NIGHT

     "Stars, hide your fires;
          Let not night see my black and deep desires."
           Shakespeare, Macbeth
     How often do we think that we need to shed a little light on the subject at hand or conversely, try to hide it within the darkness of night, of obfuscation? We think we might have gained a victory or even hidden a disaster, but the stars, be it daylight or nightime, in whatever form necessary, generally expose all deeds, and as oft stated - the truth will out. 
     The unfortunate thing about this, darkness, truth, exposure, is that we often think we will never be exposed; we can continue on treading the wrong path, confuse all and win the game. But life is not a  game and roads must be chosen and trodden very carefully. Unfortunately, lately, and perhaps more correctly, for quite some time, we have chosen the wrong roads and never looked back at the detritus we have left behind or even seen it and ignored it. We have allowed the darkness of night to cover all, not the softness of a darkness but a harsh and coarse darkness, an enemy to goodness and light rather than a friend to mankind.
     Consequently, we are struggling in an ever darkening world.  We have been hit on all sides with disasters, both manmade or driven and of Nature. We are wallowing in a swamp of confusion for it appears to be that no one among our supposed leaders, or those who have presented themselves as such, have the slightest inkling as to how to proceed, and the worst of all these leaders? Yup.Got it in one - Trump.
     It seems right now that the disaster of the moment is coronavirus or COVID-19, a virus with at present a 3.4% death rate, quite a large number, especially when one figures out the huge masses affected by this virus in record time. It is a wave that is sweeping the globe, frightening all. Leaders were confused, but at least some had plans and spoke the truth, recognized the truth and are taking harsh, but necessary steps to try to at least hinder the spread, give mankind time to find a vaccine or even proper treatment for it.
     But while Italy locks down its North, its economic engine, a drastic step, it is the right step, for Italy is inundated. Contrast that to the American response, or rather the lack of response as that Demented One speaks out of the wrong side of his body and tells lie after lie, one ignorant, poisonous statement after another. It means nothing. It will blow over. By April it will be gone. There will be a vaccine in two weeks. There are enough tests out there and our health system and professionals are ready. Only a few are affected and they are getting better. All this as we stand at the threshold of a major health disaster. We cannot even seem to get it right with cruise ships. The answer right now, harsh as it might be, is to shut down the cruise ships. Period. Until we have some answers. And Pence going around trying to cover up for his boss, stumbling almost as inelegantly, is of no use. None whatsoever.
     I recently read a novel which included descriptions of sociopaths and psychopaths. Full disclosure, I truly could not see the major definitive difference between them, but they are both rotten to the core and certainly not good leaders to follow. And yet, what do we have?
      "Lack of conscience manifests in their absence of attachments to other people." (psychopaths)
       "A sociopath's primary defense is omnipotent control....wielding power."
     Now, folks, tell me who that reminds you of? I will let you guess, but all this quest for power by this man, his cyberbullying, despite his wife's 'vaunted' Be Best program, his name calling, his trashing of people left and right and inbetween, his lack of concern for any and all other than himself, and his drive to maintain and grow his power - well, this is night, the darkening of the fires of the sky, the waning power of the stars to disclose all.
     The truth is the truth and plans must be laid, put into action if we are to remain viable as a people and a nation. Meanwhile, we live in a vague world of know nothing leaders who care naught for the people they are presumed to be serving.
      It is a dangerous world, one where we are left with no answers and no one who cares to give us any in the first place. So we bumble along and ask ourselves if we should fly, go to another city, take that vacation, live - or huddle in close and closed quarters, hoping and praying that this will be better, some day, hopefully soon. And in front of my eyes I see the closing scene of that series about dinosaurs where the family huddles together, shivering, as the weather turns frigid and there appears to be no end other than oblivion for dinosaurs, all the while as they repeat to themselves that it will end, it has to end.
     Well, folks, nothing ever has to end unless it is brought to an end. We appear to be at a loss to bring anything to an end other than our decency, our trust and confidence in government and simply the use of brain power to handle a crisis. Why, at this point in time,when the virus appears to be spread by cruise pasengers, people who fly, people with some money, are we throwing all our resources into catching illegals who have been living here, contributing here, for years? It does not make sense. None at all. And yet, there we are.
      And where will we be in a month? In a year? Wonder what the odds are as played by the English betting system or the Vegas odds setters?
Meanwhile, laughter always helps so here is one laugh. Apparently, Halle Berry and Sarah Palin are distant relatives. When asked about that, Halle Berry responded thusly:"She may be on the tree, but she 'AINT invited to the cookout."
     Perhaps we all need to go over our guest list, our nation's list as to whom they invite to cookouts and then send them elsewhere. Trump could go back to his gilt laden hotels, all the better to go bankrupt again, financially, that is, for he is and has been morally bankrupt for quite some time already. Time for the likes of all those whimpering GOP Senators to go home and do their own grilling. But no more cookouts on our backs. And let us demand some proper leadership and guidance. NOW! Time for the stars to emit their beautiful fire. Time for night to end and daylight, day, clear and bright, to come forth once more.