James Pyle – Author

Most cultures defy attempts to name them, except of course, by country. Some examples: German discipline, British stiff upper lip, French cuisine/art, Italian laissez faire, etc. The differences are detectable even at a glance when one travels the world.

America’s culture has evolved over time and is now defined by its’ openness, freedom and opportunities – even our ability to laugh at ourselves. These qualities have defined us as a nation since 1776.  But culture is not stagnant; nor is it meant to be. Ours has evolved with time, during which it was influenced by war, disease and technological advances. Most changes have been peaceful, beneficent and induced by an expanding diversity of population.

Can cultures be changed by fiat?

France, perhaps the democratic world’s most proud defender of national culture, is responding to recent  Islamic terrorist acts on its homeland by educating young children, even some in pre-school, about its culture of liberté and laicité (liberty and secularism) which are core values of the French Republic. Classrooms are being used as a front-line in the fight against what French President Macron calls “Islamic separatism;” stemming from a Jihadist beheading a teacher who had the temerity to lead a class discussion about a cartoon mocking the prophet Mohammed. These immigrants never fought for France’s defense, and resolutely refuse to adhere to the laws of their adopted country, particularly religious rights. Their intolerant zeal condones (even encourages) the killing of perceived religious enemies. France is not alone in this reaction: Germany, Italy, the U.K. and all nations surrounding the Mediterranean are similarly struggling.

What should the U.S. do (if anything)?

The French government is establishing a roadmap for others to follow: EDUCATE  youngsters at the earliest opportunity about their nation’s core values and instill within them the desire to perpetuate the civic and legal responsibilities that have permitted their country to thrive for generations (or centuries).

Laws and protections periodically need change. If they need changing, do so by the consent of the governed, not by rioting, looting and shouting obscenities. NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR PRESUMED INEQUALITY WHEN YOU SCREAM IN THEIR FACE WITH THREATS.  These protesters offer no alternative except anarchy and/or violence. That won’t fly in U.S. airspace! So, if protesting will not stop the agitators, what should a civilized society (nation) do?

Some suggestions for an incoming Congress:

1. Mandate English as the national language.  How can we truly communicate when multiple languages and interpretations abound? Look at the difficulties of NATO, SEATO, UN, WHO. Their members constantly talk around and over issues but never solve anything. Let’s not complicate communication within the U.S. Politically incorrect, but effective.
2. Enhance education opportunities at all levels. Ban self-serving teachers’ unions and ‘rubber rooms’ that only perpetuate incompetence. U.S. History and Civics must be restored in middle and high schools. Ensure that all voices are heard on college campuses- not exclusively socialists. Simultaneously, we should monitor and control the entertainment industry which promotes sex and violence through games and films directed to youthful audiences.  Young people need to be properly informed – not entertained ad nauseum. If educational norms continue to decline the populace will suffer. One’s inability to discern right from wrong and to learn from history leads to authoritarian diktats from false, corrupt leaders.  The nation’s education system appears dedicated to “dumbing down” the people, eliminating this swamp dinosaur should become a critical demand.
3. When speaking of False, be aware that misleading ads permeate our daily print, video and on-line outlets. These deceptions fall on the ever-increasing malleable minds of youngsters. The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 remains basically untouched since its founding. This agency with a budget of $330.2 million (2021 request) is incompetent at best and corrupt at worst. It was intended to monitor and punish deceptive advertising in all media. That is: ‘Advertising must tell the truth and not mislead consumers.’ IT DOES NOT. Truth in Advertising is a joke. The FTC occupies a large part of the SWAMP and should be either fixed or eliminated.
4. Continue stepped-up border security. It makes no sense to have wide-open borders that attract primarily people with no skills, nor any ability to contribute to science, the arts or workforce. Freeloaders do not make good neighbors. Certainly, however, continue to admit anyone with a strong desire to assimilate with existing customs and to accept the country’s laws and regulations.

Make no mistake, America’s culture is also under attack from abroad. Cyber warfare, germ warfare and attack by foreign potentates are existential threats over which we (and our government) have only limited control. Past U.S. presidents have used various means to defuse past attempts.   Truman– nuclear attack, Carter– appeasement, Reagan–intimidation, Bush-promote democracy, Obama– ignore, Trump – negotiate.

But most recent threats come from radicals and religious-inspired Jihadists, not necessarily from sovereign countries. It is time for more innovative thinking, not more ‘politically correct’ reactions.

In America, our president-elect is a doddering, confused old man – and his back-up a weak-kneed socialist with a Hindi first name – we’re going to need an iron-willed Secretary of Defense (or war) – a native-born with an American first name we can all pronounce –  someone with backbone, willing to stand up to the politically correct weenies and reverse the self-inflicted cultural malady.

John Wayne is no longer with us – so, once again, I stand ready – at your beck and call.

You are welcome.

Jimbo

Follow the science (scientist) – wherever he/she may lead you!  Even down a primrose path. This, according to today’s newly emboldened Woke World.

I have a degree in engineering. Does that make me a scientist? I think not. It makes me a skeptic.

Scientists study, then study some more, some study evermore. Some even publish or appear on TV. Rarely do they establish policy or law.   Nor should they!

Leaders act.  Sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes impulsively – never without purpose. A leader’s role is to balance anticipated benefit with perceived Armageddon. Then act with built-in safeguards.

Today’s media have abdicated their responsibility to objectively report that critical balance in favor of sensational headlines (bylines).

Webster’s definition of Science: “Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence. Scientific methodology includes the following: Objective observation: Measurement and Data Collection (possibly, though not necessarily, using mathematics as a tool)” 

Note that nowhere is it implied that the scientist should appear on TV and advocate a political cause. Today, however, many of these unheralded warriors seek the limelight, in their ‘Chicken Little’ role.

A noted board-certified neurosurgeon, R.L. Blaylock, M.D. from LSU and Univ. of SC, however, has stepped out of his colleagues’ knee-jerk response to the pandemic and has written:

“In terms of the danger to the population at large, COVID-19 is at best an exaggeration and at worst a contrivance. For the small percentage of people who actually face severe danger from the virus, medical evidence suggests their higher death rate could have been dramatically reduced had the medical establishment listened to those who knew how to control sever reactions to viral infections. Unfortunately, the medical establishment has become thoroughly politicized and is controlled to a large extent by the pharmaceutical industry. . . .  Of course, it is tragic for the families of all people who died. But the number of deaths caused directly by COVID-19 represents a number far less than the 25,000 – 80,000 deaths attributed to the flu each year.

            Recently it was reported that both the number of COVID-19 cases and the death rate are falling drastically, attributed to the development of herd immunity – that is, most people are becoming immune to the virus. But what about the thousands of deaths constantly touted by the mainstream media? Most are dying from chronic, pre-existing disease conditions, just as occurs every year (2.8 million Americans die each year from a wide range of conditions.) Most are not dying because of the virus, yet their cases are falsely labeled “COVID-19 deaths.”

Blaylock continues:

 “  . .  . there is no reason for people to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Most people not only enjoy the company of others but find that social interaction is necessary for preventing negative mental states such as despair, loneliness, and fear. Not surprisingly, the lockdown and social distancing have created a dramatic deterioration of our overall mental health. A recent survey conducted by clinical psychologist Carla M. Manly found a ‘huge surge in depression, suicides and anxiety during the pandemic.’ Now that we know the primary mode of transmission of COVID-19 is fine aerosols, we can end the social distancing and mask-wearing as neither has a significant impact on reducing risk.

            But both (especially masks) greatly increase anxiety because they are constant messages implying that we are all in danger of becoming severely ill – when in fact for the vast majority of people, the virus results in only a very mild infection.”

Blaylock further advises:  . . . Take the mask off as soon as possible. There is never any reason to wear a mask at home, outside or while driving. And keep it off as long as possible, until this insane government policy is ended.”

You are welcome.

For more, go to:  www.jameshpyle.com

The U.S. is careening toward a totalitarian form of government – one not driven by Trump, nor even Biden. At the movement’s helm is the unnamed, insidious entity that has commandeered most school systems and local governments, all in irrefutable causes of racial equality, economic fairness and social progress. Their groupthink is funded by the radical, wealthy elites whom progressives profess to despise; yet to whose drumbeat they march.

Where is the ‘silent majority’ who historically have rebelled at similar treasonous attempts to attack our history and our culture?

History trumpets our past, good, bad and/or indifferent. We cannot unblow its horn by tearing down monuments and impugning our founders.

Culture portends our future, our safety and the lifestyle our children will inherit. It is not too late to honor and defend it.
Social media have usurped the relevance of Judicial and legislative bodies who daily abdicate their responsibilities to defend America’s freedom and safety. The media’s goal is to seduce mass audiences, (driven by sensational and emotional pleas) while blatantly selling “eyeballs” to advertisers.

The public has become so enamored of social media ‘followers” and the success of stock market performance as to equate both with national pride and power.
Progressive schools (are there any other kind?) are re-educating our children in totalitarian dogma at great expense to parents who stand by clueless about ways to implement changes in curricula. Schools now have ‘safe rooms’ to insulate impressionable kids from ‘conservative’ views. Does anyone remember the Third Reich or the Communist Manifesto?

Rest assured: today’s American education (socialist) leaders remember them all too well.

Manipulating young minds has always led to wars.

Today’s wars will likely not involve masses of troops, tanks and/or airplanes. More insidious and cheaper weapons are at hand: AI, Drones, Computer hacking and mind-altering drugs administered surreptitiously through phones, watches and head phones are todays weapons – and they are here now. Other world powers, envious of America’s leadership, also possess them.

Let us not stumble blindly into wars leading to Armageddon.

FIX THIS FLAWED EDUCATION SYSTEM NOW! Begin by dissolving the dysfunctional Department of Education and declare teachers’ unions (and other federal employee unions) INVALID.

You are welcome
For more, go to: http://www.jameshpyle.com

Come November, this country will vote for someone to lead us for the next four years. Whether by pulling levers at a polling place, by mail, or some combination of the two, is still to be determined. The candidate options are similarly limited: either Democrat or Republican. A wiser choice would be: Do we want a leader or a follower? Most folks polled, I suspect, would say: The leader.

But:  What is a leader?

I submit he or she should be someone who has proven adept at understanding and managing complex tasks by utilizing the efforts and skills of others through a defined command/control structure.

Simple, right?

In the military, Generals formulate strategic plans to accomplish political objectives set by congress.  Majors interpret strategies, re-phrase them in military jargon for implementation by Captains and Lieutenants monitoring individual Soldiers tasked with specific performance regardless of personal risk. Sergeants police the forces and ensure compliance with “orders”.

In commerce, Boards of Directors set company policy and select managements. Presidents, Vice Presidents and managers implement the corporate policies similar to the hierarchical mechanisms of the military.

Success of any mission can only be achieved when all members of the organization agree that the goals are well thought-out and achievable. The old adage “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” applies.

When a military, corporate or political leader fails to delegate authority and responsibility to those below, believing himself to be all-knowing and all-responsible, the structure of the entity will collapse. (Hannibal, Napoleon, Hitler, Maduro, Carter, G.H.W. Bush, etc.)

But here we are again: Back in school trying to re-learn basic history.  However, much of the populace will not benefit from our hard-won lessons. They have never been taught the value of education. Alas, the teachers too are either absent or gone altogether. Only Zoom and Artificial Intelligence remain. The NEA and AFT set the education guidelines. God help us all.

Leaders should (must) be chosen for their ability to make reasoned decisions. Reticence is not an option. They cannot be allowed to know-tow to public sentiment as expressed by uninformed, excitable mobs.

Mistakes have been all too frequent – Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran. Embargoes, tariffs, “Read my lips – No new taxes.”

How do leaders discern important matters from mere inconvenience?   How will they allocate their time and political capital?  Those choices matter. Should we not demand to hear the candidates’ positions and priorities as they relate to current affairs and concerns?

• Climate change
• Racial justice
• Economic globalization
• Space travel to Mars and beyond
• Pandemics
• Quality of education

History will ultimately judge the impact of decisions made in the next four years in terms of:

• Lives saved,
• quality of living,
• economic effect

Washington is no longer about governing. It is about amassing power. Power to manipulate the people. There is a conscious effort not to solve social problems because those problems are core to their continued existence.

Unfortunately, slogans do not beget thoughtful policy. Black Lives Matter is a truism. Defund the Police is a call for anarchy. Feckless politicians bow to these trite slogans and value their personal re-election prospects ahead of their responsibility to create beneficent legislation, which is their sole raison d’ etre.

Let us demand that candidates tell us where they stand on the major issues. It is not enough to vote for X because you hate Y, or to vote for Y because you are afraid of what dwells in swamps.

Every day it gets harder to get smarter. When you cast your vote in November –  REMEMBER,

I am the master of my fate

I am the captain of my soul

You are welcome.

For more, go to   Jameshpyle.com

Earth to Bernie:  Where are you? All is forgiven, Come back. We need you NOW.

When the world gets in trouble people inevitably turn to their government to bail them out: They don’t turn to AT&T or Apple or even Warren Buffett. Those folks have all gone underground in well stocked shelters. We look to Congress for extended unemployment benefits and bailouts.

But profit-driven corporate types and the Corrupt investment community are unlikely saviors in times of strife when there is no obvious enemy to villainize or (dare I say it) to sue.

When times are normal (good) conservative models work well – mostly; but Corona crisis spares no one; rich, poor, old, young, white, colored. Moderated regulation may be in order. If only we had a competent U.S. Congress to fairly set the terms.

Maybe Elizabeth (Wacky) Warren and (Crazy) Bernie Sanders are right. Remember when Jack Nicholson, in A Few Good Men, said, “You can’t handle the truth.”

Right now, airlines, hotels, and travel-related companies have lined up at Washington’s door for hand-outs – it is 1928 and 2008 redux. Mortgage lenders, insurance companies and big pharma are right behind them.

Remember when banks, airlines and power generating companies were government regulated (regulated – not owned)? I would argue that all three of those industries worked well and served their customers better when regulated than do today’s unregulated managements. (Please don’t tell me that is the role of a Board of Directors.) I’ve served on three boards and know better.

Today banks are gamblers – not lenders and/or depositories serving the common good. Glass Steagall, under Jimmy Carter in 1978, converted every bank into an international gambler investing in sovereign wealth funds and betting on Mogadishu finding rare earth minerals underground. Now small companies struggle to get loans while Joe Average earns 0.75% interest on his savings account. The banks love it:  Joe, not so much! Re-instituting Glass Steagall’s initial premise might bring them back to their roots. (Good luck)

Old buggers, like me, remember when flying was a pleasure and routes were regulated by the FAA. Today business flying is a nightmare to be avoided, if possible. That’s why private business aircraft are proliferating. They carry, on average, eight people per flight and need as much infrastructure (landing slots, gates, ground personnel, etc.) as a commercial aircraft carrying 250 souls (industry lingo for you and me).

Before de-regulation, airlines were managed by industry pioneers (Eddie Rickenbacker –Eastern, Juan Trippe –PanAm, Collett Woolman –Delta, Bob Six – Continental, and C.R. Smith – American). Today, lawyers and accountants call the shots at every airline company. And they are terrible marksmen. Prior to the CononaVirus, there were twelve airlines operating thirty daily flights between New York and London. All of which competed on price alone. What a joke! We, the flying public, grumble at poor service, but chortle at flying round-trip from JFK to LHR for $250. These fares cannot (will not) survive Corona without government intervention.  If Uncle Sam bails out the ego-driven knuckle-heads currently in charge, the public should benefit through service improvement – not warrants and preferred shares issued to the Washington swamp.

Ask any Californian what they think of Pacific Gas & Electric – a “for profit” regulatory company that teeters on bankruptcy while homes go dark and residents burn in their homes while bond holders and lenders quibble over who gets paid in bankruptcy-and who does not. Apparently, underground power lines never occurred to PGE. They already own the “rights-of-way”, the most costly expense they face.  At least the lawyers will get paid. Bank on it.

We need: Bernie light.

You are welcome. Excuse me while I go and wash my hands.

For more: go to : http://www.jameshpyle.com

Further to yesterday’s rant about governmental regulation of certain out-of-control industries:  I’d like to deal with airlines today. Power companies and insurers at a later date.

First – are airlines credit worthy?  Making the admittedly ridiculous assumption that the $50-$70 Billion that airlines are requesting due to Corona virus revenue loss is a loan and not a gift, would any banker in his or her right mind consider a major U.S. airline a good credit risk given past performances and losses.

Most loans in the commercial world are collateralized with hard assets, of which airlines have precious few. Wait a minute! – How about all those planes that they own- you ask? Aren’t they worth something? Simple answer is very little. Most airlines lease the majority (40%-80%) of their planes from three large leasing companies: (AerCap – 1,193 planes, GE – 961 planes, and SMBC Aviation Corp. – 450 planes). That is roughly 3,000 airplanes out of the 6,800 airliners currently in service in the U.S.(according to Flightracker24).  And. . . those owned outright are already depreciated significantly.

So, what happens if Congress provides the requested $50 billion to the airlines and their managements continue with: ludicrous flight schedules and pricing policies, continue to lose money and default on the loans? Answer: They’ll be back at the trough asking for more. . . again and again. Airline managements are ill-equipped to deal with an industry that has spiraled out of control.

An example: I recently had to fly between Raleigh/Durham and New York. I checked and found fourteen (14) flights per day between that city pair.  Each flight needs to be controlled by Air Traffic Control, scheduled to land and assigned a separate gate at the destination, and maintained by numerous ground personnel. Most of those flights are regional carriers carrying 50 or fewer passengers. It’s ludicrous and all in the name of a marketing campaign offering several flights per day. It’s not even a good way to run a railroad. Don’t even get me started on fares and surcharges. It is an industry where the lunatics are running the asylum. And we, the harried traveler, brought it upon ourselves by patronizing only the carrier offering the cheapest seats.

Commercial airlines should be government regulated and their flight patterns controlled by the Dept. of Transportation – which, by the way, is also severely hampered by a lack of experience and knowledgeable employees. Private aircraft flights of more than 10 passengers should also be regulated. They occupy the same airspace and the full attention of ATC personnel but carry a miniscule portion of total passengers. If this means fewer airline companies – so be it.

Fewer airline companies will mean fewer planes, flying safer in less crowded skies, higher load factors and passengers paying significantly more for the convenience.  If we, the flying public can’t handle that – there is always Trailways (800) 858-8555 or Greyhound (800) 234-2222.

Sorry, Virginia – We lied. There is no Santa Claus. At least one wearing red, white and blue. There should be no gifts if you’ve been naughty.

You are welcome.

For more go to: jameshpyle.com

Earth to Bernie:  Where are you? All is forgiven, Come back. We need you NOW.

When the world gets in trouble people inevitably turn to their government to bail them out: They don’t turn to AT&T or Apple or even Warren Buffett. Those folks have all gone underground in well stocked shelters.

Profit-driven corporate types and the Corrupt investment community are unlikely saviors in times of strife when there is no obvious enemy to villainize or (dare I say it) to sue.

When times are normal (good) conservative models work well – at least for some; but Corona crisis spares no one; rich, poor, old, young, white, colored. Moderated regulation may be in order. Now, If only we had a competent U.S. Congress to fairly set the terms.

Maybe Elizabeth (Wacky) Warren and (Crazy) Bernie Sanders are right. Remember when Jack Nicholson, in A Few Good Men, said, “You can’t handle the truth.”

Right now, Airlines, Hotels, and all travel related companies have lined up at Washington’s door for hand-outs – it is 1928 and 2008 redux. Mortgage lenders, insurance companies and big pharma are right behind them.

But can you remember when banks, airlines and power generating companies were government regulated?

I would argue that all three of those industries worked well and served their customers better when regulated than do today’s unregulated managements. (Please don’t tell me that is the role of a Board of Directors.  It’s okay to laugh now.)

Today banks are gamblers – not lenders and/or depositories serving the common person. Glass Steagall, under Jimmy Carter in 1978, converted every bank into an international gambler. Small companies today struggle to get a loan and Joe Average earns 0.75% interest on his savings account. The banks love it: Joe – not so much! Regulation may bring them back to their roots. (Good luck)

Flying was pleasurable when routes were regulated. Today flying is a nightmare to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Before de-regulation, airlines were managed by industry pioneers (Eddie Rickenbacker -Eastern, Juan Trippe -PanAm, Collett Woolman -Delta, Bob Six – Continental, and C.R. Smith – American). Today, lawyers and accountants call the shots at every airline company. We, the flying public grumble at the service, but chortle at flying round-trip from NYC to LAX for $250. These fares cannot (will not) survive Corona.

Ask any Californian what they think of Pacific Gas & Electric – a “for profit” regulatory company that teeters on bankruptcy while homes go dark and bond holders argue who gets paid in bankruptcy and who does not. Apparently, underground lines never occurred to them.  At least the lawyers will get paid. Bank on it.

Excuse me, for now I must go and wash my hands and disinfect my brain. My government has told me to do so.

You are welcome.

For more: go to : http://www.jameshpyle.com

In my last post I suggested today’s populace prefers being entertained rather than becoming informed.

Consider: Textbooks have been supplanted by videos in schools.

Dictionaries have been replaced by Google. We no longer “look it up”, we “Google it.”

Libraries are closing. Arcades are in every mall.

News must be “breaking” to be relevant.  Speed is everything. Sound bites have replaced documentaries. We prefer our news to be funny or titillating rather than factual.

Which brings me to the upcoming presidential election – Trump will win!  Bet on it.

Why?  Not because he has better instincts (he doesn’t), not because he’s smarter (he’s not), not because he’s rich (Bloomberg’s richer); but because he entertains us. He is the modern-day Milton Berle, George M. Cohan and Bill Murray rolled up into one giant, goofy-haired actor who attracts tens of thousands of faithful followers to every political event. They never know what to expect – except that it will be entertaining.

And, like recording artists who now make more money from concerts than records, he always gives `em their money’s worth at his rallies, including encores.  We get one concert per month (keyed to the Democrats’ debates) and the shows will continue into November. Each one different from the last. Presidential prestige and dignity be damned.

Try naming one Democratic candidate who is a joy to watch: Biden is propped up like the Bernie in “Weekend at Bernie’s”. (For those who don’t remember the `90’s film –  `that’ Bernie is a con-artist boss of two, young insurance corporation employees who discover that Bernie, is dead. While attempting to convince people that Bernie is still alive, they discover that Bernie had ordered their deaths to cover up his embezzlement of company funds.) Believe it or not, it’s funny.

Today’s real Bernie is one skipped heartbeat away from the reprise of the movie. Buttigieg is still coming of age like the kids in the movie. The women candidates (Klobuchar and Warren) frenetically wave their arms screaming “Take me, take me. It’s my turn.”

Google the movie and watch the trailer. The sequel is playing now at a polling place near you.

You can’t make this stuff up.

Next post will deal with the role of the FBI in the electoral college. Stay tuned.

You are welcome.

For more, go to: http://www.Jameshpyle.com

Answer:  It died in the bowels of the federal agency responsible for its implementation, THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, the $312.3 million per year agency that employs 1,140 people charged with “guarding our airways” and protecting us from false/misleading advertising. It lies buried somewhere in the “swamp”. Next to Jimmy Hoffa’s bones. Perhaps we should scrap the FTC and spend that money on schools.

The pharmaceutical/health products lobby spends $287.5 million per year and the insurance industry $157.8 million per year – a good portion of which goes toward paying Congress for ignoring FTC recommendations.

Has anyone EVER bought life insurance from Liberty Mutual because a talking emu promotes the company, or auto insurance from Allstate pitched by a moron who intentionally crashes into other cars (or worse)? And my personal favorite: Joe Namath scaring vulnerable seniors into buying phony “Medicare Supplement” policies that cover every need under the sun FOR FREE.  Really Joe, are you that desperate for a paycheck? Or just a whore with really bad legs?

It is hypocritical for the FTC to protect us from the image of female breasts and alcohol beverage consumption while they permit (encourage) images of mass shootings, exploding cars and burning schools?  And, what’s wrong with a beautiful female breast anyway? If Arnold Schwarzenegger’s nipples are not titillating, why are Lady Gaga’s nipples banned?  Should we ban all Rubens’ art? Where is the #MeToo movement when we need it?

Ah well, maybe the FTC has gotten the message:  We’d rather be entertained than informed! Which brings me to my next topic: THE 2020 ELECTION. But that’s a topic for another day, which will include an exposé on the FBI.  STAY TUNED.

You are welcome!

For more, go to:  http://www.Jameshpyle.com