A little vignette

Republicans cannot get out of their own way sometimes. The best example is their beating on their chest and repeating a mantra of “Border Security,” only to have a largely Republican crafted bill on, drum roll please, “Border Security” get voted down by Republicans. Why? Because their Kool-Aid pouring presidential candidate said it would be bad for him if passed.

Note to all. Please re-read the above paragraph. My source is the Wall Street Journal, a conservative publication. It clearly shows the issues are just props.

That brings us to contraception. Contraception protection was voted down as ten Republicans would not vote to move the issue forward. My guess is every one of the Republican members has had sex where contraceptives of some form were used. If it is not everyone, it is close to 100%. So, when that same Kool-Aid guy runs hot and cold on contraception, (sometimes in the same day) it concerns people.

But, here is the deal that “banners” don’t realize. In the age of the internet, people will find a way to order and get what they need. Even non-internet measures are used. When Americans are charged $1,600 for a 90 day Rx, they can get said Rx for $300 from Canada or Australia because R&D costs cannot be charged in those countries. Some forward-thinking people would travel into Canada to get a prescription drug for less money.

The same thing will happen with contraception or banned books. I am certain some enterprising folks will make it known. As for the books, one reader said his Republican governor provided him a reading list with his book banning.

Still Blowing in the Wind

There is a reason Bob Dylan won a Nobel Prize for literature. His ability to use various metaphors to define the issues of the day are profound. Here are the lyrics to “Blowing in the Wind” which were sung by Peter, Paul and Mary on the day of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, and how many years must a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
And how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, and how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
And how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take ’til he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

When I think of the banning of books forced upon us by elected officials who do not want to make people feel uncomfortable, I am reminded of the above lyrics “Yes, and how many times must a man turn his head, and pretend he just doesn’t see?” We must learn the lessons of history, the good, the bad and yes, the ugly. We must not let the ugly stuff happen again. History class is not a pep rally. We must learn about Jim Crow, Apartheid, slavery, Nazi’s mass murder of Jews, the genocide of Native Americans, the Communist witch hunts, etc. These things happened.

I read banned books library card

An article by Anthony Man in the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports Broward County in Florida has a new optional library card proclaiming “I read banned books” including a picture of the county logo at the top and flames at the bottom. The reference to “Fahrenheit 451” and other book burnings in history are a strong statement supporting the freedom to read.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), “In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books.” Per Man’s article the ALA has documented more than 1,250 books being banned in 2022, an increase of over 500 of the number in 2021.

While getting praise from even a few Republicans and former Republicans, it will more than likely raise the ire of the authoritarian bent Florida governor who is known for punishing contrary thought. A Republican legislator who does not support the book bans noted the optional card will garner a reaction which may cut funding.

But, what will prove interesting is the number of libraries nationwide who may copy the idea from Broward County. The other interesting truism is to remember what rebellious teens would do when told by parents they cannot do something. Many would find a way to do it. Movie and record producers have used boycotts for years to sell more tickets and products.

I have long felt this is a losing proposition for Republicans. My first reaction to all of this is “really?” With all of our problems, this is what you want to focus on?