Jeffrey Rasley's Blog, page 2
January 11, 2021
Polarized! The Case for Incivility in the Time of Trump
Posted on my Facebook page today
Confession, but not an apology...
After the 2016 election of Trump I was so concerned about extreme polarization in the US, I began hosting an open discussion forum on my Facebook page. I was disappointed that several Clinton-voter friends refused to participate in any discussion with people “on the other side”. Two college friends unfriended me for “giving Trumpers a platform”. But I forged ahead and during the 3 months the forum lasted up to 80 people, including pro and anti Trump friends, participated in weekly issue-oriented discussions. The only rule I imposed was that personal attacks against participants would not be allowed. It worked so well, I wrote a book and several articles about how Americans could work at depolarization through civil discussions. I did warn in the book that I thought Trump’s narcissism and authoritarian tendencies were major contributors to the polarization crisis. But the mutual participation of Clinton and Trump voters in civil discussions left me feeling optimistic that Americans would survive Trump and we could work together toward a better future despite our disagreements.
My optimism waned as the months/years passed and Trump supporters accepted and embraced his lies and disgusting behavior. Instead of recognizing him for the narcissist, demagogue, and wannabe fascist that he is, most of his supporters became even more enthusiastic about him and voted to reelect him in 2020. Thankfully, more votes were cast for Biden. But, instead of accepting their Great Leader’s defeat, many of his supporters chose to believe the election was stolen. Why? Because Trump said so. And then he incited his fanatical followers to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6 in an attempted coup.
How do we come back from that? Unless all the reasonable and decent people who voted to reelect Trump have awakened from the spell he cast on them, I don’t think there is a bridge across these troubled waters.
So, I confess that I will now break the rule I imposed on others and myself in our civil discussion forum. Anyone who still supports Trump is supporting a fascist and a traitor. And so, that is what you are too. If that offends you, unfriend me and get the hell off my page.
Confession, but not an apology...
After the 2016 election of Trump I was so concerned about extreme polarization in the US, I began hosting an open discussion forum on my Facebook page. I was disappointed that several Clinton-voter friends refused to participate in any discussion with people “on the other side”. Two college friends unfriended me for “giving Trumpers a platform”. But I forged ahead and during the 3 months the forum lasted up to 80 people, including pro and anti Trump friends, participated in weekly issue-oriented discussions. The only rule I imposed was that personal attacks against participants would not be allowed. It worked so well, I wrote a book and several articles about how Americans could work at depolarization through civil discussions. I did warn in the book that I thought Trump’s narcissism and authoritarian tendencies were major contributors to the polarization crisis. But the mutual participation of Clinton and Trump voters in civil discussions left me feeling optimistic that Americans would survive Trump and we could work together toward a better future despite our disagreements.
My optimism waned as the months/years passed and Trump supporters accepted and embraced his lies and disgusting behavior. Instead of recognizing him for the narcissist, demagogue, and wannabe fascist that he is, most of his supporters became even more enthusiastic about him and voted to reelect him in 2020. Thankfully, more votes were cast for Biden. But, instead of accepting their Great Leader’s defeat, many of his supporters chose to believe the election was stolen. Why? Because Trump said so. And then he incited his fanatical followers to storm the Capitol on Jan. 6 in an attempted coup.
How do we come back from that? Unless all the reasonable and decent people who voted to reelect Trump have awakened from the spell he cast on them, I don’t think there is a bridge across these troubled waters.
So, I confess that I will now break the rule I imposed on others and myself in our civil discussion forum. Anyone who still supports Trump is supporting a fascist and a traitor. And so, that is what you are too. If that offends you, unfriend me and get the hell off my page.
January 1, 2021
Top Ten Travel Stories 2020
My article, Traveling Across the U.S. During the Pandemic, is listed #3 of the top 10 travel stories of 2020 by Go Nomad. It was an interesting experience, but not nearly as adventurous as travel stories I've written about Himalayan mountaineering and solo-kayaking Palau.
https://www.gonomad.com/178244-the-be...
https://www.gonomad.com/178244-the-be...
Hero's Journey now in Audio Book
Hero's Journey tells the stories of two small-town sports heroes; one never failed, the other became a homeless alcoholic before completing his hero's journey. The book (published by Midsummer Books) is now available as an audio book, as well as a paperback and eBook.
On one level the book is a detective story about John Ritter, the best basketball player from Goshen, Indiana, my hometown. He graduated from Goshen High School in 1969, but still holds all the scoring records in basketball and some in baseball. He was a star for the IU Hoosiers and captain of Bob Knight's first Final Four team in 1973. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers, and then coached at Ole Miss. He became an executive at Eli Lilly, and then John disappeared. I set out to discover what happened to John and why. What I discovered is heart-breaking, but ultimately hopeful and uplifting.
The book is also an examination and critique of how our "heroes" are treated, when they thrill us, and mistreated, when they disappoint us.
https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-...
Cheers and Happy New Year!
On one level the book is a detective story about John Ritter, the best basketball player from Goshen, Indiana, my hometown. He graduated from Goshen High School in 1969, but still holds all the scoring records in basketball and some in baseball. He was a star for the IU Hoosiers and captain of Bob Knight's first Final Four team in 1973. He was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers, and then coached at Ole Miss. He became an executive at Eli Lilly, and then John disappeared. I set out to discover what happened to John and why. What I discovered is heart-breaking, but ultimately hopeful and uplifting.
The book is also an examination and critique of how our "heroes" are treated, when they thrill us, and mistreated, when they disappoint us.
https://www.amazon.com/Heros-Journey-...
Cheers and Happy New Year!
December 26, 2020
Chadwick Boseman & Ma Raney's Black Bottom
Chadwick Boseman is fantastic in Ma Raney's Black Bottom. Viola Davis is great, but Boseman's performance is gut wrenching. His anti-god rant is as powerful as Ivan's in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov.
What a loss! RIP Chadwick
What a loss! RIP Chadwick
November 5, 2020
Romantic Mystery and Crime Thriller
Gloria Hughes, an attractive, young, and accomplished attorney is tasked with representing an attractive, older man, Jack Blair. Jack is a wealthy businessman and member of the Republican establishment. But he is now in prison accused of a heinous crime against his own country and President. As Gloria's affection for her client grows, so does her realization that the government intends to sabotage her case and never let Jack have a public trial. Will Gloria risk her law license, and possibly her life, to thwart the conspiracy?
Read or listen now:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F6CG72N
Read or listen now:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F6CG72N
November 1, 2020
Anarchist, Republican... Assassin
The President held up a Bible, an assassin aimed a gun. What happened next?
https://www.amazon.com/Anarchist-Repu...
https://www.amazon.com/Anarchist-Repu...
September 28, 2020
Audio Book Production
Anarchist, Republican... Assassin is now available in audio book, as well as print and eBook. This is the 5th book of mine that has been published as an audio book. I've had a different narrator each time. It's an interesting experience working with a narrator to turn your written work into an audio production. Each narrator has a unique voice, attitude, and work ethic. The relationship works best when narrator, publisher, and author view their relationship as a team and the production as team work. But, that has not been the case with each book that has been produced as an audio book. I think the quality of production reflects to some extent how well the team worked together. Jon Mitchell, the narrator of "Anarchist", and I worked very well together, I'm happy to report.
Anarchist, Republican... Assassin: a political novel
Anarchist, Republican... Assassin: a political novel
August 31, 2020
Anarchist, Republican... Assassin
If you are interested in learning whether "outside agitators" intentionally turn peaceful protests violent, read the first chapter of Anarchist, Republican... Assassin". It describes how anarchists are trained to disrupt peaceful demonstrations and the techniques used to bait police into over-reacting. It provides historical information dating back to the "police riot" at the 1968 Democratic Convention and to recent riots following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
I saw it close up in D.C. in 1970 and NOLA in 71. One of the anarchists, who was tasked with trying to turn demonstrations in NOLA into riots, described their tactics to me. He told me he was traveling around the country trying to turn civil rights and antiwar protests into violent confrontations with cops. That was one of the "inspirations" for the book.
I saw it close up in D.C. in 1970 and NOLA in 71. One of the anarchists, who was tasked with trying to turn demonstrations in NOLA into riots, described their tactics to me. He told me he was traveling around the country trying to turn civil rights and antiwar protests into violent confrontations with cops. That was one of the "inspirations" for the book.
August 20, 2020
Politically Incorrect Novel
"Anarchist, Republican... Assassin" is a politically incorrect novel. The protagonist despises Bernie Sanders and progressive democratic socialists, and he hates Donald Trump. The only politicians he can stomach are pragmatists, and he doesn't care whether they are Democrats or Republicans.
He's a grumpy old man, and now he's locked up. But a fiery young ACLU attorney plans to spring him.
He's a grumpy old man, and now he's locked up. But a fiery young ACLU attorney plans to spring him.
August 5, 2020
Political Literature
Art and literature has inspired and effected political change throughout history. I think the 2020 US presidential election may be a historic moment. My latest book is my humble attempt to use literature to influence my fellow US citizens.
Following the 2016 election I hosted a Facebook forum, wrote a book and several articles encouraging Americans to try to heal the wounds and bridge the divide caused by the bitter, angry presidential campaigns. I thought it was very important to encourage pro and anti Trump voters to let go of the anger and to once again treat each other as fellow citizens all seeking the best for the country.
With 150,000 American deaths from COVID-19, the pandemic not contained, and the US leading the world in infections and deaths, a neutral stance is abrogating the duty of responsible citizenship. The Trump administration has failed the American people with terrible consequences. It's incompetent handling of the pandemic is the most egregious failing, but it has also increased, rather than decreased, racial tensions and has not seriously addressed the issue of police brutality, which inflamed the nation after we all witnessed the cruel murder of George Floyd. Instead of responding with compassion and understanding of the fears of people of color, Trump has ordered federal forces to "dominate protesters".
"Anarchist, Republican... Assassin is a novel and literary indictment of Trump's handling of the pandemic and AG Barr's administration of justice. It is dedicated to John Lewis and his devotion to "justice for all".
Following the 2016 election I hosted a Facebook forum, wrote a book and several articles encouraging Americans to try to heal the wounds and bridge the divide caused by the bitter, angry presidential campaigns. I thought it was very important to encourage pro and anti Trump voters to let go of the anger and to once again treat each other as fellow citizens all seeking the best for the country.
With 150,000 American deaths from COVID-19, the pandemic not contained, and the US leading the world in infections and deaths, a neutral stance is abrogating the duty of responsible citizenship. The Trump administration has failed the American people with terrible consequences. It's incompetent handling of the pandemic is the most egregious failing, but it has also increased, rather than decreased, racial tensions and has not seriously addressed the issue of police brutality, which inflamed the nation after we all witnessed the cruel murder of George Floyd. Instead of responding with compassion and understanding of the fears of people of color, Trump has ordered federal forces to "dominate protesters".
"Anarchist, Republican... Assassin is a novel and literary indictment of Trump's handling of the pandemic and AG Barr's administration of justice. It is dedicated to John Lewis and his devotion to "justice for all".
