TheWiseOldFart

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart “All governments are bad, some are just worse than others.” This quote originated from Michael Ratner, president of the Center for Constitutional Rights. But its content was first espoused when our country was born. Thomas Paine (1776): In his foundational pamphlet Common Sense, Paine famously laid the philosophical groundwork for this sentiment by writing, "Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one..." Unfortunately, America’s federal government proves both men’s observations and allegations. Those who serve in Washington today are moving our nation backwards into the times when racism, bigotry, hatred, anger, and violence were acceptable and human rights and equality for all did not exist. I believe that incompetent governments fail to solve serious problems when the solutions are obvious, easily solved, and yet ignored because they are of no value to t...

 A;Abor Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart For this almost 78-year-old man, America can be defined by compassion, understanding, and acceptance, founded on the principles of personal freedom, individual rights, and equality for all. Unfortunately, over the last 43 years, one political party has rejected these principles and formed a united front to deny the rights of minorities, the working class, and women. Therefore, most of my articles involve the negativity which exists in 21 st century America. When I find a positive story reflecting actions which are aligned with most of the world’s developed nations, my hope for our country is renewed. Today, I am pleased to report not one, but two stories which bring light into many recent dark and dismal days. WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND EQUALITY FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY In 1864, 48 years before Arizona became a state, a law was passed designed to prevent any and all abortions in what would become known as the Grand Canyon State. Women across Ariz...