Why Conservative Talk Radio monopoly has brainwashed their listeners?

Since the 1990s, conservative talk radio has become a monopoly on the airwaves under the acquisition of Clear communications. This right wing Radio conglomerate owns over 850 radio stations around the U.S. buying radio stations across the country in all different markets. Clear communications has been allowed to purchase both liberal and conservative radio stations and then eliminate the opposing liberal viewpoint from radio airwaves citing that liberal shows are not profitable. Their agenda is clear to become one of the largest conservative radio conglomerates in the U.S which they are; they have been allowed to turn liberal talk shows into sports radio channels and expand Conservative Talk radio nationally. An example of their limited viewpoints expressed was the censoring of the Dixie Chicks music across radio stations when the band spoke against Iraq war and President Bush. Ironically, the band was right as proven years later. On the other hand, same conglomerate has no problem showcasing Ted Nugent on their talk radio shows and playing his bad music on airwaves. No backlash or consequences because their radio talk shows helped create the same ultra right wing conservatives that have been brainwashed by the likes of Hannity and Limbaugh for years. If America hears crazy right wing conservative rhetoric everyday for years not realizing these guys on talk radio do this for ratings and for money; not because they believe in any of these views.  Folks, these talk radio people believe in high ratings, high advertising revenue and the money they make from their show and their books, that's it. As soon as their radio show followers understand that the GOP might be able to regain rational support for good sound policies and stop catering to irrational base.

Why does the religion of Islam attract evil people who commit Terrorism

This title is long and I was wording the title as to not to offend or provoke anti Islam rhetoric, but as an observer and a person who doesn't desire any evil intent towards any one. I wonder and ask myself, why is it that people that like to kill, rape, and torture use the religion of Islam to commit Terrorism. With the recent, growth of ISIS and the horrible beheadings of the two innocent American journalists, Foley and Solklof; Americans woke up to another evil Terrorist group using Islam as the inspiration to create an Islamic state. A Qaida has broken up into different groups like Al Nusrah Front, the Taliban and Al Shabaab, Ansar al Shari'a, ISIS, Hamas and Hezbollah just to name a few. These groups get destroyed and then pop up again; after they break up into independent groups with more funding from their wealthy sponsors.




Why is Islam attracting so much distortion of their religion by extremists? This question is important for Americans and the West to understand because if we don't, we will find our selves fighting Islamic extremists forever. As one group is dismantled another rises with disgruntled violent youth attracted to their brand of distorted Islam. Many American prisoners in jail join the religion of Islam; there is a strong conversion rate of inmates joining this religion.




There is a reason that no one wants to discuss the Islamic radicalism issue because of being afraid of being labeled as racist or Islamaphobic. There has been no terror groups that have used Christianity, Judaism, Confucianism, or other religion as an Inspiration to violence and Terrorism. Extremists are being taught intolerance of all western culture and religions, not only by online radicalism, but by many of our Muslim Arab allies in the Middle east.




Our supposed allies in the Middle east, countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan; these countries have strict Islamic conservative moral laws. There are countries such as Iraq which has had centuries of religious in fighting between Shiite and Sunni Muslims that were controlled under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. The US went to war in Iraq and toppled Hussein, it left a Shi'ite leader that appeared to be an ally of the US, with Maliki; but this leader quickly turned to Iran as an ally. Maliki decided to start the old hostilities of the two religious sects fighting for power and persecuting Sunni Muslims. Many of these Sunni's joined ISIS and now we see the current mess in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia has many of the wealthiest Muslim Arabs in the region, many of these wealthy citizens contribute to terror networks like ISIS, and A Qaida. In addition, many of these nations in the middle east are intolerant of western religions. Westerners can not enter Mecca; and many school aged boys are taught in madrasas that teach them to memorize the Koran in addition to hate any non believers of Islam; in addition to anti-western idea logy. The Saudis practice Wahhabism, very strict conservative form of Islam with strict morality police to enforce strict Shari'a law. Men and woman are lashed for breaking moral laws and are beheaded for crimes. There is the lack of human rights and physical torture and punishment in these societies. As in many of these Middle eastern nations that chose to live in the 13th century when it comes to their laws, disregarding human rights. Qatar is an ally of the US, but they allow the Taliban to hold an office in their country as if this terror network is a business entity; the Qataris have provided funding to terror networks in the region and have a lot of influence among terrorists groups; as proven in recent Gaza and Israeli peace negotiations. Pakistan's military was hiding and protecting Osama Bin Laden; when the Americans secretly went into Pakistan and killed him. Egypt, ironically our closet ally in the region had most of the 911 hijackers come from their country; and recently sentenced many journalists to years in jail for aiding Terrorism for reporting the news. Turkey is becoming a pro-Islamist regime with recent Prime Minister stating that woman should not laugh in public; passing restrictive Islamist conservative laws despite recent corruption uncovered by local media. Bahrain is a country that enjoys many western investors and tourist dollars and has decided to declare Shari'a law for his country men and for any western tourist that violates those moral laws. Despite these countries expanding terror networks by spreading anti western hatred and extreme ideology; and providing funding for these terror organizations to flourish. By the same breath, these nations claim to be our allies by allowing us to have our military bases near to fight extremists that they themselves aid and create.




Why is it that America has to fight these Muslim countries conflicts when they won't fight for themselves, they just lie back and watch us provide all of the funding and blood of American soldiers to fight the extremists they create. As in the recent case of Iraq, these soldiers were trained, they had the huge numbers of soldiers, along with the best American weapons. The first sign of actual fighting these men decided to give themselves up or run away allowing ISIS to get their hands on American weapons. If Iraqis won't fight for themselves, Americans should not be placed in harm's way for a country with a short memory span and no appetite to protect their own country.




American policy has to seriously address the hypocrisy of our allies in this region; if not addressed Islamic extremist Terrorism will continue to grow as there is a constant war of religious distorted ideology. ISIS wants to create a caliphate with their vision of extremist Islam; many of their victims are fellow Muslims so why would they kill their own people? I could never understand how any religion can be used for the purposes of killing innocence in the name of it. It is a contradiction of how evil people will use false arguments to attract gullible, monstrous evil youth from around the world to join their cause, as in ISIS.




America has to change its policy in the Middle east; US diplomats instead of ignoring our allies role in funding and fostering Terrorism. The US needs to address the issue with these nations and convince them that they should stop allowing their wealthy citizens from funding these terror groups such as ISIS because this group is only one of many with global ambition of taking land and countries as part of their caliphate. These nations are in danger of being annexed next even if they do aid these terror networks; there are no loyalties in alliances just greed and ambition as any dictator aspires too. To the citizens of countries that aid ISIS be careful what you wish for, you just might get it in spades. 

Middle eastern countries that do not comply with cutting funding to terror groups in the region should have their US aid cut; in addition have state department alerts to traveler's and American businesses about the relationships of Terrorism by these nations contributing to these Terrorist groups.   The lack of tourist and investment dollars from America and western European countries should affect their economies significantly, to change their support to these terror groups.   The old adage Money talks; most of the western countries provide tourist dollars to places like Egypt and Bahrain.




Americans are afraid of what has been seen by this evil ISIS group but what is surprising is the amount of westerners joining this group. Many young woman and men being duped into joining ISIS, when they get there a whole different reality sets in for them. There are many young men that embrace the violence and have even died for this cause; as the young Florida man, who became a suicide bomber.




Congress has to step up and create laws addressing Americans leaving American soil to commit acts of terror here and abroad. Extreme penalties should be in place for these people committing these acts of terror or planning to join an Islamic terror group that includes decades in prison. The death penalty for the death of innocent victims being killed during their affiliation with terror group; and other measures to stop Americans from travelling abroad to join terror organizations.




Western countries have to work with western Muslim Imams to create effective messaging against Islamic extremist ideology on social media globally.  Countries need to block and flag extremist jihadist social media pages, sites and blogs to stop online radicalism which is a threat to the world. This will be a war of messages and a fight of good against evil in the world.




The world has to know that Islamic terror groups are killing more Muslims than westerners, so what is the point of accusing the west of killing Muslims around the globe. As these very same terror groups are the ones truly killing their own people in the name of Islam. When President Obama spoke to the nation about ISIS and about this organization not being an Islamic organization; many pundits criticized the comment since it is seen as denying how Islam is being used by terrorists. The message by the President was not only for the US audience but for the international community watching; President Obama is forming a coalition to include Muslim Middle eastern nations and the West to fight against ISIS. By addressing the nation, President Obama did not want to blame the religion of Islam or Muslims to begin forming the coalition needed to fight this global threat. These Muslim nations will have to make a choice of truly joining the coalition that will protect their own interests in the long term; or continue to aid ISIS watch the caliphate grow and annex their territory.





　




　




　


　

How Inflation is affecting the thrift stores

 

It seems that Inflation has hit a 40 year high affecting everything from gas prices, housing, food, and consumer goods.  Inflation started to creep up on us back in December 2021 as the pandemic took its toll on employees who were resistant to going back to work again for low wages.  No one was willing to risk their lives again for low wages, the risk of being exposed to unvaccinated people and people who refused to wear a mask was simply overwhelming for many entering the job force again.  

Inflation has its root causes and there are many causes contributing to it such as the supply chain disruption, there were many truck drivers that refused to work during the pandemic.  Those that did work refused to adhere to the mask mandates rules.  Canada had recent protests where truckers used trucks to jam traffic and prevent supplies from being delivered.   Many Americans supported the Canadian protests.  The disruption of the supply chain such as ports full of cargo that hasn’t been delivered to stores has caused shelves to become bare.  With the supply, not being delivered the prices for those goods have gone up.

Truck drivers not delivering the products to the stores has caused supply chain disruptions.  The great resignation has caused many Americans to look for higher-paying jobs as they switch jobs or quit.

Higher gas prices at the pump are making goods and services become more expensive as these businesses pass the cost down to the consumer.    

All of these factors have contributed to Inflation.   Inflation is affecting the thrift stores because more people are going to the thrift stores to find consumer goods that they would otherwise purchase at a retail store.  

Fewer people are donating to thrift because they would rather resell items on eBay, Facebook marketplace, Mercari, and Poshmark.  As opposed to donating like before the Inflation hit the public.   People need money and are making money by sales of items at garage sales flea markets and online sales.  

Thrift stores are raising their prices as Inflation hits most retail stores.  Clothing is becoming more expensive in both retail and thrift stores.  Even though, some thrift stores have prices that are less than the retail prices in comparison.   

The thrift stores are increasing in volume and increasing their prices.

How to make thrift clothing last longer?

Some thrift clothing can last a long time depending fabric it made with . I would purchase name brands like Ann Taylor loft, Express, the Gap, Talbots, Chico’s because they are quality brands and the clothing may be more resistant to wear and tear of the washing machine. 

Purchase clothing that is washable in laundry washing machine not dry clean only articles.

There are ways to make thrift clothing last longer by,

1. Picking up nonbranded and branded clothing first make sure its washable and not dry clean only.

2. Wash in cold only, hot water will wear out clothing faster in wash.

3. Air dry clothing instead of using dryer

4. Mend any holes it may have by sewing

5. Shave off the lint off clothing with clothes shaver

6. Gently steam the clothing instead of ironing

7. Hang your clothes to air them out daily

8. Use Oxiclean to get tough stains out

9. Spray with white vinegar to get out smells

10.  Try not to wash clothing often to keep them from wearing out.

In summary using these ten suggestions can help to keep thrift store clothing from wearing out too soon.

But keep in mind that the clothing at the thrift has been proven to be strong because they are in resellable condition.  Some fabrics can be sustainable depending upon the brand.  With proper care clothing can last 15 years or more.  

Why thrift store reselling is ethical and not unethical?

 

Why thrifting and reselling is ethical and not unethical?

I read an article in the North Texan Daily where the writer wrote that reselling is unethical because it causes the thrift store prices to rise. Therefore making it less affordable for the community that relies on these items.  

The writer argues that thrifting has become trendy and no longer has a stigma or shame attached to it.  The writer cites a 2010 Pennsylvania State University study which "showed that lower-income individuals more often purchased clothing, furniture, and household goods. Whereas higher-income individuals purchased trinkets and antiques and shopped less frequently." The writer concluded that low-income shoppers thrift as a "necessity" whereas higher-income shoppers thrift as a "commodity".  Therefore making reselling unethical by purchasing low-priced items and reselling for higher profit.  

The writer writes about the gentrification of the thrift industry as wealthier and middle-class people push out the poor by purchasing these thrift items and reselling them for higher profit. Thrift stores will cater to resellers and others willing to pay more for their items.  

The writer goes on to write that thrifting is a good practice because it's recycling clothing instead of landing in landfills.  It is good for the environment but at the same time argues that what is happening to the lower-income people shouldn't go "unnoticed" with the thrifting trends.

Finally, the writer writes that reselling is exploitive and that as a society we should do better. 

In some respects, I agree with the writer but I don't agree that reselling is unethical, here is why.  Thrift stores are like a treasure hunt, you never know what you will find. You know that old saying another man's junk is another man's treasure and it's true.  The writer writes about recycling and reusing to save the environment but at the same time bashes the resellers for saving these items in the same breath.  

Most thrift stores throw out about a 1/3 of goods and clothing that will not sell in their shop. An example: Goodwill will send items out to their outlet or Goodwill bins where they sell by the pound before as the last stop before going to landfills.   

Secondly, the writer used Goodwill as an example that in 2010 and in 2020 there was a difference in their donation valuation guide.  Goodwill will charge varying prices instead of a fixed price. It's true most thrift stores have varying prices on clothing and items but many of these thrift stores invest in their communities.  Goodwill industries use the funds from the thrift stores to create jobs, and offer job training for the poor and disabled. Another example is a thrift store in my local area called Divine Providence they use the funds for the local church and for programs to help young mothers. 

The writer doesn't include these facts in her analysis of resellers purchasing items at higher volumes. The money goes into the local community which helps the poor and the underserved. 

The idea of gentrification of thrift shops is not a bad thing. It allows everyone from every walk of life to purchase items for resale and the opportunity to get out of poverty. Reselling is part of the economy which was the idea behind eBay in the 1990s when it started.  The online giant is the place to purchase collectibles, luxury goods, antiques, and anything you can imagine that can be purchased.  Now there are many platforms that cater to everyone such as high-end, like the online shop the real real, and the lower-end online shop like tread up.

Reselling is not exploitive it is part of a U.S. Capitalistic model for the local economy which reinvests into the local community.  Reselling is not unethical.

Read my other articles on thrifting on this site by clicking on blog archive articles.

Article quotes are from the North Texan Daily writer Vanessa Delgado on August 5th, 2021.

Some problems with thrift store items

 

 Although I love to thrift,  I have to admit these are some cons when you go to thrift especially when looking for items to resell. One of the cons of thrift store items is that once you bought the item you can't return it. It is bought as is if you purchase the item and don't realize it has a chip on it. You are stuck with the item because it's not good for resale. Your only option is to donate it so you don't become a hoarder.

 

Another con, is buyer's remorse after you buy it, you start to question did you really need that item? What would I use it for? If you begin to question what you will need it for then consider reselling it, to get rid of it. 

Another con, thrift items are generally outdated when it comes to appliances or furniture it may be unsafe. A study, conducted by the US consumer product safety Commission found that 69% of thrift store items visited had at least one hazardous product for sale. The commission found cribs that didn't meet safety standards, hairdressers without protection against electrocution, and car seats that have been recalled.

 

Some cons when shopping for clothing might be that since they are 

unlaundered there may be bed bugs or lice in clothing when brought home. These are some of the cons to shopping Thrift but if you are Mindful and  check out these items on a Google search first. It will stop you from buying something unsafe. As for clothing, examine it closely before purchasing make sure to wash as soon as you purchase a new clothing item from thrift stores.  

Thrift stores may have some cons to the items sold but in long-term most items at thrift stores are good items that can be bought at a fraction of retail cost. It is still relatively safe to shop the thrift.

How to repurpose dated thrift store paintings?

 

Ever go to a thrift store and find an amazing art that you like off the bat. Then, you find some pieces that you feel need Improvement. You brainstorm how to improve on the art or in some cases, you just want the canvas. In these rare cases, where you purchase the art just to reuse the canvas, you can repaint over it and create new art.

 Another Trend that Millennials are doing is upcycling the art. They will take an old Seascape or landscape and paint animals on it. In some cases, they will paint dinosaurs on it and make it a unique piece of art. Personalized to their Taste and to their decor.

 Or they will take an old canvas and cover it with a fabric. For example a flag or Souvenir cloth from Italy. That's what I did to my vintage canvases.

 Another way to update old art is to take an old poster print and use large scrapbook lettering and glue it to the poster after creating a message on it. I created a poster message that read dream big.

 

In summary, you can create all types of art with vintage art. Or is that is personal to you and creative in messaging. Are that is unique and one-of-a-kind instead of a dated piece of art. Art is what you make of it.