UK Elections - A Taste of America's Style, Really

Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, a political scientist in the UK, wrote a blog the other day entitled  Election Saturation that caught my eye. This year, the three candidates for Prime Minister decided to engage in American-style televised TV debates.  Dr. Ahmed writes: 

Nothing new in the debate, no meaningful elaboration of anything that’s been said, but instead each leader standing behind the firing line, indulging in the same banal repetition of exactly the same slogans and quick-fix supposed ‘policy’ solutions to micro-issues, without ever even daring to address the real fundamental problems we, and the world, are now facing. Indeed, nothing really seems to be any clearer than it was before the debates started. Now we have a better idea of who wants power. But most people still don’t feel like the debates have helped them make their minds up. In fact, many people feel more confused than ever.

Welcome to American-style polictics!  It was bound to happen that with the internet and satellite television that the 24-hour news cycle would spill over to infect the rest of the world.  The only saving grace in the UK is that this particular election cycle lasts for only 3 weeks.  And since the Prime Minister is the one who calls for elections, it is not clear when the next election will be.  Here in the US, it feels like our politicians are now in "campaign mode" all the time.  They get sworn into office and immediately start working towards their re-election.


I'm not saying anything original when I blame this constant electioneering on the rise of the 24 hour cable news shows and the decline in viewership of the big 3 TV networks.  Reporters and talk show hosts are clamoring for information to fill the on-air hours.  Anyone with an opinion, regardless of expertise, is fair game to be interviewed and spout off on the "story of the hour".  Some networks have gone as far as organizing and/or sponsoring events just so they can cover them!


Politicians are caught up in the quest to seem relevant and current and to have an instant opinion.  I think that is why it is easier for some to just follow the party line.  They don't have time to mull over information and ideas to grasp the overall concept and decide what their true opinion might be.  


Our candidates now have to be more "telegenic" than intelligent, with a true triumph of style over substance.  I think we are using natural selection to weed out the thinkers, the deliberators, the compromisers and the quietly competent.  Our founding fathers would be soundly defeated if they were to stand for election today.  They would not be given the time to deliberate the big picture and the long term consequences of the Constitution.  Henry Clay, the "Great Compromiser" would be portrayed as a flip-flopper.


What's the solution?  Americans (and clearly, other citizens of the world) need to stand up and say "enough is enough"!  We need to demand that our news outlets give us the facts and not opinions.   We need to question what we hear and not swallow it hook, line and sinker.  We need to stand up against half truths, hypocrisy and obfuscation.  We need to expect that the experts actually have credentials when they give commentary.  Truly, we all need to go into rehab for "news addiction" to break the 24-hour news/infotainment cycle.


The first step is to act like Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler on Saturday Night Live and ask "Really?".  Is that really breaking news?  Is that person really qualified to talk on the subject?   Are those really the facts?  What does that really mean to me?


If we all take that first step, we will be one step closer to thinking for ourselves and to shaping our country the way we really want it to be.

...of minimizing visits to your vet!

I was just reading this article (I love you, but we need to spend more time apart!) about what to do to keep your horse in good condition to avoid extra visits to the veterinarian. It got me thinking about what dog owners should do to keep their dogs in peak condition, too. What would you add to my list? How about you cat owners? What should you do for the kitties?

Keeping dogs healthy on a daily basis(in no particular order):

1) Daily exercise - just 15 minutes of exercise per day will extend the healthy life of your dog. Exercise can be a walk, a run, a game of chase or fetch, or whatever your dogs enjoys that gets him moving.

2) Fresh water - the water bowl should be replenished with fresh water at least once a day. Make sure your dog has access to water as much as possible. It's good for them and it helps flush toxicants out of their systems.


3) Feed the best food you can afford. Consider supplementing your dog's diet with vegetables and fruit to help give him a natural source of vitamins. Just like we should do, try to cut back on the processed food in your dog's diet.

4) Give each dog in your household individual attention every day. Get to know her special personality. Brush her coat (and her teeth!) and check her over for lumps and bumps and look in her ears, and even practice a few obedience commands. Just a few minutes a day will increase your bond with her and will help you discover any issues more quickly.

5) Feed your dog once or twice a day (instead of free-feeding) and watch him eat. Learn his eating pattern so that you can tell quickly when he is losing his appetite or may have trouble chewing or swallowing. This will also help him to be on a regular "potty" schedule, too.

6) Establish a routine. Dogs prefer routine. Get in a habit of doing the above every day.

7) Once a week, check your dog's leash and collar, his toys, bedding, the fence, the yard, your house, etc. for anything hazards. Make sure the collar fits properly, that the ID tags are not ready to fall off (or already missing!) and that the buckle works properly. Make sure your leash isn't frayed and about to break with one good tug. Check your fence for breaks or holes being dug. Make sure toys and bedding aren't coming apart so he won't choke on parts or swallow something he shouldn't. Ensure that his crate closes securely. Finally, make a sweep of your house and remove all potential hazards from dog level.

Just a few minutes a day can keep your dog healthy and happy and out of the vet's office. Although we love our vets  (shout out to Drs. Tom and Sue at East Hilliard Veterinary Services !) , let's try to keep our interactions to annual check-ups and holiday greeting cards!!