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Articles by Debra Wines
Terminology is vital if you want people to hear your message
Terminology is vital if you want people to hear your message Posted By Sparta Live | June 22, 2020 1:48 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Democrats, Republicans, left and right leaning people, and those in between have been having knee-jerk reactions to the term, “defund the police.” “Defund” sets off a reaction that unnerves people, no matter how the topic is being discussed.
Democracy may be gone, if Republican leaders continue to believe 98 percent of Americans are expendable
Democracy may be gone, if Republican leaders continue to believe 98 percent of Americans are expendable Posted By Kim Swindell Wood | June 2, 2020 8:25 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Over the past couple of months, we’ve heard Republicans, in state government and some of those at the federal level, say the most vulnerable citizens should just die in order to save Wall Street and the economy. These people are firm “pro-life” believers, which seems rather hypocritical in retrospect.
Trump still thinks he can run America as own private company
Trump still thinks he can run America as own private company Posted By Sparta Live | May 27, 2020 4:56 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Several of our government’s high ranking and highly skilled federal employees have left their positions since Donald Trump became president of the United States. There are various reasons: retired, resigned, forced to resign, or were fired.
America will never be “Great Again” if greed and ignorance and lack of accountability define our leaders
America will never be “Great Again” if greed and ignorance and lack of accountability define our leaders Posted By Sparta Live | May 18, 2020 6:53 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines In the past few weeks, I, along with many others, have witnessed a sickness that has overtaken our country and our lives. I’m not just referring to COVID-19. Donald Trump; the majority of his administration; Republicans in leadership; and his devoted followers have chosen to ignore science and medical professionals.
How much longer can we survive Trump’s “leadership?”
How much longer can we survive Trump’s “leadership?” Posted By Sparta Live | May 5, 2020 6:44 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines This may shock some people, but I don’t want to place all the blame for what has happened to America’s standing in the world on Donald Trump, alone.
Is government doing the right things amid COVID-19?
Is government doing the right things amid COVID-19? Posted By Sparta Live | April 28, 2020 12:40 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines In my opinion, local, state, and federal governments certainly could have done a much better job. The obvious lack of coordination, on all fronts, is systematic of the top leadership. The world seemed ill prepared for this and any other kind of pandemic. The culprit of COVID-19 has been identified as coming from people in China eating infected bats.
The desire to return to “normal” is understandable
The desire to return to “normal” is understandable Posted By Sparta Live | April 13, 2020 1:28 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines While in the middle of any crisis or tragedy, it is common for people to wish for a return to what they consider a normal life. Sadly, that never happens, because whatever the event that turned someone’s life upside down, it is impossible to “return” to the way things had been.
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting rather tired of the “games” being played with our lives
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting rather tired of the “games” being played with our lives Posted By Sparta Live | April 6, 2020 1:51 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines I have tried to keep politics out of my last couple of columns, mainly because the COVID-19 virus is apolitical. It doesn’t care what your political leanings are, it doesn’t care about your social standing, and we are beginning to see it doesn’t care how young or old you are.
When will people understand that ignoring a problem is not an optional solution?
When will people understand that ignoring a problem is not an optional solution? Posted By Sparta Live | March 31, 2020 9:21 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines It doesn’t matter what you want to call this worldwide health crisis, if you continue to ignore the advice of health professionals, you or someone you know can die. It is that simple. There is no vaccine for COVID-19. There is no cure for it either. Anyone can be a carrier and not show or have symptoms.
Now is not the time to play the blame game
Now is not the time to play the blame game Posted By Sparta Live | March 24, 2020 12:44 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines You can’t turn on the TV, read a paper or magazine, or be online, without being inundated with news about COVID-19. Yes, there is a great deal of misinformation but also good and honest information about this worldwide pandemic.
While many of us were distracted, this happened
While many of us were distracted, this happened Posted By Sparta Live | March 9, 2020 12:57 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines On Feb. 24, 2020, the White County Board of Commissioners voted and approved a resolution that would make White County a Second Amendment Sanctuary. According to the information I was able to find, White County is the 13th county to become such a sanctuary, in the state of Tennessee.
More interesting things from the Tennessee State Assembly
More interesting things from the Tennessee State Assembly Posted By Kim Swindell Wood | March 3, 2020 12:50 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) made the news again. She stated that, in her opinion, Pre-K education was unnecessary, and she didn’t think federal funds should be used for these programs.
Is there something strange in the water or air at the Tennessee State Assembly Chambers?
Is there something strange in the water or air at the Tennessee State Assembly Chambers? Posted By Sparta Live | February 24, 2020 12:51 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines The reason I’m asking is there have been some very strange bills and resolutions being discussed in the State Assembly that have, not only made the local news but the national news as well. Frankly, they are a bit embarrassing and certainly are out of the “norm” for many state governments.
Are we too naïve or just blind to the dangers Americans are facing?
Are we too naïve or just blind to the dangers Americans are facing? Posted By Sparta Live | February 18, 2020 6:44 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines As much as I expected Donald Trump to be acquitted in the impeachment trial that took place, I was hoping some Republicans would stand up and honor not just their oath of office but the oath they took to be impartial jurors.
One issue Republicans and Donald Trump think could hurt them in the upcoming elections
One issue Republicans and Donald Trump think could hurt them in the upcoming elections Posted By Sparta Live | February 11, 2020 7:53 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Donald Trump is a proven pathological liar. His supporters and the majority of the Republican Party have accepted this and don’t seem to have an issue with it. In the upcoming presidential election, his lies will be ignored as Trump being Trump loudly shouts, “Look at our economy!” and declares he did this all by himself.
Right to work and increasing the minimum wage up for possible changes in the TN Legislature
Right to work and increasing the minimum wage up for possible changes in the TN Legislature Posted By Sparta Live | February 3, 2020 2:04 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines In 1947, Tennessee became the first and only state to adopt a right-to-work statute. Tennessee is also known as an “employment-at-will” state; this law can be found in the Tennessee Revised Statutes Title 50-1-304.
So, what’s the big deal about quid pro quo?
So, what’s the big deal about quid pro quo? Posted By Sparta Live | January 27, 2020 12:58 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines We have all used a form of “quid pro quo” in certain situations. There also have been times we have all resorted to bribery. The biggest difference between quid pro quo and bribery seems to be money. If money is used to get someone to do something you want, it’s bribery.
Do we really want or need another billionaire as president?
Do we really want or need another billionaire as president? Posted By Sparta Live | January 20, 2020 11:54 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines It isn’t any great secret that anyone who runs for a public office must have a strong desire to become elected. They also must possess a pretty healthy ego because politics, even on a local level, can be brutal.
You are not the producer and host of a “reality” show, you are the president - act like it
You are not the producer and host of a “reality” show, you are the president – act like it Posted By Sparta Live | January 13, 2020 12:16 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Once again, Donald Trump has shown us and the world he has no clue what he should be doing as president of the United States of America. His speech last Wednesday morning, after the Iranians sent several rockets to two Iraqi bases that housed some American soldiers, was nothing less than dishonest and rather incoherent.
If your child used a Twitter account like the president does, what would you do?
If your child used a Twitter account like the president does, what would you do? Posted By Kim Swindell Wood | January 6, 2020 1:05 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines During the holidays, I talked to several friends and family members who are from different walks of life and hold different political leanings but are parents of teenagers, and I asked them this question. All of them agreed that under certain circumstances they would ban them from Twitter.
Is 2020 going to be our next Y2K year? Feelings of gloom exist
Is 2020 going to be our next Y2K year? Feelings of gloom exist Posted By Sparta Live | December 31, 2019 7:47 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Remember the trepidation that was running through the country and the world when we were approaching the year 2000?
Are Republicans helping or hurting Trump’s impeachment defense?
Are Republicans helping or hurting Trump’s impeachment defense? Posted By Sparta Live | December 24, 2019 9:58 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Over the past several weeks, we have watched House Republicans behave like a gang of thugs led by a cornered bully who is willing to blame anyone and everyone but himself to save his own skin. That is not new behavior for Donald Trump whenever he is threatened with exposure of any wrongdoing.
Ukraine is still waiting for $35 million - why is it still held?
Ukraine is still waiting for $35 million – why is it still held? Posted By Sparta Live | December 16, 2019 12:40 pm Democratic Dialog- By Debra Wines I must say that on one hand I have to admire Donald Trump’s “chutzpa.” I guess it comes from his belief that he can do no wrong and re-enforces his statement that he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his supporters wouldn’t care. Mr. Trump truly believes he can get away with anything.
Is Vladimir Putin playing America and Donald Trump?
Is Vladimir Putin playing America and Donald Trump? Posted By Sparta Live | December 9, 2019 1:33 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines To be honest, I really don’t know. Vladimir Putin has been very good at getting whatever he wants, usually when he wants it and the way he wants it. That’s very obvious if you’ve ever paid any attention to how he became the leader of Russia and how he maintains that position with his version of “free and democratic” elections.
Did you miss the “War on Thanksgiving,” too?
Did you miss the “War on Thanksgiving,” too? Posted By Sparta Live | December 2, 2019 1:31 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines This past Thanksgiving was very different from the ones I remember as a child and even as an adult with my children. When I was a child, holidays were split among members of my dad’s family. It was simple logistics. My mom’s family lived 250 miles north of us. All my dad’s family lived within a 20-mile radius.
Questions have arisen about Tennessee’s Families First $732.7 million in surplus TANF funds
Questions have arisen about Tennessee’s Families First $732.7 million in surplus TANF funds Posted By Sparta Live | November 25, 2019 10:35 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines The original story regarding Tennessee’s Families First program’s excess funds broke a few weeks ago by the Beacon Center of Tennessee while researching Tennessee’s public assistance programs.
No matter what it’s called, Donald Trump broke the law
No matter what it’s called, Donald Trump broke the law Posted By Sparta Live | November 18, 2019 1:31 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines n layman’s terms, the current president or anyone running for political office is not allowed to solicit foreign help in order to win an election. It is straight forward and simple to understand. It doesn’t matter what term you may use to define the action; it is illegal according to our laws. Has it happened in the past?
Republicans behaving like they’re at a Black Friday sale at Walmart
Republicans behaving like they’re at a Black Friday sale at Walmart Posted By Sparta Live | November 4, 2019 1:57 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines On Oct. 23, 2019, 41 Republican Congress members, following Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell’s order to attack the current impeachment inquiry process, pushed their way into the SCIF room in the basement of the capitol.
What is the Democratic Party afraid of - could it be success?
What is the Democratic Party afraid of – could it be success? Posted By Sparta Live | October 28, 2019 4:07 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Two weeks ago, a half-dozen major Democratic donors attended a dinner, in Manhattan. The topic of discussion soon became centered on the current bevy of candidates running for the Democratic presidential nomination. From most reports, these power brokers are not happy with most of the people running.
Which Democratic candidate can beat Trump?
Which Democratic candidate can beat Trump? Posted By Sparta Live | October 21, 2019 2:33 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Your guess is as good as mine. The Democratic Party has some strong contenders, a few decent possibilities, and, like the Republican presidential candidates in 2015-2016, there are few that make you want to pat them on their heads and say, “Bless your heart” and maybe tell them they should lower their expectations.
Is Donald Trump’s behavior getting more and more out of control?
Is Donald Trump’s behavior getting more and more out of control? Posted By Sparta Live | October 14, 2019 2:26 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines If the past couple of weeks hasn’t left you scratching your head wondering what on earth is Trump thinking and doing, you are not been paying attention. When his cheerleaders on Fox News are questioning his actions, Trump has gone beyond anything resembling “normal” behavior.
Ignorance of a law is not a valid excuse for breaking it
Ignorance of a law is not a valid excuse for breaking it Posted By Sparta Live | October 7, 2019 11:42 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines How many times have we heard this phrase? Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to laws. It just isn’t considered a valid excuse for anyone to use.
Will Medicaid block grant proposal be beneficial for Tennesseans?
Will Medicaid block grant proposal be beneficial for Tennesseans? Posted By Sparta Live | September 30, 2019 1:44 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Former Republican Congressman Paul Ryan was a great proponent of cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. His dream was to make both Medicare and Medicaid into block grants as a method to chip away and, eventually, eliminate those programs providing safety nets to the poor, senior citizens, children, and the disabled.
Will we still be around for the 2020 election?
Will we still be around for the 2020 election? Posted By Sparta Live | September 23, 2019 1:47 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines In less that 14 months, the 2020 elections will be taking place, if we’re still here. Yes, I am being a little melodramatic, but writing this column and researching topics that we should all be thinking about can be overwhelming, at times. This is one of those times for me.
Oh, what tangled webs are being woven in the name of politics
Oh, what tangled webs are being woven in the name of politics Posted By Sparta Live | September 9, 2019 2:38 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Democrats aren’t perfect. Like Republicans, they are human beings. They have been on the wrong side of history several times, but they eventually come back to their core values, and, yes, Democrats do have morals and values.
Bad things really acceptable as long as they happen to somebody else?
Bad things really acceptable as long as they happen to somebody else? Posted By Sparta Live | September 5, 2019 7:30 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines This question has plagued me on and off throughout my life whenever I saw people ignore or laugh at others who were not as fortunate as themselves. I know we can’t always help everyone we meet who needs help. I also know that some people wallow in neediness and refuse help when offered for whatever reason they may have.
The “Second Coming of God” equals Donald Trump?
The “Second Coming of God” equals Donald Trump? Posted By Sparta Live | August 26, 2019 8:42 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Last week, Wayne Allen Root, a right-wing radio host, declared, according to a tweet from Donald Trump, on Aug.
Why is abortion such a hot-button issue for everyone?
Why is abortion such a hot-button issue for everyone? By Sparta Live | August 19, 2019 12:39 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Since Roe vs. Wade and abortions were made legal by the Supreme Court, in 1973, the fight to make abortions illegal, again, has been a political and religious football. It is one issue conservative politicians, along with their religious counterparts, use to sway elections and bring voters out during election years.
Optimism about our country’s future is faltering
Optimism about our country’s future is faltering By Sparta Live | August 12, 2019 1:07 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines I have always prided myself on being a realistic optimist. I am not immune to the turmoil and chaos that has encircled us for years. When I was born, there had been a strong possibility that my dad could have been re-called to activity duty because of the Korean Conflict, in the 50s.
#Moscow Mitch: Senator McConnell isn’t happy with anyone insulting his integrity or patriotism
#Moscow Mitch: Senator McConnell isn’t happy with anyone insulting his integrity or patriotism By Sparta Live | August 5, 2019 8:36 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Senator McConnell, like most human beings doesn’t like being called derogatory names for no reason. In fact, he was rather upset by that name and an editorial in the Washington Post, written by Dana Milbank, calling Senator McConnell a Russian asset.
Casada certainly left his mark on the Tennessee General Assembly
Casada certainly left his mark on the Tennessee General Assembly By Kim Swindell Wood | July 29, 2019 2:06 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Glen Casada’s short tenure, as the House speaker in the state assembly, has forced the state’s Republican leadership to discuss how they can prevent any future House speaker from repeating Casada’s behavior in office. Corruption in local, state, and federal governments, is more often, than not, acknowledged by a wink and a nod.
Will affordable healthcare be available to ALL Americans?
Will affordable healthcare be available to ALL Americans? By Sparta Live | July 22, 2019 1:47 pm Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Republican legislators in the state and on the federal level have been doing everything they can to repeal the ACA. States were given the opportunity to expand their Medicaid programs to help those who did not meet the qualifications for inclusion in the ACA program.
Trump’s war on science and facts is harmful to our entire nation
Trump’s war on science and facts is harmful to our entire nation By Sparta Live | July 15, 2019 7:56 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Last week, Donald Trump gave a speech announcing he and his administration’s successes in protecting and improving our country’s environment. According to Mr. Trump, America has the cleanest air and crystal clean water. Those annoying things, like facts, tell a different story.
Being “off the grid” for a while can be good and bad
Being “off the grid” for a while can be good and bad By Kim Swindell Wood | July 8, 2019 8:33 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines I was “off the grid” for a little more than a week due to a move. I had some access to things happening in the news via data service on my cell phone, but I did try to limit that as much as possible, and I had too many other things going on. I am still missing items I was sure I packed but have no idea what box they might be in right now.
Here we go again, but this time may be a bit crazier
Here we go again, but this time may be a bit crazier By Sparta Live | June 24, 2019 12:03 pm Last Updated: June 24, 2019 at 7:31 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Last week, in Orlando, Florida, Donald Trump “officially” kicked off his 2020 campaign for re-election. The “original” announcement regarding his re-election campaign actually took place the day of his inauguration, when he boldly announced he was going to run again in 2020 and would be accepting donations for that campaign.
Doing the right thing for the right reason takes courage
Doing the right thing for the right reason takes courage By Sparta Live | June 18, 2019 7:42 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Why would doing the right thing for the right reason take courage? It would seem to be an easy thing to do. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in many circumstances. Take for example the stories we hear about whistleblowers. Those people don’t have it easy once they speak up against a wrong or injustice that they have witnessed.
Speaker Glen Casada and his questionable resignation tactics
Speaker Glen Casada and his questionable resignation tactics By Sparta Live | June 10, 2019 9:49 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines I’ve been reading up on Mr. Casada’s “escapades” since he became the Tennessee House Speaker, and I have to admit I am not surprised by them, but I am a bit amazed that our state government doesn’t have any official procedure, in place, to remove a legislator from office.
Round and round we go, where we stop, nobody knows
Round and round we go, where we stop, nobody knows By Sparta Live | June 3, 2019 7:03 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines Sometimes, it feels as if our current political system resembles a drunken night on the strip in Las Vegas or a stumble down a loud midway at a carnival. Lights are flashing to attract your attention, people are laughing and screaming out of joy or to express their fears, while others are crying because they lost all their money. No one is a winner 100 percent of the time.
What will our elected leaders sacrifice to uphold oaths of office?
What will our elected leaders sacrifice to uphold oaths of office? By Sparta Live | May 28, 2019 8:36 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated from the beginning of her tenure that she is not willing to jump on any band wagon that promotes the impeachment of Donald Trump. I think most of us could go along with that line of thinking prior to the release of the Mueller report.
What is behind all the new anti-abortion proposed laws?
What is behind all the new anti-abortion proposed laws? By Sparta Live | May 20, 2019 8:54 am Democratic Dialog – By Debra Wines The obvious answer is the anti-abortion movement. Is it really that simple? No, it’s not. Yes, the anti-abortionists are pushing stricter regulations and using the term “heartbeat” to enforce their abortion bans, but the purpose of these new laws is to eventually force Roe vs. Wade to be challenged in the Supreme Court.
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