Brian Aftanas
@rbriana.bsky.social
I feel a bit like an inadvertent activist dragged into the mess by our current democratic disfunction. I am, and my book & podcasts are, politically nonpartisan.
Pinned
Brian Aftanas
@rbriana.bsky.social
· Dec 18
From Amazon:
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...
Interesting to see Nayib Bukele at the White House today. My first episode in my podcast lecture series was about the peril he has caused. The episode is titled “What’s Wrong with Extremism?”. … My concerns seem so quaint nowadays.
open.spotify.com/episode/1rAz...
open.spotify.com/episode/1rAz...
01 - What’s wrong with extremism?
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 14, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Interesting to see Nayib Bukele at the White House today. My first episode in my podcast lecture series was about the peril he has caused. The episode is titled “What’s Wrong with Extremism?”. … My concerns seem so quaint nowadays.
open.spotify.com/episode/1rAz...
open.spotify.com/episode/1rAz...
Tomorrow this site will be all atwitter about what was said and what was not said at the inauguration.
I thus thought today was a good day to remind what a President does. I made this podcast in February, interestingly it talks about oligarchy.
open.spotify.com/episode/1yEw...
I thus thought today was a good day to remind what a President does. I made this podcast in February, interestingly it talks about oligarchy.
open.spotify.com/episode/1yEw...
06 - What DOES a President do?
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Tomorrow this site will be all atwitter about what was said and what was not said at the inauguration.
I thus thought today was a good day to remind what a President does. I made this podcast in February, interestingly it talks about oligarchy.
open.spotify.com/episode/1yEw...
I thus thought today was a good day to remind what a President does. I made this podcast in February, interestingly it talks about oligarchy.
open.spotify.com/episode/1yEw...
If representatives were to be limited to single terms, the legislature would be composed of a more-or-less disparate group of individuals. The mainstream would moderate any extremist sect. Fresh eyes fight complacency. We need term limits.
More details:
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
More details:
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
07 - What do you mean politics is not a lifetime career?
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
If representatives were to be limited to single terms, the legislature would be composed of a more-or-less disparate group of individuals. The mainstream would moderate any extremist sect. Fresh eyes fight complacency. We need term limits.
More details:
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
More details:
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
There are grumblings today about the USA’s two-party bipolar political system. @davidfrum.bsky.social
The root problem is our winner-takes-all system. It encourages extremism. There are better ways to vote our preferences, such as rank-choice.
I explain in:
open.spotify.com/episode/2clV...
The root problem is our winner-takes-all system. It encourages extremism. There are better ways to vote our preferences, such as rank-choice.
I explain in:
open.spotify.com/episode/2clV...
04 - Why do we still vote like Ancient Romans?
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
There are grumblings today about the USA’s two-party bipolar political system. @davidfrum.bsky.social
The root problem is our winner-takes-all system. It encourages extremism. There are better ways to vote our preferences, such as rank-choice.
I explain in:
open.spotify.com/episode/2clV...
The root problem is our winner-takes-all system. It encourages extremism. There are better ways to vote our preferences, such as rank-choice.
I explain in:
open.spotify.com/episode/2clV...
“The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities.” ~ John Berger
The combined net worth of America's twelve wealthiest people passed $2 trillion last year.
12 people. $2 trillion.
Meanwhile, U.S. homelessness increased 18% in 2024.
Our problem isn’t an issue of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding wealth inequality.
12 people. $2 trillion.
Meanwhile, U.S. homelessness increased 18% in 2024.
Our problem isn’t an issue of resources.
Our problem is ever-expanding wealth inequality.
January 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM
“The poverty of our century is unlike that of any other. It is not, as poverty was before, the result of natural scarcity, but of a set of priorities.” ~ John Berger
Reposted by Brian Aftanas
Business profit is absolutely necessary, but the free enterprise system does not require secrecy to ensure fair profit.
I explain all the above in much more detail in this podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/0GGi...
I explain all the above in much more detail in this podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/0GGi...
27 - Doctor, fix me! I’ll pay you anything!
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
Business profit is absolutely necessary, but the free enterprise system does not require secrecy to ensure fair profit.
I explain all the above in much more detail in this podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/0GGi...
I explain all the above in much more detail in this podcast:
open.spotify.com/episode/0GGi...
Reposted by Brian Aftanas
To fix the US system, we need an insurance pool which does not exclude any citizen. We also need transparency regarding cost and profit-taking within healthcare businesses. Both of these changes can be accommodated in a free-market model.
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
To fix the US system, we need an insurance pool which does not exclude any citizen. We also need transparency regarding cost and profit-taking within healthcare businesses. Both of these changes can be accommodated in a free-market model.
Reposted by Brian Aftanas
Medical service businesses can therefore dictate the price of their services, independent of cost.
If an insurance company can decline coverage, the insurance they provide is not real insurance since they do not protect against the unknown, which is the purpose of insurance.
If an insurance company can decline coverage, the insurance they provide is not real insurance since they do not protect against the unknown, which is the purpose of insurance.
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
Medical service businesses can therefore dictate the price of their services, independent of cost.
If an insurance company can decline coverage, the insurance they provide is not real insurance since they do not protect against the unknown, which is the purpose of insurance.
If an insurance company can decline coverage, the insurance they provide is not real insurance since they do not protect against the unknown, which is the purpose of insurance.
Reposted by Brian Aftanas
In regular businesses free-market forces establish price based on supply and demand – if prices are too high, demand drops down. With healthcare there is a conflict – if we need critical medical help, we are willing to pay every dollar we have to a healthcare provider who can save us.
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
In regular businesses free-market forces establish price based on supply and demand – if prices are too high, demand drops down. With healthcare there is a conflict – if we need critical medical help, we are willing to pay every dollar we have to a healthcare provider who can save us.
Reposted by Brian Aftanas
I disagree with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that increasing “free-market” forces in US healthcare will drive efficiency and improve service.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
I disagree with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that increasing “free-market” forces in US healthcare will drive efficiency and improve service.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
This 9-minute podcast is based on the sections of my book, "Term Limits" and "Selecting Judges":
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
07 - What do you mean politics is not a lifetime career?
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
January 1, 2025 at 4:48 PM
This 9-minute podcast is based on the sections of my book, "Term Limits" and "Selecting Judges":
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
open.spotify.com/episode/0vYN...
I am pro H1-B visas. Bright minds add value to our nation. They come based on individual merit.
I do not support unvetted “illegal” immigration. Immigration must be focused upon an individual’s merit, not their level of duress in their parent country.
More:
open.spotify.com/episode/7DX8...
I do not support unvetted “illegal” immigration. Immigration must be focused upon an individual’s merit, not their level of duress in their parent country.
More:
open.spotify.com/episode/7DX8...
12 - Immigrants - Newcomers from an old country
Reclaiming Our Nation - Fixing Democracy · Episode
open.spotify.com
December 31, 2024 at 4:50 PM
I am pro H1-B visas. Bright minds add value to our nation. They come based on individual merit.
I do not support unvetted “illegal” immigration. Immigration must be focused upon an individual’s merit, not their level of duress in their parent country.
More:
open.spotify.com/episode/7DX8...
I do not support unvetted “illegal” immigration. Immigration must be focused upon an individual’s merit, not their level of duress in their parent country.
More:
open.spotify.com/episode/7DX8...
I disagree with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that increasing “free-market” forces in US healthcare will drive efficiency and improve service.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
December 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
I disagree with House Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that increasing “free-market” forces in US healthcare will drive efficiency and improve service.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
Medical services businesses are different than regular businesses.
Earlier this year, thanks to Crowdstrike and Delta airlines, I was given a three day unplanned opportunity to visit Atlanta. Toured The Carter Center / Presidential Library. I learned so much and gained huge admiration for President Carter.
December 30, 2024 at 2:50 AM
Earlier this year, thanks to Crowdstrike and Delta airlines, I was given a three day unplanned opportunity to visit Atlanta. Toured The Carter Center / Presidential Library. I learned so much and gained huge admiration for President Carter.
The “nanny state” is a symptom of a broken government system.
In a nanny state, like in a dictatorship, other people decide what is best for us.
It used to be a Republican value to “live and let live.” Now the shoe is on the Democrat foot.
In a nanny state, like in a dictatorship, other people decide what is best for us.
It used to be a Republican value to “live and let live.” Now the shoe is on the Democrat foot.
December 24, 2024 at 3:01 PM
The “nanny state” is a symptom of a broken government system.
In a nanny state, like in a dictatorship, other people decide what is best for us.
It used to be a Republican value to “live and let live.” Now the shoe is on the Democrat foot.
In a nanny state, like in a dictatorship, other people decide what is best for us.
It used to be a Republican value to “live and let live.” Now the shoe is on the Democrat foot.
I am not bothered by the current Congressional infighting. It's the status quo.
What bothers me is the attempt by some self-righteous individuals to impose their dogma upon me. We must “live and let live” and be free to believe what we want.
What bothers me is the attempt by some self-righteous individuals to impose their dogma upon me. We must “live and let live” and be free to believe what we want.
December 23, 2024 at 5:58 PM
I am not bothered by the current Congressional infighting. It's the status quo.
What bothers me is the attempt by some self-righteous individuals to impose their dogma upon me. We must “live and let live” and be free to believe what we want.
What bothers me is the attempt by some self-righteous individuals to impose their dogma upon me. We must “live and let live” and be free to believe what we want.
Love it.
Also, courage is contagious. I continue to stand against American fascism in the hope that others will take heart, too.
December 23, 2024 at 1:35 PM
Love it.
It bothers me that people are adding “from South Africa” behind Elon Musk’s name. While I disagree with the man, it is not because he is “from South Africa”. We are a country of immigrants.
December 22, 2024 at 11:08 AM
It bothers me that people are adding “from South Africa” behind Elon Musk’s name. While I disagree with the man, it is not because he is “from South Africa”. We are a country of immigrants.
People are fussing about the influence unelected entities currently have on governmental processes.
In reality, Special Interest Groups have gained massive influence over these last decades. The only difference is that their influence has been much more behind-the-scenes than what is going on now.
In reality, Special Interest Groups have gained massive influence over these last decades. The only difference is that their influence has been much more behind-the-scenes than what is going on now.
December 21, 2024 at 12:03 PM
People are fussing about the influence unelected entities currently have on governmental processes.
In reality, Special Interest Groups have gained massive influence over these last decades. The only difference is that their influence has been much more behind-the-scenes than what is going on now.
In reality, Special Interest Groups have gained massive influence over these last decades. The only difference is that their influence has been much more behind-the-scenes than what is going on now.
The type of National Debt that the USA is incurring is a significant problem. We are no longer funding government deficit spending by simple domestic schemes such as savings bonds that citizens bought during the Second World War. Instead, we are increasingly becoming indebted to foreign entities.
December 20, 2024 at 12:36 PM
The type of National Debt that the USA is incurring is a significant problem. We are no longer funding government deficit spending by simple domestic schemes such as savings bonds that citizens bought during the Second World War. Instead, we are increasingly becoming indebted to foreign entities.
This whole 51st State thing with Canada is a red herring. The USA is at greater risk of splitting into pieces under the false belief that different regions are fundamentally different in their aspirations. We are not pre-WW1 Europe.
I explain in more detail in two podcasts (and in my book):
I explain in more detail in two podcasts (and in my book):
December 19, 2024 at 5:41 PM
This whole 51st State thing with Canada is a red herring. The USA is at greater risk of splitting into pieces under the false belief that different regions are fundamentally different in their aspirations. We are not pre-WW1 Europe.
I explain in more detail in two podcasts (and in my book):
I explain in more detail in two podcasts (and in my book):
From Amazon:
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...
December 18, 2024 at 3:18 PM
From Amazon:
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...
· “Clear, thoughtful, and actionable guidance to fix our democracy.”
· “The author kept his promise to not make the book political despite the political nature of the subject matter.”
Paperback, eBook and audiobook:
amazon.com/dp/B09VG9YGNZ
Podcasts:
open.spotify.com/show/5c4bt3v...