My name is Russell Meyers. Not going to make any claims to be a professional on politics in any respect. I am a normal human being, a father and a nurse. I have been a social activist since childhood and political activist for decades at varying levels.
I have done a lot of writing (not for profit) on and off for several years. During the 2016 election, I was admin or moderator of 4 different Progressive groups. Some weeks back I began a YouTube channel. Currently about 56 videos and you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmaLXr9KjcQ2dcBa-bM3Jg/videos
This page is simply consolidating and moving much of my material to one place. Greater exposure, have a home base and maybe make a small amount of money in the process.
My goal is different from many. I do not care to force an ideology onto anyone.
My personal view is that all names are cults. People expect you to join their cult and never ask questions, never make demands. If you show your are not a “true believer” you will be invalidated, shunned, attacked, exiled, stoned to death, buried and forgotten. Merely ask questions and you become a heretic. This is true under ALL names. RNC, DNC, Trump, Hillary, Bernie, and on and on.
When you are a cult member, nothing is ever the fault of the cult. It is “us versus them”. Who is “them”? Anyone that is not “us”, so “them” changes day to day, minute to minute, subject to subject. “We” have no responsibility to change, only “they” do. Funny thing, I have never seen the word “they/them” in U.S., only “US”.
And that is my point which I have been trying to get across for years. If WE are going to solve OUR problems, we must do it together. As a nation, as a people.
Don't get me wrong. I am absolutely not a hippie, love everyone, peace at any cost person. I can be brutal. I go after the left, the right and the center. I'm not prejudiced, I hate everyone.
Our problems have been with us for years, decades, even centuries. Racism, sexism, religious prejudice, income inequality, access to affordable healthcare. These and many more are issues which affect ALL of our lives directly or indirectly, whether we are aware of it or not. It is on this that we can reach across party lines if and ONLY if we focus on the issues. Leave names out of it completely. Leave the cult mentality behind. Remove the labels which separate and categorize us.
My biggest motto for some time now has been, “Issues unite, names divide”. This mindset is not for the faint of heart. It is not easy. It requires thought, observation, research, the willingness to debate (not argue), teach and learn. To be able to admit when we are wrong. To seek knowledge, rather than seeking to always be “right”. It means building rather than destroying. Understanding and accepting rather than hating.
At the same time I will readily admit I have NO tolerance for those whose goals are division and hate without having a rational point or facts to share. This includes when they use quotes from others who offer only opinions that align with that hate/division. I shall not even respond to comments from people who have nothing but hatred and division to offer. I have better things to do with my time, as does anyone trying to accomplish anything positive.
Any way, the whole point of both this column and my videos will be trying to bridge divides. Yes, I am a Progressive but I try and present issues objectively, logically and rationally. Not from left or right but based on solid evidence and strong ethics.
My viewpoints are often quite unique but valid. There have been many times I have expressed a thought or view which I later see gain traction in other places.
So, I hope to gain some readers, followers and engage in some productive conversations about actual solutions.
Thanks for reading!