Please Read the Label

Turn inside out before washing. Machine wash cold with like colors. Use non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low, warm iron if needed.

Yes, reading and understanding labels is part of a balanced and satisfying life.

The most confusing labels are in politics. Bernie and Hillary are arguing over which one of them is the true progressive. Let us consult with Monsieurs Funk and Wagnell. Progressive means moving forward;advancing, proceeding gradually or step by step;striving for or favoring progress or reform esp. social, political, educational, or religious. There you have it, they are both progressive.

The use of the word progressive in politics goes back a long way.   In 1912 under the leadership of Republican Theodore Roosevelt a political party called the Progressive Party was launched. Another Progressive Party was formed in 1924 by Robert M. LaFollette. In 1948 yet another Progressive Party was formed and it nominated Henry A. Wallace for President.

There was a time when many simply identified themselves as liberal. The best known of these in recent times was Ted Kennedy commonly known as The Liberal Lion of the Senate. He proudly wore the label and said repeatedly right up to the end I am a liberal. A move away from being a liberal and preferring progressive began after the success of Ronald Reagan and the birth of conservatainment radio which villified the word liberal.

Again, here are our friends Funk and Wagnell. Liberal means characterized by or inclining toward opinions or policies favoring progress or reform, as in politics or religion; not intolerant or prejudiced; broad minded; not literal or strict.

There are many wealthy liberals or progressives if you prefer. Exactly why Hillary Clinton is having so much trouble simply answering the questions about her large speaking fees, particularly the three times Goldman Sachs paid her a total of $675,000.00 after she left the State Department is baffling. Ex politicians or those in between quite often make their living through speaking fees. Clinton would be making money doing this simply by virtue of being a former First Lady and U.S. Senator. Are the fees unbelievably high? Yes they are and good for her, why doesn't she own it proudly and say it's part of how I have made a living and I have certainly been blessed and am deeply greatful to live in a country where such things are possible. To be a little girl from the Midwest that could never have thought it possible to not only have people want to hear what I have to say but would be willing to pay for it.

Do corporations pay prominent political figures huge speaking fees in the hopes of earning good will? Yes, but what actually happens comes down to the character of the politician in question. It is not automatically a nefarious thing. The optics are bad and since Clinton absolutely had every intention of running for President, no matter her spin about not being sure, she should have stayed away from Wall Street during her down time. She didn't need the money, on the other hand if she didn't run in 2016 her fees might not have been as high.

Remember to read your labels carefully. I myself am a proud liberal conservative.