Political

It is never easy finding yourself in a situation where you need to interrupt the conversation. Sometimes, your friends are talking among themselves and there is something you can't wait to tell them. Sometimes, others are dominating the conversation and you can't get a word in. Whatever it is, sometimes you just have to. It may seem a little unusual, but the fact is there's such a thing as interrupting a conversation politely. Here's how to do it without being rude. Tip # 1: Use Opening Phrase. "Please excuse me," "Let me interrupt for a minute," and "That reminds me," are some phrases you can use to ease your way into the discussion. Just be sure that your announcement is really important that it can't wait till the lull in the conversation. Remember to speak clearly, but not loudly. Tip # 2: Signal To The Speaker. Make eye-contact with the speaker to let them know that you have something to say. You can also ...

It can be very difficult to figure out how to survive office politics sometimes. There are so many different types of personalities you will encounter and each person will have unique motives and desires that they can get from the job they do. You have several options, but you generally want to be genuine in the end. Some choose to pander to each different type of person, but that will catch up to them in the end. Besides, you don't want to have to be fake just to please other people do you? That is certainly an option, but it usually comes around and bites you because you will slip up sooner or later. One of the easiest ways to avoid annoying people and getting under their skin is to ask a lot of questions. When you talk to someone on a coffee break, don't tell them about what you did over the weekend or about that crazy dream you had. They really don't care about that anyway. Ask them questions about what they did and what they've got planned for the rest of the ...

I've been watching the presidential primary race with some interest. I'm interested in politics and I strongly believe as citizens, we should strive to know something about the people who want our trust; and our vote. There's something about political campaigns, and politicians in general, that I find interesting. We think of politicians as leaders, but watching their behavior it's clear that most really aren't. That may seem a little harsh, so let me explain. Most of the politicians I've seen look different than they did a few years ago. I mean that in general terms. Politicians tend to swivel with the wind; kind of like a weather vane. There some few exceptions. John Adams could not be swayed from his belief in government's duties, and it cost him dearly. Lincoln believed in the sanctity of the Union above all else and would not compromise on that point. Coolidge believed in the ability of the market to grow the nation's economy. Reagan would not...

So you've just started a new job. From the first day, you've been feeling unsettled. You chalk it up to being new and not having established yourself yet in your environment. But the weeks go on and the feeling continues. And now you're picking up other things: the sense that you have not been accepted, the whispering that seems to occur, the jokes you don't get, etc. What the heck is happening? Well, you've hit office politics, in all its glory. If dealing with office intrigue and hidden agendas has never been your forte, you're not alone. But now you've been forced to face the music or risk hitting a damaging speed bump in your career. Here are 6 success strategies to help you: 1.  Find a mentor  - Someone who understands the company's culture, who might be in a more senior role and who seems amenable to showing you the ropes. How to find this person? Look for someone who does not engage in gossip and who you "click...

The word "bigot" gets thrown around all the time in politics, and in many cases it is wrongly placed. I got accused of being a bigot when I suggested that peaceful Muslim-Americans should report those Muslim-Americans who intend terrorist action. This is not bigotry, it is reason. The Muslim-American communities are tight-knit, and people there are in a position to know who is planning what action. So getting them to report the terrorists is simple common sense. I, for one, am as far from being a bigot as anyone can be. Many of my best friends are black or Hindu, and I am myself a Russian-Jewish immigrant. If I can be accused of being a bigot, then what hope is there for anyone else? Cultures differ, and practices in them differ. If something exists at a higher rate of chance, then there are going to be reasons for it, even if those are not the reasons that you expect. Most stereotypes have their roots in reality, even when those roots differ from one's expectat...

Many people detest political correctness, but there have not been enough credible arguments made against it. I have given thought to the matter and came up with rational refutations of some of their central claims. I do so as someone who fully supports women's rights - both to safety at home and a fulfilling life outside the home - but recognizes that, in order to regain viability, feminism needs to change course from political correctness and into a movement that actually benefits women. And this means: Improving their lives at home and outside the home - as relating, once again, to their life both inside the home and outside the home. Claim:  Domestic violence is done by people with personality disorders. Answer:  In socially liberal cultures, where abuse against women is against the norm, the people who do it are people who are in violation of social norms - which, by definition, are possessing of personality disorders. The problem is, that's not where most abus...

Regardless of one's political beliefs, and or agenda/ priorities, in recent years, it should be agreed, the Republicans, have more effectively identified and communicated their priorities, goals, and agenda, to attract their base of supporters, than the Democrats have! The more, so - called, conservative platform, has always articulated a people - oriented approach, and stated, their approach, would do, what's most needed, necessary, and a priority. On the other hand, the more progressive agenda, has failed to resonate, sufficiently, to achieve, significant electoral victories. Historically, most Americans have identified with a more - centrist, approach, and until, quite recently, we have always elected Presidents, who fell within, about 5% of the middle, either to the left, or right. For those who disagree with President Trump, and his political priorities, they will achieve little, unless the Democratic Party, creates and introduces, significant reasons, to garner support....