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Random luck. Let’s face it, for the majority of people born in a free and wealthy nation, everything you have, everything, is the result of the random luck of being born there. Without this random luck, your lifestyle could be very different, and not in a good way. You did nothing to earn the opportunity this afforded you. You did not deserve it. Random luck.

I grant you what you do with this opportunity plays a role in what you achieve, but, without the fortuitous initial opportunity, who knows where you would be. Yet, we often are not grateful for what we have and some want even more and more. Often, we complain about this and that. Some even get arrogant without empathy or compassion. No appreciation for this unfair initial advantage.

People need to treat each other better, much better. Understanding this starts with the self-recognition of the incredible good fortune of being born where you were born. When you understand this, you can then truly care about and have empathy for others. You will realize most of the world does not have the unearned luck you had in being born where you were born, a free and wealthy nation.

This includes billionaires and oligarchs, most of whom do not share a dime with those in need in the world we live in. Even these high echelon people, some of whom were randomly born into wealth, should be grateful for this random luck. Sometimes egos get in the way.

We should be grateful, but all too often we are not.    

On April 28, Canadians go to the polls for a national election (called a Federal election in Canada). Tonight I watched a two hour debate between the four main party leaders. The debate was strong, spirited and contentious, but, it was, like Canada, respectful and civilized. At the end, the four leaders and the moderator all got together amongst each other in what was the equivalent to the time honoured sports tradition of teams shaking hands after the game, again reflecting respect and even some camaraderie to reflect that while they have different views, they are all there to serve Canada and its people.

India wants to address its mountain of mounting e-waste with new rules that will, among other things, require manufacturers to pay significantly more for re-cycling electronic goods in that country. Of course, global companies like Samsung, Daikin and Hitachi say it is way too costly. What a surprise. This illustrates, once again, that you cannot rely on business to self-regulate. Self-regulation will lead consumers back to the dark ages of consumerism. Next thing you know, lead will be used in paint again and asbestos, which is still immorally used in parts of the world, will be an element in more products again. It’s all about profit.

I reiterate that I have no problem with people and companies making “honest” profits, but not profits with a high human cost.

America, its party time! As in a new political party. I know, the subject has come up a number of times in the past for a variety of reasons. However, there’s never been a past quite like the present for a long time.

I would suggest that the centre-left and centre-right get together to form a new party which would represent the majority of Americans. Yes, it would take work and cooperation among reasonable politicians who really want to serve the people, and the people themselves, but it could extricate America from the current malady of extreme people. It might even still save the country if you start now.

The only thing that doesn’t change is change, and real change can be good. Look at all the wonderful changes that have occurred in medicine. A third party now might be lifesaving medicine for a country that’s being to lost greed, corruption, hate and arrogance with no regard for the Constitution, the law, or its people. Let’s party! 

Money for nothing and justice is free. In spite of the immoral attempt by Elon Musk to buy voters for the Wisconsin Supreme Court election yesterday, as well as having Trump’s support, their candidate Brad Schimel lost to Judge Susan Crawford. It was nice to see that Musk stooping to “bribing” voters with cash did not succeed. I am not talking about the politics of this election, I am talking about the moral principle here. When you are a billionaire and all that matters to you is money, it’s good to see money still cannot buy everything or everyone.      

I have to tell you that I think America is dying as a superpower. Some may tell you it’s a rebirth. It’s not. So many things that made it great are falling away. Kindness, goodness and altruistic behaviour are dying. The rule of law is dying. The Constitution is being mangled. Self-serving economic interests and corruption are moving to the forefront like never before. Hate is viscerally rearing its ugly head. The perpetrators are having a field day because no one is standing up to them and for decency. I wonder what Presidents like Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Reagan would think about the current state of affairs.

I’m not talking politics though, I’m talking about behaviours. I have supported both Republicans and Democrats in the past. I have no vested interest other than to have a structured, free and civilized country and a belief in honesty, goodness, caring and the opportunity to be successful. I want everyone to have a chance to realize their American Dream.

Please note this day. More than the music died today, America is dying. Everything in history points to a faster decline in great empires when they get self-absorbed, uncaring and the rulers get arrogant. I am sadly surprised no one is boldly standing up for true American values. Goodnight America.

Things Jesus did not say:

The more wealth you have the better your chance to get into Heaven.

The more power you have the better your chance to get into Heaven.

Healthcare should only be available to those who can pay for it.

Hate and inhumaneness is the correct way to address grievances against others.

Only white people are eligible to get into Heaven.

Deceive people as much as possible to achieve your worldly goals.

Do not help the elderly cross the street.

Those with meanness will inherit the world.

Its poor people’s fault they are poor and therefore do not deserve assistance.

Look out only for number one.

Empathy, goodness and kindness are weaknesses.

It’s okay to talk the talk but not walk the walk if it benefits you.

Let’s suppose for a moment that the Magaloids’ dreams all come true and they get the country they think they want and deserve. What next? A thousand years of peace and harmony as some theologians refer to as it relates to the return of Jesus Christ. No. The Magaloids are not deities, they are the same old human beings with all the same old human behaviours.

They will do amongst themselves what humans, including some of the supposed holiest, do best: seek power and wealth, form tribes, argue, fight, lie, steal, hate, covet, kill. This is what humans have done throughout history and will continue to do as we don’t seem to want to learn the lessons of history, nor from the Bible’s New Testament. They will destroy their Utopia with precision and speed.

What a truly fantasticalfantasylandwonderworld it would be if we just accepted and helped each other to succeed in life and live in peace with good tidings of comfort and joy for everyone.

By the way, the title is a satirical nod to the king of ridiculous hyperbole, none other than “The Don” himself. He’s so inspiring…for all the wrong reasons.   

Three times is the charm. Donald Trump wants to be the US President for three terms and even longer. The Constitution does not matter. He is very quickly following the path to being an authoritarian like Putin and Xi. Both of them changed the rules to allow them to continue in power beyond term limits.

If you do not see this, it is very saddening. If you do see this and support it, you are not interested in the well-being of your neighbours or democracy. Right now America is still somewhat free, and I agree you are entitled to your opinion. It’s the American way, but, for how much longer is the question.

If American democracy is usurped by authoritarianism, we all will pay regardless of which side of the ledger you are on. History demonstrates this over and over, but, we do not learn. It is why I view life from the perspective of eternity. It is an emancipation that frees truth and hope.