ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS AND ALL

  A previously unheard-of term, certainly, at least for non-weather mavens, is defined as a "relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River."  A whole bunch of water. Enough, evidently, to swamp huge areas of the country again and again. Kinda' like the atmospheric river of confusion and even panic that is swamping the democratic process in so many countries of the world' Joined with other issues of the world, we have a massive atmospheric mess surrounding us in every direction.

The question is, what do we do about it? Do we simply take reactive measures, blowing up the rafts, taking rowing lessons, buying the waders of a fisherman, or do we take proactive measures, perhaps not avoiding all the damage anticipated but indeed preventing some, allowing for a better rescue and partial amelioration of problems?

Who determines what proactive and reactive measures are worthwhile? Aha!! The problem in a nutshell. Over the years of the previous administration nothing was done re anything other than tax breaks for the rich and developing hostility among our friends. The USA was looked upon with concern and dismay, as the President was more concerned with the finances of his business, his personal disaster of a life wherein he was being sued on every front, his golf standing, and a determination to be a do nothing, avoiding anything that might be considered a positive step.

The confusion grew apace with no sane national or international policy in place. The confusion grew exponentially when it was finally openly admitted that the man, the President, the person in charge of our security, never received any intelligence briefing after Jan. 6, and rarely enough before that. Ever since his election loss, he was obsessed by the wish, the determination to avoid reality, to deny facts, and plan for a rebellion one way or another.

"Trump’s remarks reveal a direct line from the White House and the command center at the Willard ... it raises the specter of a possible connection between Trump and the insurrection."

"...caused concern among some administration officials that Trump was losing touch with reality, as he was getting unhinged advice on domestic issues from Justice Department attorneys and outside counsel that openly advocated rejecting election results."

 Those are the defining statements his aides at the time now tell us and/or that we have uncovered. Now! When they continue to avoid and ignore their subpoenas. Where the hell were they then??? Do they think that writing a book post the defeat of the rebels would exonerate them? Would avoid charges of treason for them and their boss??? Were they hedging their bets? Where the hell were their heads? Why did they not put a stop to it? 

Whispering in corridors, speaking of the man's evident, gross, growing insanity, his disconnect with reality, is not the same as taking action. These people are complicit in the disaster that overtook this country. They are complicit in the atmospheric river of partisanship which grew so large, so strong, so much a determining factor of life and votes, that it is indeed questionable if it can be overcome. If there is even a will to try to do that - and I strongly doubt it.

This atmospheric river is growing in strength, speed of current, and overwhelming power to overcome any obstacle or plan to control it or even dial it back. What do we do? Where is help and sane advice? Will the nation become whole again? Can it actually do that? Do they want to? Will the GOP throw out the growing percentage of its legislators and members who are outright openly Fascistic, proud of it? Will they be able to dampen the shivers that now regularly run down my spine, the sweat beads on my forehead when I read the anti-Semitic statements of their members and supporters? Do they even care? Do they actually have a problem with it? Somehow, I get the feeling they are actually cheering on and for those horrific statements and actions endorsed by the growing fascism within the GOP. Woe upon us.

So, back to the river in the sky. Actually, sounds almost romantic, a beautiful image drawn in our minds. But surface beauty fades when we realize what is beneath - the awesome power of that river, of Nature, to wield its destructive power. It shakes that mind's eye picture, reconnects us with reality. Let us not go down for the third time. In any atmospheric or growing river.