MICKEY Z.: Five Urgent Conversations About America

[Tace]

How to spice up your summer picnic with a nasty argument

Mickey Z. -- World News Trust

Summer's here and the time is right for... escape? Just because most Americans are in search of harmless diversions and mindless distractions doesn't mean the need to address the downward spiral of what we call "society" becomes any less urgent.

We can turn off our televisions and shut down our computers, but war, poverty, oppression and environmental devastation continue apace... with or without our recognition. Thus, if you agree that time is of the essence, here are five topics guaranteed to make you least likely to be invited to the company softball game.

1. Democracy: The next time you and your crowd are charring the flesh of tortured animals on a grill, why not spark a discussion about democracy? Start with this question: Why has every American president been a white man? Good follow-ups: How can American presidential elections be deemed fair when only "major" candidates are allowed to participate in debates and only those who raise $200 million dollars are considered "major" candidates? Why are the vast majority of congressional elections uncontested? Why are elections held on a Tuesday instead of over a weekend? Why are Americans voters not given a "none of the above" option? Why weren't American women allowed to vote until 1920? Who counts the votes?

2. Slavery: Imagine you're on line to plunk down (at least) ten bucks to endure Adam Sandler for two hours when you turn to your friends and announce: The land of the free and home of the brave was built on the backs of African slaves.

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http://worldnewstrust.org/modules/AMS/article.php?storyid=3730

Edit: adding dropped word in sub-head