The election of Trump wouldn't mean anything in particular for naturists. If there are any elections that hold any specific meaning it will be state and local elections. That is where the laws are written that affect us.
I blame the Democrats for Trump's success. Today's Democrats do not reflect the citizenry any more than the MAGA extremists. They have allowed the Progressives to become the ideological face of the party. They advocate revolutionary change while most Americans will only accept evolutionary change in small easily chewed and swallowed bites. It is too easy to get them worked up about "woke" politics or Transgender theory. You cannot push change before the people decide they want it.
Before she became VP, Harris was a self described Progressive. That is a liability here.
Trump himself doesn't mean that much. If the GOP manages to take both Houses of Congress, that could be a problem. Trump could then do as he wishes. The Senate wouldn't impeach and the House of Representatives wouldn't deny him the funding. Since he already has the Supreme Court in his pocket there isn't a lot to stop him from passing any law he wants. Fortunately, he's mostly bullshit and bluster. Four more years of His Odiousity.
If he were someone who was clever and well versed in playing the system were elected, it could be big trouble. He isn't.
It doesn't matter whether Trump or his followers support or not support nudism. He nor Congress mandate that nudism is illegal or whatever. The U.S. Constitution clearly and correctly states:
Amendment 10
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
The decision is based on the electorate in each state. Some conservatives believe in nudism/naturism, some don't. Each person has the right, and in my opinion, responsibility to research what is important to them and then make a decision as to how they will live their lives and to vote.
I am a conservative, a devout and traditional Roman Catholic, nudist and live in a nudist resort, Mass every Sunday, receive the Sacraments, etc. I don't believe in Government knows all or that politicians or bureaucrats can fix everything. Each of them has their own "thing." Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Independent.
Interesting, Kent. I don't fully understand how the American election system works, but it is more than just a presidential election on Tuesday, right? People are being elected in each state as well, yes?
No, not one senator from every state. Senators have six-year terms. One third of the 100 senators are up for election every two years except for elections to replace senators who retire or pass away in the middle of the term.
I'll take issue with your position that being Canadian, "it would [not] be appropriate for me to give my opinions on the American election in this forum." We are neighbors (or as I'm sure you'd prefer, neighbours), and what happens to one of us has a significant impact on the other.
You're right on all counts here. I almost didn't include the election in this post, but it is the biggest news story right now, so I figured I'd give folks a chance to talk about it from a naturism/nudism perspective.
A nice article..The US elections & in fact any elections are meaningful..The conservative law makers will naturally not favour Naturism & may raise obstacles in the naturism progress..
The figures of the survey in Canada are quite encouraging..As you said rightly sleeping naked & roaming naked in the home may not be true naturists. However the reasons not to explore naturism in the nature may be because majority can't practice it in nature are because of the local laws and other societal restrictions.
They don't have any options than to practice it within home..
Though we may focus on politics the bigger issue is attracting a newer generation to being nudist. This is much more of a focus then who is in the White House of Governor’s mansion or in the legislature or Congress.
National elections will not affect naturism, it is a matter for state and local legislation. America is a center right nation overall, except for some cities. Still under the influence of religious attitudes opposed to naturism. But, younger Americans, who are less religious, seem to flocking to naturism.
With regard to spirituality and naturism, many naturists of faith view their faith as supportive of naturism. I write about this on the Naturist Hub. Art Vernon barebbe
The respect of the 'other' without judgement that is inherent in naturism connects with the belief of a universal flow of love. Love here is not as defined by eros but agape (in Western philosophy). Whether you define yourself as a spiritual person or not, the core tenant of respect in the naturist community creates a strong linkage to spiritual practices. You receive the benefit regardless.
This also translates to love and respect of the environment where naturists meet and engage in. I have read/heard many times that when comparing naturist beaches to non-naturist, there is a marked difference in the respect and care of the physical environment; while at the same time, there is no one policing the naturist beaches.
Again a core element of respect and love for all of creation.
When I have read Fred's great pieces on his different hikes his respect and love for what he encounters in nature is clear, and then his courtesy to others in his willingness to throw on some shorts to help someone else in their discomfort. For me, these actions show the love of the other, the willingness to help the other without question while not making a scene about it.
And perhaps it also helps the other to shift their perspective a tiny bit, that naturism isn't scary or weird.
There’s a belief that republican means strict conservative views and democrat means liberal. I beg to differ. I see the difference between the two primary being the size of government. Republicans tend to want the government out of their business while Democrats want to legislate their way into our lives in an attempt to improve our situations much like “I’m from the government and here to help.”
The nudist community is small enough it's not on politician's radar. Although there are big dollars involved, these are not the dollars they are interested in. Nude recreation creates tax dollars and they are not going to mess with that. Public nudity however is a seperate issue, one that has already recently come under the political micro-scope in what is considered a very blue state.
People are spiritual. Spiritual people are not necessarily religious. The Cosmos and everything in it is Spiritual. The Chinese has a word for it, ‘Chi’ (not spelled that way) . In simple terms it means ‘Life Force Energy’. This concept is many centuries old. The concept of quantum energy (Chi) was not a reality until the late 1800’s. The scientists who have studied quantum energy realized everyone and everything is composed of the energy and this energy is not just global, it’s intergalactic. On the most sublime level our energies speak to eachother. When I speak of my Spirituality, I am speaking of my Spirit self. When I venture into the forest or walk a beach, I feel the Spiritualness of Nature. And I know that I am a part of the beauty that is Nature. It would stand to reason, that I (and you), as a Nudist, would rather be that which we are born to be, with out trappings, as we feel the splendor that is us.
I am unaware of the France outcome report which you couldn't read it completely.. However the person who is connecting his naturism with his spirituality is the person who has understood naturism in real sense..See the Jain saints who are always naked during their spiritual journey & their nakedness is most essential aspect of their spiritual progress...
I think it is great that a Canadian takes an interest in our elections. As for our elections I doubt much changes. If anything, it is more a state issue. I think the bigger issue is the old guard in the Nudist Community being open to new blood. I say that we can become victims of own success. How do we attract a newer generation to the way of life as a nudist is not a political issue.
For people who hit paywalls and won't pay to get to the rest of an article, there are tweaks that can be made to get around these blocks. You can add and an 'anti-paywall' text file to adblockers and browser extensions like uBlock Origin.
Maybe we'll get to read more analysis of full articles.
Typical ideas for republicans are to leave you alone to do as you wish. Democrats tend to control and divide.
Personaly i have been in environments ( mostly pennsylvannia) when asked of state forest services where they say no to any nude recreation. There is so much land, it is easy to enjoy without problems.
Overall i think there will be no change. Maybe less enforcement of laws that do not benefit the nude.
We still will need to watch for reactionary laws from the extreme few.
The election of Trump wouldn't mean anything in particular for naturists. If there are any elections that hold any specific meaning it will be state and local elections. That is where the laws are written that affect us.
I blame the Democrats for Trump's success. Today's Democrats do not reflect the citizenry any more than the MAGA extremists. They have allowed the Progressives to become the ideological face of the party. They advocate revolutionary change while most Americans will only accept evolutionary change in small easily chewed and swallowed bites. It is too easy to get them worked up about "woke" politics or Transgender theory. You cannot push change before the people decide they want it.
Before she became VP, Harris was a self described Progressive. That is a liability here.
Trump himself doesn't mean that much. If the GOP manages to take both Houses of Congress, that could be a problem. Trump could then do as he wishes. The Senate wouldn't impeach and the House of Representatives wouldn't deny him the funding. Since he already has the Supreme Court in his pocket there isn't a lot to stop him from passing any law he wants. Fortunately, he's mostly bullshit and bluster. Four more years of His Odiousity.
If he were someone who was clever and well versed in playing the system were elected, it could be big trouble. He isn't.
It doesn't matter whether Trump or his followers support or not support nudism. He nor Congress mandate that nudism is illegal or whatever. The U.S. Constitution clearly and correctly states:
Amendment 10
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
The decision is based on the electorate in each state. Some conservatives believe in nudism/naturism, some don't. Each person has the right, and in my opinion, responsibility to research what is important to them and then make a decision as to how they will live their lives and to vote.
I am a conservative, a devout and traditional Roman Catholic, nudist and live in a nudist resort, Mass every Sunday, receive the Sacraments, etc. I don't believe in Government knows all or that politicians or bureaucrats can fix everything. Each of them has their own "thing." Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Independent.
Don't assume what you not know. Test everyone!
Interesting, Kent. I don't fully understand how the American election system works, but it is more than just a presidential election on Tuesday, right? People are being elected in each state as well, yes?
Yes. 1 Senator from each state (each state has 2), some governors. Congressmen, state assemblymen and senators, Mayors, city council, etc.
No, not one senator from every state. Senators have six-year terms. One third of the 100 senators are up for election every two years except for elections to replace senators who retire or pass away in the middle of the term.
I understand that but it is easier explain to someone who has little workings knowledge of the Constitution. I didn’t wish to write a tome to explain.
I'll take issue with your position that being Canadian, "it would [not] be appropriate for me to give my opinions on the American election in this forum." We are neighbors (or as I'm sure you'd prefer, neighbours), and what happens to one of us has a significant impact on the other.
That having been said, I totally get your possibly not wanting to risk alienating readers on a non-core issue to this forum
You're right on all counts here. I almost didn't include the election in this post, but it is the biggest news story right now, so I figured I'd give folks a chance to talk about it from a naturism/nudism perspective.
A nice article..The US elections & in fact any elections are meaningful..The conservative law makers will naturally not favour Naturism & may raise obstacles in the naturism progress..
The figures of the survey in Canada are quite encouraging..As you said rightly sleeping naked & roaming naked in the home may not be true naturists. However the reasons not to explore naturism in the nature may be because majority can't practice it in nature are because of the local laws and other societal restrictions.
They don't have any options than to practice it within home..
I wonder how many American Naturist's are Republicans who support Harris?
Though we may focus on politics the bigger issue is attracting a newer generation to being nudist. This is much more of a focus then who is in the White House of Governor’s mansion or in the legislature or Congress.
National elections will not affect naturism, it is a matter for state and local legislation. America is a center right nation overall, except for some cities. Still under the influence of religious attitudes opposed to naturism. But, younger Americans, who are less religious, seem to flocking to naturism.
With regard to spirituality and naturism, many naturists of faith view their faith as supportive of naturism. I write about this on the Naturist Hub. Art Vernon barebbe
On Naturism and Spirituality
I do see how they link.
The respect of the 'other' without judgement that is inherent in naturism connects with the belief of a universal flow of love. Love here is not as defined by eros but agape (in Western philosophy). Whether you define yourself as a spiritual person or not, the core tenant of respect in the naturist community creates a strong linkage to spiritual practices. You receive the benefit regardless.
This also translates to love and respect of the environment where naturists meet and engage in. I have read/heard many times that when comparing naturist beaches to non-naturist, there is a marked difference in the respect and care of the physical environment; while at the same time, there is no one policing the naturist beaches.
Again a core element of respect and love for all of creation.
When I have read Fred's great pieces on his different hikes his respect and love for what he encounters in nature is clear, and then his courtesy to others in his willingness to throw on some shorts to help someone else in their discomfort. For me, these actions show the love of the other, the willingness to help the other without question while not making a scene about it.
And perhaps it also helps the other to shift their perspective a tiny bit, that naturism isn't scary or weird.
If there are truly that many canadians who are open to the idea of nonssexual nudism at beaches, why don't we get a serious petition going?
That's a good idea, Martin. Perhaps the Canadian federation should spearhead a campaign.
I'd be one of the first ones to sign.
There’s a belief that republican means strict conservative views and democrat means liberal. I beg to differ. I see the difference between the two primary being the size of government. Republicans tend to want the government out of their business while Democrats want to legislate their way into our lives in an attempt to improve our situations much like “I’m from the government and here to help.”
I consider them to be Bell curves with overlap. My concern is that there is less and less overlap due to polarization.
The nudist community is small enough it's not on politician's radar. Although there are big dollars involved, these are not the dollars they are interested in. Nude recreation creates tax dollars and they are not going to mess with that. Public nudity however is a seperate issue, one that has already recently come under the political micro-scope in what is considered a very blue state.
T & K
Wisconsin?
Yes, fortunately cooler heads prevailed this time.
Naturism and Spirituality
My thoughts.
People are spiritual. Spiritual people are not necessarily religious. The Cosmos and everything in it is Spiritual. The Chinese has a word for it, ‘Chi’ (not spelled that way) . In simple terms it means ‘Life Force Energy’. This concept is many centuries old. The concept of quantum energy (Chi) was not a reality until the late 1800’s. The scientists who have studied quantum energy realized everyone and everything is composed of the energy and this energy is not just global, it’s intergalactic. On the most sublime level our energies speak to eachother. When I speak of my Spirituality, I am speaking of my Spirit self. When I venture into the forest or walk a beach, I feel the Spiritualness of Nature. And I know that I am a part of the beauty that is Nature. It would stand to reason, that I (and you), as a Nudist, would rather be that which we are born to be, with out trappings, as we feel the splendor that is us.
I am unaware of the France outcome report which you couldn't read it completely.. However the person who is connecting his naturism with his spirituality is the person who has understood naturism in real sense..See the Jain saints who are always naked during their spiritual journey & their nakedness is most essential aspect of their spiritual progress...
I think it is great that a Canadian takes an interest in our elections. As for our elections I doubt much changes. If anything, it is more a state issue. I think the bigger issue is the old guard in the Nudist Community being open to new blood. I say that we can become victims of own success. How do we attract a newer generation to the way of life as a nudist is not a political issue.
Off topic.
For people who hit paywalls and won't pay to get to the rest of an article, there are tweaks that can be made to get around these blocks. You can add and an 'anti-paywall' text file to adblockers and browser extensions like uBlock Origin.
Maybe we'll get to read more analysis of full articles.
Typical ideas for republicans are to leave you alone to do as you wish. Democrats tend to control and divide.
Personaly i have been in environments ( mostly pennsylvannia) when asked of state forest services where they say no to any nude recreation. There is so much land, it is easy to enjoy without problems.
Overall i think there will be no change. Maybe less enforcement of laws that do not benefit the nude.
We still will need to watch for reactionary laws from the extreme few.