Musings: On Politics

The so-called “DARK Act” — a bill that barred states from adopting their own GMO labeling laws — failed to advance in the Senate today.

Anti-GMO groups cried victory, citing polls that show 82 percent of shoppers want to know if their groceries contain GE ingredients. Of course, 80 percent also want to know if there's DNA in their food.

Moral of the story: Never underestimate the stupidity — and gullibility — of the American consumer.

Oh, and just in case you had any doubts about the role of the multi-billion-dollar organic foods industry — not to mention paid social media shills — in a campaign that's supposedly all about your right to know:

Meanwhile, the dark candidate — Donald Trump — continues to pick up delegates. Most recently, he said he wouldn't be surprised if there were riots and other violence if he comes to the GOP convention a bit short of delegates and fails to win the nomination. 

Why? Because he himself would instigate it?

A friend and I were talking about Trump, and what his “popularity” means. My friend's take:

People are so disgusted with the status quo, business as usual politics, the old guard, that they're rejecting every established candidate and going for someone totally outside the political realm.

Or as I put it, Trump's the "fuck it all" candidate.

Well, it's not the first time we've seen the American voter shoot him/herself in the foot with an asinine protest vote.

Still, I can't imagine the powers that be will Trump let get that far. I was watching a really good documentary about the Black Panthers the other day, and was reminded again that powerful interests have many ways of destroying whatever threatens the status quo.

But hey, it's great for ad revenues in the meantime, with Republicans spending some $12 million in Florida ads alone. I'm so glad I don't have a TV — especially in election years.

Not that you can escape the bombardment... Which is how I came to see the ad that recounts just a few of Trump's comments about women:

Ugh. 

On a lighter note, I did get a giggle out of this:

Yes, that's a dream alright. As in, wake up, it ain't never gonna happen. America is more likely to elect a racist, sexist reality star blowhard than a socialist.

Not that Tulsi hasn't shown herself to be a master at self-promotion with an eye for political advancement. But what's so progressive about buying into the anti-Muslim paranoia by voting for a bill that would have made it even harder for the U.S. to accept Syrian refugees?

And isn't anyone else tired of seeing angry men impotently preaching platitudes and regaling reforms that have no prayer of advancing in a polarized Congress?

Hillary, meanwhile, has that Stepford Wives look of someone who has spent a life in politics, and learned to carefully gauge every word and move.

I'd have to say this meme most closely reflects my feelings about the Presidential election  — with a hat tip to Renee Morey Kester:

True and lasting change begins within. If people funneled all the time and money they devote to politics into dealing with their own issues, society would be instantly transformed. 

But then, that's even harder than finding a good candidate.