Accountability Now

In response to the dubious suggestion that the effort to reveal the volume of evidence likely contained in the Epstein Files is merely an attempt to discredit Trump, let’s be clear about the matter at hand. 

Regardless of other possible motivations, for many/most Americans it’s less a matter of a conspiracy to discredit Trump than it is a genuine desire to ascertain the truth regarding the depth of Epstein’s vast network of individuals who participated, enabled, and otherwise allowed the criminal exploitation of underage girls and other young women. The exposure of this material is a matter of finally providing justice for the victims and full accountability for the perpetrators of these atrocities. The issue is beyond the narrow confines of petty politics. It’s a fundamental test of the essential moral core of this nation. All guilty parties must answer for their transgressions; all complicit actors need to be exposed. Do the decent thing: release the files now!! 

Disconnection

Set adrift into uncertain waters

With damaged sail

And rudderless aim.

A reluctant sailor at once 

terrified and proud.

In search of a friendly port

To provide rest, refuge, and repair

Until the journey might be allowed to resume 

And a new horizon formed.8

Authentic Representation

 It is with a degree of caution that the election of a Democratic Socialist can be celebrated. Mamdani’s overwhelming victory in New York properly signals the acceptance of a progressive world view by a population that has been eager to see its manifestation in American politics for decades. The moment has finally arrived for the champions of the status quo within the Democratic establishment to heed the clarion call from voices (notably including the working class), heretofore ignored or dismissed, for real, substantive, authentic, and comprehensive change. It will entail the ceding of power and old patterns of operation in deference to the necessity for transformative expressions of democratic principles for a common purpose. The people are speaking loudly and with clear conviction. It is past time to listen deeply and act accordingly. In so doing, caution can be answered with assurance that the concept of unity will become a living reality.

Perspective Regarding the Future

 As Mamdani and the ever-growing population of progressives throughout America continue to be the subject of vilification and deliberate misinformation, it might be helpful to issue a historical reminder that socialistic polices like publicly funded services (police, fire, library, national and state parks, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,et al) have been a staple of the American experience for many generations. These policies/programs provide a classic example of investment through taxation resulting in socially valuable outcomes. Please note the successful coexistence of Socialism and Capitalism in places like Scandinavia (at least four examples), Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and other thriving nations throughout the world. Let us consider broadening our outlook to embrace a unifying notion that embodies the concept of Both/And as opposed to Either/Or. 

In so doing, we are presented with the opportunity to see more clearly the version of rapacious capitalism currently being practiced, promoted, and championed by the 1% (and explicitly represented in Project 2025) as a principal agent in the destruction of a once affluent middle class. As a consequence, its working class has been condemned to poverty status while income disparity is maintained at a level not seen since the Gilded Age.