Happy Monday!

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Get 1% Better Newsletter,” where we delve into the intricate maze of life’s challenges and obstacles.

Our lead story discusses the expulsion of two black Democratic lawmakers from the Tennessee legislature, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson after they peacefully protested gun violence.

Meanwhile, a vote to expel a white colleague failed, raising questions about potential racial bias and a lack of democracy in the state.

Additionally, we tackle the alarming issue of millions of Americans nearing retirement age with no savings, discussing expert-recommended strategies for achieving financial security.

Lastly, we share insights from Stephen Marche’s eye-opening book, “The Next Civil War,” which analyzes the current political situation in America and its potential consequences.

In this newsletter, we also share some thought-provoking quotes and the action steps you can take based on their messages. So, buckle up and prepare for an engaging and informative read that will surely leave you eager for more!

Fascinating Articles I Read Last Week

The Tennessee 3: “A Public Lynching”: Justin Jones, Black Tennessee Lawmaker, Responds to Expulsion from State House

Two black Democratic lawmakers, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson, were expelled from the Tennessee legislature for peacefully protesting gun violence, while a vote to expel a white colleague failed.

The Republican-controlled legislature removed the lawmakers who defended their protest and called for an end to gun violence. Critics argue that the expulsions reveal a lack of democracy in the state and may have been influenced by race.

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State representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were expelled after the Republican majority voted along party lines.

Both lawmakers have advocated for gun reform, citing numerous victims of gun violence. Their expulsion has drawn attention to potential racism and absurd policies in the state capital.

Democratic representative Gloria Johnson pledged to work towards reinstating her expelled colleagues, suggesting that race might have played a role in their removal.

Critics argue that expelling opposition voices from the legislative body indicates authoritarianism, not democracy.

The expelled lawmakers represent a future that champions human rights, democracy, and social justice, in contrast to the state’s history of white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchy.

Read The Article

Millions of Americans are nearing retirement age with no savings.

According to data from the US Census Bureau, approximately 50% of women and 47% of men aged between 55 and 66 have no retirement savings. To address this issue, experts suggest several steps.

Firstly, it is recommended to continue working, save when possible, lower the cost of living, delay social security benefits until age 70, and avoid risky investments. Additionally, early retirement savings is advised, and even those without savings can create a plan.

It’s alarming that nearly 57 million Americans work for employers that do not offer retirement savings plans.

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This means that many people may have to rely solely on social security benefits, which can be a challenge to maintain a comfortable standard of living in retirement.

To mitigate this issue, it’s essential to take proactive steps such as saving money, reducing expenses, and planning ahead for retirement.

Maryann O’Connor’s situation highlights the importance of planning for retirement. At 66 years old, she has no savings or 401(k) and works two jobs to make ends meet.

This demonstrates the need for individuals to take action early to save for retirement and ensure financial stability in their later years.

In summary, retirement planning is crucial, particularly for those without savings.

Experts recommend a range of steps to help achieve financial security, such as continuing to work, saving when possible, lowering the cost of living, delaying social security benefits, and avoiding risky investments.

Taking proactive steps early on can help individuals achieve a comfortable standard of living in retirement, even if they work for an employer that doesn’t offer a retirement savings plan.

Read The Article

What I’m Reading That’s Blowing My Mind

The Next Civil War by Stephen Marche

​The Next Civil War is a book by Stephen Marche that provides an insightful analysis of the current political situation in America and its potential consequences.

Marche’s book is a collection of dispatches from the American future, focusing on the factors that could lead to another civil war. The book warns Americans about the dangers of political polarization and the consequences of ignoring it.

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3 Quotes That Caught My Attention

Explanation

It is essential to recognize that relationships should be based on mutual support and reciprocity. When one party consistently takes without giving, it can lead to an unhealthy and imbalanced relationship.

It is important to be mindful of the dynamics within our relationships and take action to address such issues when they arise.

This may involve openly communicating your concerns with the individual or setting boundaries to ensure your own well-being is not compromised due to their one-sided behavior.

Doing so will foster healthier and more balanced relationships, leading to greater overall emotional well-being.

Action

Evaluate your relationships with others and identify those who consistently exhibit this behavior.

Once you have identified them, consider setting boundaries to protect your well-being and ensure that these relationships are more balanced and reciprocal in the future.

This could involve being honest about your feelings and discussing the issue with the person or simply being more mindful of your limits and ensuring you are not overextending yourself for others who may not reciprocate the same level of care and support.

Explanation

Embracing the notion that there is always an opportunity for change, regardless of the circumstances, can be a powerful motivator.

This quote emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment and not giving up on the potential for progress, even when faced with adversity or unfavorable conditions.

Maintaining a proactive mindset can positively influence their surroundings and strive for better outcomes.

Action

One action step based on this quote would be to identify a situation or aspect of your life that you believe needs improvement and then create a concrete plan to turn things around.

Break the plan down into manageable tasks, and commit to taking consistent action toward achieving your desired outcome.

By actively working towards positive change, you demonstrate the power of perseverance and the belief that there is always time to make a difference.

Explanation

To achieve success, you must clearly understand your objectives and be confident to pursue them wholeheartedly.

By visualizing your goals and maintaining faith in your abilities, you create a solid foundation to build your future.

This quote serves as a reminder that the responsibility for designing and executing your plans ultimately lies with you, and it is crucial to take ownership of your journey to accomplish your dreams.

Action

One action step based on this quote would be to dedicate time to reflecting on your aspirations and developing a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Write down your specific goals and create a detailed roadmap outlining the necessary steps.

By actively engaging in this process, you demonstrate your commitment to taking charge of your life and shaping your future according to your desires and ambitions.

That’s it for this week’s 1% Better Newsletter 🙂

As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, I hope that the stories and insights we’ve shared have been informative and thought-provoking.

My goal is to engage you in the critical discussions that affect our society and to inspire action in addressing these issues.

From the controversial expulsion of lawmakers in Tennessee to the pressing concerns surrounding retirement savings, we strive to bring attention to the challenges we face together.

I encourage you to reflect on the quotes we’ve shared and consider the action steps we’ve suggested to make a positive impact in your own life and the lives of those around you.

Through awareness and action, we can foster change, promote understanding, and work towards a brighter future for all.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we look forward to connecting with you again in our next newsletter.

In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback with us, as we always appreciate hearing from our valued readers.

Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, and stay inspired!

Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

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