We could sure use a politician with wisdom who can restate the truth in these sorry times.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts...jZhQjHHWqNHX1VqozUDw

https://www.timesnownews.com/w...me-article-152223957

Statue Of Liberty Mural In France Sparks MAGA Backlash

https://www.usatoday.com/video...e-shame/84463063007/

French mural depicts Lady Liberty covering her face in shame over U.S. policies

As this whole political situation with Trumpism becomes more and more dystopic, I am growing fond of referring to quotes from Orwell's 1984:

“Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one. At one time it had been a sign of madness to believe that the Earth goes round the Sun; today, to believe the past is inalterable. He might be alone in holding that belief, and if alone, then a lunatic. But the thought of being a lunatic did not greatly trouble him; the horror was that he might also be wrong.”

AI Overview:

This quote from George Orwell's 1984 explores the idea of individual thought versus societal control. It suggests that if one's beliefs deviate from the accepted norm, they could be labeled a "lunatic" simply for holding a minority opinion. The protagonist, Winston, grapples with the Party's control over history and the potential consequences of dissenting, even if his beliefs are logically sound.

Here's a breakdown:

"Perhaps a lunatic was simply a minority of one.":
.
This line highlights the potential for societal pressure to define what is considered sane or insane. If an individual's belief is not shared by the majority, it could be deemed a sign of madness.

"At one time it had been a sign of madness to believe that the Earth goes round the Sun; today, to believe the past is inalterable.":
.
This uses a historical example to illustrate how accepted truths can change. Once, believing the Earth was heliocentric was considered heretical. In the context of 1984, the Party's control over history makes the idea of an unchangeable past equally radical.

"He might be alone in holding that belief, and if alone, then a lunatic.":
.
Winston considers the possibility that his perception of the past might be unique, making him a "lunatic" in the eyes of the Party.

"But the thought of being a lunatic did not greatly trouble him; the horror was that he might also be wrong.":
.
While being labeled a lunatic doesn't greatly bother him, the possibility of being wrong, especially about the past, is terrifying. This highlights the importance of truth and the devastating consequences of a society where truth is malleable.

The quote encapsulates the chilling atmosphere of 1984, where individual thought is suppressed, and the Party controls both the present and the past. It explores the themes of individual identity, truth, and the dangers of totalitarianism.

Another Orwell quote that fits this theme:

"in a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act"

Thanks, Bill, for that link in the O P.

It's surprising to know that Reagan actually said all that, given many of his policies.

He practically invented the myth "welfare queen", for example.

Anyway, it shows just how far we've come, or gone, whichever way you look at it.

Regan fought against cooperate welfare, anti gay legislation, and was a moderate on immigration.

Politics are what it is
Once in a great while you find one who fits your narrative of being Lilly white honest Abe and that is just exception to the rule
Politicians in the end have to satisfy so many sides that they never please everyone , thus the narrative of “ lying politician “
Life goes on and everyone one of us just have to take care of ourselves first

quote:

Originally posted by M.Shy:
Politics are what it is
Once in a great while you find one who fits your narrative of being Lilly white honest Abe and that is just exception to the rule
Politicians in the end have to satisfy so many sides that they never please everyone , thus the narrative of “ lying politician “
Life goes on and everyone one of us just have to take care of ourselves first

By giving them a pass you just enable their lies and deceit. We should be able to expect a reasonable degree of honesty and integrity from our politicians, it’s us who pays them.

What is the "myth" welfare queen? Bill.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
What is the "myth" welfare queen? Bill.

There is a lot written about it:

https://www.google.com/search?...IBzY&sclient=gws-wiz

quote:

Originally posted by nute:

quote:

Originally posted by M.Shy:
Politics are what it is
Once in a great while you find one who fits your narrative of being Lilly white honest Abe and that is just exception to the rule
Politicians in the end have to satisfy so many sides that they never please everyone , thus the narrative of “ lying politician “
Life goes on and everyone one of us just have to take care of ourselves first

By giving them a pass you just enable their lies and deceit. We should be able to expect a reasonable degree of honesty and integrity from our politicians, it’s us who pays them.

I don’t give them pass, just stating as I see it
They get me in a wad here and there like everyone else

quote:

Originally posted by Magine Enigam:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
What is the "myth" welfare queen? Bill.

There is a lot written about it:

So, if a white woman has kids from four different men, draws social assistance, and has never even tried to work, can she qualify as a welfare queen, or does she have to be black? Or is it the liberal contention that such women simply don't exist? Sorry for the derail, but the subject is sort of about telling truths. Bill

As I said, there is a lot written about it. I didn't make it up. I just reported what I read about it. I really don't have a deep seated opinion about it. It is what it is.

So, maybe you need specific links:

https://youtu.be/ASDsLNDgHKE?si=BREs32VCBP9IgTpz

Ronald Reagan campaign speech, January 1976

=========================================

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Taylor

Linda Taylor

Linda Taylor (born Martha Louise White; c. January 1926 – April 18, 2002) was an American woman who committed extensive welfare fraud and, after the publication of an article in the Chicago Tribune in fall 1974, became identified as the "welfare queen". Accounts of Taylor's activities were used by then-presidential candidate Ronald Reagan, for his 1976 presidential campaign onwards, to illustrate his criticisms of social programs in the United States.[1]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_queen

The media's coverage of welfare fraud began in the early 1960s and was featured in general-interest publications such as Reader's Digest. The term gained widespread recognition following media reporting in 1974 regarding the case of Linda Taylor. It was further popularized by Ronald Reagan during Reagan's 1976 presidential campaign when he frequently embellished Taylor's story in his speeches.[1][2]

Since its inception, the phrase "welfare queen" has remained a stigmatizing label and has at times been disproportionately associated with black, single mothers. This stereotype implies that these women intentionally have multiple children to maximize their welfare benefits, avoid seeking employment, and live extravagantly at the expense of taxpayers. As a result, it has been widely criticized as racist by many observers and overlooks the fact that many White, Latino, Asian, and Arab Americans are welfare recipients.[3][4]

https://www.google.com/search?...yAc0&sclient=gws-wiz

No, Ronald Reagan did not invent the term "welfare queen," but he popularized it and used it extensively in his political rhetoric. The term, and the concept it represented, stemmed from an individual named Linda Taylor, who was involved in extensive welfare fraud. Reagan adopted Taylor's case to illustrate his criticisms of the welfare system during his presidential campaigns in 1976 and 1980.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
The Origin of the Term:

The term "welfare queen" was not a Reagan creation. It became associated with a woman named Linda Taylor, who was involved in significant welfare fraud, according to Wikipedia.

Reagan's Use:
Reagan frequently used the example of the "welfare queen" at campaign rallies to criticize the welfare system and advocate for welfare reform. He used it as a symbol to represent what he saw as excessive spending and abuse of social programs.

Impact of Reagan's Rhetoric:
Reagan's use of the "welfare queen" stereotype contributed to the negative public perception of welfare recipients and fueled debates about welfare reform.

=================================================

https://www.npr.org/sections/c...iginal-welfare-queen

The Truth Behind The Lies Of The Original 'Welfare Queen'
December 20, 20135:03 PM ET