JJ's World Views

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  • Empathy-Driven Senate Campaign: A New Vision

    Written by

    JJ ODonnell

    in

    Analysis, Home, Journal, Political, Thoughts

    This post is to gauge people’s thoughts on my potential run for Senate next year.  Taking Tina Smith’s seat.   I have been working on this off and on for years. I never thought I would seriously consider running for office. The following is a plan to help better our country and the world.  I would like to see us be more empathetic and work for the benefit of all citizens, not just the wealthy. 

    Issues

    Economic equity

    1. Universal Health care (Medicare for all)

    Reason: Our health determines the type of jobs we can have. This also lowers sick calls. If a person is sick it makes it hard to look for a job if they do not have one. This will also cut costs of medical and dental bills. No more co-pays, no premiums, no deductibles.

    This would be paid with taxes.

    2. Universal basic income (social security for all)

    How will this be done? Removing the Cap on how much people have to pay each year.

    Reason: To make sure our citizens would have capital during National emergencies such as pandemics and other natural disasters that the people can not control.

    3. Universal education through a bachelor’s degree

    Reason: most low-wage jobs are going away. This is due to jobs being sent to other countries and automation. This would make our citizens more competitive in the global economy.

    4. Minimum wage $20/ hour adjusted with inflation and overtime at 32 hours Mandatory family and sick leave 3 weeks minimum

    Reason: Due to how highly productive Americans are they need a livable wage. They also need more time with family and friends in order to have a work-life balance.

    5. Raising taxes on the wealthy using a progressive tax rate. (Itemize how taxes will be spent from their taxes) also lifting the cap on social security to coincide with taxes.

    This also puts a limit on how much capital (a form of power) one person is allowed to have.

    6. Ending the war on drugs (legalize tax and regulate all drug use tax to help pay for rehab and Education

    Reason: Considering these are racist and focused on blacks and hippies.

    7. Ending wars and nuclear disarmament

    Wars are one of the most expensive things a government can spend money on. Making a deal with other nuclear powers to dismantle the nuclear arsenals around the world.

    8. Green infrastructure

    Converting to alternative fuels

    (Geothermal, tidal, solar, and wind) heart go planet.

    8. Staying out of other countries’ politics (Allow them to govern themselves without interference except for humanitarian efforts, military involvement is the very last resort.)

    This means no more regime changes like in Iran and Argentina. We have done the people of these no good by doing this.

    10. Undoing the Patriot Act.

    This piece of legislation took many of our rights away. It is time to get them back.

    11. Having a transparent government.

    It is my thinking that people cannot make informed decisions if we do not give them all the information.

    12. Push for Psychological testing for all candidates running for office.

    After this last election do I really need to say more.

    13. Itemized tax returns

    This is where you can see how your money was spent the previous year.

    14. Eliminate Club Fed

    We all know that white-collar crime is rampant throughout our country. It is time to let them know we are no longer messing around.

    15. Ending Citizens United

    This would end the legalized bribery that has brought us to this point in history.

    16. Adding an amendment to the constitution that gives the citizens a way to take a vote of no confidence.

    17. 21 Days of personal leave and 3 months of parental leave. 

    This would give people more time to spend with families. 

    18. Any medications that were partially or wholly financed by tax dollars will be capped.

    This would help curb the obscene amounts the pharmaceutical companies price gouging.

    19. Legalize, tax marijuana

    20. Redirect DEA funds to put more emphasis on human trafficking.

    21. Eliminate for-profit prisons

    22. End wars of aggression and ending financing the aggressors in war.

    22. Get rid of the Electoral College putting the power directly on the citizenry.

    23. Inheritance tax on inheritance over one million at 50% and 100% over ten million.

    24. Put more resources towards the Peace Corps.

    25. Add human rights to the constitution.

    A. All human beings are free and equal.

    B. No Discrimination

    C. Right to life

    D. No slavery

    E. No torture and inhumane treatment

    F. Same right to use the law.

    G. Right to be treated fairly by the courts

    H. No unfair detainment

    I. Right to trial

    J. Innocent until proven guilty

    K. Right to Privacy

    L. Freedom to move and residence.

    M. Right to asylum

    N. Right to nationality

    O. Right to marry and have family

    P. Right to own things

    Q. Freedom of thought and religion

    R. Freedom of expression and opinion

    S. Freedom to assemble

    T. Right to Democracy

    U. Right to Social Security

    V. Right to work

    W. Right to rest and holiday

    X. Right to social services

    Y. Right to education

    Z. Right to culture and art

    AA. Freedom around the world

    BB. Subject to laws

    CC. Human rights can’t be taken away

    26. Putting limits of 5 years after classified operations are finished.

    27. Equal representation in both civil and criminal courts limiting the number of lawyers any human can use

    28. Increase investment in rural areas.

           Subsidies to smaller farms, and rural internet, should help to revitalize our rural towns.  Especially when we allow more people to work from home.

    29. Divest from big Agro

    39. Incentives for moving to move to more rural areas.

            More work-from-home jobs and incentives for small businesses should help bring back small-town America.

    40. Investment in rural hospitals, clinics, and schools

    41. Tax breaks for pets and increased animal abuse laws

    42. Putting more limits on the presidency

    Votes of no confidence if the citizens feel that the president is not working in our favor.

    43. Open up elections and debates to more than just the 2 parties

    44. Trimming the defense budget.

    Considering that they have failed the last 7 audits.

    45. Canceling student loans

    46. Fix international relationship

    47. Bring back the scam police

  • Depression: The Invisible Killer

    Depression: The Invisible Killer

    The deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade this week brought have to the surface my own battles with Depression.  I have been diagnosed with clinical depression and been battling it for the past 24 years.  Those who do not suffer from this condition can have a hard time understanding why those with the affliction can not just cheer up.  I have been told to cheer up numerous times and that it is just an emotion.  Well, I am here to tell you it is not just that.  Yes, there is the emotion of depression but this usually lasts a couple of day or may be weeks.  When you are dealing with the condition it lasts for 6 months or more.  It continues day by day and year to year.

    Let me ask you have you ever felt alone in a room filled with loved ones?  Have you battled just to get out of bed asking yourself what is the use? Have you ever looked around and thought of different ways of ending your life? Have you ever spent weeks or months or years not taking care of your personal hygiene?  Wallowing in your own filth only cleaning yourself to keep up appearences? Thinking no one cares or tries to understand you? Have you ever felt like if I were gone no one would miss me or that they would be better off without me? This is what depression the condition feels like.  I continually feel this way.   It is a constant struggle fighting yourself for a glimmer of hope.  I have attempted suicide before, a couple of times actually.  Thank goodness I never owned a gun or I would not be writing this blog right now.

    It is difficult living with depression as you can see, but it can be done.  It takes time, patients, medication and talk therapy for the person who is dealing with depression.   For those who love them it takes understanding, acceptance,  and empathy.  Never looking down on them because you think that it will pass.  Too those who love someone with depression you must learn the differences between the emotion and the condition.  I have been told in the past by friends and family that “you just need to think positively and this will pass.”  It is not that easy.  That to a person dealing with depression pushes them further from you and leaves them thinking, you just do not want to deal with them.  Which increases their chances of taking their own life.

    This part is for those who suffer from depression.  Your friends and family can only do so much to help you.  You must be willing to work on yourself.  I know many do not want to take prescriptions, hell I hate being dependant on them myself, but they can help.  Make sure you are telling you doctors how these drugs are affecting you.  This way they can change the script or rise or lower the dosages.  You will also have to work on changing the way you think.  Understanding the things that set you off is key to this as I have found out.  This way when the feelings come back you have the tools to stop the unhealthy thoughts.  This is not easy and takes a lot of practice.  You must be vigilant in your own mind.

    I was fortunate enough that I had the Veterans Administration to help me understand and train me how to change some of my thought processes.  It was through a class called Cognitive Behavioral and Social Skills Training  (CBSST for short).  I know many people do not have this type of support because of insurance costs, lack of employment or any other hurdles that may stand in your way.  Please know this my brothers and sisters out there that there are people who are willing to help.  That many people are pushing to get healthcare for all which would include mental health.  I know for me forcing myself out into the world more and more has helped me.  Also, find something you are passionate about.  If first thing you try doesn’t work try something else.  Me I like photography, learning and helping others.  This is why I have gone back to school to become a teacher and am working as an educational assistant dealing with special education students.  Left me tell you this path is not for everyone.  It is one of the toughest jobs I have ever held.  But, to see the look in a child’s eyes when the when they finish a project or realize that you are there for them it fills my heart with joy.  Even though they can drive me mad at times.

    In closing if you are someone who has or is considering suicide please get some help.  Below I have a list of websites and phone numbers to call.  Please remember if know one else tells you this that you are loved and, we are all brothers and sisters and we should care about each other in this manner.  Life is worth living and we all matter.

    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org                                                                                         tel:1-800-273-8255

    https://afsp.org                                                                                                                                 Toll-Free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377)

    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml                              1-800-273-TALK (8255)

    https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention

     

  • Repayment Campaign

    Repayment Campaign

    I am Currently running a Go Fund Me Campaign to raise money so that I can get myself back in school by next Spring.  If you would like to donate here is the link to the site.  Below is the introduction and general summary of the campaign.

    Introduction

    Hello I am JJ ODonnell.  I am currently raising money to pay off some student loan debt, so that I can continue my education.  I have recently graduated from Normandale Community College with an Associates of Arts degree.  Now I am stuck with a dilemma because this was my third attempt at getting a degree I have some outstanding debt from previous attempts.  I have defaulted on these loans and need to pay one of them off before I can continue on with schooling.   The first two times I went to school I my living was not stable, I did not know that I had any veteran’s benefits, I had no in school support system helping me through the way student loans worked or how to get grants and scholarships.  The reason for me to do the crowdfunding is so I can pay off a loan from the state of Minnesota that way Normandale can release my records to Metro State University, where I will go for my BA in Social Studies Education.

    How I Got Back to School

    Four years ago, I finally, after years of dealing with depression, I went to the VA to see what I qualified for as a Vet.  They helped me to get my mind thinking in a healthier way and to stop dwelling on the things I cannot, change in the past.  And to start creating goals, then focusing on what I can do to make those goals a reality.  I applied for Vocational Rehabilitation through the VA.  They approved me for study to become a Social Studies Teacher.  So, this is how the current chapter in my life began.  Since then I have accomplished a lot.  I was on the honor roll or the Dean’s list most of the time I was at Normandale.  I made it in to Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society.  I was awarded TRIO Scholar of the year for 2016-2017.  I was part of America Reads and Counts, which helps tutor kids in math and reading.  I took part in a few trips with the Cultural Exploration and Travel club, because I like learning about other cultures and travel.  I worked at both the Diversity Center and the Student Store.  I was awarded a scholarship from the Normandale Foundation, in which I returned the favor by giving a speech about my life and experience which brought me to Normandale.   I also, Graduated with honors from Normandale.

     

    Current Occupation:

    I am currently working as a Substitute Educational Paraprofessional for the Burnsville/Eagan/Savage school district.  Currently, working with special needs kids as a long-term Sub.  This is no easy task dealing with all sorts of issues, most notably behavioral issues.  This job is not for the faint of heart and takes a special type of person to stick it out through the rough parts and see the accomplishments these kids make.  There have been times where I just wanted to through in the towel, but I stay because I love to see their faces when the kids do something that they, thought they could not do.  I try to help inspire the kids with my story and what I have accomplished over the past few years despite my fight with Depression.

    Life Goals:

    My overall goal is to get my Teaching degree and join the Peace Corp.  Then, bring what I have learned from the Corp about the other cultures I worked with to the classroom.  It is my belief that the more we know about other cultures the less we fear them and provide a start to a lasting peace in this world.

     

    How Much and When:

    I need to raise the money by no later than August 31 in order for me to enter back into school by spring of 2019.

    Incentives:

    I will be doing weekly shout out videos for all my donors.

    Every $500 raised I will do a live stream where people can ask me questions about anything.

     

     

     

     

  • Apologize

    I am sorry friends.  I have been busy with my class and have not had much time to write on my blog over the past month.  Things should open up come the middle of July.  I did not realize the intensity of the class until it was to late and I would risk losing my funding for college if I dropped it.  So, I must continue even though I know my grade is going to be the lowest I have gotten since I have started.  I will hope for the best which would be a B and expect the worst a D or F.  I will try my darndest but the instructor is know for driving people to drop his course.  There is such a thing as to much passion.  I will admit i am partly to blame. My mind just can not get around school in the summer and the fact that I need another job to help me.

    This class takes up a majority of my time.  So, scheduling is a pain.  I just do not know what to do.

  • Sunset in My Front Yard

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    Ten Minute Exposure of the Stars.

  • My Best Friend

    I met him in the Humane Society, when I was with one of my EXs.  We live with her for a awhile then we broke up.  It was most likely my fault, I have just noticed thing about myself.  When I am in an relationship I lose interest about midway through the second month or get to clingy.  I hate when I do that. I think we made it to 5 months which back then I think was my record.  Boo (my dog) came with me when I left.  I stayed with my mom and her husband for a bit.  Then found a place in about 6 months.  It was an ok place, nothing that spectacular that is for sure.  It was rustic brown single story apartments.  Within about 3 months after I move in I start dating Julia.  She was tall taller than me, and I am 6ft, and blond.  She was also going to beauty school, and teaching there as well.   This lasted about a month.  Then about 2 weeks later I met my now ex-wife.  She was living with her family and was looking for a place.

    As fortune may have it the unit right next to mine was open.  She took care of Boo while I was at work. She worked from home and she had a kid from a previous marriage.  6 months later we move into a 2 bedroom

  • Journal 9

    I sometimes like to look at this point and time as a historian might look at it in 50 years, or maybe a group of beings that evolved cognitive thought; either here or from space.  Think about it, we live in a time where historians can have a much clearer view of the world.  They can specialize in a specific area even more so.  Now instead of focusing on other regions, continents or countries, they  can go down to city, club or college.  These people could tell more about us than we do about any other period in history.  Everything is documented today, from what time people take a shit in the morning to our deepest darkest fears.  It is amazing to think about how much they would have to sift through.

    What do I think they would say about the United States?  A generalised statement Is that the leaders push to divide us while saying “they want to unite us.”  The people are starting are in favor of the same things, but allow themselves to be subjugated to the status quo.  The United States leaders start unnecessary wars for profit, instead of taking care of the people at home.

    They would probably say that the world as a whole is insane.  We are constantly fighting each other, destroying  our environment and not caring who we hurt in the process.  Yes, we have people who give back some.  But, they are not vocal about what causes these afflictions to begin with.  They only try to cure the symptoms not the disease.

  • Demographic News Viewing Poll

    In my U.S. Politics class we are separating into groups and doing a poll on the Demographics of News viewing habits.  I am asking if any one would like to participate in the poll.  It is confidential and only 14 questions and it should only take 5 Minutes.  You must be 18 to take this poll.  To take the poll click here.

    Thank you for the help.

  • Removing my old WordPress Page

    The next 10 posts are from my old wordpress page JJ Mchugh@wordpress.com.  I am getting rid of that one and focusing on this one instead.  Just to make a bit easier on myself.  Please check Photos or Writings to see these old posts.

  • Bucket list

    These are things I would like to do before I die. Whether I do all them or not who knows.

    These are in no particular order because, as time goes by I will have done some of them and add to the list.

    Get my BA

    Travel the world and explore other cultures

    Go to Burning Man

    Meet the Dali Lama

    See a Doctor Who episode be made

    Meet Malala Yousefzai

    Visit Bruce Lee’s Grave

    Join the Peace Corp

    See the pyramids of Giza

    See italy Pompei, Florence, Rome

    Travel to the countries of my national origins, and the area where Bohemia used to be.

    Travel into space

    Sky Dive

    Check out the wild life every where

    Check out the Volcanoes of Iceland and Hawaii

    Watch the sunrise and set in every time zone

    I think that is a good start for now.