6 Ways To Make Our Political System Fairer And Better

6 Ways To Make Our Political System Fairer And Better

By Richard Brody

Regardless of one's political orientation, and/ or beliefs, nearly everyone realizes, there is considerable dysfunction, which makes the system, work ineffectively and inefficiently, and is often, less than properly directed, to serve the common good, and/ or needs! Perhaps, now, more than any time, in recent memory, this has become obvious and pronounced, because we have seen numerous incidents, where it appears, politicians tend to place politics, their personal agenda, and/ or self - interest, ahead of the needs, goals and priorities of their constituents, and the common good! WIth that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, and discuss. 6 ways to, potentially, make our political system, and the politicians. fairer and better.

1. Penalize the politicians, when they don't do what's needed: While one might hope, we elect representatives, who focused, primarily on the needs, goals, priorities, and best interests, of those they serve and represent, we often witness, quite the contrary behavior! Unfortunately, we often see, individuals, who appear, to care more about their interests, than the common good. For example, the United States, was supposed to have a budget, in place, by last October, but because of Congressional dysfunction, we have witnessed numerous temporary measures, only. Is that any way to run a government, or shouldn't the politicians, be made accountable, for failing, to do, what they should? After all, we have just seen our government, officially, close - down, because they didn't so their jobs! What if, there was a ramification, for them, when they didn't serve, as they should, such as, not being paid, during a shutdown, and many of their perks, such as travel, for the Congressional representatives, Senators, and the President, being temporarily eliminated? If they suffered, when their actions caused others to, perhaps, we'd see less dysfunction!

2. Mandatory ethics: Shouldn't there be, a strict, ethical code, that elected officials had to live up - to, including elimination of conflicts of interest, and other forms of personal behavior? Talking about it, or reacting, after the fact, doesn't make them ethical, but genuine punishment and ramifications, might!

3. Eliminate gerrymandering: Politicians seem to try, to make it, as easy as possible, for them, to maintain their positions, etc. This power - grabbing behavior, often, keeps them from focusing their attention, on the best interests of the public. Gerrymandering deters true, representative government, because, it creates certain politicians, to remain, in control, even when it might be, against the best interests of the public, and common good!

4. Make legislation purer: Recently, during so - called, legislative battles, especially regarding health care, and tax reform, we have witnessed, many unrelated, add - ons, in order to gain political support. Wouldn't it be better, if politicians, had to vote on specific matters, such as DACA, etc, without making it conditional, on other issues? How can we call it representative democracy, when polls indicate approximately 80% of the public support, the so - called Dreamers, yet, the politicians, still, can't pass appropriate, responsive legislation?

5. Legislator's Pension and Health Care: Wouldn't there be more emphasis, on doing, what's in the common good, if legislator's had the same needs and priorities? If they had the same concerns, regarding issues, such as retirement, and health care (including the costs), don't you think it might be treated, as a greater priority?

We need better, and more concerned, legislators! Wake up, America, and demand, the politicians, serve and represent you, and the common good!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all

Article Source: 6 Ways To Make Our Political System Fairer And Better

Drive Safe by Being Smart

Drive Safe by Being Smart

By Zainab Malik

RECKLESS DRIVING:

Thought cars have made our lives so much easier and convenient yet as a society; we still lack patience, crave danger or choose to be careless. According to reports over the years traffic fatalities have increased significantly.

So, I was just watching a video (short film) that inspired me to talk on this issue of reckless driving. It made me think about the cause. Could it have been prevented if he wasn't distracted?

Yes.

In that short video, as the guy seemingly decent, slows down for an old man to pass as he waves at him back. It's that time, when someone texts him, maybe his fianc� and sends him her pic. He just gets distracted for a second, watching those pic, he's almost about to hit another car, when he takes a left-hand turn, and hits someone (mom and the baby in the stroller).

He takes a turn only to see a woman and her baby in stroller right in front of him. The clip ends as the mom struggles to reach to her son only to see he is gone. The man that accidentally ran over, it was his wedding day!

Sometimes one second is all it takes for your life to turn for the worst. Showing a disregard for the rules of the road, may get you into a situation, you can't escape. Sometimes you can't travel a second back or wish it was just a nightmare.

Multi-tasking

'Less distractions' 'fresh energy' 'most productive'

Multi-tasking (during driving) is how I would put this together into words. It's very common and still ignored as a serious issue. Calling, texting, or being distracted by something while driving is irresponsible.

CRAZY MORNINGS AND DISTRACTED DRIVING:

Wake up 15 minutes early, less frustration and less chances of distracted driving.

Now you're, stuck in traffic, cursing, the traffic noise and the chaos. We have lost patience and the consequences are the incidents that happen every day, right in front of us yet we choose to ignore them.

Let's say you're waking up late, rushing to get car keys, by the time you find them you are too late to have your breakfast and indulge in distracted driving (in addiction to texting or talking, putting on make-up, snacking).

Sadly, whether Intentional or unintentional, it has the same consequence in these kind of accidents. There are many factors that contribute to this but identifying the contributory factors help understand in depth.

• The reckless driving ranks on the top one:

• Harmless can be lethal.

• Phones aren't the only issue

• Driving while drowsy, speeding, having multiple passengers

• browsing music

• tending to your children in the backseat

• Dangerous behavior, acknowledging

• (Failing to follow simple rules again and again)

• (Failing to wear seatbelts)

• Unexpected maneuvering (bus and trucks)

• Paying less attention to the oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane

• Misjudgment of distance and speed

• (Motorcycles move differently from cars)

• Lack of street lighting.Unclear vision due to shadow of small trees, advertisement boards, and roadside objects during the night time.

• Difficulty in distinguishing the lane separation

• Road and Environment Factor, in particular for developing countries (where vehicle and road-environment are still not of the same standards as developed countries).

TEMPTATION, PEER PRESSURE AND YOUNG INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS:

I am writing this as reckless driving and young people are very much is 'connected' if we look at the statistics.

Teenage kids are most, at risk of reckless driving, and the reason is almost all teenagers behave in an impulsive, irrational, or dangerous way.

Violent games are also one of the causes teenagers are more likely to drive recklessly; according to new violent video games, movies, are a 'gate way' to risky thoughts. Now, that's not just one way to desensitize one, and risky thoughts lead to risky behavior.

Although peer pressure may seem harmless, it is no joke. This craving of thrill and danger may result in horrible consequences they don't fully understand, probably roll their eyes and ignore. As a parent, make sure they stay safe; awareness is important, follow the rules and road security regulations, and be smart and responsible.

They're easily pressured into doing something reckless, can become a detriment to the safety of teen drivers. They should be aware, in situations like these, preventing a drunken friend from hurting themselves or someone else. Try to help them to be responsible, advise them (not lecture) to prevent from getting into trouble.

Being safe by not breaking any rules:

Running late is one of the main causes and being five minutes early can reduce that chance.

No distraction: such as cell phones, don't get in a fight or check text messages. Use when safely parked and there is no more rush.

Stay calm and whatever makes you relax. Listen to music, if it helps to physically calm the body, if anxious.

There is no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Call a cab, crash at a friend's house but don't drive.

Every day we encounter or hear this disheartening news and though we know the dangers but we do need to constantly remind ourselves because this can save anyone we love. Working on safety and road regulations still needs to be done. Let's keep promoting a clear understanding of responsibilities, their impact and consequences.

Article Source: Drive Safe by Being Smart

Brake Discs: Staying Safe on the Roads

Brake Discs: Staying Safe on the Roads

By Paresh Gordhan

Whether it is during the holiday season or during the working season, it is always important to stay safe on the roads. During the holidays the roads become so congested because everyone is generally travelling to the same vacation destinations. Whilst during the working months most people work in the same metropolitan areas which lead to those highways being extremely busy. With so many cars on the roads these days it is necessary to do your part in order to stay safe on the roads.

Be courteous on the roads. Allow other drivers a space ahead of you, if they require. Use your indicators so that other drivers know which way you intend to turn. Keep safe braking distances as this can help you to avoid an accident that may occur in front of you.

Stick to the speed limit. Don't be tempted to drive too fast. Speed is a killer whether you believe it or not. You may think that you're in control of the vehicle, and you may be, but it is the unexpected actions of other drivers or pedestrians on the road that could lead to a devastating accident.

Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. There are many pedestrians and cyclists on the road. It is important to note that they are road users too. Just like you, they also have to go to work and back home again. Be aware of them just as you are aware of other cars.

Buckle up. It's surprising how many people ignore this simple instruction yet seatbelts save so many lives. Everyone in the car which includes the driver as well as all passengers should buckle up at all times.

Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Make sure that your vehicle has no problems that can affect its driving abilities. Take it for regular services to check the engine, oil and water levels, wheels, tyres, gearbox, brakes, etc. If any car part is not working, such as the    brake discs, it is important to repair it immediately. Any faulty car parts can affect the proper working of the car which could lead to an accident.

Overtake carefully. If you need to pass another vehicle, take extra care to check whether the road ahead is clear. Also check that no other cars are trying to overtake you in the process. Many accidents occur during overtaking other vehicles because the driver underestimates the distance and speed at which the other car is driving towards them.

We are based in Boksburg and are able to service everyone in the East Rand Area. Don't take chances with your brakes. If you are in any doubt about your brakes, come to us and get them checked while you wait. We offer a speedy brake repair service.
Contact us Phone: 0118267000, Email:  info@astrobrake.co.za

Article Source:  Brake Discs: Staying Safe on the Roads

Top 7 Good Road Side Manners

Top 7 Good Road Side Manners

By Paresh Gordhan

There are more cars on the road now than ever before. Previously not everyone was able to afford a car but nowadays there are a variety of options available suitable for every pocket. With public transport not being the ideal means of transport anymore, more people are driving themselves to work. The sheer amount of cars on the road is what causes congestion so it is good practice for everyone to adopt healthy road side manners.

We all have to share the roads we drive on so we have to be courteous with one another. Here are seven good road side manners to adopt.

If you are in bumper to bumper traffic and there is a car in the left lane that needs to get into the right lane you're in, allow them a gap ahead of you. Perhaps they need to be in that lane in order to turn right at the intersection ahead.

When another driver gives you a gap ahead of them, do the courteous thing and say thank you by flashing your hazard lights a couple of times. The flashing of hazard lights for a couple of times is a general thank you gesture on the roads.

Don't tailgate another driver. Keep your driving distance and give the driver ahead of you a comfortable space. You should be able to see the car's rear wheels. If you can't see the rear wheels then you are too close.

Keep left and pass right. If there is more than one lane, then stick to the left lane. If you need to pass, then pass to the right lane and back to the left lane again. This allows all drivers to drive along at their own pace within the speed limit.

Allow pedestrians to cross at intersections, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians are road users too. Bring your car to a stop and give them time to cross the road.

Keep an eye out for motorcycles and cyclists. If you check your mirrors and blind spots at the pertinent moments then you will notice the cyclists. If they are coming closer to you ensure that you allow them sufficient space to pass by. A one meter distance from them is usually acceptable.

Don't brake too much. Some drivers drive with their foot on the brakes all the time and will apply the brakes all the time for no good reason. This confuses drivers behind you. They're not sure if you're slowing down to stop or just to slow down. In addition such behaviour can damage your brakes and you'll have to go for brake repairs more often.

We are based in Boksburg and are able to service everyone in the East Rand Area. Don't take chances with your brakes. If you are in any doubt about your brakes, come to us and get them checked while you wait. We offer a speedy brake repair service.
Contact us Phone: 0118267000, Email:  info@astrobrake.co.za

Article Source: Top 7 Good Road Side Manners

Understanding Engines: How A Diesel Engine Works

Understanding Engines: How A Diesel Engine Works

By Mohammed Suliman

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between a petrol engine and a diesel engine? Besides the noise difference you hear when the diesel engine is running, there is a greater difference.

In a diesel engine, the fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber with an injector nozzle. The air in each chamber has to be placed under extremely high pressure so that it is hot enough to ignite. Diesel on its own is not flammable so it has to be put under some kind of force.

Many people turn the ignition on before driving the car in order to get the engine warmed up. This might be useful in extremely cold weather conditions. Turning the key in the ignition system is the start of the whole process. Once the key is turned, fuel gets injected into the cylinders under immense pressure. This allows the air to heat on its own.

Previous versions of diesel engines needed glow plugs to get the gases heated up for an efficient drive. Nowadays, the gases or air heats up so quickly that glow plugs are not as necessary as before, however, these plugs are still there to control the emissions.

The diesel fuel will then pass through filters to be cleaned before it gets to the injector nozzles. It is necessary to maintain filters as contamination is common with this type of fuel and clogging may occur.

Within the fuel injector, a high and constant pressure of 23 500 psi needs to be applied whilst it releases the fuel into the cylinders. Fuel gets sprayed into the chambers with the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This ECU will determine the pressure that needs to be applied for the spraying process.

Most diesel engines have a turbocharger installed for greater power and pressure. The turbocharger also saves on the amount fuel that gets used in one cycle. With a turbocharger installed, the power of the diesel engine gets increased by over forty percent.

Diesel is made up of kerosene (which ignites at a low temperature), oil (which lubricates and seals any grooves that might affect movement), ether (which has a low ignition temperature), and an ignition improver which is often Amyl Nitrate.

Having a diesel engine might be cheaper for you in the long run. Tyres might not be heavily affected by this type of engine but ensure that the tyres are properly inflated to enjoy further fuel savings.

Minty's is amongst the leading tyre suppliers in South Africa, and is recognized for our high standard of customer service. We have built a reputation amongst our customers and ensure that they receive tyres and alloy wheels of the highest quality, amongst the largest brands nationwide.

Contact us on Tel: 011 661 4338 / 011 661 4339 or Email:  amalgam@mintys.com.

Article Source: Understanding Engines: How A Diesel Engine Works

How to Create Attractive Ads in Free Classified Sites

How to Create Attractive Ads in Free Classified Sites

By Sonaram Gupta

In the days of high end technology and social media presence, if you believe that classified ads are a thing of the past, think again. Though the competition remains stiff, posting ads in a classified is evidently a cost effective, quick and a reliable way for your business to reach target customers. This makes them a desirable aspect of any kind of business campaign.

Having said that, it is essential to ensure that your ad doesn't get lost among the sea of classifieds. If you are keen to create striking ads that grab some eyeballs, then equip yourself with these pointers.

The name says it all - While Shakespeare may have believed that 'what's in a name', trust us, the name or the title of your ad will be the first point of contact with the seller. If you choose an appealing title for your advertisement, it is twice as more likely to get noticed. It doesn't have to be long and detailed, something short and striking would do just as well.

Picture perfect - Always make sure that the accompanying pictures are authentic. Often sellers post fake pictures, just to make their product look better or sell faster. Not only is this ethically wrong, but will be a long way off from selling your product. Instead make sure that you click high res images of the said product, from different perspectives, to give the buyer a better scope of judgement.

The devil is in the details - The description of your advertisement must be specific and based on facts. That said, remember to always word the content with striking yet simple language that captivates the reader. A dull and heavily worded prose, is not going to connect much with the buyer, however great the product may be. The description of your ad should also list, other relevant information such as the product features or benefits, what is in it for the buyer.

Another important aspect to remember here would to post your advertisement in the appropriate section. A beautifully worded ad, will not be of much help, if it doesn't target the audience it is intended for and you would have lost on the opportunity to make a good deal. It would be a good idea to acquaint yourself with navigating the site better, to avoid any hassles. Along with this also make sure that you mention your contact details for the prospective buyers to get in touch with you.

Create an interest - Most of all, create an advertisement that connects with the audience. Here is your chance to connect with the larger audience, so make sure that every part of the advertisement, right from the heading, body, images used are a reflection of your genuine desire to make a selling.

   Classified are a great place to showcase your services and products. Now that your enlightened with the above tips, you are all set to create interesting advertisements, which are sure to pull maximum traffic for your advertisements.

Article Source: How to Create Attractive Ads in Free Classified Sites

Kenneth Davids 'bapak baptis kopi' mengunjungi Taipei

Penulis empat buku tentang kopi dan editor Coffeereview.com, Kenneth Davids, menghadiri Pameran Kopi Internasional Taiwan 2024 pada Sabtu (...