Odds and Ends: May 2017

1.  2016 Presidential Election

There are many variables that determine the results of an election.  I wish to focus on two factors.  First, it is widely agreed that the Russians through hacking and release of information gleaned tried to influence the election in favor of Trump.  The FBI and James Comey are officially investigating the Russian connection with the Trump campaign.  Irony of ironies, Comey himself in talking publicly about Clinton's emails (which amounted to nothing) might have influenced the outcome of the election more than the Russians.  A recent study of polls before and after Comey's public comments concluded that Comey's comments alone may have been enough to effect the close election outcome.

2.  Practicing Deep Listening or Listening With Care

The following is from Anthony B. Robinson's article in the Christian Century, May 10, 2017 titled "The 'no cross talk' rule."

Robinson refers to Mary who was "clearly an extrovert and a bright person who thrived on a rapid-fire exchange of thoughts and ideas."  Could she follow the tough no cross talk guidelines?

"When people refrain from advice and judgmental comments, they create a safety zone."

"If there is no advice given, no fixing or judging, and no care taking, what is it that the group does offer?  Listening. Deep listening.  Someone was heard---without comment, without rebuttal, without affirmation or applause.  It turns out that this is a gift.  As David Augsburger puts it, "Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable."

"When we took a break Mary rushed over to me.  "That was amazing," she said.  "In our group some people spoke who never say anything.  Great comments, too.  Wow, what insight! . . . I think we heard one another in a new way---at least I know I did."  "We may receive the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit."

"Somehow, when we didn't need to worry so much about the outcome or try to control things, it was like we were letting God be part of it; like we were letting or asking God to, well, be God."

3.  Reduction of Extreme Poverty

"Some 42 percent of the world's population lived in extreme poverty in 1981, but by 2013 that figure had dropped to 10.7. . . . Economic historians say this radical improvement is unprecedented."

The bad news: the ranks of the poor increased because most of the extreme poor moved up only to slightly less poverty.

4.  "A majority of Americans agree that the tax rate should be increased for people earning $250,000 a year or more."  72 percent of all Americans; 58 percent of Republicans agree.

5.  Trump Care Bill

Very good news for the rich---massive tax cut.  Very bad news for the poor---reduced health care.