The late comedian Rodney Dangerfield was famous for quipping, “I get no respect.” That line showed up in some way, shape, or form in most of the films he was famous for. Dangerfield typically played the role of bumbling but loveable idiot, who somehow managed to come out on top. But even though he came out on top, he still “got no respect.”
United States
By Graham Glover –
“I…do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”
These words are part of the oath that every person takes upon entering or being promoted in the United States military. These are serious words that speak to the importance of the profession and the purpose for which it was created. Although the military does many things, its primary purpose is and will remain the protection and preservation of the United States of America. Or is it the protection and preservation of the United States Constitution?
By Graham Glover –
Worthless.
Broken.
Corrupt.
These are just a few of the words I’ve heard over the last few days to describe the city where I live. Not that it’s entirely different at other times, but people don’t feel too great about the recent shenanigans going on in Washington, D.C.
By Graham Glover –
Another gun tragedy. Another debate.
This time though the debate isn’t about whether we need more or better guns laws. This time it’s about prayer. That’s right, prayer. 26 people were innocently slaughtered while worshiping God and now we’re having a debate on whether Christians offering prayers of condolence and support are enough.
By Graham Glover –
Some think it’s reached the point of absurdity. Our politics that is. These past few months (actually, this past year and a half) has not seen our politics at their best. Like many of you, I’m still a bit shocked that we’ve gotten here and increasingly saddened as to why we debate the asinine issues we think are important. Although I remain optimistic that things will improve (naively, perhaps), I’m certain that I’ll be banging my head against the proverbial wall this week, sighing out loud as I watch, listen, and even partake in this thing we call politics.
By Cindy Koch –
It was only 6:15 in the morning when the radio clicked on in the dark, cold car. “49 confirmed dead, but that number will surely rise…” It took my breath away to hear the first audible voice of the day speaking about such horrific events that had passed as our night broke into daylight. Suddenly radio screams and tap-tap-tap gunshots pierced our sickly curious silence. Right in the middle of our daily drive to the gym, tragedy stretched it’s sting across the airwaves – and without parental permission, it touched my family car.
By Graham Glover –
At any given time, there are less than 0.5% of Americans serving in any capacity in the Armed Forces of the United States. Let that sink in for a moment. Less than ½ of 1% of our population is currently serving in any branch – in any component (Active or Reserve) of our military. That is a staggering statistic! That 0.5% preserves the possibility for our democratic republic to survive for the remaining 99.5% is simply mind boggling.
By Graham Glover –
That’s right, with authors currently in Florida, California, Michigan, Washington, Illinois, and Arkansas, and readers located around the world, the Jagged Word will soon be represented in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.!
By Graham Glover –
Political victory. What is it? What does it look like? Does anybody (especially in America) ever really achieve it?
Did the Republicans achieve it last November? Donald Trump won the presidency, but does this mean he is politically victorious? He won an election, and his party maintains control of both chambers of Congress, but how much does that really mean in today’s political context? (See the inability for the White House and Congress to make any headway on the healthcare bill.)
By Graham Glover –
Universal healthcare. The mere mention of the idea is enough to bring a smile to a liberal and a scowl to a conservative.
Outside of the immigration debate, I don’t think there is an issue that divides the electorate more than whether the United States federal government should provide healthcare to all its citizens. Obama won two elections because of his promise to provide universal healthcare. One could argue that Trump won an election because of his promise to repeal it.