Sunday, May 28, 2017

Who, and What is America in 2017?


PPTS: May 24th, 2017

An "After Show" Reflection

Regardless of where you personally stand on the political/ideological spectrum in our country, even citizens with the most fundamental, basic understanding of democracy in America must surely admit that our country is in nearly complete disarray. 

On the show today, we tried to identify sources, consequences, and actions for those citizens who feel that doing nothing is just not an option. I must say that this show absolutely refuses to accept any action, by any individual or group that is illegal, immoral, unethical, or repugnant to democracy in any form, by any person, at any time.

In "fake news" today, we learn that citizens in California are setting out to drop fecal matter on the Donald Trump Star on the Hollywood Walk of fame (located at 6801 Hollywood Drive in downtown Los Angeles). Surely listeners to this show, and followers of this blog would NEVER resort to such vandalism! But there are those out there....(Our thanks to Bill Mahar for bringing this fayke newz to our attention.)

Go ahead. Experience that moment. I'll wait.


Let me ask you a question. I want to know your reaction to this.

The question I would ask is: "What does this make you feel?"

Don't worry; you don't have to respond to me, but you DO have react to you. 

During the previous week, I did a completely unscientific, voluntary survey of 517 US espondents to this question. (For a data scientist, that represented a fair population for the survey.)

I found, generally three primary responses to the question. In no particular order, they were:

A. This song fills me with pride, love, and joy.

B. This used to be our song, but it's not any more. We've failed its message.

C. Damn right! And we finally are making America Great again!

Can you identify with one of these major responses? Why?

On this show, we talk a lot about America, and being American. But, what does that actually mean? And why is it the responsibility of citizen to do something about it?

Understanding the answers to these two questions is a current day imperative--if you believe in the America we have enjoyed/endured for more than 270 years. 

That is why this show exists. That is why you, as citizen, must act. America is your legacy, your privilege, and YOUR obligation. Democracy in America in 2017 resides in the same place it has always resided: in the heart of citizen. From the few survivors of "The Greatest Generation" to the citizen will cast their first ever vote (or not) in 2017.

I invite you to consider these questions, and your own personal answers as you listen to today's episode, conveniently available on the right side of this page.. Then, let me know what YOU think, and what you will DO about it.

For the entire team,

The Tennessee Progressive




Sunday, May 14, 2017

PPTS May 14, 2017

"Can One Citizen Change the World?"

Here is a link to today's live episode.

I am a "hope" addict, and always have been. 

This is not because I have not seen the worst of humanity: I have. Nor is it because I refuse to live in the realities of life: I have. 

But I have also lived in places and times where I have witnessed the unparalleled goodness of humankind. Given the option of which side of humanity to believe is the greater in number, I choose to believe on the side of the goodness of mankind. 

In my lifetime, I have seen the goodness of even one person, one citizen do selfless and amazingly good things which would defy description. Sometimes, such goodness can change a moment, or one individual's difficult or impossible journey into unspeakable goodness. 

I am alive today because of such a person, so I do have some expertise in the ultimate humility toward my fellow humans. I wrote about this person in my personal blog. You are invited to become acquainted with her personally. She also happens, quite by purposeful intent, to be the Executive Producer of "Progressive Politics: Tennessee Style" (PPTS). She is known to us here are "Progressive Patty". If you are ever in our lively chat room, you will speak with her. If you call in to our live show, she will welcome you. 

I am not, by any means the only person who can say that Sara has positively change a life. In fact, thousands of Tennessee citizens can, and do say such things about her and her work, one life at a time.

Do I know that one citizen can change the world? YES!

Examples are all around us, if we would but look.

In a recent article, I offered another example of one citizen changing the world. I offer it to you in the hopes that you might understand some of the qualities of such heroes as one person changing the world.

In preparation for today's show episode, I'd like to offer you one more example of how one person, one citizen has changed the world. Again, consider the circumstances this human faced, and decided he had no choice but to do all he could to change the world for good.


Also please notice in the final two minutes, that a cell phone or two is illuminated by all those who this man inspired to become a force for good in their world. Snowflakes all. 

On today's show, we'd love to have you call us and share with us someone you know who has changed the world for good. It doesn't take a monumental task; it just takes one person with one moment of determination. Perhaps you would even be willing to share with us something YOU are doing about it. 

We're on the air! We'll see YOU there!

For the entire team,

The Tennessee Progressive