CONTOURS

 Contours are everywhere—the graceful curve of a river, the rolling silhouette of distant hills, and even the sweeping arcs of a row of bicycles waiting patiently in Chattanooga. In this photograph, symmetry and structure come to life, a perfect reminder that beauty isn’t just found in nature but in the thoughtful design of the world around us. As springtime breathes warmth into the air, these bicycles whisper of adventures to come, of open roads and the sheer joy of motion. Contours guide us forward, shaping our journeys in ways both seen and unseen.

Photo Friday

#photofriday #contours

WHY ISN'T IS A CRIME FOR SENATORS TO OPENLY LIE

 In the U.S., openly lying about a political issue is generally not a crime due to strong First Amendment protections for free speech, even if the statement is false or misleading. However, there are exceptions:

1. Defamation (Libel/Slander): If a false statement damages someone's reputation, they may have legal grounds for a lawsuit.
2. Fraud: If the lie is used to obtain money, votes, or other benefits through deception, it could be considered fraud.
3. Election Laws: Some states have laws against knowingly spreading false information to mislead voters about when, where, or how to vote.
4. Incitement & Threats: If a false statement encourages violence or lawbreaking, it may not be protected speech.

While lying about political issues is often unethical, it usually does not result in criminal charges unless it falls into one of these exceptions; which brings me to the reason for todays' blog post.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been vocal in his opposition to the recent Republican-proposed continuing resolution (CR) bill. He criticized the bill for proposing cuts to essential programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans' benefits, and public schools, arguing that these reductions are intended to fund tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations.

In a CNN interview with Jake Tapper, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her disagreement with Schumer's decision to advance the funding bill, emphasizing that it "turns the federal government into a slush fund for Donald Trump and Elon Musk."

We know that this these statements were outright lies intended to vilify the Republic party and prompt enough votes to force a shutdown of the American government. There were absolutely no proposed cuts to the government programs referenced. 

There were many other Democrats repeating these same lies intended to incite anger and opposition to the Republican party. So my question is this: Why is legal for the people who make our laws to openly lie about facts and to openly attempt to incite opposition and violence to their political rivals?

 

The Slow Decay of American Politics

American politics has devolved into a spectacle where substance is sacrificed for noise, personal gain trumps public service, and truth is just another casualty of the partisan war. The ideals that once shaped a functioning democracy have been eroded by five troubling trends:

1. The Loudest Voice Wins

Rational debate and reasoned arguments have taken a backseat to volume. If you can shout the loudest, drown out your opponent, and stir up enough outrage, you must be right—at least in the eyes of those who no longer care about facts.

2. Public Service as a Path to Personal Wealth

Serving in public office used to mean putting the country first. Now, it's a career move for personal enrichment. The revolving door between government and lobbying, book deals, speaking tours, and shady backroom deals have turned politics into just another business venture.

3. Wasting Public Money is Fine—Just Don’t Talk About It

Government waste is an open secret, but exposing it is treated as the real crime. Billions of taxpayer dollars disappear into failed projects, pet initiatives, and bureaucratic inefficiencies, yet those who dare to pull back the curtain are vilified.

4. Partisan Loyalty Over Progress

Even when something good happens, half the country refuses to acknowledge it—because the “other side” thought of it first. Politics has become a zero-sum game where compromise and celebration are seen as betrayals rather than victories for all.

5. Lies and Accusations as Political Currency

Misinformation and slander have become standard tools of the trade. Instead of winning on merit, politicians and pundits manufacture scandals, distort facts, and attack opponents relentlessly, all to maintain an illusion of superiority.

The Road Ahead

American politics is broken, but it’s not beyond repair. The question is: Do we care enough to fix it, or are we too busy yelling, cashing in, covering up, holding grudges, and spreading lies? Until we demand better, not only from our politicians but of ourselves, the decay will continue.