This is the western coast of Namibia, which is located in Southwestern Africa. Ancient Tribal people who lived there had their own word for this coast, which translates to be “Land of Anger (made by God).”The Portuguese were the most notable European Colonial people to have influence over what is now Namibia, and they called the coast, “Gates to Hell.” Why?

Study charts of the area to see that the coastline recedes dramatically about 45 degrees as one sails from north to south. Portuguese trading ships would be compelled to move toward the coastline as they lined up to arrive at a seaport. Seaports are generally set in natural harbors or at the mouths of rivers. In the case of Namibia, Walvis Bay (a bit south of the Skeleton Coast) was the likely ship Captain’s destination, not only for Portuguese traders, but for English, German, Dutch, and others during the Colonial period (1500s – 1800s).

Then and today, that coastline is enshrouded by a persistent fog. Sailing ship navigation improved over time, but mostly required visual cues (the moon and stars or firelight on a coastline). If one could hear the surf break on the coast, that would be a cue that the ship is in danger of foundering there, and the wind tended to blow from the coast out to sea, yet that was also a challenge. The ships had to tack (zigzag) in order to make headway against an opposing wind. Finally, unknown to all of the captains and their experienced seamen, the strong Benguela Current hugs the coast as it moves from south to north.

This current would have compelled captains to put on more sail to make headway. As their ships got closer to the coast to make for the seaport, the “Bernoulli Effect” on fluid dynamics would pull a southbound ship east, into the Skeleton Coast, not directionally (the ship’s navigator would perceive a change of direction), but broadside, as the current moved fast on the starboard side of the ship and the barrier of the coast caused water that the ship was now in to move faster.

The captain, crew, and passengers of a ship that violently founders on a fog-shrouded coast might have time to utter a single plea. Most likely, Christians and non-Christians alike cried out, “God save me!” The same thing happens today to people about to experience a car crash, fire, or violent attack. A Christian knows God, prays to him daily, and perceives God’s grace in his or her life. A non-Christian may acknowledge God in his or her hour of need, but there are no scriptures in the Christian Bible that support the idea that a promise, a pact, or conditions to have a second chance at mortal life are of any interest to God.

Come out of the fog to find God now. He is here. Web search the Christian Bible online to find how it was man who left God. God never has left man. It is we who have gone out to corrupt the world that God made and entrusted mankind to manage. It is Satan, who is in the world with us, apart from God, ever tempting us all to affront God, who has cast him out. Read how God loves us so much that he sent his son to take our sins and to show us the way back to him. Read what happens to us when we die, and how God will not see our sin if he only sees Jesus, who has taken all sin upon himself. Find out what you can do to earn forgiveness in your life. The grave is the end of mortal life, except for those who gave their life to Jesus while they were mortal.

With so much talk about the upcoming currency crisis that has been predicted to be the worst that we have ever experienced, and that will last for many decades, my thoughts turned to my clients, many of whom will not survive it because they won’t be prepared for it.

In the Great Depression and the various recessions, we’ve seen bank failures, the stock market collapse, and mortgage failures, but we’ve never seen the total collapse of our currency, and that’s what’s being predicted by many of the world’s most savvy monetary pundits.

As with the Great Depression, there will be no advance warning; it will happen overnight and it will be devastating with the government helping themselves to our IRAs, 401ks, pension funds, etc. We’ve seen various governments go bankrupt, runs on banks, depositors losing most of their money and the banks not allowing people to have access to their safe deposit boxes.

Now, we’re being told that this was the easy part. With the upcoming currency crisis, and the fact that we were taken off the Gold standard in 1974, we have nothing to back us up. We have taken huge loans that we can’t repay, so who is going to want to lend us any more money, knowing that we won’t be able to repay our loans? And the most frightening thing is that we’ve been printing four trillion dollars out of thin air while our national debt has doubled in size.

And the most worrisome fact is that as America goes, so goes the world. If we have a currency crisis, that means that every other country will have a currency crisis. The U.S. dollar won’t be the standard for the world; they, and every other country, will have to come up with a new currency and none of us will have purchasing power. It is doubtful if there will be fuel at the pumps and that means that trucks will not be able to deliver food and other necessities to stores, even if some of the stores were to stay open.

We’re going to have a huge learning experience. I’m thinking of all the people who are on the court dockets, many of whom are suing for financial reasons. Some of my own clients are suing for financial reasons and I ask myself how their priorities are going to change when their winnings are worthless.

I also ask myself how the prison system is going to support itself if our money is worthless since the taxpayers are the ones who are supporting it. And I imagine that everyone but the most violent criminals, will be released from prison and that most of the cells will be empty.

We will definitely be looking at a new world. Are we prepared?

As hope diminishes for the already down trodden masses who have fallen victim to discriminatory policies have little recourse in escaping the deluge of misfortunes that always follow. There continues to be more hopeless souls falling into a realm of reality from removed from the hopes and dreams that were once fulfilled by generations of long ago. The powers that be have long since turned a blind eye to those millions who have fallen between the cracks in our society. Cracks that have long since become gapping holes where at any moment would send more unsuspecting individuals down into the abyss of poverty.

It has always been these less fortunate souls who are now targets of our self serving bureaucracy. The systematic evolution of our government is a perpetual enigma that continually subjugates the poor, and the destitute. All one has to do is travel through any major city in the United States where the plight of humanity has ignited the flames of discontent. To see this first hand is to travel to the city by the bay, San Francisco, the once pride of California has become the signature focal point of what is happening all across the country. The city has morphed into the tempest of human tragedies.

In every city there is a rising tide of impoverished multitudes. Long before this Pandemic the cracks in our society spawned the torrent of injustices that have only exasperated the growing crisis of homelessness, poverty, hunger, disease, and despair. The tight grasp of the reigns of government have only continued in subjugating an unsuspecting public herding them down into the abyss of despondency where the realization that there is no hope of salvation from the daily struggle to survive.

In the 1930’s the nation was in the troughs of the Great Depression. It was during this time that FDR put together the most progressive agenda the United States has ever seen. The New Deal and the WPA was passed by a Congress. Passed by Congress because they realized the dangers of not implementing those very necessary pieces of legislation. Today, contrary to what too many of our Republicans keep touting we are already in a Depression that is getting worse by the day. With the Pandemic ravaging the nation has made it clear that our government must undertake a greater response that what FDR did in the 1930’s.

What is needed now is a progressive agenda that only National Economic Reform’s Ten Articles of Confederation can deliver. If the Democratic Party and the Biden Administration fail to implement this authentic progressive agenda more people will fall into poverty, the tax base from which the governments derives revenue will shrink more, the nation will sink under an ocean of debt, and all of these will open up the gate of tyrannical rule.

What is so disconcerting is that the conservative movement is too well positioned to thwart the reforms that are so desperately needed. The tragic irony of all this is too many fail to realize what is actually occurring all over the country. For far too long there have been tell tale signs of lethal economic undertows that were already being formed. The cracks in our economy have created an expanse that far exceeds the normal balance of a stable society. What makes this so important is that too many of our government officials are too blind to see the threatening realization of the systematic breakdown of our own society.

The future rests with what the Biden Administration can accomplish. It depends on the willingness of Congress though to put their petty differences aside and come together for the good of the nation. Something that hasn’t been done for decades. The conservative movement has unleashed what amounts to an uncompromising mentality. The times today are not the times for a conservative agenda. The democratic party has an obligation to the American public. And, that is to educate the American public on the merits of what National Economic Reform’s Ten Articles of Confederation can do. If we fail to compromise and implement an agenda that pulls this nation together this nation will self destruct. What is needed is bold aggressive action that will propel the United States of out of the greatest internal threat this nation has faced since the Civil War.

I realize many of us baby boomers feel young and invincible, but I urge you to please stay safe during this pandemic. Although anyone can get coronavirus, it’s us baby boomers – specifically those ages 60 and older – who are more likely to become seriously ill from the disease. If you have underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, you’ll need to be extra careful.

Like many boomers, I felt young and healthy and wasn’t overly concerned when this whole thing started.

After all, our generation considers ourselves to be extra tough. Aren’t we the generation that survived drinking water out of a hose and cars without seat belts? To think of all the germs we were exposed to as we played in the mud digging for earthworms and ate food dropped on the floor before germaphobia kicked in – and we were just fine.

Besides, look at the age of those running the country. President Donald Trump is 73, Nancy Pelosi is 79, and the two remaining candidates for the Democratic nomination, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, are 77 and 78, respectively. They were all still going strong. My father, 87, was still running around despite all the warnings.

The cruel nickname, “Boomer Remover,” referencing the higher mortality rate among older people infected with coronavirus began trending on Twitter. The Washington Post became associated with the trending term by highlighting boomers who have ignored advice from the CDC and refused to make any changes to their lifestyle. On a Facebook page for “The Villages,” a Florida retirement community, most the residents seemed to agree that the pandemic was “being overblown.”

Now, I’m not advising that we boomers start panicking, but I think it’s time for an attitude adjustment for some of us skeptical boomers that have felt invincible to this point.

We’re not.

It’s important to remember that this disease doesn’t care how old you look and feel. Look at boomers Tom Hank and Rita Wilson, both 63, who certainly feel young-at-heart but tested positive for the virus.

Here in California where I live, there have been more than 300 cases of coronavirus. Schools in our area have been shut down. Bars and breweries have been asked to close and restaurants to cut their capacity in half. Yesterday, Gov. Gavin Newson urged all residents over the age of 65 to self-quarantine in their homes.

“We recognize that social isolation for millions of Californians is anxiety-inducing,” he said. But, “we need to meet this moment head on, and lean in and own this moment… and take actions we think are commensurate with the need to protect the most vulnerable Californians.”

Now, President Donald Trump has issued guidelines urging Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people.

It feels like I’m living in an episode of Twilight Zone.

So, it’s time to start taking this seriously my fellow boomers. My husband is 60 and I will turn 60 later this year, so I’m paying attention to all the guidelines. Let me be clear, I am not a medical professional, but I’ll share some of my research for specific precautions older adults are advised to take to protect their health. But remember: Recommendations for coronavirus may change as officials learn more, so monitor your local health department and the CDC for updates.

Here are some tips for those over the age of 60 based on advice from the CDC:

* Stock up on supplies including groceries, household items, and over-the-counter medications you’ll need if you become sick. Contact your physician about obtaining extra prescription medications you need to have on hand if self-quarantined.

* Social distancing is the new phrase for 2020. Stay six feet away from other people – think of the length of an average dining room table or a pair of skis. Avoid crowds and non-essential travel, especially cruises.

* You’ve already heard this, but wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds. The health secretary Matt Hancock suggested washing hands while singing Happy Birthday twice, but other songs will work as well. For example, the chorus of Staying Alive will do the trick: “Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother/ You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive/ Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’/ And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive/ Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive/ Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive.” Prefer country? Try the chorus from Dolly Parton’s classic country song Jolene: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging of you please don’t take my man / Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / Please don’t take him just because you can.” If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

* Avoid touching your face and frequently touched surfaces in public places – light switches, elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand if you must touch something. At home, clean and disinfect often, especially surfaces that are often touched like counter tops, tables, door handles, light switches, toilets, faucets, sinks – and don’t forget your cell phone.

In addition to these precautions, keep a careful eye out for symptoms that can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. Be sure and inform them that you have or may have coronavirus (COVID-19) so they can protect others from getting sick. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you have mild symptoms and are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can probably recover at home. If this is the case, the CDC’s advises you get medical attention immediately if you develop emergency warning signs such as:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

* Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

* New confusion or inability to arouse

* Bluish lips or face

This list is not all-inclusive and the CDC recommends that you consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are “severe or concerning.”

So my fellow boomers, stay safe but remain calm and positive.

Personally, I’m taking precautions, but still riding my bike and taking hikes outdoors while keeping my distance from others. If self-quarantined, be sure and stay in touch with your loved ones through texts, email, social media, Skype or FaceTime so you don’t feel isolated.

As Tom Hanks said to his followers: “Remember, despite all the current events, there is no crying in baseball.”

Is the swine flu another case of health officials ‘crying wolf,’ a test of their emergency system in preparation for something else, a cover-up or even a hoax? According to the World Health Organization, “Influenza is a highly infectious disease caused by a very unstable virus…annual epidemics are thought to result in 3-5 million cases of severe illness and from 250,000 to 500,000 deaths…The greatest public health concern lies in the tendency of Influenzavirus A to change suddenly and markedly, either through mutation or through the exchange of influenza virus genes or through the transfer of whole virus between host species into novel, genetically distinct subtypes…The result is the sudden appearance of a new virus strain to which populations may have no immunity and against which no existing vaccine may confer protection” (WHO 11/26/02, 111th Session, item 5.8).

The WHO notes that the 1918 pandemic killed some 40-50 million people and that a “likely” new pandemic would kill around a half-million people in industrial nations alone. Now, let’s take a look at the following numbers regarding the current swine flu, H1N1. Keep in mind, that by the time you read this, the numbers will surely have changed.

— THE UNITED STATES: The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States rose to 111 spread across 13 states, health officials said (THE NUMBER OF STATES IS NOW 22).

— CONFIRMED INFECTIONS: Thirteen countries have been affected in addition to Mexico. According to the World Health Organization: The United States 91, Mexico 26, Canada 13, Germany 3, Britain 5, Israel 2, New Zealand 3, Spain 4, Austria 1.

The following countries have also announced confirmed cases: Costa Rica 2, Netherlands 1, Peru 1, and Switzerland 1.

– NATIONS WITH SUSPECTED INFECTIONS: Argentina 3, Australia 114, Chile 24, Colombia 59, Denmark 5, Finland 1, France 41, Ireland 3, Italy 20, Japan 1, Poland 2, Portugal 1, South Africa 1, South Korea 4, Sweden 5. (c) 2009 AFP

Everyone knows that WHO alert level has been raised to a level 5, 6 being the highest. But in looking at the history and the numbers, is this justified? We are looking at only a few hundred cases on a worldwide basis. In the United States alone, the annual seasonal flu kills 36,000 according to the CDC. Why all the fuss over the politically incorrect ‘swine flu?’ Is it possible that the high alert is just a test of our emergency systems? If so, why now and why over a flu? Is it possible that we are not being told the entire story and if not, what is really going on? Is it possible that Vice president Joe Biden actually meant what he said but that he was not supposed to let the ‘pig out of the bag?’ What does he possibly know that we do not? Or, as some have suggested who are really into conspiracy theories, is this just a ploy to get more money for the pharmaceutical industry or a way of diverting attention away from issues like the economy and climate change?

The numbers do not match the response. Either we are being kept in the dark about what is really going on, or someone is playing a very expensive and dangerous game. I am not a big fan of wasting taxpayers’ money on often wasteful and usually fruitless Congressional investigations. But in this instance, someone needs to look into this and let the public know the truth about what is really going on. Cry wolf, a cover-up, a test, a diversion? You be the judge, but it is time to ask the questions.

Ridership in the first year of operation in the Phoenix Metro light rail was above projections, according to Valley Metro, who owns and run the light rail line. Now, what does it all mean? Will that darn train finally pay for itself, you say? Hold on there. It was never designed to pay for itself from the fares it collects. It cost $70 million per mile to build. It could not possibly pay for itself. We all contribute with our taxes, both local and Federal. (By the way, thank you all for your financial tax contribution.)

The weekday ridership projection at the first of the year was 26,000, and the actual came in at almost 35,000, which is almost a 34% increase. Saturday ridership was projected at a slightly lower 20,800; the actual was 27,662, which was an increase of 33%. This is good news for the outlook of light rail management. Now, the important thing is to build ridership and make it all worthwhile.

While there are many detractors, it has been built and is here to stay. We need to get over it. I lived in San Jose California when their light rail was built some years ago. First there were many complainers, and then the ridership was up past projections. Now, many students who were initial riders are now working adults. They have a different and practical view of the situation. Many would rather ride with their eyes on iPhones, listening to iPods, rather than cuss at how many fools are clogging the freeway lanes (just like them!).

You choose – which one are you?

Effective debating requires preparation, acquired skills, exemplary knowledge/ expertise, debate – specific skills/ abilities, and the ability to think – on – one’s – feet, in order to effectively, respond to whatever, one’s debating opponent states, and/ or, claims! However, this works, when all parties are ready, willing, and/ or, able to play, by – the – rules, without distorting, and/ or, manipulating the facts, and/ or, data, to enhance one’s personal/ political agenda, and/ or, self – interest! What can one do, when the other party refuses to do so, either willingly/ by – design, and/ or, perhaps, may be, a serial liar? How can one DEBATE someone, who rarely tells the truth, constantly repeating his lies, and/ or, distortions, regardless of its relationship, to reality? Many, strongly feel, and believe, this is precisely, one of the challenges, Joe Biden, will face, in his debates against President Trump! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means, and represents, and how to proceed, as effectively, as possible.

1. Delve deeply; deliver real facts; delusional: When your opponent, portrays, his opinions, perceptions, or alternative reality, as the facts, how can one articulate, clearly, what is essential, for observers, to clearly, take – away, and understand? Instead of lying, to counter, these delusional, misstatements, it’s important to clearly, deliver real facts, in a comprehensive, but, easy – to – understand, manner. One can’t afford to, either, lose his temper, or sink, to that person’s level, but, rather, must delve deeply, point – by – point, and clearly, demonstrate, to viewers satisfaction, his opponent is a liar, and doing so, puts our best interests, at – risk!

2. Explore; examine; excellence: Before the debate, prepare thoroughly, and explore the possibilities, of what, the other individual, might state! Examine, carefully, the possibilities, know the potential ramifications, and alternative paths, and proceed, to demonstrate, while your opponent might be willing to settle for, good – enough, you will consistently, proceed, seeking your utmost degree of genuine excellence!

3. Biases; bring better: Today, we often witness, President Trump, attempt to target the biases, and prejudices, as well as fears, of his supporters. To debate him, do not sink, to his level, but, rather, try to bring better leadership, by emphasizing, what we have in common, rather than accepting, polarization!

4. Attitude; attention; actions; alternatives: The greatest way, to debate, anyone, who articulates a negative, adversarial message, is to proceed, with a true, positive, can – do, attitude! Pay attention to details, clearly demonstrate better alternatives, and articulate, clearly, the basics of your strategic, and action plans!

5. Truthful; trust; timely; time – tested: There’s no substitute, for articulating a truthful message, and earning the trust, in order to contrast, oneself, with an opponent, who constantly, tells lies! Point to, the dangers of procrastination, and examples, and explain, your, well – considered, timely approach/ alternative! It’s okay to explain, how your opponents, unwillingness, to prepare, study, and face the facts, has minimized using, quality, time – tested, principles, etc!

6. Empathy; emphasis; endurance: Even, many of the supporters of Donald Trump, would probably, not claim, he possesses any true empathy, nor place his emphasis, consistently, in a well – organized manner! To debate someone, who won’t portray facts/ reality, you must have the inner – strength, and endurance, to avoid, getting angry, and, rather, clearly, demonstrating, how most Americans, would be better – served, by you, than him!

When you’re debating opponent, consistently, lies, and makes a variety of false claims, and accusations, respond to his blame – and – complain, campaign, with calm, honest, clear – cut responses, and show, how you might handle these challenges! Wake up, America, open – your – eyes, and demand better, before it’s nearly, too late!

Certain dates are standouts, like February 14, October 31, and December 25. But what about September 17? It should be a standout, too, but it’s not. In fact, most of us don’t give the date a second thought; we certainly should, though. That’s because it’s not just another day; it’s Constitution day, set aside by Congress back in 1952 to foster civic engagement.

To institutionalize the day, back in 2005, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia promoted legislation that would mandate recognition of Constitution Day in all schools and colleges that receive federal monies. Unfortunately, six years later, Congress stripped civic-education funding, and that, says Education Week‘s Ross Brenneman, sent the message that civics is important, but not worth federal dollars.

And so it goes.

As a people we are sorely uniformed about American history and the workings of our government. Indeed, many are not even sure who our current leaders are–with one exception. Not surprisingly, Obama enjoys big name recognition, since he’s been president for almost six years and frequently crisscrosses the country campaigning and fundraising. Moreover, our new health care program’s nickname bears his name.

But what about second-in-command Joe Biden?

That’s exactly what late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel recently asked some folks on Hollywood Boulevard. One girl suggested he might be a man; a few others said they’d seen him in movies. Another identified him as a Republican who is set to run for president, while a couple more seem to think he’s a governor. It went downhill from there.

Afterward, The Huffington Post responded with the headline, “Jimmy Kimmel Hilariously Proves Americans Don’t Know Who Joe Biden Is.” Laughable and shameful, too. Meanwhile, a 2010 Pew Research Center found that only 59% of us know he’s the vice-president-a failing grade if ever there were one.

As for the Constitution, in September, theAnnenberg Public Policy Center asked 1,416 adults questions about the government. The result:

• 36% could name all three branches of government; 27% couldn’t name any.
• 27% knew it takes a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate to override a presidential veto.
• 21% incorrectly thought a 5-4 Supreme Court decision goes back to Congress for reconsideration.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. One glance at the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress civics exam suggests that our children are clueless, too, constitutionally and governmentally speaking. Here you go:

• 27% of 4th graders scored at the proficient level orbetter;
• 22% of 8th graders scored at the proficient level or better;
• 24% of 12th graders scored at the proficient level or better.

Explains retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor: “Knowledge of our system of government is not handed down through the gene pool. The habits of citizenship must be learned… But we have neglected civic education for the past several decades, and the results are predictably dismal.”

That sentiment is seconded by Citizen First’s Robert Pendiscio who says, “We send kids to school not just to become employees and entrepreneurs, but citizens capable of wise and effective self-government in our democracy. The public dimension of schooling was a founding principle of American education. We have all but forgotten it in the era of education overhaul.”

That, too, is the reason Justice O’Connor founded iCivics.org. Its purpose: “Reinvigorating civic learning through interactive and engaging learning resources. Our educational resources empower teachers and prepare the next generation of students to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens.”

Meanwhile, in 2013, the Civics Education Initiative was formed with support from Justice O’Connor, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and even actor Joe Mantegna. Its mission is to get all 50 states to require that their high schoolers take and pass the 100-question U.S. Naturalization Test. And they’re starting to gain some ground.

So far, seven states are considering legislation that, though not a requirement, would reward students who take the test. As it stands, those scoring at least a 60% would see a yet-to-be-determined uptick in their grade point averages. Those states are:

1. Arizona
2. Louisiana
3. Missouri
4. Oklahoma
5. South Carolina
6. South Dakota
7. Vermont

FYI: 91% of those seeking citizenship pass the exam. Here are a few sample question to test your own civics knowledge:

1. What is the supreme law of the land?
2. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
3. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
4. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
5. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
6. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
7. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
8. How many U.S. Senators are there?
9. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
10. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
11. We elect a United States Representative for how many years?

To check your answers, go to the Naturalization Test on U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services website. And then do one better. Get yourself a copy of the Constitution; you can pick one up at your local bookstore or head to Amazon or Barnes & Nobel online. Then read, learn, and talk it up with your kids, friends and neighbors, too.

Although, nearly every news media, from the most liberal/ progressive, to the moderate/ middle – of – the – road, and, even, the more conservative ones, have declared Joe Biden, the victor, of the recent, Presidential election, President Trump, and his partisan supporters, have declared, there were improprieties, which they state, were an organized effort to steal the election! Is this, a true belief, panic, lying, manipulation, or another component of this President’s apparent, life – long, effort, to distort facts, to his advantage, etc? Many, including, me, believe, this is Trump’s pattern of behavior, and a key part of what some refer to, as the man’s agenda! It seems, he believes, he benefits, by creating, confusion, and DISORDER, and, those who have read his book, realize, he has believed that, for many years. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, using the mnemonic approach, what this means and represents, and the potential harm, it creates, for the nation, its citizens, and the planet.

1. Denials; destroy/ destruction; disharmony: By creating differences, and disharmony, it seems, he believes, he benefits! Often, Trump’s statements, rhetoric, and empty promises, appear to be, self – centered, based predominantly, on what he believes, is in his self – interest! His pattern is to continuing his denials, seeming to, either, under – estimate, fail to perceive/ believe, or not care about, the potential dangers, to create destruction. Many articles have been written, where the author states, his belief, which is, this individual, would destroy, anyone, or anything, if it serves his purpose!

2. Inferences; implications; interference: How often, have we heard, President Trump, state, Many people say, etc, in order to imply, whatever, fits neatly into his agenda? The implications of this, is creating, an atmosphere, where his core supporters, believe and support him, inferring, his words, are, Gospel! This pattern creates interference, in our historic, method of preserving the American Way of Life!

3. Suckers; selling; suggestions: Whether, P. T. Barnum influenced him, when he was credited with saying, There’s a sucker born, every day, or something/ someone, else, did, the present occupant of the White House, seems to have spent, much of his adult life, attempting to sell something, regardless of the ramifications! His suggestions often, lack the level of consideration, which might, make a difference, for the better!

4. Oppositional: Instead of trying to bring people, together, for the greater good, and seeking a meeting – of – the – minds, Trump’s pattern has been, oppositional, adversarial, and, often, polarizing!

5. Repeat; rationale; rationalize: He seems to believe, if he repeats a lie, no matter how often, it has been disproven, his rationale, will appeal, to his core supporters, and serve his interests! Perhaps, more than, nearly, anyone, we have seen, in recent memory, Trump seems ready, willing, and able, to rationalize, anything he says, and/ or, does!

6. Disorder; disorganize: Many reports claim, this President, rarely pays attention, to comprehensive briefs/ reports, etc, and seems to believe, disorganization serves him, best! Have we been witnessing, prioritizing, disorder, instead of relevant, sustainable policies?

7. Efforts; emphasis; exaggerate: At the very least, he likes to exaggerate, but it seems, his emphasis, and efforts, have been, often, far – more, sinister, than that!

8. Resist; reply; references; rhetoric: No one should be surprised, the President has publicly, refused to accept, defeat! He has resisted doing so, and his reply, is, to proceed, with his pattern, of blaming, and complaining, without evidence, etc! When, we observe his references, and statements, his rhetoric, and vitriol, many feel, instead of being, unusual, and/ or, crazy, he probably is, sly, as a fox!

Is this coincidence, or, Trump’s well – considered, plan, to create, and use, DISORDER, perhaps, for his personal benefit? At the very least, this isn’t normal, and/ or, unifying!

In every election, a variety of circumstances, reasons, rationale/ reasoning, personal considerations, prejudices, and, who, actually, takes the time and makes the effort, to vote, etc, often, determines the victor! As I am writing this article, today, America will have its final day, to cast its vote, and determine, the next President of the United States. Will the current occupant of the White House, Donald Trump, be reelected, or, will the former Vice President, Joe Biden, become the 46th President of this nation? We should have learned, four years ago, in 2016, when Mr. Trump, surprisingly to many, upset Hillary Clinton, for the office, despite what polls, indicated, that, the only one, which counts, is the official one, which ends on Election Day! However, many are still focusing on reported polls, perhaps, falsely, believing, they accurately, will predict the victor. Since, many believe, this may be, one of the most consequential elections, anyone remembers, because the two candidates, have such differing views, and perspectives, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 factors, to pay attention to, in terms of who might become the eventual victor, etc.

1. Who votes?: Which Americans will decide to exercise their right, to vote, and which will not? In 2016, more potential voters, didn’t vote, than voted for either candidate! While it, seems, from early voting, we will witness a larger – than – usual, turnout, one of the determining factors, will probably, be, whose supporters, will turn – out, in larger proportions, and numbers? Common sense indicates, certain groups, are more likely to support, a particular candidate, so, this will make a significant difference, etc!

2. Various types of voter suppression: We often hear, the term, voter suppression, articulated, but, what it means, its impact, and why it matters, is important to understand. While, it appears, President Trump, seems to want to create doubt, about the integrity, of the voter process, because he believes, restricting his opponents’ turnout, might benefit him, many are alarmed, by the degree, we are witnessing. In the past four years, there has been, what appears to be, a concerted effort, by the Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader, McConnell, to skew, the make – up, of the Federal Courts, especially, the Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court, to make it, far more conservative. Many feel, this has been done, to an extreme! We witnessed, in 2018, certain activities, which seemed to indicate this, especially, in Florida, Georgia, etc, where certain eligible voters, found it far more challenging, to exercise their rights! This year, we noticed, in areas, such as, in Texas, etc, where counties, with significant Democratic constituents, had their number of polling places, etc, reduced!

3. Good versus evil; love versus hate: Some believe, unlike some previous elections. where the choice, was, merely, the lesser of evils, this year, it may be a choice between good and evil, and/ or, love versus hate. When people are threatened, because of their political beliefs, and this President, often, appears to enable these haters, the soul, of America, now, and, into the future, may, be, at – stake!

4. Fears versus hopes: In recent years, political advertising seems to have gone, far, more – negative, and, many of the images, appear to hope to appeal to fears. prejudices, anxieties, etc, instead of discussing, potential, viable solutions, to challenges, and bringing, about, hope, etc!

5. Irregularities: How might Donald Trump, react, to undesirable results, and, how might this create tension, and division? His early statements, often, seem focused on trying to create doubt, about the legitimacy of the votes, and, many expect, more than the usual amount of irregularities, etc! Because of the pandemic, more people have voted, early, and/ or, by, absentee ballot, than, in the past! While, studies show, this is safe, etc, it seems Trump feels, these may not benefit him, and, therefore, is trying to create a polarizing atmosphere!

Wake up, America, and vote! Make no excuses, and vote, like your life, and nation, depend, on it, because the future of this nation, and the soul of our country, may be, at – risk!