Big Education Ape: 2024

Monday, December 23, 2024

HAIRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAIRY HANUKKAH TOO!

HAIRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAIRY HANUKKAH TOO!

The Big Hairy Education Ape Spreads Holiday Cheer!

Ah, December! The time of year when the air turns crisp, the lights twinkle, and everyone gets a little... well, hairy. At least, that’s how it goes in the world of the Big Hairy Education Ape! This festive season, our furry friend has swung down from the treetops of academia to wish everyone a Merry Hairy Christmas, a Hairy Hanukkah, and an all-around Happy Hairy Holidays!

Now, you might be asking yourself, “Why hairy?” Well, why not? The Big Hairy Education Ape believes that holidays are like bananas—better when shared and a little fuzzy around the edges. Plus, let’s face it, we could all use a little extra warmth in December, and nothing says warmth like a luxurious coat of metaphorical (or literal) fur.

Why Do We Say "Happy Holidays"?

Some people think “Happy Holidays” is just a convenient way to cover all the festive bases. But according to the Big Hairy Education Ape, it’s also a way to remind us that December is a jungle of celebrations! Whether you're lighting a menorah, decorating a tree, or simply eating your body weight in gingerbread cookies, December is about coming together. And let’s be honest—when you’ve got as much hair as the Big Hairy Education Ape, every day feels like a celebration. (Except during shedding season. That’s just chaos.)

A Very Hairy Peace to All

The Big Hairy Education Ape also wants to remind everyone that the holidays are about more than just gifts and glitter. They’re about peace. A hairy peace. What’s a hairy peace, you ask? It’s the kind of peace that wraps you up like a cozy fur coat on a cold winter’s night. The kind of peace that makes you want to sit by the fire with your loved ones and maybe toss them an extra banana or two.

So this holiday season, let’s channel our inner apes and spread some hairy joy. Hug your friends, laugh with your family, and if you see someone who looks like they need a little extra cheer, toss them a metaphorical banana (or maybe a real one—potassium is important).

From the Big Hairy Education Ape to you: Merry Hairy Christmas, Happy Hairy Hanukkah, and the hairiest of holidays to all! May your days be merry, bright, and just a little bit fuzzy. 🐵🎄🕎

HAPPY HAIRY HOLIDAYS

An overview of 10 different winter celebrations around the world, including Boxing Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, St. Lucia Day, Three Kings Day, and Winter Solstice.

- Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th in the UK and former British colonies, with origins in giving gifts and charitable donations to servants and the less fortunate.

- Chinese New Year is celebrated based on the traditional Chinese calendar, with each new year marked by a different zodiac animal. It is a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and eating traditional dishes.

- Christmas is a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, but has also become a secular family holiday observed by both Christians and non-Christians. It involves decorating trees, sharing meals, waiting for Santa, and exchanging gifts.

- Diwali is a five-day festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains, commemorating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

- Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

- Kwanzaa is a seven-day African-American festival that celebrates community, family, and culture, with seven principles and symbols.

- Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition in Mexico celebrating the nine-day journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, reenacted through processions and celebrations.

- St. Lucia Day is a festival of lights celebrated in Scandinavia and Italy, commemorating the early-4th-century virgin martyr St. Lucy.

- Three Kings Day celebrates the biblical story of the Three Kings visiting baby Jesus, celebrated on January 6th.

- The Winter Solstice marks the official start of winter, with ancient pagan celebrations of the Earth's rebirth and renewal.

A Look Around the World | Winter Celebrations | McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership https://mccormickcenter.nl.edu/library/winter-celebrations/

James Baldwin said it best:

"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."

Sunday, December 22, 2024

THE POLITICAL GENERATION GAP: WHAT'S NEXT?

THE POLITICAL GENERATION GAP

WHAT'S NEXT?

Ah, the generation gap—a perennial favorite topic for debate, eye-rolling, and Thanksgiving dinner arguments. Back in the late '60s, it was all bell-bottoms versus crew cuts, rock 'n' roll versus big band, and peace signs versus Cold War paranoia. The generational divide was the political hot potato of the day. Then, like disco and pet rocks, it faded into cultural obscurity. But fast forward to 2024, and here we are again, smack dab in the middle of a generational tug-of-war that makes Woodstock look like a warm-up act.

This time, the stakes are higher. It's not just about whether you prefer vinyl over Spotify—it's about the future of democracy itself. And, spoiler alert, both major political parties are grappling with their own generational identity crises. Let’s dive into this political soap opera, shall we?

The Democrats: AOC, David Hogg, and the Battle of the Ages

The Democrats have always branded themselves as the party of progress. But lately, progress has been looking a little... stuck in traffic. The generational divide within the party has been on full display, most recently with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) losing out on a House leadership position. Cue dramatic music. The defeat of one of the most prominent millennial politicians sent shockwaves through the party, highlighting just how tricky it is to balance youthful idealism with old-school pragmatism.

And now, enter David Hogg—a Gen Z activist known for his gun control advocacy—who’s reportedly eyeing a position in the Democratic National Committee. If AOC's loss was a crack in the generational dam, Hogg's bid could be the flood. The younger wing of the party is restless. They want action on climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality—not vague promises wrapped in centrist packaging.

But here’s the kicker: while younger Democrats are pushing for bold reforms, older party leaders are clutching their pearls and muttering about "electability." The result? A party that sometimes feels like it's trying to ride a unicycle while juggling flaming torches.

Meanwhile, Over in Republican Land...

The GOP has its own set of generational woes, though they’re less ideological and more... well, existential. While Democrats are squabbling over policy specifics, Republicans are grappling with a broader question: How do you appeal to younger voters when your base increasingly resembles a retirement community?

Younger Republican voters (those aged 18-44) are less engaged in the political process than their Democratic counterparts. And when they do show up, they’re often out of sync with their party's priorities. Immigration? Crime? Gun policy? These issues don’t resonate with younger Republicans the way they do with their older peers. In fact, on some topics, younger Republicans are more aligned with younger Democrats than with their own party elders. Talk about awkward family reunions.

The GOP's strategy so far has been to double down on issues that energize older voters—think tax cuts and "law and order" rhetoric—while largely ignoring the concerns of younger generations. It’s like trying to win over a TikTok audience with a PowerPoint presentation about 401(k)s.

Millennials and Gen Z: The Rising Tide

Let’s talk about the elephant—or should I say donkey—in the room: Millennials and Gen Z are becoming a dominant force in American politics. Together, they make up a significant chunk of the electorate, and their influence is only growing. But here’s the catch: many young voters are disillusioned with the political system. They see it as dysfunctional, unresponsive, and more interested in maintaining the status quo than addressing existential threats like climate change and economic inequality.

This disillusionment has led to what some analysts are calling "political fatalism." It’s not that young people don’t care—they care deeply—but many feel that voting is like trying to fix a leaky faucet with duct tape. Sure, it might help a little, but it won’t solve the underlying problem.

And yet, despite their frustrations, young voters remain hopeful—at least cautiously so. They believe in the possibility of a better future, even if they’re skeptical about how to get there. They’re also pushing for more diversity in politics, both in terms of representation and policy priorities. Climate change? Check. Healthcare? Check. Racial justice? Double check.

The Generational Divide: A Study in Contrasts

The generational divide isn’t just about age—it’s about worldview. Millennials and Gen Z tend to hold more liberal views on issues like racial discrimination, immigration, and foreign policy. They’re more likely to favor diplomacy over military strength and are less religious than older generations. In fact, over one-third of Millennials identify as religiously unaffiliated—a stat that probably sends shivers down the spines of Baby Boomer pastors everywhere.

Older generations, on the other hand, are more likely to prioritize traditional values and economic stability. For them, issues like crime and inflation take center stage. It’s not that they don’t care about climate change or healthcare—it’s just that those issues often feel less immediate than making sure their retirement savings don’t vanish into thin air.

This contrast was on full display in the 2024 presidential election. Younger voters gravitated toward candidates who spoke to their concerns about climate change, student debt, and systemic inequality. Older voters leaned toward candidates who promised stability and security. The result? A generational split that left both parties scrambling to figure out how to bridge the gap.

What Does It All Mean for 2026 and 2028?

Ah, the million-dollar question: What does this generational drama mean for the future of American politics? Well, for starters, it means that both parties need to get their act together if they want to stay relevant.

For Democrats, this means finding a way to harness the energy of their younger base without alienating older voters. It’s a delicate balancing act—one that requires listening to young activists like David Hogg while also addressing the concerns of suburban swing voters.

For Republicans, the challenge is even greater. The party needs to broaden its appeal beyond its aging base if it wants to remain competitive in future elections. This might mean rethinking its stance on issues like climate change and healthcare—topics that resonate deeply with younger voters.

But perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: The generational divide isn’t going away anytime soon. If anything, it’s likely to deepen as Millennials and Gen Z continue to flex their political muscles. The question is whether America’s political system can adapt—or whether it will remain stuck in a never-ending cycle of generational gridlock.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action (and Maybe Some Therapy)

In the end, the generational divide in American politics is both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a challenge because it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our differences. But it’s also an opportunity—a chance to build a political system that reflects the diversity of our nation.

So let’s embrace the chaos. Let’s have those awkward conversations between Boomers and Zoomers. Let’s argue about climate change over turkey dinner and debate healthcare reform at family reunions. Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: Democracy is messy—but it’s worth fighting for.

And hey, if all else fails, we can always blame it on TikTok.

How 2024 may shift our understanding of the political generation gap https://wapo.st/4gMxblA

America's new generation gap: Young voters say they'll inherit a more challenging world. But will they vote in it? - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poll-2024-election-new-generation-gap-young-voters-06-23-2024/

Young voters have growing power, but broken politics leave them ‘fatalistic,’ studies find | University of California https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/young-voters-have-growing-power-broken-politics-leave-them-fatalistic-studies-find

Age, generation and party identification of registered voters | Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/04/09/age-generational-cohorts-and-party-identification/

The Generation Gap in American Politics | Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2018/03/01/the-generation-gap-in-american-politics/

How younger voters will impact elections: Generational change divides GOP, unites Democrats https://www.brookings.edu/articles/generational-change-divides-gop-unites-democrats/

Saturday, December 21, 2024

ELON MUSK AND THE OLIGARCH'S CURTAIN CALL: DEMOCRACY ON THE BILLIONAIRE STAGE

ELON MUSK AND THE OLIGARCH'S CURTAIN CALL

DEMOCRACY ON THE BILLIONAIRE STAGE

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between, gather 'round for the greatest show on Earth—no, it’s not Cirque du Soleil or the Superbowl Halftime Show. It’s the grand spectacle of democracy, brought to you by *the billionaire oligarchy*! Yes, that’s right, democracy is no longer "by the people, for the people," but rather "by the billionaires, for the billionaires." And in this circus of power and influence, our ringmaster Elon Musk has just pulled back the velvet curtain to reveal what many suspected but few dared to say out loud.

Campaign Finance: From Pocket Change to Vault-Busting Billions

Let’s start with the numbers, shall we? Back in 1998—a simpler time when Britney Spears was hitting us one more time and Google was just a baby—campaign financing was a modest $1.7 billion. Fast forward to today, and we’re looking at a whopping $16 billion. That’s not inflation, folks; that’s a full-blown billionaire arms race. If you’re not outraged, you’re either not paying attention or you’re Jeff Bezos.

This isn’t a red-versus-blue issue. Oh no, the billionaires are way too savvy for that kind of tribalism. They hedge their bets like gamblers at a Vegas blackjack table, sprinkling money on both sides of the aisle. Why? Because they know the real action isn’t on the fringes—it’s in “the center.” But let’s be honest here: the so-called “center” isn’t some neutral ground of compromise. It’s a billionaire's playground, where policies are crafted to ensure their yachts stay afloat while the rest of us paddle frantically in inflatable pool toys.

Musk’s Power Play: Democracy or Monopoly?

Elon Musk recently gave us a masterclass in oligarchic overreach when he reportedly vetoed Trump’s approval of a bipartisan continuing resolution. Yes, you read that correctly: Musk, a private citizen (albeit one with more money than some countries’ GDPs), essentially said, “Nah, I don’t like that plan,” and poof—democracy bent to his will.

This is no longer subtle influence; this is blatant authoritarian oligarchy rule. Musk didn’t just pull back the curtain; he set it on fire and danced in the ashes while tweeting memes about Dogecoin.

The Puppet Show: Presidents and Their Billionaire Overlords

It’s becoming painfully clear that the President of the United States is less a commander-in-chief and more a marionette-in-chief. The strings? Held firmly by billionaires who have consolidated more power than even the robber barons of the Gilded Age could have dreamed of.

This trend isn’t new—it’s been snowballing since the late 1960s—but it reached warp speed after the infamous *Citizens United v. FEC* ruling in 2010. That decision essentially said, “Hey corporations, you’re people too! Spend away!” And spend they did. The result? A communications industry that spews billionaire-approved propaganda disguised as news, ensuring their grip on power remains tighter than Elon Musk’s control over his Twitter account.

Campaign Finance Reform: A Brief (and Depressing) History

Let’s take a quick detour down the memory lane of campaign finance reform. Spoiler alert: it’s mostly a tale of good intentions thwarted by loopholes big enough to drive a Tesla Cybertruck through.

- **1939 Hatch Act:** Tried to keep federal employees politically neutral. Cute idea, but billionaires weren’t sweating this one.

- **1971 & 1974 Federal Election Campaign Acts:** Introduced transparency and public financing for presidential campaigns. A noble effort, but it didn’t take long for money to find its way around these rules.

- **1976 Buckley v. Valeo:** The Supreme Court ruled that spending money is free speech. Translation: If you’re rich enough, you can scream louder than everyone else.

- **2002 Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA):** Targeted “soft money.” Billionaires responded with Super PACs because when you’re that rich, rules are merely suggestions.

- **2010 Citizens United:** The pièce de résistance. Corporations and unions were unleashed to spend unlimited amounts on elections. Democracy hasn’t been the same since.

The Price Tag of Democracy

In 2020 alone, over $18 billion was spent on federal elections. That’s more than the GDP of some small nations! Imagine what we could do with that money—end homelessness? Cure diseases? Build infrastructure? Nah, better to use it for attack ads and bumper stickers.

And let’s not forget where this money comes from. Spoiler: it’s not your grandma sending $5 donations from her Social Security check. It’s billionaires writing checks so large they need scientific notation.

Reclaiming Democracy: A To-Do List

So how do we fix this mess? How do we wrestle democracy back from the clutches of billionaires who treat it like their personal Monopoly board?

1. **Overturn Citizens United:** This is non-negotiable. Money may talk, but it shouldn’t drown out the voices of everyday citizens.

2. **Public Financing of Elections:** Let’s level the playing field. If candidates are funded by taxpayers rather than billionaires, they might actually represent us.

3. **Transparency:** Every dollar spent on campaigns should be accounted for. No more dark money lurking in the shadows.

4. **Grassroots Movements:** Organize, mobilize, and vote like your democracy depends on it—because it does.

Final Thoughts: Power to the People!

Elon Musk may have pulled back the curtain on billionaire influence in politics, but now it’s up to us to tear that curtain down entirely. Democracy isn’t supposed to be a spectator sport; it’s a full-contact game that requires all of us to get in there and fight for what’s right.

It’s time to remind these billionaires that while they may have all the money in the world, we have something they can never buy: people power. So let’s organize, let’s vote, and let’s reclaim our democracy before it becomes nothing more than a footnote in history books written by Elon Musk’s AI overlords.

Power to all the people—because democracy isn’t just for sale; it’s priceless.

1939 Hatch Act

Overview of the Hatch Act The Hatch Act of 1939 is a federal law that limits the political activities of civil-service employees in the executive branch, excluding the president and vice president. It was enacted to prevent undue political influence within the federal workforce.

Purpose of the Act Its main goal is to ensure that federal employees can perform their duties free from partisan political coercion, thus maintaining a neutral civil service

1947 Taft-Hartley Act

Taft-Hartley Act Overview is a significant U.S. federal law enacted in 1947 that restricts the activities and powers of labor unions. It aimed to balance the relationship between labor unions and employers by protecting employees' rights while allowing unions to organize and bargain collectively.

Key Provisions The Act expanded the list of unfair labor practices and introduced measures to ensure fairness in labor disputes. It also allowed the government to intervene in strikes deemed harmful to national security.

1971 Federal Elections Campaign Acts

Overview of the Act The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 is the main U.S. law that governs the regulation of campaign fundraising and spending for federal elections.

Regulation of Campaign Finances This Act established requirements for disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures, setting rules to promote transparency in political financing.

Reporting Requirements It mandated that federal candidates and political committees must file quarterly financial reports, enhancing the accountability of campaign finance practices.

1974 Federal Elections Campaign Acts

Overview of the Act The 1974 Federal Elections Campaign Act Amendments aimed to regulate campaign financing in federal elections by introducing stricter oversight on contributions and expenditures.

Public Financing It established public financing for presidential campaigns through the $1 voluntary tax checkoff, promoting greater participation in election financing.

Role of the FEC The Federal Election Commission (FEC) was created to enforce these regulations, ensuring compliance with the new campaign finance laws.

1976 Buckley v. Valeo

Landmark Supreme Court Case Buckley v. Valeo (1976) addressed the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act, ruling that contribution limits are valid, but expenditure limits are unconstitutional.

Campaign Finance Implications The decision emphasized the protection of free speech, allowing individuals to spend unlimited amounts on their own campaigns, thus reshaping campaign finance law in the U.S.

Further Legal Context The ruling has had long-lasting impacts on political funding and has been cited in subsequent campaign finance cases.

2002 Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA)

The Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (BCRA), also known as the McCain-Feingold Act, was enacted in 2002. It aimed to regulate the financing of political campaigns in the United States. Key points include:

Authors of the Act The main sponsors were Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Russ Feingold (D-WI).

Key Provisions The BCRA primarily targeted 'soft money' contributions to political parties and established stricter rules for the financing of campaigns.

Historical Context It amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and was a significant response to concerns about the influence of money in politics.

2003 McConnell v. F.E.C.

Case Overview McConnell v. FEC was a landmark Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of major provisions of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which aimed to regulate campaign finance practices.

First Amendment Implications The Court found that the regulations imposed did not violate the First Amendment, thus supporting the government's interest in preventing corruption.

Legislative Impact This case had a significant impact on how political parties and candidates fundraise and spend money in elections, particularly regarding the use of soft money.

2010 Citizens United v. F.E.C.

Supreme Court Ruling On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Citizens United v. FEC, which held that the government cannot limit independent political expenditures by corporations and unions under the First Amendment.

Impact on Political Funding This ruling has been criticized for increasing the influence of money in politics, allowing wealthy donors and corporations to have a significant impact on elections through independent expenditures.

Case Overview Citizens United v. FEC marked a pivotal moment in campaign finance law, overturning previous restrictions on corporate political spending and changing the landscape of electoral politics in the U.S.

Cost of Election • OpenSecrets https://www.opensecrets.org/elections-overview/cost-of-election?cycle=2020&display=T&infl=Y