Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation! "The Clintons ended up with a multi-BILLION-dollar, family run foundation that spends millions to pay for Hillary's private jet travel. What did YOU get other than higher taxes and more national debt?" Serious!  These people claim the run-up of our national debt has been to provide money for Hillary's jet travel.  Yet, how many will honestly discern the lies of this ad?  It's far too easy to accept it if you viscerally believe Clinton is evil.  But Rubin, thus far there has been no mention of Trump, so this ad is just an expression of a groups political views.  Keep reading...
         The ad goes on to claim (somehow) that Communist Russia could not properly provide shoes for its citizens. It asks; "How can people believe the government can provide better healthcare, or provide better home financing, when government could never provide a better pair of shoes?   These "proud Americans" seem now to believe and want others to believe that America's government is actually "Communist!"  It goes on to ask, "Is America a communist country? Or is it the land of the free and the home of the brave?"  The home of freedom and of the American dream ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!  The kicker?  It then reads; "VOTE TRUMP!"  
         And there you have it.  According to these folks and their supporters, America is a Communist country.  We lost everything to Clinton.  Voting Trump is the only answer.  Except this line of lies and manipulation of the feeble minded and ignorant is deplorable.  Yes, I said it.  Instead of chastising athletes for exercising their rights to express disappointment in our society's stance on racial equality, some openly give these Trump supporters a pass.  Sorry, I won't.  I stand with America.  I stand with anyone who believes America is great, regardless of our hiccups.  I support the right of these misguided folks to express themselves - but I don't support misleading, disingenuous and unpatriotic rhetoric all in an effort to corral support for a candidate that clearly has a skewed view of the World and of the United States.  The Super-PAC promoting this nonsense?  Out of Plano, Texas.  
         As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote; "The most practical kind of politics is the politics of decency." 
Will Americans ever be able to come back together?  If we do, it won't be from being divisive, but through mutual civility, decency and independent thinking.  Have a great week!

        Yes, it's September 11th, the 15th Anniversary 0f the tragic terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93.  Yes, it is a date that will always be remembered by those alive at the time - like for some the day FDR died, JFK or MLK or RFK were assassinated, when we landed on the moon, or the day our children are born.  But will we remember 9/11 as something other than a memorial to those tragically taken by terrorists or will it be remembered as the beginning of the end of our collective security.  Since that date, America has been profoundly changed. We no longer take our collective security for granted.  Travel alone has been so profoundly affected that many remain uncomfortable with airport security - or that matter, surveillance by government agencies by electronic eavesdropping.
           Yes, we should be thankful for all that keep us safe.  But how much freedom do we as Americans really have in light of the measures some deem necessary to keep us safe?  We have plenty of domestic nut jobs hell-bent on causing mayhem already (ie., Oklahoma City, bombings of Abortion Clinics, shootings at schools and churches). Haven't we always been exposed to threats?  Aren't we always going to be in the future?  
           According to Merriam-Webster, "Terrorism" is defined as "​the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal." (See:www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorism). 
Would it be unpatriotic to point out that the over-emphasis by the media and politicians on our security concerns is exactly what the terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center fifteen years ago actually accomplished - a deep fear that at some times, paralyzes rational discussion of real issues instead of addressing those issues?
            Earlier today I heard the Lee Greenwood song, "G-d Bless The USA" and how we are strong in maintaining our freedoms.  Except if you read social media, the one-sided criticism of anyone you may disagree with reveals that "freedom" is subjective.  Even folks I respect, seem to have fallen into the ideological trap that they are free to criticize others for their displays of protest, yet those protesting are somehow "disrespecting of America."  Am I the only one to see the irony of those enjoying their Free Speech while criticizing others for actually exercising their very same rights under the First Amendment? There is no need to elaborate, you know already what I am referring to. And on September 11, there seems to be no limit to demanding those leave the United States because they somehow are less patriotic than those criticizing them.  Go figure?
            I also recently saw on social media the feeding frenzy that Hillary Clinton fell ill at the 9/11 Memorial Service in NYC.  Seems some find pleasure in relaying their thoughts that ill-will (including death) should come to another - purely based upon their ideological differences.  Sure, she fell ill.  Do you know anyone that never has?  Does this mean Clinton's health (or lack of it) proves her unfit to be president?  Standing in the sun along with its heat and humidity (over 82 degrees F), and wearing a bullet-proof vest, would probably take down most Americans should they be in the same predicament.  But you wouldn't know this from those posting their opinions on social media.  My guess is that FDR is rolling in his grave over this argument about standards necessary to be Commander-In-Chief.  I also guess so is Ronald Reagan, who was not shy about taking frequent naps instead of attending some security briefings.   As Reagan once famously said; "No matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting."
             And on this day, let us remember President Reagan's words; "We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free."  So let us all remember on this anniversary of 9/11, our freedoms are guaranteed and apply to everyone, not just the select that believe their view alone is righteous.   Have a great week!

         Happy Labor Day America!  As I write this, the sounds of lawn mowing crews buzz throughout our neighborhood.  In fact, the trimming and edging woke me up this fine morning.  I thought this was a national holiday - what in the world are landscaping crews doing on this day of relaxation?  Committing labor - aka, working!  Like many others in the service industry, today is just another day.  Somewhat like Neil Young once said about rust - "It never sleeps!"  So happy labor day to those of us that are not working today (even to those like me across the nation doing errands and odd jobs around the house).   At least today we are not "punching the clock" for someone else!
               Recently I had a young (23 year old) commentator on social media bust into a discussion I was having on FaceBook (yes, before I swore off social media engagements - you can't win them).  Seems this young guy (known to be an "Alt-conservative" Trump supporter) took exception to something I posted (which was intended to be "tongue in cheek").  His response?  "For an intelligent person you're very condescending and childish" and "You step out of your classroom or your nice house much? Gentleman and scholars hardly understand the real world like us poor folks."  Why do I mention this here?  Because it's Labor Day, of course!  
     Seems this young man is enjoying his "empowerment" on social media.  Like millions of others, he opines about things he knows nothing about, but hey, why should that cause him any concern?  Credibility no longer seems to be a quality personal trait! Fact doesn't matter on social media - "feelings" do instead, and actual information is shunned for the entertainment value and independence it gives "know it alls" to opine, regardless of their considerable lack of knowledge.  And if you dare to correct them?  You're "condescending!"  "Childish?" I've never been accused of being that!  I won't bore you with the details, but no, I did not grow up "rich."  I grew up "poor" and like many other Americans, I lifted myself out of poverty.  Unfortunately, it seems that reality appears foreign to many of today's young.  And that is unfortunate!  It seems many have been poisoned by rhetoric that someone is keeping them down - and in this young man's view, it's "Liberals and government's" fault. Seriously?  
      Just two weeks ago a meme was floating around the Internet claiming the 8 hour work day and all benefits workers have today was not due to the struggles of organized labor but because of Henry Ford instead. For those that know the role unions had in this nation, that one is more a "slap in the face" to organized labor.  Someone needs to review the Homestead, Pullman Strikes and Coal Mine strikes (to name just a few of the many). Besides, Ford supported Father Coughlin's Anti-Immigrant, Anti-Jewish, Anti-Labor proselytizing and Hitler.  So much for real history!
      Anything to make it appear the fruits of labor did not flow through unions.  Too bad those of us that know actual American history can rebuke such notions but realize that not too long into the future actual history will fade into rhetoric.  Just see what guys like the "above" (yes he was a promoter of this piece of revisionist history) push new erroneous versions vis social media?  So, please thank Unions for the benefits we take today for granted.  Unfortunately, many have successfully sold the narrative that vilifies all unions as culprits behind wages being too high and pensions being too unaffordable.  Which are fallacies as well.  Come on Rubin, stop proselytizing for the Left!  But, truth be told - not revised!
       Recent research confirms my suspicions. Despite some right wing advocates claiming our economy is lagging because actual unemployment is higher than what is reported (4.9%- see: data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000), the real impact on our economy is not unemployment or underemployment. According to a recent report from researchers at Florida International University - 65% of full-time workers in the State of Florida earn less than $39,099.00 per year!  The average overall?  $28,236.00. You read that right! What's worse? Their findings that many of them "face limited opportunities for economic mobility in their existing professions." (See: www.beaches.tampabay.com/news/business/workinglife/report-more-than-half-of-floridians-making-less-than-28236/2291738). 
        So, is it the unions' collective fault for seeking higher wages that hurt our economy or business owners that keep wages so low that many are forced to live in poverty and seek public or charitable assistance?  How are these facts lost on Americans when politicians push off remedies by claiming "Organized Labor" is at fault?  Last I checked, over 88.9% of Americans do not belong to a union.  So what gives?  More rhetoric and more narratives pushed on social media - all without any actual basis in fact!  (See: www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.nr0.htm).
          Speaking of Unions, did you see where the Santa Clara Police Union threatened the Forty-Niners not to provide security to the team if QB Colin Kaepernick is not punished for refusing to stand for the National Anthem while protesting recent police actions? (See: www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Santa-Clara-Police-Officers-Association-May-Boycott-Working-49ers-Games-392214541.html).   One small problem though.  The police have sworn to uphold the law and despite how distasteful it may appear, this guy is simply expressing political speech protected by the First Amendment.  You may not like it, but he has just as much right to express himself as do the millions that have expressed demands to have him jailed or fired, or whatever.  
             Even I have taken a stand against a moment of silence in my classroom on September 11 as "political free speech!"  You see, in school each year we were told on that day to have a moment of silence.  So why did I refuse to stand?  1).  I have a First Amendment right not to; and wait for it.....b).  Because our school routinely ignores the very same ​"moment of silence" on December 7!  Each year I ask my students whether their children will have forgotten 9/11.  "Of Course Not!" is their collective response.  But the "day that will live in infamy" has already been forgotten! Hence my political action of not standing on 9/11.  How soon history is forgotten!  When 12/7 is remembered, I'll stand on 9/11!  Does that make me "UnAmerican?"  To some, perhaps.  And soon, the history behind Labor Day will all be lost - all thanks to gullible young men and women opining on social media, clueless they have fallen prey to the manipulative and conniving - honestly believing that anyone who disagrees with them are the real source of problems in America.  
             As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote; "A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues."  At least there was a time when Americans could tell the difference from fact or fiction.  We can only hope this Labor Day, folks begin to appreciate the difference.   Have a great Labor Day and week!