Careless Thinking Is Washington’s New Normal

Careless actions monopolize the news

Have you ever been careless? If you’re anything like me, I assume you have. When we’re careless, mistakes are made, accidents happen, and we’re lucky if injury isn’t part of the experience. We must ask, “Could such carelessness be avoided?”

Last week our nation saw the White House stumble through a wide array of carelessness. We saw another school shooting the week before that. Was somebody careless then? Are our legislators careless in their response?

A careless White House causes turmoil

Reports came out that Trump was “unglued” over the recent events. Jared Kushner, for example, was denied his security clearance. The Mueller investigation is inquiring about Jared’s business dealings with foreign governments—activities that expose him to foreign manipulation. Trump tweeted an ill-advised move to place tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum that disappointed other Republican leadership.

White House resignations and firings have become commonplace. Hope Hicks, Trump’s communications director, was interviewed by Mueller and then resigned the next day. Rob Porter, the White House staff secretary, resigned after reports emerged of domestic abuse. Omarosa Newman, public liaison for the White House, also resigned. Josh Raffel, the White House deputy communications director plans to leave soon. The list goes on and on. Is it careless management or careless strategy or other forms of carelessness that elicits such results?

Chief of staff John Kelly has expressed frustration with both Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump lately. Beyond the lack of security clearances, which should have been in place long ago, he wonders what they do and what they accomplish. Trump, in turn, has been reportedly looking for ways to remove Jared and Ivanka from the White House.

Trump noted in his State of the Union address that, “Korea’s pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland.” Vladimir Putin, too, is threatening a potential for nuclear war and noting their increased military capability. Are both nations—and both leaders—being careless?

Finally, John Brennan, the former CIA director, assesses Trump as being unstable, inept, inexperienced, and unethical.

Being careless is now normal in the White House. The consequence, for Trump, is isolation. Is the Trump brand crumbling?

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Gun legislation in Washington is careless

Gun legislation after the recent school shooting in Florida has gained significant attention and momentum across the nation. But legislative movement is not realized in Washington. Speaker Paul Ryan is reluctant to make significant changes. Democrats are reluctant to endorse the Fix NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) Act. They claim it also allows concealed weapons to be brought across state lines. Are these legislators being careless? It’s important to point out here that no political party is alone in being careless.

Also important is to realize that state legislators have recently stepped up to the shooting crises. Oregon is the first to step up to the challenge to legislate a gun control law. Florida, too, has stepped up recently. The states get it!

Carelessness was never appreciated at home

Why are we faced with all of this carelessness and confusion? If I may, in the spirit of Women’s History Month (March), I’d like to honor my own mother. When I took careless missteps in my youth, my exasperated mother would forcefully admonish me with, “Think! Think!” And there we have it. We witness the plethora of careless behavior; because, frankly, those who pretend to lead are not truly thinking of consequences that affect all of their constituents. Mom was right. I should have thought of consequences.

030718 Women's History Month

Careless presidential elections are common

Perhaps you can see where all of this is leading in this blog. In years past we have been careless when electing our president. We have allowed a winner-takes-all approach to be used in all 50 states for over 180 years. It disenfranchises large percentages (often greater than 50%) of voters. It hamstrings the ability of the Electoral College to perform its ingenious service. It’s a careless thing we do.

Some are also being careless as they entertain the idea of the National Popular Vote bill. It will not deliver what it promises. It’s a dangerous idea that is born out of a careless disregard for our nation’s voting public.

Equal Voice Voting proves to be careful

Equal Voice Voting, on the other hand, considers the votes of all citizens to be sacred. Alexis de Tocqueville, in his book “Democracy in America,” states, “Whenever the political laws of the United States are to be discussed, it is with the doctrine of the sovereignty of the people that we must begin.

Equal Voice Voting makes every vote count on a state-by-state basis. The approach is carefully considered, pragmatic, and within every state’s reach.

Let’s not forget mom’s admonishment to, “Think! Think!”