- How people use the Internet to vent their rage at Republicans.
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Last week it was pointed out to me that most of the protests over coronavirus shutdowns in Democrat controlled states were by Republicans, particularly in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Critics thought the protesters were being unreasonable in combating the virus and hateful towards the government. As Democrats have said when they protest, this is nothing more than a First Amendment right of the people to peaceably assemble. Yes, they are upset with the governors in terms of wanting to reopen the state so they can go back to work, but this is far from bring offensive.
What I find particularly hateful and vicious is the discourse from Democrats eminating from Twitter, the popular social media platform. Recently, I discovered several hashtag accounts representing some rather nasty people, to wit:
Republicans are destroying America - one user contended, "Where is the racist group GOP? Oh that's right, they don't give a crap cause they agree with and enable a racist, lying, xenophobic, corrupt reality TV figure. Kudos GOP, you are a stain on America." (And this was one of the nicer entries).
Republicans for Biden - Interestingly, most people in this group fail to identify themselves. I therefore suspect it is a fraud perpetrated by someone else.
Republicans Virus - this is used to blame the GOP for the devastation of the COVID-19 panic.
Republicans Are Killing Us - Another forum to blame Republicans for the virus.
GOP Corruption Over Country - a lot of nasty accusations here.
GOP Genocide - Here, again, the GOP is painted as baby killers.
Trump Lies, People Die - more accusations of incompetence and carelessness.
Not My President - more name calling (including "Deplorables") and finger pointing.
The hate from these groups is massive and unimaginable. Frankly, I was surprised that nobody was reprimanded by Twitter for their tongue. Interestingly, I ernestly sought Republican counterparts to these groups using words such as those shown above along with others. The closest thing I could find was:
Democrats the Enemy Within - accusations of wrong-doing, but without the venom.
Democrats Hate America - pretty much the same.
This was all I could find in this regard. This either means Republicans are either more civil in their discourse or perhaps this is another instance of censorship by social media to favor Democrats.
Keep in mind, this is but one social media, there are many others also producing such venom.
The hate spewed forward by the Democrats is reckless and scary. However, if they are trying to intimidate the Republicans, I think their rhetoric is backfiring on them as it is forcing Republicans closer together as opposed to scaring them off.
All of this hints at the problems people have with the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). At first, I thought this to be a joke, but now I'm convinced it is a legitimate problem. How do you know you have TDS, well, to paraphrase comedian Jeff Foxworthy:
"You might have Trump Derangement Syndrome if..."
- you blame the President for everything.
- you believe Nancy Pelosi & Chuck Schumer only have the best interests of the country in mind.
- you see nothing wrong with the shenanigans of Antifa.
- you believe AOC is a brilliant intellectual.
- you think it's time to replace the Constitution with something else.
- you believe Socialism should supersede Capitalism.
- you believe you are entitled to a plethora of freebies, including education, housing, etc.
- you still live in the basement of your parents' house.
I just wish curing Trump Derangement Syndrome was as simple as giving everyone a dose of saltpeter.
Keep the Faith!
P.S. - Also, I have a NEW book, "Before You Vote: Know How Your Government Works", What American youth should know about government, available in Printed, PDF and eBook form. DON'T FORGET GRADUATION DAY. This is the perfect gift!
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Tim Bryce is an author, freelance writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 40 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb1557@gmail.com
For Tim's columns, see: timbryce.com
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Customer Service is generally regarded as the "front-line" for any business. It is their responsibility to service the customer, answer questions, expedite problems and keep the customer happy, thereby encouraging repeat business. It is intended to make money, not lose it. At least, in theory, that is what it is supposed to be.
Whenever I teach a class in information systems design, I always stress the importance of up-front planning; e.g., study the business problem, specify requirements, develop the system architecture and logical data base, and define programming specs. I am not talking about something as simple as an "app," but major systems, such as an inventory system, manufacturing, payroll, defense, health care, etc. By taking this approach, you eliminate the guesswork for programmers who will inevitably produce a superior system satisfying the end-User's requirements, all because we spent more time planning. This approach is essentially no different than the design of any product or construction assignment where it is essential to do the up-front planning.
Nope, its not the lawyers; its the "bean counters" that are ruining business. Let me give you an example, I know of a large machine-tool operation in the Midwest who used to be heralded for producing quality products. To this end, the company established an in-house school who taught their machinists how to build products, not just any old way, the company's way. The school was led by the senior craftsmen of the business who took pride in their workmanship and passed this on to the new employees. When an employee graduated from the school, a machinist not only knew his job, but took pride in his work and became loyal to the company due to its reputation. Even if an employee dropped out and went elsewhere, he would always recommend his former company's products because he knew they were built with quality. This school went on for a number of years and became a part of the corporate culture. However, in the 1980's the company hired a team of MBA's to look over their operations and make recommendations for improvement. You must remember, this was a time when cost cutting was the norm. After looking over the financial statements of the business, the management consultants concluded the school represented a costly overhead and convinced the company to close it down.
During my lifetime, most of our presidents served in some public office before becoming our commander-in-chief, with the exception of Dwight Eisenhower (former general), and Donald Trump. Some were former Senators, Governors, members of the House, or some other capacity, including Vice President. 
Back in 1994, the Republicans in Congress led a movement to implement sweeping government reforms in what was called a "Contract with America." This was a clever political ploy by the party to elect congressmen and, to their credit, they delivered on their promises. Whether you agreed with them or not is immaterial, the "contract" concept captivated the public's imagination as the politicians felt compelled to comply with it. Perhaps it is time to implement another "Contract with America," not so much to enact any particular legislation but to enforce how our politicians will act and behave while serving in office. Think about it, aside from their oath of office and the congressional rules by which they operate, there currently isn't anything committing an elected official to how he will represent his constituents. Polls tell us the American public believes government is broken and, consequently, have lost faith in their elected leaders. A formal contract would go a long way towards reestablishing trust.
I do not know what kind of potato chip you like, but I tend to avoid the national brands and enjoy the local variety. For some reason, I have a problem with a perfect potato chip. You know, it is perfectly round and pure in color without a blemish. To me, it seems rather sterile and too good to be true. It lacks imagination (and taste). Instead, I prefer a chip with a little character. Maybe it is slightly burned on the edge or the skin somehow survives the cutting process and remains on the chip. Either way, I find them tastier than the perfect chips.