Happy Labor Day
What is Labor Day?
Reasons for Labor Day
During the 19th century, many people, including children, worked seven days a week. The workday was 12 hours long. Most Americans endured these harsh, unsafe, working conditions to try and earn a living. Some worked on farms, while others worked in mines or factories. The tasks were often physically demanding, yet offered poor pay. In 1879 New York, a woman working as a dressmaker in a factory averaged between 33 and 58 cents per day.
Although only a small number of workers joined varied labor unions, the idea of organized labor was growing. Labor leaders in the late 1800s suggested a Labor Day event to show the solidarity of labor unions and support for America’s laborers.
How To Deal With Politicians Who Contradict Themselves Repeatedly
How to Deal with Politicians Who Contradict Themselves Repeatedly
JOE WALLACE
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024
Politicians often change their stance on issues, sometimes dramatically. This phenomenon can frustrate voters, disillusioned, and unsure of what to believe. The recent about-face by a prominent politician, once a vocal critic of border walls, now reportedly advocating for their construction, is just the latest example of political flip-flopping. While politicians may argue that their evolving views reflect a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, voters are often left grappling with the question of how to trust leaders who contradict themselves repeatedly.
Here are some strategies to help navigate the complex landscape of inconsistent political behavior:
1. Understand the Context of the Flip-Flop
Not every change of opinion is driven by pure opportunism. Sometimes, new information, shifting public sentiment, or evolving circumstances can lead a politician to revise their stance. Before jumping to conclusions, examine the context. Ask yourself: Has there been a significant event that justifies the change? Is there new data or evidence that supports their revised position? While some shifts may be reasonable, others may be a transparent attempt to win favor or avoid criticism.
2. Evaluate the Consistency of Core Values
A key way to assess a politician’s reliability is to examine their core values and principles. While policy positions may change, foundational beliefs about governance, human rights, and economic strategy should remain consistent. If a politician’s decisions seem to contradict their core values repeatedly, it may be a sign that their positions are driven more by political expediency than genuine conviction.
3. Hold Politicians Accountable
Politicians work for the public, and it is crucial to hold them accountable when they appear to contradict themselves. Use social media, town hall meetings, and public forums to ask pointed questions about their changes in position. Don’t settle for vague or evasive answers—press for clear explanations. Journalists, advocacy groups, and engaged citizens play an essential role in highlighting inconsistencies and demanding accountability.
4. Examine Track Records Over Time
An isolated flip-flop might be forgivable, but a pattern of reversals should raise red flags. Look at the politician’s long-term voting record, past speeches, and policy proposals. Patterns of inconsistency suggest a lack of commitment to any specific policy direction. If a politician frequently reverses positions depending on what’s popular, it could indicate that they prioritize personal or political gain over principled leadership.
5. Consider Motivations Behind the Shift
Understanding why a politician might change their stance can provide critical insights. Are they facing pressure from donors, party leaders, or their voter base? Is the change a calculated move to appeal to a broader audience ahead of an election? Being aware of these motivations can help you discern whether the shift is driven by genuine belief or strategic calculation.
6. Demand Transparency and Clear Communication
Transparency is essential in maintaining public trust. Politicians should clearly communicate why they’ve changed their stance, what new information influenced their decision, and how the new position aligns with their overall vision. Voters should demand straightforward answers and resist accepting superficial explanations.
7. Stay Informed and Critical
One of the best defenses against political flip-flopping is to stay well-informed and critical of the information presented. Rely on diverse and reputable sources for your news, and be wary of echo chambers that only reinforce preconceived beliefs. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to spot contradictions and make educated decisions about whom to support.
Conclusion
Politicians who frequently change their positions challenge our ability to trust them as reliable leaders. By staying informed, scrutinizing their motivations, and demanding accountability, voters can better navigate the shifting political landscape. Ultimately, politicians who cannot offer clear, consistent, and value-driven explanations for their actions risk losing the public’s trust—and rightly so.
BREAKING NEWS: Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
BREAKING NEWS: Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
CCO STAFF
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024
Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey announced his retirement at the Union’s General Membership Meeting on Sunday.
Whobrey has worked for Local 215 for over 43 years and has been president of the local for 32 years. He is the longest-serving president in Local 215’s history.
Even though he is retiring Whobrey will negotiate the contracts the union has with the City of Evansville that expire at the end of this year.
Secretary-Treasurer Earl Brown was selected by the Local Union Executive Board to succeed Whobrey as President.
Teamsters Local 215 has over 2,800 members and is the largest labor organization in the tri-state area.
For more information call 812-424-6471 or email cwhobrey@teamster.org.
Indiana Excludes China From Public Pensions
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Indiana Excludes China fFom Public Pensions by Wendy McNamara |
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The Indiana Public Retirement System recently completed divesting $1.2 billion in investments from Chinese government-controlled entities. Indiana was the first state to pass legislation mandating divestment from entities controlled by the People’s Republic of China or Chinese Communist Party. The FBI has reported on the national security threat the Chinese Communist Party poses, which includes intellectual property theft, cyber espionage and coordinating with other countries to develop a global currency that would undermine the U.S. dollar. INPRS manages the pension funds for Indiana’s state employees, teachers, state law enforcement officers, public officials and others. The state manages over $45 billion in pension assets, which is invested for the exclusive benefit of its more than 500,000 members and their families. |
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Indiana Is Home To 3 Of The ‘Best State Parks
CLICK LINK POSTED BELOW To GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION INDIANA STATE PARKS
According to the 2024 State Park Index, assembled by vacation rental company HomeToGo, Indiana Dunes State Park, Turkey Run State Park, and Potato Creek State Park are in the top 50 state parks across the nation based on overall ranking of trails, wildlife, picturesqueness, park size, and popularity.
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
BREAKING NEWS: Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
BREAKING NEWS: Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
CCO STAFF
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey Announces His Retirement
Teamsters Local 215 President Chuck Whobrey announced his retirement at the Union’s General Membership Meeting on Sunday.
Whobrey has worked for Local 215 for over 43 years and has been president of the local for 32 years. He is the longest-serving president in Local 215’s history.
Even though he is retiring Whobrey will negotiate the contracts the union has with the City of Evansville that expire at the end of this year.
Secretary-Treasurer Earl Brown was selected by the Local Union Executive Board to succeed Whobrey as President.
Teamsters Local 215 has over 2,800 members and is the largest labor organization in the tri-state area.
For more information call 812-424-6471 or email cwhobrey@teamster.org.
Otters close 2024 with loss to Windy City
CRESTWOOD, Ill. – The 96-game Frontier League season has come to a close as the Evansville Otters wrapped up the year with a 6-0 loss to the Windy City ThunderBolts on Saturday night at Ozinga Field.
For the second night in a row, the Otters’ (41-55) pitching staff gave up three runs in the first inning and the club was put in an early hole. The ThunderBolts (40-56) added another in the third and two more runs in the fifth inning.
In a tough night with the bats, the Otters were held to just seven hits, three of which were accumulated by Evansville native Mason White. Windy City totaled 11 knocks.
Right-hander Casey Delgado (2-2) took the loss tonight. The starter went three innings allowing four runs on seven hits. Ruddy Gomez (4-4) pitched six strong innings of shutout baseball for the Bolts, striking out eight and allowing five hits.
Out of the bullpen, Grif Hughes, Alex Valdez and Michael McAvene pitched scoreless innings.
Finishing the year, David Mendham led the team in batting average with a .309 mark. He finished with five homers and a team-high 49 RBI.
Leading in the long bombs, Randy Bednar knocked 13 over the fence for the club. In a close second, Dakota Phillips hit 12 homers in just 36 games for the team, breaking the Otters’ all-time career home run and RBI records this season.
With a team-leading 121 innings, Braden Scott set the second-most single-season strikeouts in Otters history with 128. Zach Smith finished the year just three K’s behind him and led the club in ERA for qualified starters with a 3.81 mark.
In the bullpen, the Otters used Jon Beymer in 56 and one-third innings, and he finished with a 3.83 ERA. Hughes finished with a 3.07 ERA and a team-high 12.48 K/9. Jakob Meyer, a former Evansville Aces product, had the lowest ERA on the team at 2.05 with 26 and one-third innings pitched.
As a team, the Otters slashed .249/.337/.374 throughout the year, with 72 homers and 431 RBI. The pitching staff finished with a 4.50 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP and a 9.00 K/9.
The team’s best month was saved for August as they finished an even .500 at 14-14.
The lengthy offseason begins for Evansville and their focus on getting back to the playoffs begins. For updates regarding the 2025 season, please keep an eye on Otters’ social media and team website.