Dome Pondering

As expected, Zohran Mamdani was elected as the next Mayor of New York City.  Regardless of the inevitability, Mamdani remains a lightning bolt of controversy.  He's a game changer! He's a socialist!  There goes New York City! The city needs change!  I've found myself neutral on the topic of Zohran Mamdani and all of the madness surrounding him. For starters, politics can't be nuanced anymore - but we already know and live this. Second, while this native New Yorker now lives on the other side of the Hudson River and has other local issues in New Jersey to worry about, I still work in the City, and my mother remains in the greatest place on Earth  Brooklyn. Lastly, politics has become about noise - I'm trying to be better at having more moments of silence to take my own temperature.  So yeah, I've been on the outside. However, it was Mamdani's victory speech that really pulled me in - on both sides of the Mamdani Madness. Here are some quick thoughts: Overall...

Going into July 4th, a day that is meant to celebrate our nation, or at the very least, help us reflect on our relationship to and with it, we get the inevitable passing of the "Big Beautiful Bill Act".  Everyone has thoughts. Many have strong feelings. Few seem to be in favor of the bill.  But here we are.  Just a few quick thoughts and ponderings on the latest big move under the President Trump administration:  There doesn't seem to be much feedback out there that champions this bill. I know we're very divided, and those who align themselves unconditionally with the President will find a way, but the few experts in economics (and many Republicans themselves) aren't crazy about it. That in itself gives me angst.  Weren't we JUST exercising massive cuts, layoffs, and decisions to balance Federal spending?  Now we're adding to it? More tax breaks for the rich continue to be a current trend that...well, doesn't feel like it works.  200K-550K household in...

I can't say that I'm surprised.  This week, I purposely took some time to take in the moment, the time in history, and even those around me - strangers and known individuals - to understand it all. The hours and days after I awoke from going to bed purposefully (I was under the weather) to awake to an alert on my phone - DONALD TRUMP ELECTED 47th PRESIDENT - not once did I feel shocked. In fact, I'm not sure that I felt anything at all.  I said to my wife heading into election day, I very much don't blame anyone for voting for him in this election. I'm not a big Trump guy. I gave him a chance in 2016, and well, I'll do so again in 2025. I have no choice. However, after watching Kamala's run toward the election, granted, it was short and abbreviated (somewhat forced), it was hard to understand. The celebrities. The counter-rallys. For a party that said the right lost themselves, how could it be, that the party of the working class was trying to persuade my vo...

That was soooooooooo much different than what we witnessed in the first debate.  So. Much. Different.  Yet, why does it still feel like not much was impacted? Overall, I stepped away from this debate with the overarching theme that Kamala Harris did what she needed to do. And that was not engage in a pity back-and-forth with Trump who wants to muddy the waters of any debate or discourse, force him to bring something new to the table and force him to get into a policy discussion beyond the usual surface sayings and fire-alarm narratives.  She did that.  For Trump. He has his voters. He is not losing them. But I thought Trump didn't do enough to interest those voters who have soured on him as well as those who are not yet sold on Kamala (this administration, or even the Democratic Party).  We saw the same from Trump. No need to answer questions. Dictate the narrative with what you want. Reply with emotion. Evade policy discussion. And you know, be Trump.  Was...

I didn't think he would do it. I really didn't. Yet, here we are. Biden is out. Enter, Kamala Harris?  As the ongoing saga that has been full of theatrics and twists, turns, and shocking moments thus far, the 2024 Presidential Race is set for yet another chapter as we all stumble toward November.  Ugh... DEMS FUMBLED  I'm sure this will turn around because our memories in the political space have surely shortened. Or, we just don't care and want who we want. And yes, that's dangerous.  But the idea that Democrats, mainly Joe Biden, thought that he would be able to give it a go for another four years is thought-provoking on so many levels. And in various ways, why so many have issues with politics, mainly career politicians.  He was a transitional President. It should have been. And the Dems had four years to get the next person ready. And now, they're likely launching Kamala into this thing.  DEBATE NIGHTMARE It's confirmed known - the first Presidential de...

We're undoubtedly in a special time in history, specifically in politics.   We're so fractured. Tremendously fractured. Beyond differences, in ways that I'm not even sure either party or those who identify with either party, remember the ideals the parties are to represent.  And now, we find ourselves in the aftermath of a potential Presidential candidate, and a former President, in an attempted assassination. One inch - probably even less than that - from being in a catastrophic rock bottom moment of which we would have no one to blame but ourselves.  Thank the Good Lord for the minuscule distance of separation.  But this is where we find ourselves. In this political divide. In the middle of this toxicity within the political community. Unable to pull ourselves from the hyperdrive medium that is our national media outlets. Our continued issues with guns in a modern age, and how they end up in the wrong hands. And yes, those damn conspiracy theories. Here we are...

It’s the most unwanted rematch likely in history. Biden vs. Trump What we saw tonight was exactly what many moderates expected and solidified what we didn’t want to say out loud - we have to have better options than these two, no? There isn’t much to say about this debate, especially from this debate nerd. This was the absolute shits in regards to inspiring a nation for an upcoming election season, which in many ways, still resonates with political fatigue from 2020. But you know that, already. You knew that ten minutes into the debate. The two best quotes I’ve come across to wrap up my overall feeling are the following: On one side it’s hell no, and on the other, it’s oh no. It’s who we shouldn’t have be President vs. who we can’t let be President A few more quick thoughts on last night 1st Presidential Debate:  - For me, this format was the biggest positive of the night and a very good baseline for where future political debates need to go. In a world of “takes” and who shouts th...

You just have to shake your head at the reality of the situation.  A former President of the United States was just convicted - on several counts - of a crime.  It's the kind of thing, even in a post-Trump Presidency, where even strange things seem normalized, going too far is desensitized, and you ultimately laugh hysterically at the uber strangeness to suppress the sadness, that even this - THIS! - is still attention-grabbing.  It's no secret if you follow this site - I'm no Trump supporter. I understand why voters elected him in 2016 and struggle to understand why so many stay with him through it all for a 2024 campaign.  We've reach a new level where American voters will outright neglect crimes, and vote to elect a convicted felon as President of the United States. It's quite hard to describe this time in history.  Yet, here we are.  Several other quick thoughts:  I still wonder whether Trump wins or loses, how does the Republican party move on aft...

I've lost all sorts of understanding and credibility for the 2023 Republican Primary debates. I think that's not only obvious from my previous posts but also from the stature of the debates ranging from large-scale networks to where it finished up in 2023 this week. The 4th debate finished with a rating of 2.5M people. A long cry from the 12.5 who watched the initial debate.   I fear people may have lost hope, or have their minds made up. Which, really is a shame for the sake of debates and gathering information from our candidates.  I remain still on the same platform as I did when the first one happened, and that is until Donald Trump takes the stage, it really lacks credibility as the candidates squabble for second place, and even then, besides Chris Christie who has made it very clear on his position, they are strategically positioning themselves to not alienate the Trump base until they absolutely need to.  It's all still so weird. And I don't blame Trump at all. T...

Well, that was the shits.  That was my immediate thought after the ending of the 2nd Republican Primary Debate. There was no need to get in-depth, analyze, or even generate a profound perspective on the event. This debate season continues to lack substance or real authenticity from the hanging truth that it won't change the influence of the American public.  Trump skipped the second debate, and while in my opinion, he should be there, I don't blame him for not selecting to do so. His lead in the polls has left most of this field behind on this stage trying to separate themselves from one another, without taking big enough strides to actually do so.  In this debate, there were a few more light jabs thrown at the former President, but overall, nothing significant enough to give this viewer enough to take a chance on the party.  What we got was more of the same - constant yelling, inaudible moments, random insults at one another, statements for shock value, party-line r...

The First Republican Presidential Debate made its way to our television - for entertainment or information, or for something else, you decide - and it did not disappoint.  As many of you who frequent this space know, I love debates, and for a while, I thought the Presidential debate would no longer be a thing as we've seen it become more of a tool used for those doing the chasing in the polls rather than sharing views and candidate ideals with the voting public. You know, the very reason former President Trump decided to skip this one. What does he have to gain?  The first debate was full of interesting moments and the first - of many to come - opportunities for Republicans to recalibrate the national perception of the party heading into 2024. Or, well, at least attempt to.  I'm not sure where I'm voting in 2024. That's the honest truth. For me, the Republican Party is a mess. An absolute mess. And to that point, so are the Dems. But the GOP feels like a party astray fr...

The feelings I have following President Trump's second impeachment hearing are complex. For the many days leading into this, I already knew what the result would be - because well, we all did. There just never - ever - seemed like there would be enough votes to convict the former President throughout this process. We've come to expect this. And we have yet to see any indication where accountability would triumph over allegiance to party...or loyalty to Trump.  Or really, like the right thing would be done.  Yet, here I am following the announcement of an acquittal, and I find myself feeling disappointed, concerned, and in various ways, perplexed. After all, I thought after the riot at the Capitol, that maybe - just maybe! - the nation would finally provide the moment that turns the tide to some sort of accountability within and from our government.  I was naive. Naive to believe that this country would provide a step against the presence that plagues this country. But whi...

I took a few days to process the results of this year's Presidential election - yes, the actual, real, valid results. Not the disputed one as per the claims of the current President and his devoted followers.   As many around the nation erupted in celebration at the confirmation that Joseph R. Biden Jr. had attained the 270 electoral votes needed to become the President-elect of these United States...or this nation (more on the "united" part in a bit), I too found an inner victory within. I didn't celebrate as much as others did as Biden isn't the perfect candidate for America in my opinion, but he is the right candidate at the right time for this country. Translation: He isn't Donald J. Trump. And that's where I've been in this political space.  Now, I already know many of you who read this blog and completed that last paragraph may have just exited this page. And that's okay - for now. Quite frankly, I haven't hid my feelings on my voting int...

Well, that was certainly different. And it was very much welcomed. It's amazing how much can be taken from a debate when it has order, structure, respect, and dialogue.  Unfortunately, we had to resort to the cage match rules of debate - muting mics. Although, there were many moments where that should have happened as well and it didn't. Nonetheless, as stated, we'll take what we got.  In the final 2020 Presidential Debate, America got the best debate of this election season between President Donald Trump and former Vice President, Joe Biden. But let's not get crazy, this was nowhere near an encounter that anyone will talk about - and for that reason, I think it hurt the President in regards to election ramifications. Just my opinion.  Coming into this debate, President Trump was behind on the early polls - and of course, that's if you resign yourself to the legitimacy of said polls. 2016 would like to have a word with you if you do. However, I felt Trump needed a h...

Well that sure felt much more civilized, didn't it?  The Vice-Presidential Debate carried so many storylines and drama going into it (i.e. The mess that was the first Presidential Debate and Coronavirus now running wild in the White House) that after this VP debate ended, it almost felt dare I say, normal! Of course, the usual dodging of questions occurred as well as the over-running on time allotted for responses which have become the usual for election debates, however, despite the contrasting feeling to last week's debate, this one was just okay. It had its moments of great debate and retorts (more on that in a bit), missed opportunities, and a few stingers, but still carried way too much of the fluff talking points and non-committal (or ignoring) of responses that have become too common in this climate. 

In 2016, I voted for Hillary Clinton. I left the voting site, your typical New York City elementary school, hopped on my bike and rode back home. For the entire trip back to my apartment, an uneasiness parked itself in my stomach. I knew I didn't feel comfortable with my vote. I voted out of fear of what could happen.  And that possibility did. Donal Trump became the 45th President of the United States.  I didn't HATE the eventual President Trump or have an overwhelming resentment for him going into the election. I simply believed that Donald Trump, unable to handle matters of social issues and justice, in a moment in history when equality and social justice awareness was indeed on the rise, would set this country back. But then again, maybe that was the plan? MAGA, right? 

If three words can derail a campaign, that would be them for Joe Biden. Three words he didn't even have to say. Three words he can't walk back. And three words that have opened up an entire pandora's box worth of feelings, insight, experience, thoughts, and movement for many people. All it took, was three words.  As someone of mixed-identity growing up in majority-black environments during my life, the idea of "You Ain't Black" is a tricky one in comprehension on all fronts. I've heard it a few times, and really, it calls on the carpet the entire notion of what "black" should be, and really, if people of color as a whole are stigmatized by the damages of these three words.  It locks an entire being into one idealistic form of what "being black" should be, should look like, and should feel like. I've witnessed white people say it to me, ironically, filling that void as an individual with the darkest skin tone they...

I've found the 2020 Democratic Primary race to be highly fascinating. Yes, at times it has bordered in annoyance (some of the Debates), but overall, the race has been an enduring one that really has battle-tested candidates for good (ability to clearly explain plans, prior decisions, and political positioning), and for the bad (the way money, fear, and social identifiers can affect a candidate's survival). From this blog, and hopefully, by now, you can tell that I am a fan of pro wrestling. Quite frankly, this Dem race has all of the makings of your classic Royal Rumble - waiting to see who will be eliminated next, and of course, who the next surprised entrant will be - yes, looking at you Mr. Bloomberg. Yet, with all of this said, as someone who is a registered Independent and finds politics in our country to be at it's absolute worst during my lifetime in the current state, I'm locked in. And naturally, life's experiences have also given me more at stake fo...

"Just vote all Republicans! Listen to Rabbi, that's what we do!" A few were startled by the man exiting the polling center  and shouting into his phone, offering advice to the confused political soul on the other end. That was the scene I briefly encountered as I walked toward my voting site here in Brooklyn, New York. On a very charged election day with the house and senate up for grabs during this mid-term election, and of course, the unofficial kick-off for the 2020 Presidential race (God help us all), political thoughts and stances were heightened between all human beings. And so were stigmas, stereotypes, and well, the thats-what-we-dos. I live in a predominately Jewish neighborhood that is counterbalanced with a diverse offering of non-jewish folk. As you can expect, the poling site in my neighborhood is not only split and stratified on these election days between Jews and gentiles, but by faith, by race, and of course, by socioeconomic status. And oh yea...

I'm not shocked at all that Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice. Not shocked in the least. I wasn't exactly rooting for him to be removed, or even wishing for his entire career to be thrown down the hatch due to the recent state of events - that would be unwarranted and cruel. After all, one could argue that regardless of what happens moving forward, Brett Kavanaugh will always have everything - EVERYTHING - that happened in late 2018 hovering over his career. However, what I find discomfort in, as many do - well, I guess depending on your party affiliation and/or strength of commitment to said party and overall belief - is the overwhelming reaction and outlook by Washington on the situation.