1/ 20/ '16

( 5/ 2/ '16: Addition):

As an insider, I have witnessed disastrous results in the field of mental health due to wrong policies. The absence of rational thinking and sound judgement can create havoc in any aspect of life including politics. In this context, should we not know about our political candidates more thoroughly?

 

Here is a list of some issues related to Mr. Donald Trump. The people, with the help of the journalism profession, should participate in this vital analysis.They should similarly help prepare lists of questions for other candidates as well

 

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Donald Trump: QUESTIONS!

1 Is he what he claims to be?

2 Is he truly a  successful businessman?

3 Does he really have an ability to make smart decisions--something he claims regularly and
   "brashly"?

4 Does he make use of the expertise and talents of other people?

5 Have his business style and dealings proven to be professionally and socially responsible?

  

6 Has he been treating his employees sensitively and fairly?

7 What do people in the know, such as current and former executives, say about his business ability,

   ethics etc.? For instance, is he a tactful negotiator?

8 Will his business record, whether it is considered a success or a failure, influence his presidency?

9 How is he as a person--nice or mean?

10 Does he have a caring, sensitive attitude towards women, minorities and the poor?

11 Compared to other super rich donors, how much has he done for the needy?

12 Are these questions fair and reasonable, applying his own standards for judging others?


 ADD your Questions?!!     /:O}.

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nytimes article about Trump:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/17/business/what-donald-trumps-plaza-deal-reveals-about-his-white-house-bid.html

12 - 1 - 2015


Student Issues

1 Disadvantaged students from US, France, Turkey, Kurdish areas, Kashmir, Myanmar

2 a.General issues; e.g. Ways to express or vent frustrations or stress

   b.Creating good opportunities for talented students (and their families)

3 Promoting creative thinking for new ideas; new actions

4 Capable and talented students themselves taking lead in initiating creative projects such as:

   a.Simple, inexpensive, non-competitive, relaxing native games or sports

   b.Inexpensive, low-maintenance, participatory, children's museums and libraries in a RELAXED

      atmosphere of fun and learning

      For remote communities: smaller, "portable extensions" of these two projects

   c.Simple, informative, "Lecture series", Field trips and hiking   

   d.Students helping students: seniors helping juniors; help to the needy etc.

5 Comments or guidance by the parents, teachers, community organizers, experts etc.

6 (Wherever possible, with minimum guidance, interested students can be encouraged to think and

   comment about some of the existing ideas or projects and ways to improve upon them)

11 - 14 - 15

Citizen Dialog - Jobs

Is there a need for a "Citizen Dialog" for the following issues?:
(Has the public been complacent and indifferent about such basic questions, thus turning a blind eye to its own interests?)

Ideas and Actions:

i  Unemployed veterans
ii Educated unemployed

(Also...)

Workplace experience:

No appreciation or recognition
No challenges
No opportunities

Your own thoughts and solutions
As well as your
recommendations for appropriate experts*;enthusiasts;volunteers etc for this work

(*What do you think about their contribution in finding creative solutions for such difficult issues?)

** To meet people personally is an important part of this plan.

11-9-2015
  

PARALLEL GOVERNMENT

All across the globe, in spite of some "good apples" (!), governments function poorly.

So what do we do? How if we form a voluntary, ancillary, "PARALLEL GOVERNMENT" to
"encourage" the formal ELECTED GOVERNMENT to be more efficient and accountable?

Let us start with one or two basic steps:

1. Prepare a list of current ideas, projects or actions that are unproductive, wasteful or outright self-serving. This list will expand as people keep adding their observations and suggestions--especially derived from their own practical day to day experience.

This will naturally lead to discussions at various levels. That, in turn, will surely lead to some form
of action. Eventually, various "liaison committees" can be created as a part of this democratic process.

Apart from exercising one's vote on election days, every citizen should participate actively--and regularly--in this form of a living, breathing, grass-roots Parallel (Shadow) Government. As already mentioned, such an activist "government" can benefit substantially from the education, experience and talent of every individual citizen. Ultimately, it should become a regular part of any democratic system.

2. Through such an organization, at every level, we should work jointly with the elected as well the appointed officials of the formal elected government. Out of this ongoing cooperation will emerge more and more pragmatic plans for the common good. They can easily replace current inadequate or inefficient plans and projects. Don't you feel that this is the right way for a wise society to function?

This is the type of government where people talk heart to heart and work hand in hand.It can be a system of government which can leave long-lasting footprints in the sands of time! (Big words?!) The situation is serious. Irrespective of our various affiliations or loyalties, we should come together for our common good. If we all work together, we can transform this Utopian dream into a practical reality. In a way, isn't this a wonderful strategy to start a revolution? Are you ready to join such a revolution?

(Incidentally, the voters are likely to reject, at the polls, those who obstruct this process. This is a
simple way to "replace the bad apples with good apples"!)

.....................................................................................................................

Within the broad framework of the People's Parallel Government outlined above, would you like to
share your thoughts on unemployment, jobs for veterans, workplace frustrations.....? (post:11-14-15)

 5 - 13 - 15

Bottom Line - Poverty Line

We will really appreciate any information or suggestions about single mothers and their children. We would like to know directly from the active mothers as well as teenage youth success and failure of various assistance and "guardianship" programs. Do you know of any dynamic, compassionate community volunteers devoting their time for this work? Can you put us in touch with them?



..........


 

(Headnote - Sincere, open and rational debate strengthens democracy. Any suggestion to improve our communication--style,structure, substance, etc.,etc. is welcome!)


Gifted Children

Helping gifted children belonging to underprivileged communities that don't have adequate resources and  good support structure


Questions:

1 What role can the privileged students and their parents play in these efforts?

2 How far can we apply the King-Gandhian ideas of peaceful change to this issue? Do you know of any current project of this nature?

3 In what manner can we make use of the fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology etc? What is the thinking of experts in this matter?

4 Are there some current leaders already following this gentle, cooperative, constructive path? To put it more "energetically", Where are these new "dreamers"?;
Where are the modern "Gandhis" and "Kings"?

5 Can gangs outside and inside jails play a role in this venture?

6 Can the entrepreneurial and managerial skills of venture capitalists be put to use for this enterprise?

7 Would your suggestions, information and/or participation--as individuals or groups--make a difference in dealing with this important challenge?

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An afterthought!

Do you feel that each lawmaker, say in Washington D.C. area, should "adopt" at least one gifted child plus family and follow their progress?
We know that generally their hands are full, their schedules are packed and the campaign coffers empty, but once they put their hearts to it, they can do it!  

Especially if this were to happens, America, the "most powerful county in the history of mankind", will lead the whole world in addressing this issue. After all,
we are dealing with our children's future and they are going to be the leaders of tomorrow. Better trained leaders are more likely to lead a country
to greater heights.

Is this an utopian vision? You decide.




 

America

8 - 25 - 2013

A note!

Thinkers, activists, writers, editors, videographers, humorists, implementers  ......welcome! Please do add your imprint to this and future writings.
...............................................................

A simple, reasonable question for each and every American to ponder: "Am I doing my part in keeping my country safe and prosperous?"

A few more questions:

How is America doing now? Are happiness and unhappiness fairly evenly spread amongst people?

What are the main problems we are facing now? Are we doing enough to solve these problems?

How are we doing in the current global competition? Is there a danger that we may be going downhill?

Have you come across good things happening to America and would you like to share this information with others?

Do you have suggestions on how to make America more happy and prosperous? How can people benefit from your experience, skill, knowledge, education, interests and talents?
Would you like to lead as a community leader or would you prefer to help select and follow [others, who have the potential to be] good leaders?

What are the qualities of a good leader and how do we find such individuals?

Do you feel that common interests and goals help solidify a group? In view of individual needs, should we create variety of groups to facilitate dialog and action?
Would you like to form or join such a group or groups?

("We have listed some of the areas of our interest"--this section to be added later)