15 Comments

From Barbara Rogers: "Very touching article. Thank you!"

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Thank you! And thank you for your beautiful writing.

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From Dr. Agack Nyapuodi: "Well said Rob."

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Thank you, Agack. Best wishes in 2025.

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From Judi White: "Listened to Bernie Sanders the other day. Great minds think alike."

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Thank you, Judi. Bernie is one of my heroes.

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Hi Robertson, I am still working full time with the ASPCA. Other than that, I am focused on my family and when I have time, I am making a ranger manual for the protected areas of Central America and carefully analyzing the way these protected areas are being managed. I hope you are well and your family is well. Take care. Blessing to you too in 2025! Thanks!

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What you are doing is so wonderful, Carlos! My family and I are doing well, thank you. Love to you and yours.

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This is a summary of your wise reflections (With the support of AI-Gemini):

IT IS NOT A TRUE DEMOCRACY:

• Low voter turnout.

• Dominance of political parties.

• Undue influence of billionaires in elections.

• Anti-democratic electoral colleges.

• Electoral manipulation and voter suppression.

THERE IS NO EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW:

• The rich can evade the law thanks to their resources.

STAGNANT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS:

• Lack of universal health care.

• Insufficient minimum wage.

• Economic inequality.

• Labor exploitation of undocumented workers.

• Climate crisis is caused by the pursuit of economic growth.

• Corporate control of the economy.

DISINFORMATION AND MEDIA MANIPULATION:

• Media controlled by powerful interests.

• Spread of disinformation.

INTERVENTIONIST FOREIGN POLICY:

• Prioritizes American economic and military interests.

• Support for armed conflicts abroad.

• Domestic armed violence.

• Legacy of colonialism and slavery.

Despite these problems, your text highlights the capacity of Americans for compassion, solidarity and positive change. It calls for citizen action to build a more just, equitable and sustainable society, centered on human rights, social justice and environmental protection. I believe that a think tank should be formed to support a new political party aimed at changing each of these erroneous situations. I asked AI-Gemini how factible is to form a new political party to address these situations or what can be done to change the panorama. This was their answer:

The feasibility of forming a political party to address the problems raised is a complex and multifaceted issue. On the one hand, history shows us that social movements and political parties have achieved significant changes by articulating the demands of citizens and presenting alternatives to established policies. The energy and organization of a new party could generate a broader public debate and mobilize a significant sector of the population.

However, there are significant challenges:

• Fragmentation of the electorate: Diversity of opinion and political polarization can make it difficult to build a strong and coherent electoral base.

• Funding: Competition for financial resources with established parties and the influence of interest groups can be a significant obstacle.

• Electoral system: Electoral rules, such as the two-party system and campaign financing, can favor traditional parties and make it difficult for new options to emerge.

• Power structure: Changing the status quo involves challenging powerful economic and political interests, which can generate resistance and opposition.

What could be done to improve this panorama?

Even if a new political party is not formed, there are other strategies that can be effective:

• Strengthen civil society: Nonprofits, social movements, and coalitions can pressure governments and corporations to adopt more just and sustainable policies.

• Reform the political system: Advocating for changes in electoral laws, campaign finance, and government transparency can level the playing field and facilitate citizen participation.

• Civic education: Investing in civic education to foster informed and active citizenship is critical to strengthening democracy.

• International cooperation: Collaborating with international organizations and social movements in other countries can generate synergy and expand the impact of local actions.

• Use digital tools: Social media and other technologies can be used to mobilize people, disseminate information, and organize collective actions.

In conclusion, forming a political party can be a valuable tool for change, but it is not the only option. A combination of strategies, tailored to the specific context of each country, is more likely to generate positive results.

Importantly, the success of any initiative will depend on:

• The ability to build a clear and compelling narrative: A message that resonates with people's concerns and offers realistic solutions.

• Building strong partnerships: Collaborating with other groups and organizations that share similar goals.

• Mobilizing citizens: Involving a broad spectrum of people in decision-making and collective action.

• Persistence: Social change is a long-term process that requires patience and determination.

Thank you Roberts for your article.

Regarding another subject: When you ask me why the flooding impact in Swannanoa was very desvastating, I guess I forgot to mention that also the presence of bridges was a determining factor in causing the accumulation and rise of the water level when it was stopped in its advance by the obstacles represented by the garbage grouped and packed under and on top of the bridges impeding the flow of the water. The most affected sites in Swannanoa were precisely where the bridges are located. Perhaps these facts should be taken into account for future residential designs and expansions.The same thing happened at the corner of Lowes and Walgreens and in other places where the flow of the water was impeded by garbage accumulated on a bridge.

Greetings.

Carlos

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Thank you, Carlos! So good to hear from you. Blessings to you and yours in 2025. What are you doing this year?

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I just saw the full comment above. Thank you for doing this on AI and sharing it here. Thanks also for your additional comment about the bridges blocking garbage and causing more flooding. Your views and recommendations are needed in the rebuilding of Swannanoa and in disaster preparedness and recovery. Best wishes.

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A message of grief from which springs hope. I have friends in many nations who are experiencing grief and in need of hope. I shall share this. Thanks Rob. Take care...

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Thank you, Paul, for your comment and for sharing this article. Best wishes to you and yours.

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Thank you, Barbara Rogers, for inviting the readers of your blog to read my substack: "And if you read substack articles, here's a good one from my friend Robertson Work."

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Thanks again!

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