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Chutzpah and Soul

 The Rules of the Game & Defending Democracy

Copyright © 2024, Jonathan Goldin, LICSW; J.D.

Blogs Series Introduction

The basic rules of civilized behavior are taught to children as young as five: We’ve come up with FIFTEEN unambiguous prohibitions against 1.bullying 2.lying  3.cheating,

4. changing the rules 5. Intimidating 6. Threatening 7. Scapegoating 8. Bigotry

9. unsportsmanlike conduct 10. Whining 11. Blaming 12. Mocking 13. Faking      

And two positive behaviors which are excepted (with few exceptions) to be consistently demonstrated:

They are: 1. Loyalty 2. Team Player  ( 13 + 2 + 15!)

Taught in simple language by peers, parents, teachers and athletic coaches, these core values are relevant to people of all ages. There is universal consensus that they must be taught and taught early. These rules hold no favor based on race, ethnicity, religion, nationality or political ideology, but in practice they present hard choices which we all face.

Yet anti-democratic forces, which are increasing across the world and in the USA, by word and by action, actively reject these core democratic values.

This Blog and YouTube video series will lend its moral weight to the struggle.

Originally, I called this series: The Rules of the Game.

Now I’m adding Defending Democracy because the stakes are so high!

Even at this late date prior to Election Day November 5 I hope it will inspire these sectors and more to step up and reinforce these values: • producers of broadcast and social media • educators • parents •. athletes • law enforcement • military • religious and civic leaders • leaders in electoral and issue-oriented politics • managers and executives in the corporate sector.

Anybody who aspires to living by these rules and to speak the truth in the simple and direct manner of children should step up to protect democracy and a democratic culture.

There is no debate anywhere in the world about these principles; there are no two legitimate sides. This is a “no brainer”.

When adults with power, violate all these Rules of the Game with impunity, we are initially shocked, alarmed, and outraged. Unfortunately, many citizens eventually become inured to these outrages and come down with a bad case of hopelessness. Others begin to believe that these violations are the natural way of doing things in a complex and conflicted world.

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