Entitlement, Most Toxic Word

[From article]
During this election year, we are destined to hear many words that are toxic in the way they misrepresent reality and substitute fantasies that can win votes.
One of these words is "entitlement." To hear some politicians tell it, we are all entitled to all sorts of things, ranging from "affordable housing" to "a living wage."
But the reality is that the human race is not entitled to anything, not even the food we need to stay alive. If we don't produce food, we are just going to starve. If we don't build housing, then we are not going to have housing, "affordable" or otherwise.
[. . .]
If we are all "entitled" to things, irrespective of whether we produce anything ourselves, then the question becomes: Why are some people getting so much more than others?

http://townhall.com/columnists/thomassowell/2016/02/09/toxic-words-n2116546/page/full

Toxic Words
Thomas Sowell

Feb 09, 2016

Toxicity of Cambridge Politics

It appears that Councilor Benzan desires civility in Cambridge political speech, unlike the toxic national political discourse. Au contraire. Cambridge is a one party dominated city. There is seldom any opposition. All politicians support education, affordable housing, diversity and equal opportunity. They say. But when details are discussed there are some differences. Hallelujah. Benzan is the only official I saw who objected to the disgraceful black only candidate forum held in a public theater. That indicates how fearful Cambridge officials and residents are of advocating for equality in fact not just in words. 

Nationally there are still two strong parties, a requirement for a functioning democratic republic. If the Democrats have their way there will be only one party as under the soviet system and in many countries. Having two strong parties is not enough. They must compete, unlike the merging mush of the two parties in Congress, who go along to get along. Dissent is essential. Even the ACLU recognized that when George W. Bush was President. 

The Cambridge City Council is conformist. The Massachusetts legislature is a one party conformist body. Harvard University discourages non conformity too. It is not toxic to disagree. What is toxic are the personal attacks and unlawful political abuses of government power. Because disagreement is discouraged few citizens know how to disagree civilly. Add the lack of critical thinking ability among the population and you have a recipe for disaster. Mix in the low information and the no information voters. But the most dangerous are the omniscient voters. Some resources should promote tolerance, diversity of ideas in fact not just in words.

As for Cambridge as the best city in the world, The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Ranking and Report, August 2014 says Melbourne, Australia is the best. Number 27 is Honolulu, as the best US City. Cambridge does not appear in the top fifty.

https://www.gfmag.com/global-data/non-economic-data/best-cities-to-live

[From article]
I’m more convinced than ever that we live in the greatest city in the world. Meanwhile, several candidates would lead you to believe that Cambridge is one of the worst. The toxicity of national elections is bleeding into our local elections, and it is unfortunate because that is not the kind of city we are.

http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20151020/NEWS/151029524

LETTER: Toxicity of national elections is bleeding into Cambridge elections
Posted Oct. 20, 2015 at 12:30 PM
Updated Oct 20, 2015 at 12:32 PM
Cambridge Chronicle
To the editor:
Dennis A. Benzan, vice mayor and city councilor seeking re-election

US EPA Exposed As Destructive To Environment

[From article]
Is there anything unluckier than a razorback sucker? Tough enough to be an endangered species of freshwater fish, but now Obama’s EPA is drowning it in a sea of toxic poison in New Mexico.
Yes, the razorback sucker is on the ropes, along with its finny friend the Colorado pikeminnow. But because Obama’s staggeringly incompetent administration created this disaster themselves, they have little interest in organizing either a cleanup or a posse.
Like drone attacks on civilians in Syria, it’s not an outrage, or even news, unless Republicans can be blamed.
Plus, as George Orwell wrote, “All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
[. . .]



This latest idiocy from the Obama regime began when the Environmental Pollution Agency bulldozed into a long-sealed mine. Three million gallons of toxic waste cascaded into the Animas River. It looked like a torrent of Orange Julius, only poisonous.
What were they thinking, you ask? They were thinking: Never let a crisis go to waste. The EPA can now justify its bloated budget and workforce. More jobs for more Beverly Scotts. Can someone say Superfund?
[. . .]
This is a regime that always paints the bleakest picture imaginable, at least if it can blame Americans, Christians or the private sector. The worst economic crisis ever! No Plan B for Iran! Ban coal — it’s our final chance to save the planet! It’s settled science! It’s settled law! At least if we say it is.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/columnists/howie_carr/2015/08/carr_prez_up_river_without_paddle_on_poison_spill

Carr: Prez up river without paddle on poison spill
Sunday, August 16, 2015
By: Howie Carr
Boston Herald

Super Bacteria in AZ Hospitals, 38 Other States

New super bacteria found in Phoenix hospitals. The staff appears to have it under control. But it is known in 39 states, and has not been publicized previously.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/05/29/20100529phoenix-hospitals-fight-supergerm.html

Phoenix-area hospitals fight highly toxic 'supergerm'

by Ginger Rough -

May. 29, 2010 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic