What Can DOGE Do For You? – career civil servant types, anti-humanitarian budget cuts, & why wasteful government spending is likely to continue

Government needs transparency and people who do the right thing. Resilient and rational government employees represent the best of our government’s civil servants. But three other types of government workers are more common: riders, risers, and rescuers or wannabe humanitarians. The current executive branch appears to be targeting left-leaning humanitarian or rescuer types in order to (1) consolidate power and (2) cut spending. But, would mandatory annual itemized financial reports do the job for them?

Beware of those who speak for God(s): On Trump’s Inauguration Statement & Those Who Claim Divine Revelations

What do you do when individuals claim to speak for God? Is the statement manipulative, dogmatic, honest, or something else? Why not question the validity of personal revelations? This post highlights the tension between individual beliefs, urging for authenticity and active listening instead of control and dogmatism in discussions about spirituality and truth.

the neti neti project 01: voting 2024

The neti, neti project encourages a healthier, wealthier lifestyle through silent action. Emphasizing the concept of “neti, neti” (“not that, not that”) encourages acceptance of life’s uncertainties and imperfections. The video series aims for iterative improvements over unattainable perfection. This video reflects on old democratic principles from Alexis de Tocqueville.

Sat 26 Oct 24 Brief

Israel’s first open attack on Iran targets missile sites and apparently spares oil and nuclear ones (Jon Gambrell, Tia Goldenberg, and Adam Schreck, Associated Press)

Fearing China’s hypersonic weapons US Navy seeks to arm ships with Patriot missiles (Mike Stone and Jerry Doyle, Reuters)

How the democratic-leaning news media is unwittingly aiding Trump (Luba Kessova and Richard Addy, Fortune)

Who is best qualified to replace President Biden?

The media is speculating on potential replacements for President Biden, such as Vice President Harris, Governor Newsom, and Governor Moore. I proposed Admiral (Ret.) McRaven should also be considered. Who is your favorite potential alternative? Harris, Newsom, Moore, or McRaven?

A President’s Dilemma: Who Can Best Replace Biden?

The history of presidential debates in the United States is vital component of democracy and a more educated electorate. I propose that President Biden should support the nomination of Retired Four-Star Admiral William McRaven or Governor Wes Moore as the Democratic Party’s Nominee for President of the United States. I highlight McRaven’s qualifications and experience while reflecting on Biden’s legacy and the importance of his decision.