A FAIR LIVING WAGE

Today, I took part in a Facebook discussion about Millenials supposedly being too lazy, because they feel that they should be able to live a decent life in a job at 40 hours a week.

Most of us agreed that the current minimum wage is not even close to a fair payment for work this day in age.

However, one woman in her 60's stated that she has always worked two to three jobs at 60-80 hours a week to make ends meet, and in so many words was telling the Millenial to suck it up.

I found this to be a disgusting way to respond to someone who is actually, absolutely correct about not being able to live more than paycheck to paycheck at 40 hours a week.

Once upon a time, in this supposedly fair country, a whole family could survive on one salary, with just the father working a 40 hour work week, solidly. He didn't need to take on a second job, nor did the wife have to work in those days.

To be clear, I am not slanting modern times, and women working in any way what so ever Just pointing out an era when that was the case, and a family could live fairly on the one 40-hour a week job, without government help.

Fast-forward to 2017 now. We have single mothers, single fathers, married families, and single non-parental 20-somethings struggling to live on a 40-hour a week paycheck at minimum wage, or even with a restaurant job and tips.

The question then begs as to why this is the case 60 years after a family could survive on one salary, comfortably in the 1950's.

The answer is actually simple and clear!

Due to corporate and the 1% wealthy greed that has transformed the fairness of capitalism close to a third world country in some areas of America, we now are forced to work so much that our health has deteriorated around the country. The average lifespan was just recently knocked down a couple years of age for both women and men. 

We are all working too hard in this country to make ends meet, and hardly anyone has a savings account anymore. Unless you are one of the lucky minimum amounts of workers in the United States to have a degree and a job in your field that pays above $75,000 a year, which is actually still considered low to middle class, you probably fall into the category of low paid workers in non-advancing jobs that offer no end to the monotony of day in and day out struggle to put food in your belly and the bellies of your children, afford medicine and doctor co-payments, to be able to do anything other than sit in your house and get to your one, two, or three jobs each day.

Why anyone, in their right mind, would consider this to be okay, and normal, and call out Millenials as being lazy because they don't like that our crappy economy is forcing them to have no life outside of work, is beyond comprehension. Since when, were humans created to slave away 14-16 hours a day, and have no outside life?

The reason this is occurring now is due to the greed of the wealthy, and the corporations, and businesses that expect you to give them everything you've got for a measly $9.25 an hour, or whatever your state's minimum wage is. 

The call and drive for a $15 hourly wage are absolutely fair and necessary to improve the quality of life for everyone in America, and Congress needs to act on making it a federal law, not just a state choice. Corporations cry and complain when their bottom dollar isn't as many millions as they had hoped for, yet they are still greatly profiting off high prices and low wages, unlike our European counterparts.

This 1% of wealthy degenerates, with the exception of a few who get what makes the world a better place, such as Bill Gates, and Richard Branson, for example, are tearing America apart, and forcing us all into a third world state, and want to keep control over the masses by doing so. They control our food, our oil, our health, and everything the government should be keeping their hands out of, yet with their millions and billions, they influence the Congressional leaders, and our now we have a President who has done the same all his life. How often have we heard of Donald J. Trump giving to the poor? I'm not sure I can remember a time that I've read that anywhere! If anything, he and other wealthy elite, basically continue to steal from the lives, and production of their employees, so to line their pockets far above what they need to live the lives they want. Then they take this exorbitant amount of wealth, invest it, which most of us can't afford to do, and become even more wealthy, continuing to control the mass of American citizens, and keep us where they want us.

It's a horrible cycle that America has fallen into since the 1950's, decade after decade! 

It is time for Republican politicians to suffer like we do, and lose their seats, and be replaced by those who care about their constituents for more than just a vote. To respect our lives as much as they do their own. To allow us fair health coverage which they themselves enjoy. 

Our government was never meant to have the control it does over so much in our Country. Our founding fathers purposely purported a small government by the people for the people, not by the wealthy for the wealthy!

So, next time you jump in a conversation with a Millenial or anyone complaining about having to work more than 40 hours a week, and still can't make ends meet, wake up and smell the coffee first! It is not, and should not be a human necessity to work your tail off to survive. If, a single, non-parental individual is complaining about this, imagine how parents feel!

Republicans love to complain about how many people are on welfare and desire cheaper healthcare, but it is their grasp on the American dollar that is forcing more and more of us to look to our local government for help. It is their fault welfare continues to grow in this country, and that people continue to get sicker and sicker. 

Get on the ball Republicans and wealthy alike, and change your attitudes toward your fellow man, who with their hard work, are the one's lining your pockets by working cheaply for you, and at the same time purchasing what it is you sell to make yourself so wealthy! 

In other words, get a heart and a brain, and maybe, just maybe you can clear those welfare lines as you so desire to do!

Written by: Colin Bruce Munro Wood - 11:55 AM ET - 05.30.2017
Copyright 2017
N.A.W. Publishing

First photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+people+in+a+welfare+line&tbm=isch&imgil=y3yJtr0PJELahM%253A%253B7dN53kqr-3Qk0M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.slate.com%25252Farticles%25252Fnews_and_politics%25252Fpolitics%25252F2012%25252F12%25252Fgeorgia_s_war_against_the_poor_the_southern_state_is_emptying_its_welfare.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=y3yJtr0PJELahM%253A%252C7dN53kqr-3Qk0M%252C_&usg=__c1-oASxIF9WVh57lT0zhWSnUX-k%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwiNhuLo_ZfUAhVI_IMKHbK1DrUQyjcIPw&ei=dZYtWc33Nsj4jwSy67qoCw#imgrc=y3yJtr0PJELahM:

Second photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+people+in+a+welfare+line&tbm=isch&imgil=y3yJtr0PJELahM%253A%253B7dN53kqr-3Qk0M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.slate.com%25252Farticles%25252Fnews_and_politics%25252Fpolitics%25252F2012%25252F12%25252Fgeorgia_s_war_against_the_poor_the_southern_state_is_emptying_its_welfare.html&source=iu&pf=m&fir=y3yJtr0PJELahM%253A%252C7dN53kqr-3Qk0M%252C_&usg=__c1-oASxIF9WVh57lT0zhWSnUX-k%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwiNhuLo_ZfUAhVI_IMKHbK1DrUQyjcIPw&ei=dZYtWc33Nsj4jwSy67qoCw#imgrc=4dMW7-f5S5haXM:

Third photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiZ5Ye0_pfUAhXMWhQKHf3SBZoQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthelegacyproject.co.za%2F2015%2F06%2Fquotes-from-sir-richard-branson-entrepreneur-founder-of-the-virgin-group%2F&psig=AFQjCNFVugWxFvZ1hovAYQ5EpNch9vATjA&ust=1496246418334513

Fourth photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Photo+of+corporate+greed&tbm=isch&imgil=gP_cxzufn_n5XM%253A%253BCzOneREJLwiTSM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.alternet.org%25252Feconomy%25252F5-ways-our-lives-are-being-violated-corporate-greed&source=iu&pf=m&fir=gP_cxzufn_n5XM%253A%252CCzOneREJLwiTSM%252C_&usg=__nsV_2ryKhMDprs9I-bTimCidrHc%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwjz6JXU_pfUAhUi3IMKHfFaDWkQyjcIQQ&ei=V5ctWbPhCKK4jwTxtbXIBg#imgrc=gP_cxzufn_n5XM:

Fifth photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRmYqF_5fUAhWB1BoKHW81CasQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocregister.com%2F2017%2F01%2F15%2F6-questions-emerge-as-minimum-wage-rises%2F&psig=AFQjCNFNXg15hmSkMJ2DzaR644YM41nQWQ&ust=1496246588375174

WHICH DEMOCRATIC FEMALE COULD BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT?

I thought it would be fun to discuss the possible female candidates for a Presidential run in 2020. I don't mean funny, but joyous, to start creating a list of potentials. 

Personally, as a reconditioned Democrat since last fall, returning to my "liberal" roots, since 9/11, I am fully supportive and determined that the United States of America and the world need a female leader, finally. 

Angela Merkel, the great leader of Germany has proven how incredible a female leader can be!

So, I'd like to discuss possible female candidates to lead our great Nation, as the leader of the free world.

The first lady that comes to mind for many of us, is probably Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama has already experienced the heaviness and the seriousness of being in the White House. She has shown great leadership skills by helping to set new policies to improve the lives of children. 

Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School and spent her early legal career working at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met her husband. She subsequently worked as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago and the Vice President for Community and External Affairs of the University of Chicago Medical Center. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama)

I wonder how many Americans are aware of Michelle Obama's impressive history, and education. Michelle has the class, grace, education, and strength to be a fantastic President and world leader. She is well spoken, determined, and intelligent. Definitely, one of the forefront possibilities for Presidency. 

Michelle Obama has not given any indication of running, and I believe, she has, in fact, denied her interest. However, we've seen other Presidential runners say the same thing in the past. I would call upon her, and those of us who support her, to give America what we need. A fantastic leader, that the world would greatly respect, as opposed to the dufus in charge right now.

The one name Davidson doesn't mention but who would be, without question, the strongest potential female nominee (and maybe the strongest nominee period) is outgoing first lady Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama is on record — late last year in an interview with Oprah Winfrey — as saying that she has zero interest in running for president. If she did ever change her mind, however, she would be a fascinating candidate — especially since she appears to be Trump's kryptonite. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/09/11-democratic-women-who-could-run-for-president-in-2020-ranked/?utm_term=.573727b356dc)

The number one candidate, according to the Washington Post, is Elizabeth Warren. A strong speaking, opinionated leader, Elizabeth would be a wonderful President.

Next on the Washington Post's list, is New York's, Kirsten Gillibrand. Kirsten has proven herself to be a strong speaking leader, who demands fairness for the middle and lower financial classes, and has been a Stirewalt in New York politics! 

So not to make this article too long, I will finish with the Washington Post's suggested third female candidate.

Kamala Harris: The newly minted California senator will have a quick turnaround time to decide whether she runs for president. She'll have spent only two years in the Senate when a go/no-go decision will become necessary following the 2018 election. If Harris wants to run, she would be formidable — a California fundraising and activist base coupled with her historic status in the party (she's only the second African American female senator and the first Indian American) make her uniquely appealing. And remember that Barack Obama was elected to the Senate in 2004 and ran for president in 2008 — the same timetable Harris would be on.
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/09/11-democratic-women-who-could-run-for-president-in-2020-ranked/?utm_term=.573727b356dc)

Having either Kamala Harris or Michelle Obama as President would be the pinnacle of advancement for American politics! Also, a great slap in the face to white supremacists, who most recently, and disgustingly, gathered for a KKK-style meeting in the dark of the night, typical of such dishonorable humans. What a great slap in their face would it be to finally have a Black American Female President! Boy, would I love to see this happen!

America desperately needs a female President. The time has come, and it would be the most beneficial way to improve America's reputation around the world, and a great slap in the face to middle east countries who continue to disrespect female rights!

Written by: Colin Bruce Munro Wood - 8:20 AM ET - 05.28.2017

Copyright 2017
Heart and Soul Commentary
N.A.W. Publishing
The World At A View Flipboard Magazine
https://flipboard.com/@colinbmwood/the-world-at-a-view-magazine-vb3dpuijy

First photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Photos+of+Michelle+Obama&tbm=isch&imgil=gYxcKCUwMMPJVM%253A%253B4ENRi65AQDJeuM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.gettyimages.com%25252Fphotos%25252Fmichelle-obama&source=iu&pf=m&fir=gYxcKCUwMMPJVM%253A%252C4ENRi65AQDJeuM%252C_&usg=__in02IlaY241msmBBinb69loIS5E%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwj1jqqJypLUAhVFTSYKHSnkAi8QyjcIQQ&ei=HMEqWfWQNMWamQGpyIv4Ag#imgrc=gYxcKCUwMMPJVM:

Second photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=photo+of+elizabeth+warren&tbm=isch&imgil=NY2jYjGYgfonjM%253A%253BJN49DIBMneoFdM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Forigin.elizabethwarren.com%25252Ffaq&source=iu&pf=m&fir=NY2jYjGYgfonjM%253A%252CJN49DIBMneoFdM%252C_&usg=__7AsZvAFUDfKNRyANkFpLMrtTN2E%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwj2iIW9ypLUAhWG5SYKHTnnAuUQyjcIRQ&ei=icEqWbagEobLmwG5zouoDg#imgrc=NY2jYjGYgfonjM:

Third photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=photo+of+kirsten+gillibrand&tbm=isch&imgil=A7o8R5ekl5w-xM%253A%253BtsxrH8J3Q_NdVM%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fcommons.wikimedia.org%25252Fwiki%25252FFile%25253ASenatorGillibrandpic.jpg&source=iu&pf=m&fir=A7o8R5ekl5w-xM%253A%252CtsxrH8J3Q_NdVM%252C_&usg=__-f20YCOcm1R-PCrNxq51PZZNln0%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwjr9PTcypLUAhXESCYKHW7cCFsQyjcIRg&ei=zMEqWeveCMSRmQHuuKPYBQ#imgrc=A7o8R5ekl5w-xM:

Fourth photo courtesy of:
https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+kamala+harris&tbm=isch&imgil=phoNJIXIzMzjOM%253A%253BmVUOnR3sCY2CqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fabcnews.go.com%25252Ftopics%25252Fnews%25252Fus%25252Fkamala-harris.htm&source=iu&pf=m&fir=phoNJIXIzMzjOM%253A%252CmVUOnR3sCY2CqM%252C_&usg=__nLrAsPeN6C04Fk5cxIoXDCMH1Ts%3D&biw=1600&bih=770&ved=0ahUKEwi8h9eTy5LUAhUC5yYKHQvnBHgQyjcIQQ&ei=PsIqWbzwPI

CAN WE MAKE BINGHAMTON A DEMOCRATIC TOWN AGAIN?

 I slightly remember Binghamton, NY being a democratic stronghold when I was a kid. Our mayor was Juanita Crabb!

For some years now, it's been dominantly Republican by election. However, with the dominant win by Jason Garnar for Country Executive, and the uprising of the group Indivislbe Binghamton, it's possilbe the tides are changing in Binghamton, once again.

I believe there are enough democratic sided individuals in this town to hand it completely over to the more sensible left driven leaders of our area.

However, as in any city, it is a challenge to convince or get democrats to the polls, as they tend to sometimes be the poorer of the community, or those who believe their vote doesn't matter. Obviously, we all know the Republican base is usually more financially endowed as a whole. Not to say their aren't well-to-do Democrats. We know there are! But a majority of local democrats struggle like me, month to month to make ends meet, and sometimes, the lack of a vehicle, or two jobs, or a lack of inclination or information cause us not to get to the polls, and have our voice heard.

This is more often the cause for Republican wins in our area. I don't have the exact demographics for this area, and maybe I am wrong about there being more democrats, but I would still like to believe that we could once again, make this a more caring, meaningful, and democratic area! 

According to Wikipedia's latest numbers on our area, the Greater Binghamton area, or the Triple Cities consists of approximately a quarter million individuals, and the city of Binghamton itself holds between 47,000 and 48,000 residents.

Binghamton is an ethically diverse area, and that is it's main strength!

Indivisible Binghamton, is an extension of Indivisble NY, a democratic stronghold, aiming to bring more awareness to the political climate in our area, and the acts of our Republican base that seek to harm the middle and lower classes of this great city!

We seek to fight the likes of Claudia Tenney (Rep) Congressional Representative, in her endeavors to make the rich richer, and the poor poorer.

Tenney, already proven to be a Trump supporter, and a backer of ridding America of Obamacare, and health coverage for up to 28 million people by 2026, is a non-truth teller, and simply seeks to fill the pockets of her wealthier constituents.

Switching from the Democratic party to the Republican party myself, around 9/11, I fully ignored for about 15 years what the Republican party truly represented, and what they did to push our country further into an economical disproportioned nation! As we are all well aware, the rich continue to get richer, get huge tax breaks, in amounts that could feed a nation of starving children, and over worked single parents. 

The Binghamton area is filled with such democratic individuals who need leaders of Binghamton to take them into account, more than the wealthy consitituents who really....need no help at all!!

I just left a thriving Country and economy who demands health care for all it's citizens in the form of a national tax based system, that guaranteed every citizen is covered and can seek the healthcare they require regardless of political or financial status. It is not destroying Germany's economy at all, and they are one of the top self sustaining countries in Europe, led by a caring, understanding, and very intelligent leader in Angela Merkel, who recently easily won a vote to support her and her endeavors.

With this article, I hope to bring more attention to those in our area who feel that they can not make a difference for themselves, in fighting the selfish, and narrowed thinking of the Republcian party in Binghamton. Luckily, with the likes of Rep. Mayor Rich David, we have a leader who does not stick to one side of the aisle, and does his best to reach across both sides of the divide and do what's best for the city, but a democratic leader would do even more.

So, know that your vote can make a huge difference for the City of Binghamton in bringing attention to your concerns, and your issues, and that there are groups, such as Indivisible Binghamton fighting for you, and we would welcome you aboard as a citizen of this beautiful city, to put forth your voice, as well! 

It is your strong voices that can drive this city back to a democratic reign, and in the right direction for Binghamton's future and future economy that still currently suffers.

Don't forget to vote in 2018, the off year, when you can replace seats much more important than the President of the United States. You can help to push the House, and Senate toward a Democratic stronghold, and help to turn the tide across the country toward a Democratic win for President in 2020, whoever runs, be it "The Rock" and Tom Hanks, Joe Kennedy III, |Joe Biden, or any qualifying female, which would be the pinnacle of making America and our great city, a much better place to live!!!

Written by: Colin Bruce Munro Wood - 11:45 AM ET - 05.27.2017

Copyright 2017

Heart and Soul Commentary

N.A.W. Publishing

First photo courtesy of:

https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+binghamton+ny&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwisrZSCtpDUAhVJLSYKHQoVDiAQ7AkIMg&biw=1600&bih=770#imgrc=2rJy-hyjcHDFmM:

Second photo courtesy of:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154933604782456&set=gm.251224098663145&type=3&theater

Third photo courtesy of:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Photo+of+Claudia+Tenney&tbm=isch&imgil=Nace5i4Lwp3G1M%253A%253BIhhH2vwWm2MDtM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fcortlandvoice.com%25252F2016%25252F11%25252F09%25252Frepublican-claudia-tenney-wins-22nd-congressional-district-race%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=Nace5i4Lwp3G1M%253A%252CIhhH2vwWm2MDtM%252C_&usg=__gvxy7Gcbm6vvwehqMEApuTXccxM%3D&ved=0ahUKEwj3ytG5tpDUAhWGwiYKHayPDqwQyjcIPw&ei=GaApWbfaO4aFmwGsn7rgCg&biw=1600&bih=770#imgrc=Nace5i4Lwp3G1M:

Fourth photo courtesy of:

https://www.google.com/search?q=photo+of+jason+garnar&tbm=isch&imgil=QvniJir2cHf7XM%253A%253B2yTbZ38aMWVPPM%253Bhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Ftwitter.com%25252Fjasongarnar&source=iu&pf=m&fir=QvniJir2cHf7XM%253A%252C2yTbZ38aMWVPPM%252C_&usg=__QorXeFA6gPjtVi1quzx_KOedB2s%3D&biw=1600&bih=721&ved=0ahUKEwi66eLjtpDUAhWHZCYKHcxKBREQyjcIPw&ei=cqApWbroFIfJmQHMlZWIAQ#imgrc=QvniJir2cHf7XM: