Politics - Kai's Corner

February 14, 2025

DEI vs. TUL: The Battle Between Progress and Degradation

In recent years, organizations and institutions have emphasized the importance of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—as a foundational principle for hiring, leadership, and policy-making. DEI is rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives enhance decision-making, equity ensures fairness and opportunity, and inclusion fosters environments where all voices are valued. However, a contrasting and troubling new standard has emerged: TUL—Totally Unqualified Loyalist. This approach prioritizes blind allegiance over competence, dismantling the progress DEI has made and leading to disastrous consequences.

The Value of DEI

DEI initiatives aim to level the playing field, ensuring that talent and opportunity are distributed based on merit while recognizing and addressing systemic barriers.

Diversity brings a variety of perspectives that enhance innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Equity ensures that resources and opportunities are accessible to everyone, accounting for historical disadvantages.
Inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, making workplaces and institutions more effective and cohesive.

The impact of DEI has been profound. Studies consistently show that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones, leading to higher profitability, improved decision-making, and better representation of communities and stakeholders. DEI ensures that leadership reflects the populations they serve, resulting in policies and practices that are more just and effective.

The Rise of TUL

The emergence of TUL—Totally Unqualified Loyalist—represents a dangerous shift. This approach prioritizes unwavering loyalty over expertise, filling critical positions with individuals who lack the necessary experience, skills, or ethical grounding. TUL erodes institutions in several key ways:

Competency Decline: When loyalty is valued over qualifications, decision-making suffers. Poorly equipped leaders make uninformed choices, leading to inefficiency, corruption, and failure.
Erosion of Accountability: TUL fosters an environment where incompetence is excused as long as individuals remain loyal to those in power, reducing oversight and ethical standards.
Suppression of Dissent: DEI encourages diverse viewpoints, leading to stronger solutions. TUL, however, punishes independent thought, stifling innovation and progress.

The Trump Administration and the Rise of TUL

The rise of TUL is closely associated with former President Donald Trump’s tenure. His administration was marked by the appointment of individuals who were often selected for their loyalty rather than their qualifications. For instance, appointments like Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense were criticized due to concerns about his qualifications for such a critical role. citeturn0search0

Furthermore, the administration’s approach to diversity and inclusion was contentious. Actions such as rolling back DEI programs and promoting “merit-based” opportunities were perceived as undermining efforts to address systemic racism and promote equity. citeturn0news19

The Consequences of Abandoning DEI for TUL

When DEI is sidelined in favor of TUL, the results are predictable and damaging:

Organizations falter due to poor leadership decisions.
Public trust erodes as institutions become riddled with nepotism and inefficiency.
Economic consequences emerge, as industries and economies stagnate without the fresh perspectives DEI brings.

The shift from DEI to TUL is not just a workplace issue—it is a societal crisis. The battle between these two approaches will determine whether institutions remain dynamic, forward-thinking, and effective, or whether they succumb to mediocrity and mismanagement. To preserve progress and ensure long-term success, it is imperative that DEI remains the standard, rejecting the corrosive influence of TUL before it takes irreversible root.

July 29, 2023February 15, 2025

Isaac Asimov’s Best Quote

“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.”

The last part containing “democracy means that my ignorance…”, is still true today; decades later. I think this is Asimov’s best quote. I consistently experience Conservative Americans believing their opinions hold as much weight as an expert’s knowledge. To be fair it is not exclusive to Conservatives.

July 16, 2023August 5, 2023

A Fair U.S. Senate Structure

The Senate being made up of 2 senators per state for only 50 of the 52 “states” is unfair from the start. How could it possibly be fair that a state with just over 1 million residents gets the same representation as a state of just over 39 million? I’m using simple state population numbers rather than registered voter population by state. Regardless, I think it would be a much more fair and representative system either by simple population or registered voter population. Also, every state and territory should receive representation. So, 52 rather than 50.

We should use the mean state population rounded down to nearest million as the count needed for one senator while rounding up the state’s population to the nearest million. If a state is below the average, that state receives only one senator. So every state always gets at least one representative. The numbers should be tallied every 3 years, and appropriate action taken to accommodate the results on the same cycle. It would take a mass movement in population to significantly affect the number of senators assigned to a given state in a 3 year cycle. However, if such a thing happens, said state will gain or lose a seat accordingly. Not easy considering that the average population by state is currently around 6 million.

To shed some light on how unfair things currently are, there are only 19 states that would receive more than one senator. Why is it we currently allow states with less than 1 million citizens to be represented by two senators? Wyoming, isn’t even above 600k let alone 6 million. How is it fair or reasonable that Wyoming gets the same representation as California with over 39 million residents? There are 33 states that should only have one senator, 13 that should get two, 2 with 3, 2 with 4, and only 2 with 5 plus (California & Texas.)

#	State	Population	Senators
1	California	39,237,826	7
2	Texas	29,527,941	5
3	Florida	21,781,128	4
4	New York	19,835,913	4
5	Pennsylvania	12,964,056	3
6	Illinois	12,671,469	3
7	Ohio	11,780,017	2
8	Georgia	10,799,566	2
9	North Carolina	10,551,162	2
10	Michigan	10,050,811	2
11	New Jersey	9,267,130	2
12	Virginia	8,642,274	2
13	Washington	7,738,692	2
14	Arizona	7,276,316	2
15	Massachusetts	6,984,723	2
16	Tennessee	6,975,218	2
17	Indiana	6,805,985	2
18	Missouri	6,168,187	2
19	Maryland	6,165,129	2
20	Wisconsin	5,895,908	1
21	Colorado	5,812,069	1
22	Minnesota	5,707,390	1
23	South Carolina	5,190,705	1
24	Alabama	5,039,877	1
25	Louisiana	4,624,047	1
26	Kentucky	4,509,394	1
27	Oregon	4,246,155	1
28	Oklahoma	3,986,639	1
29	Connecticut	3,605,597	1
30	Utah	3,337,975	1
31	Puerto Rico	3,263,584	1
32	Iowa	3,193,079	1
33	Nevada	3,143,991	1
34	Arkansas	3,025,891	1
35	Mississippi	2,949,965	1
36	Kansas	2,934,582	1
37	New Mexico	2,115,877	1
38	Nebraska	1,963,692	1
39	Idaho	1,900,923	1
40	West Virginia	1,782,959	1
41	Hawaii	1,441,553	1
42	New Hampshire	1,288,992	1
43	Maine	1,372,247	1
44	Montana	1,104,271	1
45	Rhode Island	1,095,610	1
46	Delaware	1,003,384	1
47	South Dakota	895,376	1
48	North Dakota	774,948	1
49	Alaska	732,673	1
50	District of Columbia	670,570	1
51	Vermont	645,570	1
52	Wyoming	578,803	1

US States by Population, and their awarded senators under improved plan (avg. pop. per state 6 million)
Data pulled from States by Population on July 16^th 2023.

This method does not result in 100 senators, nor does it guarantee an even number to divide between parties, but I do not think that matters. Senators are suppose to represent the people, which they currently have a hard time doing. We can simply divide the number of senators in half and use the accuracy of the fraction in counting senate votes, with the VP still having the tie breaking vote. By above chart, there would only be need of 84 senators for 52 states, saving the United States the annual income of 16 senators. Also, savings aside, it would be a much more representative system than we currently have. The damn Filibuster could be left in place and it would still be a far more fair and representative system.

This system would better represent the people above the states, which would definitely be an improvement considering the current system neither represents the states or the people, even though many argue it represents the states (some, but not all of them.) I already hear people saying, that’s what the House is for, but the House is dysfunctional and in need of reform also. Gerrymandering and Citizens United need to be abolished, they are simply regressive levers of power.

July 11, 2023August 5, 2023

Reality as I see it

From the perspective of a person who doesn’t believe in a god or gods, reality is understood through a different lens. This perspective acknowledges the absence of a higher power or divine being governing the universe. Instead, it places the responsibility for understanding and shaping reality on oneself, as the thinker and agent of one’s own existence.

In this view, the concept of a personal god is seen as a human construct, born out of a need for explanations and comfort in the face of the unknown. Rather than attributing the workings of the world to an external deity, the focus shifts to the capabilities and potential of human beings as the primary agents of change and understanding.

Accordingly, this perspective emphasizes the power of reason, critical thinking, and human agency in comprehending and navigating reality. It places great importance on individual autonomy and the ability to make choices based on personal values and rational analysis. The responsibility for shaping one’s own life and the world at large rests on the individual, as they navigate their experiences and strive for personal growth and progress.

In this worldview, the concept of a god is replaced by self-reflection, self-determination, and the interconnectedness of humanity. The absence of a divine figure allows individuals to focus on humanistic values, such as empathy, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Human beings become the architects of their own morality and purpose, finding meaning in their relationships, experiences, and contributions to the world.

Ultimately, this perspective suggests that if there is any semblance of a god or higher power, it lies within the capacity of each individual to think, reason, and act upon the world. It is through the exercise of our own faculties that we shape reality and create our own understanding of the universe, rather than relying on external supernatural forces.

July 11, 2023August 11, 2023

A Woman’s Choice in 2023 USA

In the halls of power, a tale unfolds,
of how Trump’s reign left women’s rights on hold.
Three justices appointed, with a conservative sway,
undoing decades of progress in a single day.

Donald Trump, the maestro of deceit,
his lies abundant, a torrential feat.
Promising greatness, but sowing discord,
his words a web of falsehoods, forever of record.

Mitch McConnell, the master of manipulation,
changed the rules with a swift proclamation.
No Merrick Garland, no fair chance,
partisan gamesmanship in a cold, calculated dance.

Lindsey Graham, once a critic, now a devotee,
flipped his allegiance to Trump, causing dismay.
His principles discarded like yesterday’s news,
party loyalty triumphing over what was true.

And amidst this political charade,
women’s rights were cast into the shade.
A 50-year battle for autonomy and choice,
stripped away by a court that silenced their voice.

The right to abortion, a hard-fought gain,
Now hanging by a thread, causing endless pain.
Trump’s justices, like puppets on a string,
served his agenda, leaving justice unable to ring.

But women rise, their voices strong,
a movement united, determined to prolong,
the fight for autonomy, for rights that won’t yield,
their bodies, their choices, their power to wield.

Though lies may cloud the political sphere,
Truth shall prevail, erasing the fear.
Together we stand, with resilience and might,
to reclaim what was taken, to set things right.

Let history remember the battles we fought,
to protect women’s rights, the battles we sought.
For justice and equality, we’ll never cease,
till the flame of progress burns bright, bringing peace.

July 11, 2023August 11, 2023

An American Political Poem

You protect, you attack, you build a wall and have a snack, but your politics, dear Republicans, fall through the cracks. Your promises crumble like a house made of cards, leaving us disillusioned, yet not caught off guard.

You claim to champion freedom, yet deny equal rights, leaving marginalized voices lost in endless fights. Your tax breaks for the wealthy, a glaring divide, while the middle class struggles, barely able to survive.

You speak of fiscal responsibility, a clever guise, while deficits soar, like a bird that never flies. The trickle-down economics, a worn-out charade, leaving the masses yearning, their dreams betrayed.

You dismiss climate change, ignoring Earth’s plea, as the planet grows warmer, the consequences we see. While science warns of dangers, you turn a blind eye, putting profits over the planet, waving our future goodbye.

You play with voter rights, suppressing democracy’s voice, leaving fairness and justice with no other choice. Gerrymandering districts, distorting the will, while the people’s power slowly chills.

You claim to champion freedom of speech with pride, yet dissenting voices are silenced, pushed aside. Truth becomes subjective, a twisted dance, as misinformation spreads, fueled by chance.

So, dear Republicans, your walls may be tall, but they can’t hide the flaws of your policies’ fall. It’s time for progress, and a new direction, where all voices are heard, with no need for correction.

Let’s build bridges, not walls, embracing diversity, where compassion and justice become our shared goal. For a brighter future, we must break this partisan trap, and rise above the failures of your politics, dear GOP/Rightwing.

Inspired by the wonderful Emma Thorne!