There they go again. All those buzz words and phrases that are meant to sway public opinion and discourage critical thinking. I’m tired to death of it, and furthermore, mostly the words aren’t even used properly.
Stakeholders: Meant to imply we have a dog in whatever hunt that’s being referenced. A stakeholder—look it up—is one who holds the money while bets are being made. I’ve been called a stakeholder in lots of contexts but haven’t seen any money yet.
Game changer: Everything from policies to snake oil medical options. I’m not playing the games. Gonna sit this out.
We the people: Assuming that nobody has a different view of whatever issue is being promoted. Do you want to be you, or just one of the “people,” whoever they are?
The American dream: Supposedly a nice house with picket fence, a fancy car, and good retirement benefits. It’s likely that for a lot of people, past and present, the American dream is simply a safe place to live and a government that leaves us alone. Good luck with both.
Price gouging: The assumption that businesses cheat customers so they can make huge profits. It might be happening with large corporations, but not in your local community where the candidates promise to intervene, and mandate how much you are charged. Truckers cringe at the prices they quote customers for hauling cattle and hay. But their costs for fuel and maintenance keep rising, and they have to pass some of that on or go out of business.
A man who works at a local store said he’s happy to show customers what the item costs the business. Recently, someone chose an item that wasn’t marked, but the boss was gone so he couldn’t check the price. He asked the customer what he usually paid, and was told, “It’s really expensive.” The sales person looked up what it had cost the business, and just added one dollar.
Make America great again: Ok, what constitutes “great” in your book? Give us specifics, so we’ll know when we’re making progress toward that goal. Surely it means more than wearing a certain kind of ball cap, or chants that are intended to stir up a crowd and boost a candidate’s ratings.
White privilege: I’m white, and I can’t help it. I do have some privileges that I’ve always taken for granted, but admitting that and deciding to pursue policies that help those less fortunate to gain a better life, seems a good way to effect change. Many of those in need are just as white as me, and I don’t think shaming does a thing to solve the problems of poverty or prejudice. This may be a better place to apply, “we the people.”
Climate change: Not my business to sway anyone’s opinion on the issue, but I do know this. Climate has always changed and always will. Using scare tactics to regulate our lives hasn’t changed, and never will. Consider whether you want your kid on an electric school bus in a blizzard. If you think the supply chain is a mess now, wait till the trucker has to lay over three times to charge his vehicle before reaching the delivery point. Research how much fossil fuel goes into building wind towers, electric vehicles, and solar farms, even the plastic that everything comes packaged in. How much price gouging goes on in the push for these changes?
Off the soap box now, except for this. Really, really do your best to love and respect all people. To give a fair shake, a handshake, and not form opinions based on phrases intended to make you jump on a bandwagon. Somebody might like it. We all might like it.