Challenges

        Today's blog post will be about my experiences that I've had while traveling.  Specifically, concerning having my disability exposed to the public.  I want to start off by saying that I would probably prefer to travel more if I didn't have a disability that was so visible and physically restrictive.  Even after years of dealing with my disability, it is still difficult and often awkward to have to explain to others the nature of my challenges.  I have had the opportunity throughout my life to have more exposure to traveling than others who share my condition.  This is possible because of the extensive support that my family has extended towards me as an effort to have me included in family excursions.  Almost every time, this means that there is more work required on their part, of which I am appreciative.  I am very fortunate to have a family who is not only willing, but actually wants to do that for someone like me. 

Due to their inclusion, I have a much greater appreciation for the opportunities that life has presented me despite my many handicaps.  There are many others in various other countries with disability that have it much much worse than those in the United States.  Most particularly that of third world countries.  This perspective that I've been given has led me to feel more of a responsibility to try and live my life in such a way that allows me to pay it forward to people who I am able to help.  I want to be able to help others who are disabled to achieve their goals, even if the help that I have to offer is only effective in a small way.  

I am glad because I realized that no matter the situation, I can always make the next day better one day at a time.  The difficulties wont go away, but even knowing that, I don't have to let individual circumstances control who I am or what I do.  I would like to encourage anybody who is struggling with a significant debilitating challenge, to find something that they enjoy and to find a way to turn their challenges to their advantage.  We should all try our best to help others.  By doing so we can help ourselves.  Until next time, reach anyway.  

Current State of the 2024 Presidential Race

 Today's post will be about the current state of the presidential race and what it seems to be indicating for the future of the country.  Regardless of the outcome, I want to cover my thoughts on what the real threats to democracy entail.  Many people misunderstand this country, and fail to recognize that we are not and never have been a true democracy.  Beginning with the current state of the presidential race itself, the primaries have unofficially come to a close and both parties are waiting to announce their official presidential candidates.  The current president, Joe Biden, will be the democrat nominee, and Donald Trump will the the republican candidate.  Barring any extreme and unforeseen circumstances, they will be facing off against one another in the 2024 November election.  

There are currently many projections, rumors, and polls based on different criteria's dependent upon the organizations releasing these information.  Although some of the information is interesting anecdotal evidence, I don't put much stock in any of these so called "reports".  Especially since they have been wrong in the past.  There is no doubt that they will be wrong again in some way or another, based on recent history.  In my opinion, the only poll that really matters in an election year is taken on election day.  That is the only time during an election year that we get any truly solid data.  

Anybody who claims to know what the future outcome of the 2024 presidential election is either ignorant or lying.  At best these claims are educated guesses.  That being said, Its my personal opinion that Trump will come out on top due to Joe Biden's widespread unpopularity.  Given the fact that he is the incumbent president, he will probably lose against Donald Trump this year.  Either way, it is likely that some sort of unrest will erupt as a result of the elections this year, regardless of who wins.  

As far as the "threats" to democracy that the media brings to attention, it is my opinion that there are no true credible threats to democracy at this time.  The media, and their supporters, seem to want to raise unrest. Donald Trump is not an affront to democracy.  Even if you don't like the man, you cant reasonably think that he will force his way to dictatorship.  There have been unconstitutional efforts to keep Trump off of the ballots with bogus and unfounded charges.  These accusations and movements to politically eliminate an opponent from running is more of a threat to democracy that the man himself.  The fight over Americas democracy is ironic considering that we are a constitutional republic.  We do not directly represent ourselves to vote for the affairs of the country, but elect others to do so on our behalf.  In theory they accurately represent our interest and concerns, however we don't take into account the corruptibility of the individual in such matters towards greed or some other vice.  

Sadly, this is human nature.  You don't have to go very far back in history to find extreme examples.  Even as far as this year, the red herring of Trump, is being used to distract the people from the real problems that the country is facing.  Problems that have been brought up by none other than the myriad of incumbent politicians.  The corrupt body of our government is the real threat to the stability of our country.  I have hopes for the future, but it is our personal responsibility to do what we can to educate ourselves to make the best decisions that we feel is appropriate.  We must be sure to do our own research.  I would encourage all people to be careful about what they advocate for, especially if it is something parroted by the "traditional media".  Remember, until next time, reach anyway.