US Government Employees Really Are Important!

US Government Employees Really Are Important!

Comments 0 Comment

The American public should understand that the level of competence of not just leaders, like Donald Trump, but also department heads, managers and staff is necessary for better government functioning.  Here are factors for goodness:

  • transparency.
  • responsibility.
  • accountability.
  • participation.
  • responsiveness

Trump does not look for quality but faithful compliance in the people he appoints.  But, beware, he actually wants less government workers!  At the end of this post, you will find the reason.

What are the six dimensions of good governance?

 Voice & Accountability  is a country’s citizens’ ability to participate in selecting their government and express their views, along with the government’s capacity and will to respond to these demands and be held responsible for its actions.
The latest value from 2023 is 0.88 points, an increase from 0.86 points in 2022. In comparison, the world average is -0.03 points, based on data from 192 countries. Historically, the average for the USA from 1996 to 2023 is 1.12 points.
Political Stability:  is the sustained, peaceful, and functional condition of a government and its political system, characterized by legitimacy, a stable constitutional framework, a lack of significant disruptions, and the capacity to prevent forced change or conflict.
The latest value from 2023 is 0.03 points, an increase from 0.01 points in 2022. In comparison, the world average is -0.06 points, based on data from 193 countries. Historically, the average for the USA from 1996 to 2023 is 0.38 points. 

Lack of Violence: is a country’s citizens’ ability to participate in selecting their government and express their views, along with the government’s capacity and will to respond to these demands and be held responsible for its actions.

Yes, violent crime has decreased in the U.S., with a 4.5% national decrease in violent crime in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the FBI. The FBI also reported a significant 14.9% drop in murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates from 2023 to 2024, following a 10% decline in the prior year. This trend of declining violence, particularly homicides and gun assaults, has been observed in many U.S. cities since 2022, though rates have not yet returned to pre-2020 levels.

Government Effectiveness: uses six dimensions of governance for their measurements, Voice & Accountability, Political Stability and Lack of Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law, and Control of Corruption.
Regulatory Quality: refers to the ability of a government to formulate and implement sound, effective, and transparent policies and regulations that support private sector development and promote societal well-being.
The U.S. regulatory quality is generally high, though it has seen some recent declines, with a World Bank index score of 1.39 in 2023, well above the global average of -0.03.
Rule of Law: The rule of law is a principle where everyone is accountable to laws that are publicly known, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated, ensuring a just and orderly society. It means no one is above the law, human rights are protected, and legal processes are fair and accessible.
https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2024/United%20States
Control of Corruption.  is the extent to which public power is exercised for private gain, including both petty and grand. forms of corruption, as well as “capture” of the state by elites and private interests.

In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), the United States has a score of 65 out of 100 and ranks 28th out of 180 countries, a decrease of 4 points from the previous year.

Summary: It appears that the overall situation in the United States is not yet bad.  It can take years to ruin a country!   The problem appears that the US current leadership is working toward damaging and diminishing the government for self serving decisions that reward Donald Trump and the Republican Party but seem at times to hurt some of the best government workers and the people of the United States.

Lets view some recent examples>

The Scale of Recent Layoffs

  • Hundreds of Thousands in Total:
    Reports from July 2025 indicated that the Trump administration initiated plans for more than 290,000 federal civil service layoffs, with nearly 200,000 federal workers having already left their jobs by August 2025. 
  • Confirmed and Planned Cuts:

    As of May 2025, The New York Times had tracked over 58,500 confirmed cuts and more than 76,000 buyouts, with over 149,000 other planned reductions, representing about 12% of the civilian federal workforce at the time. 

    Current Specific Agencies Affected:

  • State Department: Around 1,300 employees were fired in a single day in July 2025. 
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA fired 388 employees in February 2025. 
  • Defense Department: Planned to fire 5,400 probationary employees. 
  • National Science Foundation: Fired 168 employees in February 2025. 

Compare the huge numbers above to what should be expected when viewing past years.

PAST YEARS VIEWED BELOW, USED AS A RULER OF COMPARISON

  • Past Years, Routine Performance-Based Firings:  In addition to mass layoffs, more than two dozen federal employees are fired daily on average for performance or conduct reasons.
  • Past Years, Annual Average:
    The number of federal employees removed for performance or conduct hovers around 10,000 individuals annually.

SUMMARY:  It can be seen that the United States is holding it’s own when being measured it’s overall economic success but not employment!  Just look at how the United States government core employees have and are being wiped out. WOW!

Since shortly after the inauguration, the Trump Administration has made it a central goal to sharply reduce the number of federal workers, with little regard to the impact on the functioning of basic government services. 

WHY?: 

These actions are based on long-standing conservative (Republican) goals, most notably outlined in Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation.

_________________

Just another reason to not vote Republican!

_________________

Recommended readings:

Trump Administration’s Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers Are Illegal

Posted August 28, 2025 by Score Card
Reasons To Not Support The US Republican Party

Reasons To Not Support The US Republican Party

Comments 0 Comment
While there is no legal mechanism to “do away with” a political party in the United States, arguments for abolishing or replacing the Republican party are generally based on the following criticisms and reasons to diminish this party’s authority:
  • Ideological extremism and scorn for compromise: Some political analysts argue that the Republican party has become an ideological outlier that dismisses the legitimacy of its opposition. The Brookings Institution, a policy research organization, argues that this has made it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country’s challenges.
  • Focus on cultural issues over policy solutions: Critics argue that the party is too focused on “culture and race wars” and protecting corporate interests rather than addressing real policy issues. A contributor on Reddit suggested that the party “refuses to address real issues”.  The party, instead champions the views and desires of Donald Trump, a want to be dictator.
  • Growing anti-democratic attitudes: A 2025 University of Michigan blog post highlighted that, in recent decades, increased economic inequality led wealthy donors to demand radical cuts to government programs and nominate judges who support these goals. One commentator described this as the party being “no longer committed to democracy”.  Also, the right wing Christians also voted for and support Trump, which if this plays out for liberalism would be detrimental to Christians.
  • Authoritarian tendencies and allegiance to Donald Trump: Critics claim that the party has been dominated by Donald Trump’s personality and the MAGA movement, with little regard for democratic principles. This includes a lack of oversight of the executive branch when Republicans control the White House.
    • Expansion of executive power: Republicans were seen as enthusiastically ceding powers to the Trump administration, even to the point of eroding Congress’s own authority.
    • Investigations resisted: The administration frequently thwarted congressional oversight efforts. Tactics included withholding documents under protective claims of executive privilege, refusing to cooperate with House subpoenas, and directing officials not to participate in depositions.
    • The Trump administration has used executive orders and budget cuts to reduce the authority of numerous federal departments and agencies. 
      • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The administration has rolled back climate regulations and sought to revoke the “endangerment finding” that allows the agency to regulate greenhouse gases.
      • Department of Education: Plans outlined in the conservative Project 2025 call for the elimination of the department and a major reduction in the federal government’s role in public education.
      • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): This department has seen proposals for significant budget cuts and the elimination of key programs.
      • USAID: Executive actions have been used to freeze U.S. foreign aid and threaten the future of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
      • Department of Justice (DOJ): According to the conservative Project 2025, the DOJ’s independence would be diminished by placing it under the direct control of the President.
    • Trump’s second term (2025): Since regaining the presidency in 2025, Trump has continued to face accusations of undermining government oversight. This includes firing independent inspectors general, centralizing regulatory authority within the White House, and issuing executive orders that critics say expand presidential power.
  • Hypocrisy and inconsistency: Some commentators point out perceived inconsistencies in the party’s stances, such as criticizing deficits while increasing military spending and pushing for higher deficits. A Quora user highlighted the party’s contrasting reactions to the 2000 and 2020 presidential elections.
  • Promotion of extreme conspiracy theories:Mother Jones magazine linked the party’s history with figures like Barry Goldwater to the embrace of far-right extremists and conspiracy theories.
  • Obstructionism and political gridlock: In a May 2024 article, the Brookings Institution highlighted that since January 2023, around 100 Republican representatives had used disruptive tactics to thwart the will of the majority.
Those who argue for abolishing the Republican party often propose alternative models for American governance. One Reddit user suggested splitting the Democratic party to offer more choices and allow for a focus on specific issues rather than ideological rigidity. Another Reddit contributor suggested that abolishing all political parties could lead to more transparent and accountable governance by focusing on individual merit rather than party affiliation.
Summary:  It appears that the Republican Party lacks understanding and support for the values of Democracy are not being followed.  They instead, buckle to any person or group that possesses:
  • Power
  • Wealth
  • Charisma
  • Appears sincere
  • Skills
  • Talent
  • Wants control
  • Knows how to appeal positively toward others.

If the U.S. became a dictatorship

If the U.S. became a dictatorship, fundamental rights like freedom of speech and assembly would likely be suppressed, leading to a decline in human dignity and equality before the law. The government would have unchecked power, eliminating the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully, and the rule of law would be replaced by the rule of one person or group, negatively impacting social policies and citizens’ security. Economic stability could also be affected as the government could restrict or ban labor organizations, leading to social dualism and increased inequality. 

Loss of Freedoms and Rights 
  • Suppression of individual liberties:
    Freedoms of speech, thought, and action would likely be curtailed, eroding democratic principles.
  • Erosion of human dignity:
    The respect for human dignity, a core tenet of democracy, would be diminished as a dictatorship would prioritize the state’s power over individual well-being.
  • Violation of equality:
    The concept of equality before the law would be lost, as citizens would not have the same rights and protections.
Destruction of Democratic Processes 
  • Absence of peaceful conflict resolution:
    A dictatorship would eliminate the democratic means of peacefully resolving different views and conflicts.
  • Unchecked power
    The government would hold absolute authority, meaning there would be no checks and balances on its power.
  • Lack of accountability:
    Leaders would not be accountable to the people, creating an environment ripe for abuse of power.
Negative Social and Economic Impacts
  • Negative impact on social policies:

    Authoritarian regimes have a detrimental effect on social policies, potentially reducing social welfare and equality. 

  • Increased social inequality:

    By banning labor organizations and restricting economic freedoms, a dictatorship can lead to increased social dualism and greater economic inequality. 

  • Decline in security:
    The safety and security of the community would be jeopardized as the rule of law would be replaced by the arbitrary rule of the dictator.

    Some political and religious support groups just might be decimated if the United States becomes a dictatorship!

    Based on how authoritarian regimes have historically operated and suppressed civil society, the following groups would be most affected:
    Groups advocating for democracy and human rights
    Dictatorial regimes are fundamentally opposed to organizations that challenge their power and hold them accountable for abuses.
     
    • Human rights and civil liberties organizations: Groups like the Center for Constitutional Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Human Rights Watch would be targeted for documenting abuses, challenging government overreach, and defending the rule of law.
    • Pro-democracy and government accountability groups: Organizations focused on protecting voting rights, promoting transparency, and advocating against corruption would be silenced. Their work is a direct threat to consolidating power.
    • Independent journalists and media: A dictatorship exerts total control over mass communications to eliminate dissent and suppress truthful reporting. Independent news outlets and journalistic organizations would be shut down or co-opted.
  • Groups representing marginalized or vulnerable communities
    Dictatorships often thrive by creating a sense of “us versus them,” blaming marginalized communities for societal problems and inciting hatred against them. 
    • LGBTQ+ advocacy and support groups: LGBTQ+ rights and protections are often among the first to be dismantled by authoritarian regimes. Support groups would face repression, censorship, and removal of legal protections.
    • Racial and ethnic minority support groups: Racial justice organizations and groups that address issues like systemic discrimination and inequality would be seen as subversive. A dictatorship would likely intensify targeted repression against minority communities, as is seen with policing under “racial authoritarianism”.
    • Immigrant and refugee assistance organizations: Organizations that aid and advocate for non-citizens are often targeted as regimes seek to scapegoat and demonize immigrants.
    • Religious minorities: A dictatorial government often aligns with a specific nationalist or religious ideology. Religious minority groups or those with differing beliefs would face discrimination and heightened scrutiny.
    Groups that foster community and shared identity
    Any group that builds community independently of the state is a potential threat to a dictatorship’s control.
    • Labor unions and workers’ rights organizations: Dictatorships suppress unions and strikes to control the economy and eliminate organized worker opposition.
    • Community organizers and activists: Grassroots organizations that focus on local issues like housing, environmental justice, or social services would be viewed with suspicion and shut down.
    • Advocacy groups for people with disabilities: Independent living and advocacy groups like the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) would be suppressed. A dictatorship is less likely to support disability services that empower citizens and more likely to control them through government institutions.
    Support groups focused on mental health
    Authoritarian regimes often discourage or co-opt independent initiatives for mental well-being to maintain control over the populace and avoid addressing systematic oppression.
    • Independent mental health support networks: Peer-led support groups like those offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) would be diminished.
    • Psychiatric survivors’ movements: These groups, which focus on patient self-determination and empowerment, would be directly at odds with a system that demands conformity. 

________________

Recommended Solutions:  Do not vote for Trump!  Do not vote for the Republican Party!  Support the full and complete impeachment of Donald Trump.  Help build the Democratic Party.  Think about creating a new party with Liberal views.

Note: Much of this blog post was helped by AI!

Posted August 27, 2025 by Score Card
Google Shows To Use Graphite To Lubricate Locks – WRONG!

Google Shows To Use Graphite To Lubricate Locks – WRONG!

Comments 0 Comment
Every year or more, I lubricate our house door locks, outside gate lock and car locks with graphite.  For some reason this was a really costly mistake!  I tried to make sure using graphite was correct lubricant to use or not.  I did a Google search before doing the door lock lubrication:
Simple Google Search: 
I wrote: “What is the best thing to lubricate a door lock with?”
Google Answer:
“Graphite powder is the preferred lubricant for locks. You should be able to get it at any hardware store in a squeeze bottle that is half air.”

This is WRONG, if your door locks are SmartKey!   Be very careful!

Then, when me and my wife could not get our front door to lock and unlock it, I performed another search to find the best door lock lubricant.  What is rather shocking is now I get a way better answer that could have saved me lots of money!

NEW GOOGLE ANSWER:

“While some locksmiths use graphite, you should not spray graphite into a smart key lock system, especially a Kwikset SmartKey lock. The fine particles can clog the lock’s small, complex internal mechanisms, leading to failure and a costly repair or replacement.” 

“Why graphite is a poor choice for smart locks.”

  • “Complex mechanisms: SmartKey lock systems, like those.rom Kwikset, use delicate metal wafers instead of the larger pins found in traditional locks. The powdered graphite can gum up these tiny parts.”
  • “Contamination risk: If oil-based lubricants were ever used in the lock, the graphite can combine with the oily residue to create a sticky, abrasive paste that will seize the lock.”
  • “Warranty concerns: Using an improper lubricant can void your lock’s warranty. Many manufacturers and locksmiths do not recommend graphite for modern locks.” 

“Safer alternatives for lubricating a smart lock.”

“For most modern locks, including Kwikset SmartKey systems, the best practice is to use a dry, synthetic spray lubricant or a cleaner recommended by locksmiths. These products are designed to clean and lubricate without attracting dust and dirt.”

  • “Houdini Lock Lube: This is a popular choice among professional locksmiths. It’s a solvent-based spray that cleans the lock and leaves a light lubricant behind.”
  • “Tri-Flow: This is a high-grade petroleum oil-based aerosol spray that penetrates deep into hard-to-reach parts and is very effective for automotive and other locks.”
  • “Dry PTFE (Teflon) spray: Products containing PTFE leave a dry, slick film that repels dust, dirt, and moisture, keeping the lock operating smoothly.
  • LPS 1: This is a professional-grade lubricant that both penetrates and displaces water, making it a good choice for flushing out old debris before re-lubricating.” 

“Best practices for lubricating any lock.”

  1. “Flush the cylinder: Start by using a cleaner (like Houdini) to flush out any old lubricant or contaminants.”
  2. “Apply sparingly: Insert the nozzle of the spray lubricant into the keyway and give it a short burst. For wafer-based locks, less is more.”
  3. “Work it in: Insert and remove the key several times to distribute the new lubricant evenly.”
  4. “Wipe the key: Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess lubricant from the key. This prevents residue from getting on your hands or in your pockets.” 

It cost us about $6,000 to have a lock smith try to repair our SmartKey lock cylinders.  We had two mounted in our front door:

  • Top major lock replaed.
  • Lock built into the door handle and typically used the most, replaced.

Because the lock smith had 15 years experience, worked Sunday, arrived within 30 minutes, did his repair on two locks that could not be completed because they were now defective, drove off to buy a replacement front door lock assembly, came back, and installed new lock devices, we were charged just over $618.00!

Posted August 24, 2025 by Score Card
Ranking of Countries by Quality of Democracy

Ranking of Countries by Quality of Democracy

Comments 0 Comment

DENMARK

Rank: #1

Total Value Index: 0.958

Note: Working Democracy

USA:

Rank #36. (Out of 136 total)

Total Value Index: 0.811

Note: Deficient Democracy

AI Overview

The United States is considered a “flawed democracy,” rather than a “full democracy”. While the U.S. has democratic institutions and practices, various factors contribute to it being categorized as flawed, including issues like electoral integrity, checks and balances, and political polarization.

Here’s a more detailed explanation from AI:

As of 2025, the United States continues to be classified as a “flawed democracy” by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in its annual Democracy Index. This designation, first given in 2016, stems from issues such as political polarization, declining public trust in institutions, and problems with the functioning of the government. 

Factors contributing to the “flawed democracy” rating.

 

  • Intense political polarization and declining political culture: The EIU identifies the US’s intense partisan division as a major contributing factor to its score. The political culture category measures public support for democracy and rejection of authoritarianism. Polls have found low trust in elected officials and political parties, and some surveys even indicate a significant minority of Americans are open to authoritarian alternatives.
  • Dysfunctional government: The American political system’s high level of institutional gridlock and political sectarianism lowers its score for the “functioning of government”. This dysfunction leads to public distrust, as many feel the government is not responsive to their needs.
  • Electoral concerns and voter suppression: While the US still scores high on electoral process and pluralism, various reports have cited concerns about the fairness of elections. Issues include partisan gerrymandering, administrative barriers to voting, and other forms of voter suppression.
  • Erosion of checks and balances: Some analyses suggest that problems with the Electoral College, the Senate’s structure, and the Supreme Court’s politicization, along with the influence of “dark money” in campaigns, have eroded the system of checks and balances.

Key recent assessments

  • 2025 Democracy Index (assessing 2024): The EIU’s 2025 report maintained the US’s classification as a “flawed democracy,” though the US moved up one spot in the rankings.
  • 2024 Democracy Index (assessing 2023): The EIU also rated the US a “flawed democracy” in this report, ranking it 29th among 167 countries. The EIU noted high scores for electoral process but persistent issues with political culture.
  • Other democracy watchdogs:
    • Freedom House: While Freedom House classifies the US as a “free” country, its aggregate score has been in decline since 2015.
    • V-Dem Institute: The V-Dem Institute has warned that the US has “autocratized to a significant degree,” with concerns about the freedom and fairness of elections.

_________________________

“Freedom and democracy in the United States is in decline. According to the Economist, the United States now ranks not among the world’s “full democracies” (such as Canada, Japan, and most of Western Europe) but among the “flawed democracies” (such as Greece, Israel, Poland, and Brazil).

What is driving these shifts? As early as 2018, the researchers at the Varieties of Democracy Institute identified concerns about inadequate checks on executive power and the freedom and fairness of elections.”

“The American states have diverged substantially in their commitment to democratic practices. While some states have expanded voter access and strengthened impartial election administration, other states have moved in the opposite direction.”

“It is not at all obvious that the GOP rank and file will accept legitimate defeats in 2024, or that all prominent party leaders will validate free and fair election outcomes unless they are Republican victories.”

“Democratic erosion can occur between elections. Even a legitimately elected leader can become an autocrat through executive aggrandizement: consolidating power by reducing the independence of the civil service and by undermining the “checks and balances” provided by the legislature and judicial system.”

“Election integrity is threatened if incumbents can weaponize the provision of government services or government jobs for partisan ends.”

“Would-be autocrats commonly seek to mobilize the powers of the state to undercut political opposition and tighten their grasp on power both between and during elections.”

“To an unprecedented degree, the Trump administration and its allies sought to delegitimize, incapacitate, and politicize the independent civil service.28 Throughout his term and as part of his attempted election subversion, President Trump pressured and fired senior officials in the Justice Department. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration interfered with the health reports provided by the Centers for Disease Control. Civil servants at every level of government experienced retaliation when their work did not comport with the claims or preferences of the administration. Entire offices were relocated to distant cities, forcing employees to uproot their families or quit. Attacks on the honesty of individual election officials, health officials, and others became commonplace, in some cases provoking threats of violence against them.31 Shortly before the 2020 election, President Trump released an executive order, “Schedule F,” intended to give him the authority to fire as many as 50,000 career civil servants. Preparations are underway to continue this process of power consolidation under a future Republican president, whether or not that president is Trump.”

Source:
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/understanding-democratic-decline-in-the-united-states/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Economist%2C%20the,at%20the%20University%20of%20Gothenburg.&text=These%20indices%20come%20to%20a,Freedom%20House%20and%20Economist%20analyses.

Posted August 22, 2025 by Score Card.

 

UNITED STATES LIBERAL PARTY VALUES

UNITED STATES LIBERAL PARTY VALUES

Comments 0 Comment

American liberals generally support individual rights, equality, social justice, and government intervention to address societal problems. They advocate for policies that promote economic opportunity, protect the environment, and expand access to healthcare and education.   (A good part of this was generated by AI)

The Democratic Party’s core values align with the liberal ideology!
Democrats believe it is all about us.
The Republican Party core belief is “it’s all about me which has proven to not work for the betterment of any country.
Dictatorship is rule by the few to reward those few.  A selfish, low IQ, un- educated, hurtful, dangerous, despicable, onerous, conniving form of government results!

History has proven that self centered non educated beliefs that are followed by actions and policies typically fail humanity in so many ways.

This blogger, Score Card, is a core liberal, for the following reasons:

  • Score Card believes in working for the betterment of all people!
  • All people should have a voice.

Core Values and Principles for liberal:

  • Individual Rights and Freedoms:.
    Liberals emphasize individual liberties and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press. 
  • Equality and Social Justice:.
    They believe in equal opportunity for all and advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities, such as racial and gender discrimination. 
  • Government Intervention:.
    Liberals generally believe that government has a role to play in addressing social and economic problems, including regulating businesses, providing social safety nets, and investing in public goods like education and healthcare. 
  • Progressive Taxation:.
    Many liberals support a progressive tax system, where higher earners pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes, with the goal of funding social programs and reducing income inequality. 
  • Environmental Protection:.
    Liberals prioritize environmental protection and support regulations to mitigate climate change and pollution. 

Specific Policy Positions:

  • Healthcare:
    Liberals generally support universal healthcare access, often advocating for government-funded or subsidized healthcare systems.
  • Education:
    They support public education and often advocate for policies to improve access to quality education at all levels.
  • Social Welfare:
    Liberals favor social safety nets, including unemployment benefits, food assistance, and affordable housing programs, to support vulnerable populations.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights:
    They are strong advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and nondiscrimination protections.
  • Immigration Reform:
    Many liberals support comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. 

In essence, American liberalism emphasizes individual liberty, social justice, and the use of government to address societal problems and promote the common good.

______________________________

Core beliefs for a near perfect government

In an ideal, or “near perfect,” government, the core beliefs would revolve around several fundamental principles that foster a just, equitable, and stable society. These beliefs are intertwined and mutually reinforcing: 

1. Rule of Law and Justice
  • No one is above the law: All individuals and institutions, including the government itself, are subject to and accountable under the law.
  • Fair and impartial application of the law: Laws are clear, stable, and applied evenly to everyone, ensuring human rights, property rights, and procedural rights.
  • Independent Judiciary: An accessible and impartial justice system, with competent and ethical representatives, is essential to deliver timely justice. 
2. Human Rights
  • Universal and inalienable rights: Governments are obligated to protect and promote the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all individuals, including freedom of expression, privacy, religion, assembly, association, and freedom from fear and oppression.
  • Protection of vulnerable groups: Particular attention is paid to ensuring the rights and well-being of historically marginalized communities. 
3. Transparency and Accountability
  • Open and accessible information: Government actions, decisions, and processes are open to public scrutiny, allowing citizens to make informed decisions and hold officials accountable.
  • Responsibility of public officials: Those in government are responsible to the citizenry for their decisions and actions, acting in the public interest rather than for self-interest.
  • Mechanisms for accountability: Free and fair elections, legislative oversight, independent investigations, and a free press are essential mechanisms to hold officials accountable for their performance and to address abuse of power. 
4. Participation and Responsiveness
  • Citizen Engagement: Governments facilitate and encourage meaningful public participation in decision-making processes, including feedback mechanisms and civic engagement.
  • Responsive Governance: Governments are responsive to the needs and concerns of the people, adapting policies and services to improve the quality of life for all citizens. 
5. Efficiency and Effectiveness
  • Effective Public Administration: Government institutions are efficient and effective in managing public resources and delivering services that improve the quality of life for all citizens.
  • Sustainable Development: Governments consider the long-term impact of their decisions, aiming for policies that promote sustainable development and balance immediate needs with the needs of future generations. 
6. Equality and Inclusivity
  • Representation and Inclusion: Governments fairly represent and involve all people, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are considered in decision-making.
  • Equitable Distribution of Resources: Governments address disparities in resources, services, and opportunities, and promote policies that advance equality and social justice for all citizens. 
These core beliefs are not exhaustive and their implementation would vary in different contexts. However, they represent a strong foundation for a government that strives to serve the public good and foster a thriving society. 

______________________________

BOOK:

Why Liberalism Failed is a 2018 book by Patrick Deneen, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame.[1][2] It criticizes both forms of American liberalism:

According to Deneen, “we should rightly wonder whether America is not in the early days of its eternal life but rather approaching the end of the natural cycle of corruption and decay that limits the lifespan of all human creations.” The book argues that liberalism has exhausted itself, leading to income inequality,

Robert Kuttner described the book as “convenient for conservatives looking to blame all ills on liberals.”

Posted August 19, 2025 by Score Card
Rise Of Vladimir Putin, Disgusting Existence, Rule Of Russia

Rise Of Vladimir Putin, Disgusting Existence, Rule Of Russia

Comments 0 Comment

Putin cultivated a personality cult, portraying himself as a strong and decisive leader who could restore Russia’s greatness.  He accomplished this travesty through coercion and murder.

Russia’s transformation into an authoritarian regime was a complex process involving a gradual erosion of democratic institutions and practices, coupled with the consolidation of power in the executive branch under Vladimir Putin. This shift was driven by a combination of factors, including elite disillusionment with political competition, the use of security services to suppress dissent, and the manipulation of public opinion through media control.

Vladimir Putin remains president due to constitutional changes that allowed him to bypass term limits and recent reelection to a new six-year term. These changes, enacted after a 2020 referendum, potentially allow him to remain in power until 2036!

Russia implements stricter laws and practices to limit freedom of speech, assembly, and association, particularly against those critical of the government or its policies,

The Russian government exerts significant control over major media outlets, leading to widespread censorship.

Russian economic growth has slowed significantly since 2013 and faces increasing pressure due to factors like sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to dropping real wages and rising inequality.

The government is dedicating a substantial portion of its budget to military spending, potentially at the expense of other sectors like healthcare and education.

The Russian economy heavily relies on oil and gas revenues, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices.

Erosion of Russian human rights helped Putin to solidify power:

  • Freedom of Expression: Restrictions on freedom of expression have increased, with laws criminalizing independent war reporting and “spreading false information” about the war in Ukraine.
  • Arbitrary Arrests and Detention: There are credible reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and serious problems with the independence of the judiciary.
  • Prison Conditions: Prison overcrowding, poor conditions, and inadequate sanitation remain serious problems.
  • Impunity for Abuses: Impunity is a significant problem within the security forces, with authorities often denying requests for independent investigations into alleged human rights abuses. 

Putin Is A War Criminal.

  • “Allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation (under articles 8(2)(a)(vii) and 8(2)(b)(viii) of the Rome Statute). The crimes were allegedly committed in Ukrainian occupied territory at least from 24 February 2022. There are reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Putin bears individual criminal responsibility for the aforementioned crimes, (i) for having committed the acts directly, jointly with others and/or through others (article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute), and (ii) for his failure to exercise control properly over civilian and military subordinates who committed the acts, or allowed for their commission, and who were under his effective authority and control, pursuant to superior responsibility (article 28(b) of the Rome Statute).”  https://www.icc-cpi.int/defendant/vladimir-vladimirovich-putin