EVEN MORE STUPID

  Why does it take so long for people to understand how stupid they are, how unbelievably dumb are the utterances they so generously share with the world at large? How much better and useful it would be if they kept their hot air within, contributing to the sought-after cooling of the planet. A positive contribution to mankind; such a pleasant change that would make.

I wonder if perhaps we need to remind all concerned that the wise person holds his thoughts and counsel until asked, or when it is vital. Watching the words that pour endlessly direct from unthinking brains would be a good start. Next would come a lessening of ridiculous, yet dangerous actions that derive from these words. A simple start - just tell the truth. It is so much easier to do that then remember all the lies told and the inevitable result of conflicting lies. Be open in government, for the truth will always out. Example - J6 Committee.

Perhaps we need to approach these nonthinkers with the old tradition of boiling down major catastrophes into children's songs and games, all the better for challenged brains to remember - and maybe, just maybe, learn a lesson and seek positive change, install better controls. Ring Around the Rosie. London Bridge. The Farmer in the Dell. We all so merrily sing and dance with our little ones, all the while these songs catalog great tragedies of historic proportion. Just think how we can so enrich our store of little ditties for our little ones - and for those with few functioning cognitive brain cells.

How clever does one have to be to understand that no, it is not a good idea to suggest the elimination of the Department of Education any more than it is sane to suggest defunding police. Just think if this were to take place. So, teach the kids whatever you want, whatever twisted version of history you prefer, whatever version of hatred appeals to you, and trash science, way too inconvenient. And, of course, teach strict obedience to the powers that be, generally men, of course, and ladies, not to forget the mandated manner of dress. 

As for the police, no, sorry, the general population will not certainly and suddenly morph into upright citizens, no criminals at all. The leaders will not choose the straight and narrow simply because it is the right thing to do. From the beginning of man's appearance on this planet a police force was necessary. Not to have an official one will simply invite the emergence of private forces with no controls over them, freewheeling, never to have their misbehavior examined, punished and amended. Such a most brilliant suggestion indeed!!

How about we next check on the 'legacy' which we are supposed to leave for those who follow us. Think about the wonderful legacies of the day, and are these idiots actually cognizant of their actual, real, legacies? The shame they should feel? Guess not, for otherwise they would think again and again and censor their moronic, yet oh so perilous legacies. Would they spare us these legacies!

Here are a few of the many poorly thought-out legacy providers to be found in DC and in local areas. Susan Collins who cannot make up her mind as to the right thing to do, Tit for tat, so a climate bill negates a veteran's bill! Never mind the fact that this manifestly challenged, corrupted group is supposed to be working FOR the people and a better future, not play power games. Not to forget those gracious role models - McCarthy of faulty memory, cannot remember a single thing from his experiences and words on J6. Or Matt Goetz who cannot stay out of trouble, tampers with a witness. DeSantis instructs Floridians to defy the federal government. Or Greene, the nasty Nationalist Christian who is most definitely unchristian. Not to forget our wonderful so impartial six Justices of the Supreme Court. Or the fools who give Trump $1 to watch a golf game sponsored by the Saudis, one stating he “can deal with” the Saudi Arabia “thing,” but if it was “China or something like that, no way. I wouldn’t be here."  Sure, never you mind Khashoggi, 9/11, brutal treatment of women, capital punishment for LGBTQ+, nah, never mind that. It would be different with China. Same difference theory?

And, of course, my favorite bit of suicidal behavior right here in our own neighborhood. We have leaders, politicians, businessmen who think they can get away with what they are doing. It seems they are correct. Dumb wins again. Every single piece of empty space is being clear-cut, concreted over, business condos, housing developments, jammed roads, the water insufficient, increased damage costs after climate change natural events - ah, never mind. Taxes. Rebates to the rich. Oxygen? Climate warming? Fuhgeddaboudit.

The best statement and a suggestion I have heard to date - along with an addendum. 

Kinzinger warns us that it is guaranteed that someone will try this again - and the implication is clear. The deeply entrenched rot in every level of government, the manifest disloyalty, even treason by officials and duped followers - either we do what we must or well, we all know about history and repetition.

The suggestion, a beautiful one at that, long overdue -" ...  how about this for an idea? We put Trump in jail and then trade him to Russia for Brittney Griner,” 

 Now, if only we can add a few people to that trade ........

"YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID"

  An adage of long life, it has never been more appropriate than now. The term 'stupid' here is not a judgement call on those with a lesser level of cognitive ability. What it does refer to is when someone has the capability, but certainly does not exhibit the ability to use it. That is 'stupid'. The term is used in this month's Reporter by a VP who has rightfully lost patience with those who refuse to obey the laws, endanger the structural integrity of the building in which they reside, place fellow residents in literal existential danger, risk the financial integrity of their association and pull down the reputation of our piece of heaven on earth.

However, it does not help the situation any when meeting after meeting of committees are canceled.  events and meetings. This leaves the community in darkness and confusion as rumors abound re the issues facing us. This certainly does not help matters at all. Nor should we place the entire burden on the shoulders of one man who works from predawn hours into the night, availability unquestioned, at events of concern to the Village at large, on top of it all.

 Perhaps good things are going on in the office of UCO, but how do we know that? Speak up. Tell us what is happening via facts, not rumors. Let the refusal to kowtow to the power of the new owners of the golf course be celebrated. Just what is going on re the Medical Building? Be specific. What is happening with Anshei Shalom, another area of concern? How can we truly clamp down on illegal, dangerous renovators of units without care and concern for others? The more facts we know the more secure we are in our lives and planning. In other words, do not expect us to fix that 'stupid' conduct of UCO unless we get aid from within, unless we get new blood, unless we get the majority of the Village to buy into what must be done. To do otherwise, well, "you can't fix stupid". Nor can one avoid the pitfalls along this 'stupid' road.

The Village has much brain power and experience to draw upon. Reach out, actively, to the possessors of what we need. Do not just whine, but be proactive, call them, invite them in for a get to know you chat, guilt or flatter the person into helping us to run a great place to live. As it used to be, as it can be once again. And remember, no personal feelings here, no making 'sure' that this, person, will be a "yes, sir" ally rather than one who questions, who challenges, forcing debate and revision as needed. This exclusionary policy, unspoken, but there, has been in use for far too long in UCO.

Certainly, anther manifestly stupid thing going on here is the hostility, clearly apparent, between WPRF and UCO. Instead of recognizing the mutuality of needs, they focus on their 100% demands. No compromise, only antagonism, a sure case of lose-lose. Keep the Village financially solvent and lessen some of the negative behavior and unreasonable demands of WPRF and Benenson, and all will benefit. Financial catastrophe will not serve either side. 

Stupid is what is taking place outside our gates on every level of government. We must ensure that we do not emulate them, destroying ourselves in the process. 'Stupid' are those who refuse to listen, refuse to think, refuse to compromise, refuse to move forward in a positive manner, on a good path to tread. Without a change, well, it will be bad for all. The sooner understood, the quicker we will restore sanity and balance here in a state besieged by its own 'stupid' powers that be.

Perhaps, maybe perhaps, we can prove the title incorrect. Perhaps 'stupid' can be fixed. Why not be a role model for that thought and the behavior needed to achieve that. Let us just be clever, smart, brilliant even. For once? Why not? Let us all stop kicking ourselves in our own posteriors.

OOPS!

  Cannot believe it! Maybe it is a sign of another miracle - me winning the billion-dollar giveaway! Oh, the dreams, oh, the good it can do. Hey, someone has to win, right? Optimism reigns supreme in the household; we even sprung $20 for tickets. A waste of money, but a dream is worth it, correct? But not crazy, throwing good money after bad. Anyway, here's hoping. But to keep a dream alive for little cost - well worth it.

Okay, so what was the first miracle, the one inducing hope for the second? I  slept  through  the  night! No, no typos. Simply a way of expressing the joy and the shock. I have not done that since so many years ago that there is no memory of the last time it ever happened.

Pills, jet lag, behavior change, extreme fatigue, but there I was, somewhere between 1-3, waking up and that was the end of sleep. You cannot believe the difference it makes sleeping to 6! However, now I feel I lost half a day, and this late blog is one of the items affected; no time to read, to think, to mull over, just simply to get out there and type. It works, but well, why worry, for I doubt it will ever happen again. 

I appreciate the feeling, the unknown quality of actually feeling energized by a good night's sleep. No looking that gift horse in the mouth - only appreciation to the god of sleep.

 I do apologize for the late non thinking but appreciative posting. Thank you for your patience and "tomorrow, and tomorrow", well, thank you Shakespeare for that, but also thanks for "To sleep, perchance to dream"- and perchance the win comes through!

Ever the eternal optimist. Well, not always but that is for another day.

AMERICA, AMERICA

  Apparently not the country paved with streets of gold- for me anyway, as I unfortunately did not have the winning numbers for yesterday's gazillion dollars lottery. Such a shock! All my plans, right down the tube. Oh, well, there's always the next one. Dreams do not die here in America. So our ancestors who immigrated here have been told. And we believed. In that belief we strove mightily to build that dream. Brick by brick. For the country and for us.

Well, apparently somewhere along the line our dreams became nightmares. We began to think otherwise, to believe that the golden roads, the Goldeneh Medina, was meant only for some, certainly not for all, particularly for the chosen victim of the moment, the flavor of the week in the kingdom of the haters. Worse, we validated that concept and too many of us have chosen to forego the dream and even buy into the nightmare.

America, America.

Granted, the inspiration for this posting grew out of a late viewing of The Capitol Fourth, an annual celebration of the country's birthday. Crowds gather at major DC iconic monuments and places. Considering what had taken place at the Capitol only a few months prior, I wondered. I truly did. I watched it through, singing along to the songs I knew, or hummed, when words escaped me.

 I remarked at the songs, the Army's theme song, the patriotic ones, praising the country, imploring that we remember the vision it was built upon. All the hard work and sacrifices made in its name; the prayers sent skyward for it. Above all else, always, the pleas and songs to encourage love, help others.  Rather than confront each other in violence we must remember we are all Americans. Not red or blue or purple, but red, white and blue, no matter the color of the skin, the language spoken at home, or the country of origin, or the manner of prayer, the name of the deity, or not. The key to regaining and maintaining our beloved country was to remember that above all is the fact that we are all Americans.

Cynically, I commented. Prayerfully, I hoped. Naively, I believe- current tense - even with all that has come upon us - that we can return to our roots, rebuild, restore this beleaguered nation of ours, return to a time when we stood tall, where we did not buy into damaged beings nor distorted beliefs. We strove to do the right thing, picked ourselves up when we strayed or fell, to correct errors rather than enforce them. The vision of that golden land.

America, America.

The words ask G-d to shed His grace upon us. Would that He would shed that grace into the hearts of the benighted, the disillusioned, those seeking to hurt rather than help, or twist this country into what it most definitely was not meant to be.

America, America.

I shed my tears, lose confidence of it ever happening, when I read of a man who should never have been president, a man with lifelong alleged and proven criminal tendencies, cruelty deep within his very soul. A man who rants openly, at a rally for him and his posited future run again; for funding the establishment of a most horrendous vision, to G-d forbid return him to office. Brazen enough to say this out loud, what the hell does he say in private? And who has caused this current state of affairs in this country!

“and be tough and be nasty and be mean if we have to.” ...There is no longer respect for the law, and there certainly is no order. Our country is now a cesspool of crime,” 

And why, why, why, are there those who enabled and continue to enable him to inflict himself and his troubling words and deeds upon us, the same enablers who knew the 25th Amendment was a realistic possibility, even necessary. Yet on they went, and on they continue, tell all books notwithstanding, as they continue to see their selfish version of a future - a distorted dystopian vision of a tortured country, seeing with him their paths to wealth and power. For themselves. Screw the rest of America.

One song sung near to the Capitol, the site of a shocking revolution, had these words for us.

And if we do not reach Heaven, we will walk together in Hell.

WE have allowed our slice of a potential Heaven to turn, to devolve into that Hell, the one we can conquer, overcome, make our way towards that path toa most blessed country, a place of heaven on earth, a path to a positive, successful Camelot invigorated with the enthusiasm of a JFK era rather than the evil, dark, skewed one of DJT.

America. America.

G-d shed His Grace on thee (and)

Crown thy good with brotherhood,

From sea to shining sea.

AND SO, SELF ...

 "These are the times that try men's souls," for sure. No doubt about it. However, along with the political and philosophical situations of angst, rightfully so, we often forget to factor in assessments and reassessments of our personal world. We each and every one of us have at least two sides - public and private persona. In addition, whether we admit to it or not, we have a third, that of our inner persona, the truth as we admit it to ourselves - or deny it.

As I sit here in the middle of the night, I decided it was a good time to take stock, to assess that third persona. Am I satisfied, uneasy, terrified, calm and accepting or swinging to the last, or a mix of all above and more? 

Thinking back, I believe the last time I took stock in a deep conversation with self, was somewhere around late 2017 or early 2018. Too lazy to check on exact date; it really does not matter. What does is the state I was in. Despite knowing that I had Parkinson's for many years already, having the doctors finally wake up and concur was another thing entirely. Deep within my heart, against all reasoning, there was that little spark of hope and denial. How could I have PD? If so, why hadn't the doctors recognized that long ago? What had the wasted time of addressing it meant for the future, for me and my family? How, most important, would the PD develop, what would it do to me, physically and cognitively? The questions and concerns ate away at me, becoming far more important than other issues.

As awful it was, and trust me, the official confirmation hit me like a ton of steel directly upon my head. My entire being was consumed with fear, with anger, with despair. Frankly, if that proverbial bolt of lightning had hit me at that time, it would have been okay. I cried out that I wanted to die. Now. Then and there.

 Thankfully, there was a good, no, great, support system around me. Not for physical aid, not necessary then at all, my third persona desperately needed emotional aid, support, and reassurance that I was still loved, valued, my role as member of the family unchanged. I could still be me, the me that I always was, whether it appealed to others or not! That support helped greatly as it allowed me to wallow in self-pity even as that swamp was gradually drained dry with that support and encouragement. 

Family is not enough though. There is a component to be added - that of strangers whom you grow to trust, to care for you, to push you and meet your needs without the emotional factors of children to parent, husband to wife, whatever the familial relationship was. Along with that was the 'shame', yes, shame, the hidden diagnosis. It was like cancer of old, the whispering, the reluctance to say the word, the self-blame, as if I could have prevented it. The self-examination - for what had I done so bad that I deserved this awful thing.

Here, I was very lucky. My doctor was and is amazing. Taking the time to sit with me, to deal with the immediate results, the sobbing, despairing woman, the husband beside her not knowing what to do, feeling hopeless to help, to prevent, to cure, so anxious to do so. I continue to benefit from this connection. This trust of doctor is most important. Trust me on that. I hate feeling reliant on somebody else, but one must be able to ask questions, to trust answers, to know that your doctor is proactive, up on research, to be there for you, to comfort and kick your ass. Whatever is needed. This is my doctor.

Additionally, one must address the treatment necessary in order to maintain oneself the best one can for as long as possible. I could deal with cognitive efforts, even as somehow new brain cells seemed to sprout. There I was with new interests and actually growing skill in woodworking, in painting!, in jigsaw puzzles - me whose kids' puzzles had defeated me! I did my crosswords, read books and papers, yelled at the idiots creating our existential mess of a country, so no. I monitor myself like a hawk there, need to know that each time I search for a word I am no different than any other person my age.

But the physical - what do I do about that? My doctor recommended me to a wonderful place set up to work with people with a neuro degenerative disorder. They treat other issues as well, but this was their specialty. My wonderful therapist who had kept me together since 2003 sent me there as well, despite my coming to her in the first place.  There I met a wonderful group of people, mainly 'kids' as I call them. I was not a 'patient', addressed and treated as such, but rather a person whom they cared about, could help, could encourage, could push as needed and related to the person as a valuable addition to their lives, personally and professionally. As time rolled on by, the first one I met, who literally put me together that first visit, who continues to do so when she returns, as therapists changed as their life situations changed, all of them were and are wonderful. 

In this place I work hard but laugh just as hard. There is a camaraderie between therapists and clients - not patients. It is a place of hope and invigoration, not a place of despair and hopelessness. Where else could I find likeminded individuals with whom I can discuss the various aspects of different sneaker brands even as I balance and do some unheard-of physical feat!! That is the key to the therapy's success. The smooth melding of physical and emotional aid and stability, the love and friendship and the worth of a place of hard, hard work. Here I can reach to achieve, and I do.

Thus, in retrospect, at this hour in the morning, I am content with myself. Yes, there are moments, cannot deny that, but there are fewer of them than at the beginning, even as some outward symptoms progress. For those of you who are reading this after or with a clinical diagnosis of PD, there is hope, there is concern, there is research. It is not a death sentence, nor a life turned useless. Not at all, and, in fact, far from it. One prioritizes differently. Life can be both a challenge and a source of growth and inspiration.

Hang in there! Despite the morons at the steering levels of government, local and national, we can have a good life. Despair at the harm they are doing to our nation, but do not despair in your personal life with PD. In fact, go out there and do something to change the political situation. It is good to have an outside interest rather than to focus and turn inward. And that goes for a person with or without PD. Third, inner, persona of any and all, have the same needs.

 You, with Pd, you are better than this damned thing. Challenge it, fight it, accept the help there for you. Educate others - and yourself. 

Live. Enjoy.

HELLOOOOO!! ANYBODY HOME?

  Apparently not. We can ask a partner question, "what were you thinking? Or were you thinking at all?" Again, apparently not. Certainly not for a long time, and now that the results are becoming all too disgracefully, dangerously clear, well, there is a third question. What can be done now to put in a fix, one which will allow for some sanity and steps forward rather than backwards? 

Hey, don't look at me. I am just one person, but if all the many one person out there can get together, put aside minor difficulties and differences, examine carefully the road forward, or actually backwards in too many situations, then perhaps, a very small perhaps, we can if not set things totally right, at least an effort can be made and have some impact. Maybe. If anyone is out there, if anyone will answer that 'helloooo' with a resounding, "Yes, I am here."

Recently, we attended a production of "Respect", portraying itself as a history of women from the 1900's through present times, all via music and some narration aided by appropriate visual shots. The audience and cast meshed beautifully. The points were comic, yet serious, the music terrific. However, a huge however, there was a glaring elephant in the theater. This production stopped short of present times. Why? I can only think that it was done to avoid lighting the fires of arguments that now cut deep into the sanity and ability of Americans to have a sane discussion of differences of opinions.

So, the elephant tromped and stomped, in all too noisy a silence. The huge package on that elephant's back, the rights of women, the hard fought for rights, are now going down the tubes (literally, in some cases), along with the inevitable extensions and consequences of these horrible laws now being passed and enacted, and yes, mainly by men. How shocking! To include many who think they are immune, outside the circle of danger. Safe. Well, hate to break it to you, those of you with your head in the sand, - you, too, are going to be wanted by Uncle Sam, at least the nasty Uncle now visiting us, overstaying his welcome.

Think, if you can, of the inevitable roads we are now treading. Indiana says, "no abortion from time of implantation". Putting it bluntly, that means any time a woman of conceivable ability has sex with a man, she is in immediate danger of violating the law, up to and including a charge of homicide. Uh huh. Did not think of that, did you? 

What now? A report every time someone has sexual relations? A pretty journal embossed with all too cute sayings and pictures related to babies? Never mind that the woman is too old for safe pregnancy, or too young, basically a child. Nor will there be a list of resources and mandates to help the now forced to be pregnant female who does not want this pregnancy for oh so many reasons. 

It is a natural human right to have control over one's own body. One who does not have that, is, in essence, a slave. Oh, the provider of the sperm? C'mon, you know the drill. The men simply walk away, smug, smirking at their prowess and manly power. Slavery as the slaveowners pry into one's bedroom, limit the right of travel, to instituting border blockades, to force examinations of women to check re pregnancy. 

Anybody hear the not such sweet sounds of repressive religion dominated countries? With six extremists of Catholic background on the Supreme Court. With legislators from a benighted, twisted segment, a growing one at that, of the GOP, that shouts loud and clear and proud, calling for the GOP to now be renamed as the Christian Nationalist Party. As an American, as a Jew, I shake and shiver. I worry. I fear. And so should every one of us, no matter the religion, or lack of one, a free choice - at least till now. As for the future? See the previous few sentences.

See, it is not 'merely' women. It does not begin and end with them, a standard historical tragic error. Nope, it begins with the awful, murderous, slave owning mentality which allows one person or group to exercise total control over another. It begins small, until 'suddenly' one finds oneself in a totalitarian oppressive, restrictive place, no matter the name called - be it the "Democratic Republic" of whatever, or the "United States" of whatever. Misnomers all.

Back to where we began. The production did not mention the new war we are fighting. The cast did not sing songs yearning for a return to the most recent half century, re the ugliness of the present. The play did not have a picture of Trump in its gallery of rogues, repressors, disrespecters, of women, 'influencers' for too many who thus legitimize a disgusting Neanderthal behavior.

There was much laughter. There were those singing along with iconic songs. There were many faces reflecting inner thoughts as stage topics meshed with their own experiences. And all around there was a deep, loud, silent undercurrent, murmurings of today's horrific, looking worse, situation. Rights gained with much struggle. Rights lost with a swipe of a button and the ink of a pen.

Anybody out there? Lordy, I hope so.

"I AM SPARTACUS"

  I would that it were not so, but there it is. The question before us is whether we all will, of necessity become Spartacus, whether we will have the integrity and strength of character to do so. The primary question, though, should be - why have we reached this point and what does it mean to be Spartacus. Will we actually reach that point? The answer is that yes, we will, and in fact, have been moved against our will well into the dangerous territory of Spartacus.

The iconic movie line, as thousands await crucifixion for participating in a slave rebellion, follows Kirk Douglas stepping up and admitting he is Spartacus. Then down the line, in a bold move, those awaiting execution seal their doom at the same time sealing a moral victory. All with the statement "I am Spartacus".

How analogous is our situation to that of the slaves? Well, currently, though we are slaves to our wages or whatever keeps us afloat, we do have the right to have a private life. With the parameters of safety and law obedience. That is, we did, until the regressive, aggressive, hostile extremists achieved a long-time goal of toppling the independence and neutrality of the Supreme Court and charged full speed ahead into the control and limitation of rights on a personal level. 

Increasingly, we have edged, slowly, then faster, into the realm of slavery, owned by those backwards, life limiting troglodytes on the right, and the benighted fools on the opposite side of the spectrum do not help either. We have enabled this situation, this need to become Spartacus. How?  Either by buying into poisonous views and actions, its principles, if such they can be called, or with apathy and noninterest, lack of understanding of the perilous situation in which we are totally enmeshed at present with a dark future ahead.

I am Spartacus. So should we all. We cannot separate ourselves from the public community. We have learned that bloody lesson time and time again. Obviously, it might have been taught, but was not caught. So yes, we are all Spartacus. 

We are Spartacus when LGBTQ+ are maligned, demonized, pushed back, in a growing snowball of anti-gay legislation such that we will be back soon enough in that oppressive time of the past. Actually, that past is now present, and a posited future - unless we all become Spartacus and force changes to the broken ethos of our nation. Spartacus am I, are you, when your neighbor, your loved one, your friend, yourself are arrested, criminalized, for being gay. Think we, you, are immune to this trend? You are not. This behavior, these manifestly illegal, immoral laws and attitudes are contagious to a degree such that they will rival the worst repressive regimes of history.

Think not being gay will not affect you? Think again as the "criminal", handcuffed and shackled, is led off. Think again if you are - or should be - Spartacus when your personal freedom is limited under specious reasoning that your rights violate someone else's. Hence, your rights are cancelled. No sale at the drugstore as you purchase a morning after pill or simple contraceptives. Walgren's is now facing a boycott for allowing that in their stores. Or when the neighborhood stores refuse to sell to you because you discomfit them, believe differently, and in fact, are visibly different in one unimportant way or another. It does not have to make sense, it just is. And there you are - or were. Cancelled. 

How does one battle against minds which buy into statements of outrageous content.

"Why is it that the women with the least likelihood of getting pregnant are the ones most worried about having abortions?" Gaetz said. "Nobody wants to impregnate you if you look like a thumb."

Goetz being a member of Congress! Still a pig! Are you Spartacus yet? No? Well, how about the movement, already enacted or in process, in some states which limit the right of a woman to travel - ostensibly to obtain an abortion. Follow that trail. Limit a right to travel, to cross state lines? By gender? For a personal right available only in another state? Doomed by gender, by religion, by inner thoughts! Again! And no, you are not immune. Perhaps your journey across state lines to legalize an adoption, a marriage, a purchase of wine for your party, for whatever reason these twisted minds can put in place, legalize. 

Yes, legalize, as we compete for the title in history as the most repressive country ever.  Soon enough, right down the road, speed increasing, are the state border blockades, the questioning as to purpose of travel, to demand "papers'.  United States no more.  Spartacus yet?

To be Spartacus is to ensure that we never again allow a criminal into office. That we prosecute those criminals as enemies of the state, no matter the office they hold. We need to institute a free, quality education which applauds both the diversity and the unity of this country. That we are all Americans, no matter where we or ancestors originated, Americans all.

Where incitement to riot, to overthrow our national government, to invade our state systems to cancel election results at all levels which displease us will be no longer. Where public officials will adhere to their responsibilities, to the vows they made. Where a President will not have the most frightening ability, power to sign an Executive Order such as  this one, signed by Donald Trump, the pride and plan of his enablers now telling all.

 “Creating Schedule F in the Excepted Service,”

“An initial estimate by the Trump official who came up with Schedule F found it could apply to as many as 50,000 federal workers — a fraction of a workforce of more than 2 million, but a segment with a profound role in shaping American life. Trump, in theory, could fire tens of thousands of career government officials with no recourse for appeals. He could replace them with people he believes are more loyal to him and to his ‘America First’ agenda. Even if Trump did not deploy Schedule F to this extent, the very fact that such power exists could create a significant chilling effect on government employees. It would effectively upend the modern civil service, triggering a shock wave across the bureaucracy.”

It remains there, in place to be reactivated should Trump or one of his poisonous ilk gain the Oval Office. We must all become Spartacus. Have the courage of Spartacus, who fought for his right to be a person, recognized as such, living as such, rather than allowing his situation to remain, or deteriorate further.

I am Spartacus. Are you? Do you know your own strength and responsibilities? If you truly do, then becoming Spartacus will be a natural. If we do not 'use it' we will indeed "lose it". 

That process is well on its way.

WE ARE SPARTACUS

"SCAT ALL AROUND"

  The title was inspired by a story of a woman trapped with two broken bones, unable to walk, cell phone unable to work, no sat phone, only a husband who had to leave her and go for help. Seven miles back. Bad enough, but all around her was grizzly scat, a term used for animal poop. Luckily all worked out at story's end, but there are times when they do not. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to America 2022.

Actually, there are people among us, too many, who continue to express belief that we are actually in 2020, with echoes of even earlier times gaining ground. Serious cases of illusionary wishful thinking and a determination to return to toddler days, when the real world would disappear when eyes were closed and reappear when eyes were reopened. Elementary misapprehensions that generally clear up as the toddler grows up. However, today we are surrounded by hordes of people who do not see the scat around, surrounding us, nor their contributions to it. 

They are under the misapprehension that the real world is one they have negated by closing their eyes to the truth, preferring the anti-world, a creation of eyes closed. A preferred world for them, though a world which generates scat, dangerous scat, particularly as we continue to remain in grizzly territory. Time for us to move on, to grow up, all of us, and regain recognition of truth, of proper year and time. 

2020 is over, as is 1873 and a repressive and oppressive misogynistic view. Interpretation of its words as bolstering those viewpoints does not make them so. Unfortunately, there are 'fake' Justices who play dirty political football in grizzly territory, the scat piling up as rights disappear and other rights being chased by the grizzly horde who cheer those Justices on. And the scat in our lives accumulates as the sound of grizzlies approaching grows ever nearer. Ever more threatening to throw the sane ones out of the forest - if they are not eaten.

In the year 1873-2020-2022 contraception is seen as a pathway to avoid abortions by the pro-life movement. Actually, it is rather the opposite as more women will die or undergo life-altering complications. Their power over their own bodies removed, negated, in this most unreal world. There is even a statement in one anti-abortion law which states that "deadly force" can be used to stop an abortion. Oh yes! Pro-life indeed. Yes, in this most unreal, backwards, scat filled world we now live in.

Yet more poop piling up as more and more of the Christian Evangelicals buy into the idea that Christian power, White power is part and parcel of their religion. Not all, but a growing portion and that is most frightening. Particularly as women are 'taught' to be submissive to men. The definition of woman is akin to that of the American Webster dictionary of 1928 which defines a woman as a "womb-man". That is her life. That is her definition. Should she die in childbirth, well that is a "noble act". Thus, the new year - 1873-1928-2020 and a grudging 2022. The growls grow ever louder. Louder. Louder.

In American terms the "magic is over". We are in a different world. A world where the magic of life, its opportunities, its excitements, its realities are denied to women, to children. A view that is anti-life more than anything else. It supports rights removal. Voting rights? Bah, Humbug! Equality of genders? Ha!! LGBTQ+ - are you out of your mind?! No, certainly not in Disney any longer.

The question is haunting us all, those who ascribe to reality, to truth, to acceptance of responsibilities, of keeping one's sworn oath, of loyalty to country, not cult loyalty to a man. We refuse to be "banned forever" from Disney as a fighting family was. We insist that recognition of reality is a priority in life, in our country, in our values. We refuse to be intimidated by scat or grizzlies or their apparent existential threat to us. Nor will we allow the misaligned, wrong believing grizzly fans to push ahead in line, seeking to block our return to Disney. Even as we accept the problems in that world of reality - heat, long lines, a need for patience, the cost, the temptation to just shout out against the imperfections or even buy into them for an advantage it might confer on 'your group' as opposed to 'others'.

There is a fantasy world where all the imperfections of reality are erased, fixed, in a positive manner. Then there is the real world, where even fantasy has issues. But we are not banned to attempt to reach that fantasy world, that Disney world, even as we accept that fantasy is not real. Furthermore, we must clean up the scat, teach some manners, and tame the grizzlies before they chomp us to death, for that will be the fate of our country as we know it, as we wish to improve it should the negative, oppositional, reality denying crowd have their way.

CRAWDADS

 Never knew what a crawdad was when the huge best seller came out. Did not bother to look it up as the book did not appeal to me as a good read for me. Then the movie came out and I read enough to figure that the crawdad was some kind of bird or swamp creature which sang only when feeling safe, hidden from the eyes and ears of others, deep into a swamp. Still did not bother to define it better than that until I went to the movies and loved the movie.

So, what is a crawdad? It is defined as a crayfish. A fish that sings and is neither a dolphin nor a whale? Which is a mammal anyway. And what the heck is a crayfish? Defined as a freshwater crustacean resembling small lobsters and cannot tolerate polluted waters. Cannot say that I received great enlightenment via these definitions, but after watching the movie, and do not ask the ending, I understood the title.

The story takes place during the South from the 50's through the 70's and then very quickly via vignettes through a lifetime of the main character. It depicts a South deep in its prejudiced and backward thinking self, finding it easier to condemn that which is different, stands out from the run of the mill, than to reach out and aid a little girl left all alone. She bravely makes her way through life with the aid of a few others who bother to make and accept connections, outsiders themselves in a benighted southern town.

Human beings do not come out looking very worthwhile in the course of this movie. Even someone who appeared to reform has a remaining very ugly streak. His true colors are revealed unexpectedly, and contrary to Madonna's song, do not "come shining through". Were we actually those backwards thinking people, so low they speak of the girl as the "marsh girl", no identification as a human worthy of care, as a witch, a missing link, part wolf, but never human. Not unexpected, tragedy results, but also life continues and a good life, a contribution to society, to the bank of world knowledge ensues.

Good things can be hidden in deep swamps where protection provides for safety. That safe haven, though, is fragile, its borders leaky, and needs to be respected, given aid where and when necessary. Furthermore, were we actually those people? Manifestly so. Worse, we continue to be those people, and they are not limited to the south. Nope. Such progress we have made - or should I say retro-progression - that we have ever so triumphantly so valiantly achieved, that such attitudinal thinking is rampant, found all over, and worse than ever. So proud we should be!

Back to the real world. Was that movie an escape into entertainment? The theater, filled with decent attendance, was still and silent, save for some shock reactions, including me. It boggles the mind how backwards we can be - even when we are the ones bitten by that same benighted, backwards thinking.

Justice Thomas, a misplaced and mislabeled man, is now urging that the clock be wound backwards, taking away all rights not specifically present in 1873. That would include the "crime" of miscegenation, the marriage between races, particularly between Black and White. What would follow is a cascade of oppressive, regressive, criminally wrong rulings. But the weird thing is that Thomas is a Black man, his wife a White woman. Uh-oh! 

Does he not have eyes to foretell his own tragedy awaiting him (though truly, his wife is no bargain!) His mind cannot differentiate good thinking from bad, nor anticipate his own falling under the stomping feet of bigots and fascists.  Are the rest of us supposed to retreat to the deepest swamps we can find if we are to remain safe? 

We are our own worst enemies. Even though the correct vision is in front of us, we continue to endeavor to do our best to go backwards, to develop a hotel for the rich, where haven for others is found. We rush to take away rights, to strip them forcefully, meanly from others, and then find ourselves caught in the same net, hoisted with our own petards.

The warning signs of a devolving society are there, clear before eyes, though too many refuse the gift of sight, the application of wisdom and justice to our lives - and the lives of others. We see the world as belonging to "us", whomever that 'us' is, and it flows in and from all directions, for no group is immune to this path inevitably leading to violence and more violence and more... The picture is clear.

Even Mother Nature is angry with us, her reactions clear and strong. Mighty even. We suffer drought and heat now burning up the world. Or frightening powerful hurricanes and flooding rains. We mumble that maybe there is something to global warming and then proceed to downplay the actions necessary to overcome it - until it will be too late- or is it there already? We ignore the spate of bear attacks, the tragic results as we invade the bear's safe haven, the 'swamp' where he can sing.

 We ignore the different, the odd, the strange, the square peg in a round hole. Over and over again. The exact definition of stupidity and insanity, to do, repetitively, and expect something new to result. Doesn't work that way, folks. New and fresh thinking, understanding, painful as it might be - for all - for NONE are exempt, none are innocent of harm to others. Of nonacceptance of others. Of attitudes which are inimical to the growth of and respect for the need and presence of safe havens for all. In fact, the best safe haven, the best swamp, would be the world if only we were open to the possibilities of such a state of development. 

If only.

Read the headlines of the day, then despair.

Think again -

If only. 

IF ONLY.

FIRE HOSES, BIRDS, AND SUCH

 Fire hoses are powerful things. They need strong muscles to handle them. Powerful enough to knock down a roaring fire, their power can be misused as a tool of intimidation when turned against a protest group or a mob. Help or hurt. The choice most of us face at least several times a year, if not more. At times the hurt is epic, and other times, merely a sharp nip at someone's soul. Small but powerful.

Thus, it is most apt that we now hear of a "fire hose" worth of information regarding Trump and his up to his miserable neck involvement, instigation, planning and carrying out the J6 attempt at revolution. An attempt to end democracy as we know it and install his own third world imitation of a fascist version of a 'democratic' government. Most definitely not. We can only hope and pray, insist, that the wielders of this fire hose aim it properly, correctly, and determinedly at the proper target and not lose control nor give it up because of its power and potential. Trump, his political goals, his selfishness and disregard for the welfare of others, to an unheard-of degree, must be hosed down. Firmly. clearly. Insistent on demanding the exposure of the complete truth re J6.

Adding to that need is the large percentage of alarm clock residents, you know, the clocks where a bird comes out on the hour calling Cuckoo! Cuckoo!  Trumpland has a plethora of respondents. These are the deniers of reality, mired ever so deeply in their own ever growing compost heap, besmirched with the muck of their denials and lies, their own self-generated ugliness of mind and soul. 

Jim Jordan with his crude and boorish shouting and ugly faces. Ted Cruz who loves to desert his constituents in a time of great suffering for them.  Brian Mast who thinks his service to the country guarantees him a lifetime free pass to neglect his constituents, as enamored of insulting behavior, ugly words and sheer incompetence as his demented idol, Trump. 

Not done yet. We have Scott Perry Mo Broks, Gohmert, Kevin McCarthy, Lindsay Graham, and several others who were involved, one way or another, in the shame of J6. Or, if you prefer another shade of cuckoo behavior and thinking - or not thinking, we present to you Marjorie Taylor Greene and Boebert. I am amazed at their stupidity, at the sheer nonsense that spews forth daily from their mouths. The latest is the denial of rights of contraception, an unwanted yet expected expansion of their campaign to attacks the rights of women to control their own destiny, stretched ever more into the land of denial of marriage rights, making interracial marriage, same sex marriage crimes. Voting rights? What is that! Welcome to Cuckoo land, a most unfunny and dangerous place.

Finally, we have a resident of Cuckoo land, a new one, who has moved himself and all his baggage into his new home. He has accepted the fear of others in this land, afraid to act, using words of the opponent to support his refusal to take action. An action that is manifestly a must, integral to any possibility to heal the wounds of our beleaguered nation, to show, in strong, powerful moves that indeed, justice reigns in America. That no one is above the law. That wrongdoing is to receive a fit and just consequence, no matter the wrongdoer.

Merrick Garland, a victim himself of the all-out attacks on democracy in which the inhabitants of Trumpland specialized, savored. Now he is cowed by them, paralyzed into silence and evasion, using the words of Barr to excuse his inaction. Bah, humbug!! Does he think that evasion of prosecution will benefit the country or one political side? Perhaps, but then again, the process of investigation has already exposed the filthy truth of Trumpland, its treasonous behavior. Indictment and prosecution will carry a message of hope, of firmness and finally, reintegration of many of the heretofore deluded. 

By all means, reset those cuckoo clocks. Reintegrate the mistaken into a true reality, one that favors justice and rights for all, even as it makes errors in the paths to that goal. Connect those fire hoses of justice, of a society protecting itself from the rot within, and wash away the causes of that rot. The hoses need to be activated, be full force. Half way 'justice' is manifestly not justice but rather an insult, a dangerous one, to a society which needs justice, which demands truth, which must, desperately, existentially clearly, rid itself of that stinking garbage, the rot from within.

Only then can we strive to return to being America, with all its glory and all its errors, but always with its desire to improve. Bob the Builder always told our kids that 'build we must." So true. Witha bit of a change. 

Rebuild we must. Get your tools, acknowledge the errors in judgement which led us astray, and work hard, together, as a nation, as Americans, to indeed, rebuild this nation of ours, battered, torn and worn, but strong within its core.

OOPS! SORRY ABOUT THAT!

 Could not sleep again last night, so decided to make productive use and worked on my latest jigsaw puzzle. I must say that a quicker path to insanity has yet to be found! Particularly when there is much repetition and very difficult to distinguish differences in sections of it. Challenging, but fun. Finally went back to try to sleep at 1 AM and then 'overslept' till 7:30! Yoiks!! Life had gone on without me and the blog was not written. The world had continued to weave its massive spider web in which we were all enmeshed and I was unaware of it all.

However, not everybody was on my somewhat delayed schedule, so the blog kept getting pushed to the end of the line. Phone calls of every morning had to be made. Ordering the condo needed to be done. Pill regimen needed to be begun. Unexpected things, big and small, kept invading my good intentions, and here I finally am. After receiving several emails asking if I am alive or dead! Happy to say, I am here.

So, what I had was the equivalent of an MH day, albeit a short one in the middle of the night, otherwise known as a mental health day for the tired, the too busy, those needing a break. Why should a retiree need a break? Seems almost oxymoronic, but if anybody again ever asks me what I do all day, if I am overcome by boredom, if I need to build some structure to my day, my life, .... Suffice it to say that he/she who is bored in retirement has the wrong idea of what it means.

Retirement is the opportunity of a lifetime. Time to branch out into interests which always intrigued you but never had the time or energy to pursue. Time to see shows, at a much better price than in NY. Time for museums and lectures, even webinars. Time to find family thought to be lost to the murderous Nazis. Time to find amazing things within one, new talents or at least interests. Time to read more, to think more, to even wonder where the heck this crazed world is heading, for we seem to spin more and more off our axis. And thus, the end of the benefits of my short MH day. All it took was a brief perusal of the headlines.

18 Republicans vote against admitting Finland and Sweden into NATO. How patriotic and all the same blasted names again. Quelle surprise! Next up we have the idiots of the world, represented so well by our homegrown American idiots, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has not met a ridiculous conspiracy rumor that she did not like and champion. Following her is the AG candidate in Maryland who is pro secession and insists that all education is a communist conspiracy. Hmmm, from the same line of thinking, I guess, as Putin, who stated that from now on the Russian schools must 'infect" - his term - the students so as to make them think properly, be good little citizens. Sickens me that we have adherents of the same school of thinking, no matter from the left, the right or the selfish and uncaring.

The lid of the garbage can is off. The fumes and vapors of the criminal, treasonous years of Trump regime are emerging, putrid and poisonous, faster than we can catch and negate them. The filth of the traitors, their enablement of plots, their attraction to a revolution against this country, for that is what it was, the confessions of the guilty, the participants, and the unbelievable moronic stubbornness, mule headed beyond all borders of sanity, who continue to believe in the 'steal' of the election - when will they ever learn? 

When will the harm they have inflicted upon this country ever be truly accounted for and the divisions healed? My guess - never. I am that pessimistic. There are too many crazed people around who see nothing before them, not the nose on their faces nor the noses on others. All they see is what they wish to see, truthful or not. As for others, well, they are obviouly inferior, thus having no rights at all to see or say anything. 

Think it is time for another MH day, but the reality is that even a dozen of them will not change the world any. What it will do is give me the energy and focus to fight for what is right, not give in to the fascists of the world. I hope. Now, it is off to the races again, too busy to focus on it right now. Puzzle pieces await. Friends are waiting. Books are calling out to me. The paints stare me in the face and my woodwork needs a challenge. Bye, till tomorrow.

 

MONSTERS IN THE DARK

  Evidently, while in a deep sleep last night, I had one of my active dreams. I was catching a monster, only to finally catch it and lo and behold- I was holding Gerry's hand, triumphant indeed! Of course, I let the monster go with a warning, and then, asleep again, went on to fight an outbreak of lice of pandemic size.

Why tell of this? Because I sincerely believe that dreams are there for a purpose. Sometimes they appear to be nonsense, but if truly thought about, there is a meaning. Humanity has always believed in the power of dreams, in their connection to reality, our minds, the truth of our lives. Interpretation was necessary, but there it was. There it is. A most famous example of dreams is that of Joseph and the role dreams played in his life.

No, Gerry is most definitely not a monster, but rather the very opposite, always there to fight the monsters of daily life, of the stress felt by family members and friends. Even as his hand was condemned as a monster, I knew, in my subconscious that here was help, not harm. and that is a pointer to life and our interpretation of it. At times, too many times, we mistake the identity of the monsters and the caretakers, confuse them, much to our detriment.

This is exactly what too many Americans have done over the past decade. They were disillusioned, disappointed, frightened by the turns of their lives, so different from what they had dreamed of when young, when beginning their lives as adults. Too many, in despair have turned to false leaders, fake prophets, who deem themselves messengers of G-d, all spewing forth messages from the other side, the Devil, feeding hate and bias into the parishioners. These monsters went undetected, unrecognized, so good was their disguise. So deep was our need for a leader, a good one, a decent one. So deep were our disillusions that we chose the false prophets instead. We allowed, even welcomed the monsters into our homes and hearts.

There were those who remained stalwart in their quest to uncover these monsters so bad for America and the world. Against an opposition which turned to dirty tricks, illegal activities to undermine their quests. In their own disillusionment and desire to have an end to this in their own lives, some retired from the fight, exhausted, hanging up their tools and quests, items of the past. Thankfully, there were others who stepped up and took on the quest to find and eliminate the monsters who clung to life even as they sapped the energy and hopes of life from others.

Our Galahads are beginning to pierce the veil of disguise, many finally opening eyes to the truth now revealed. Oh, some turn away, denying, standing firm for the false prophet to the very end, even as he continues to rant and rave against the truth. This mistaken stand has now been revealed as such, as more and more truths are revealed, each and every day. Those who had accepted the monster and his poison injected into their lives, who had openly aided him, are now coming forth with the truth, with their confessions, too late to undo much of the damage done but perhaps enough to build a brighter, lighter, more truthful and responsive set of leaders. A good leadership, one that comforts and aids, that builds rather than destroy. 

We have our monster on the run, his parasitic human plankton feeling the heat of this forced run. Now is the time to reach out and help, to welcome them back into their true homes, back to America as it should be. A country looking towards and forwards to a future for all, not a select few. 

However, we must, absolutely, punish the wrongdoers who committed treasonous actions, who almost broke this country's back - if that even was avoided - not so sure about that. But the long slog ahead of us, to reunite as a country, with a shared morality, with an openness to others, to an ethos inclusive, rather than exclusive, remains. 

That requires due consequences, befitting their actions. Responsibility must be borne upon stalwart shoulders which bear the brunt of the burden to keep this country on the straight and true. Possibly narrow, but wide enough for us if we do the right thing, if we remember who we are. If we expose the monsters and their internal ugliness. Those who seek to weaken those burdened shoulders must face the punishment they deserve, lest others think they can emulate the monsters, for there was no downside to it. 

 Oh, as for the lice, that pandemic, we can conquer that too. The lice are the remainders of the reign of the monster, the dark veil that had hidden the true America beneath actions of violence, of growing hate and anger. of despair rather than hope and optimism. These are the enablers of a monster. These include those of little power and those already in places of power, able to continue their fight against who and what America is. They need to be set aside, voted out of office, rejected by a better electorate, impeached where possible. There is no place for them here. We must reject them, overcome the bites they have inflicted upon our fabric of life, of America. 

Together, we can do it. With open eyes and recognition of truths, we can do it.

We can do it. We must do it. Lest we are totally lost. In a land of monsters whom we invited into our very homes.

THIS OR THAT

 There is a saying in Yiddish that says it is time to get your rear in gear and make a decision. In other words, make a choice, stop dawdling and put your money where your mouth is. Time for action. Time to make a choice. Time to step up to the plate. Time to get off the bench and make a difference.

 That urge to action applies to both the private, personal life and that of the world outside your door. One cannot separate oneself from the world simply because it tires you, or annoys you, or is so damaged that it frightens you. All are impacted by decisions made in places other than your home or workplace. Even the hermit in the most off the grid place in the world will be impacted by decisions, large and small, by others and the impacts are felt by all. Climate change. Food shortages. Gas shortages. Out of control leaders. All cannot be hidden from, and the head in the sand will be exposed soon enough by erosion of the sand as the ocean eats away at the land. Nor does ignorance count as an excuse. Nor the aches and pains of body and soul. In fact, all might feel better when one does somethng, rather than remain a passive onlooker of life, content to go with the flow, even if that flow is a negative one.

"Several huge global setbacks over the past few years have left many people discouraged and wondering whether the world is destined to get worse ... The pandemic is one of the biggest setbacks in history. The war on Ukraine is a gigantic tragedy for the entire world. The damage from climate change is already worse than most models predicted. The U.S. has taken a huge step backwards for gender equality and women’s health."

So says Bill Gates, who promises that he will try to do something to ameliorate the situation. However, as wealthy and well intentioned as he is. one man cannot do it all. If the rest of us sit by, watching and moaning. then the sum total will be a great big zero.

 The past decade has been a growing mess, ever more dangerous to humanity, because we refused to get involved, to watch carefully over the decisions of lawmakers. Indeed, why did they get there in the first place. That, my friends is on us. We have simply abdicated, voting without thinking, along straight party line rather than evaluating the individual. Today, we face the clear consequences and time is running out, pointing to a time of no return and never mind blaming your neighbor. Simply take a look in the mirror and know the truth. It all begins and ends with the man in the mirror. Cannot run away from that truth.

To begin with, we need to cleanse our government, purge it of the crooked, the selfish, the traitors who openly colluded to pull a coup and change our country from a democracy to an autocracy. The evidence is clear. The trail is clear, all arrows pointing back to the one responsible.  A crazed power hungry narcissistic megalomanic who managed to hypnotize people to cancel their brains, or frightened them, or whatever. 

What matters now is that we begin the cleansing of the nation's soul by placing criminal charges on this man, indict him, convict him, and throw him into a federal maximum prison where he will be no longer able to make and carry out his destructive wishes. No more treasonous action by him. Then expel, impeach, force resignations, nullify those in office in our government who followed his orders, went down the same crazed paths. They forgot, disregarded their responsibilities, were unfaithful, violating their oaths. We can begin with Gaetz and Gohmert, and Perry and Johnson and Brooks, and Thomas and Kavanaugh and all who were afraid to fight back, to save this country from the turmoil we now face.

There are limits to democracy. Yes, it is flawed, seemingly contrary to itself at times, difficult to align with issues that demand wisdom and mercy. To emphasize its faults, to feed into hatred, new restrictions, dialing back the country -go back and read the words of Gates - to have a President hobnob with the detritus of society, well, this cannot be ever again. Manifestly bad for us. Thís cannot go unpunished, else we are lost. Garland must hitch up his britches and do the right thing.

 Enough stalling. The country needs to see action and those who wished to destroy us, must be convicted and punished with the full power of the law. Only then can we wipe the slate and begin anew, a bit wiser, a bit more disillusioned perhaps, but better attuned to the truth.

IF AND OR BUT WHY

 As a teacher of language arts, I always emphasized the importance of the structure of language, its role in the ability to write and understand the writings of others as well as the unstated import of words. It is quite often that the little words, those we think do not matter actually represent the meat of the matter. Those little, seemingly inconsequential words - conjunctions, prepositions, the pack of who, what, when, where, why and how - used carefully, even artfully, can change the entire meaning or end result. Not to forget punctuation either. The use and misuse of it can change lives. Check with the lawyers for verification of that.

The major story of the day rolls with those words. When did Trump know? Did he always know? How was his plan to work? But did he truly incite the violence? And did he encourage violence, a goal from the onset of it all? In fact, did he, the demented one often enough absurdly so, actually prove to be a canny madman, along the lines of Hitler and fellow travelers, as he plotted sedition. And on and on and on.

The answers to these questions and more, their import, their connections, the sum of these parts, will carry weight through the years to follow, perhaps for centuries -should we even survive that long! However, for us, the most important consequences will be when all the prepositions and conjunctions, all the adverbs and all the punctuation are in place, the i's dotted and the t's crossed. Then, only then, will the entire, horrid, awful truth of the matter come out. Only then will people realize how close we came to an end to democracy, to the imposition of autocracy upon this nation.

Using the WOD - the word of the day - takeaway - here is the crux of them. When all is said and done, the Jan. 6 Committee will have the choice to either recommend prosecution, the laying on of criminal charges and prosecution of such, or to remain officially shtum - quiet - with a capital Q. Either way, the responsibility to follow through - or not - is upon the shoulders of one man and his inner strength -Attorney General Garland. Already much disturbed and disappointed by his apparent reluctance or is it inability - to follow through, I wonder, I truly do.

Election Fraud.

Obstruction.

Inciting Violence. 

Witness Tampering.

Sedition.

Read those charges again. The proof is there, openly, blatantly, clearly, shockingly. Will those previous willfully blind people, those who refused to impeach and convict the man manifestly guilty of these crimes, will they finally stand up for the truth. Will they finally put Nation over Party? Will they halt their radicalization and return to sanity, or will they further move, strut, down the street of extremism, of racial hatred, of violence and disunity?

Frankly, I am not optimistic. When engaging in conversation with Trump supporters, I get mumbled excuses as to why they have not followed the hearings. Too busy, too tired, waste of time, tired of the whole mess, all evading responsibility of their individual roles in allowing that man into the Oval Office in the first place, allowing him to remain, with all his gross errors and the underlying, very clear goal of substantially and permanently ripping this country apart. 

Furthermore, the blame of it all, the shame, of it all, also clings to those 'dear and near' to him during his administration or misadministration, who KNEW the truth of it all, who witnessed it every damned single day, who remained silent. That is, until they wrote tell all books, all the better to crassly fill their pockets and never mind the disastrous times for this country which they enabled by their silence and cooperation with that man. Or they were forced, legally, to answer questions, to give testimony, as the ugly truth has emerged, filthy piece by piece. As far as I am concerned, they are guilty of accessory before and after the fact. Following orders. Fear. No, they do not work. Many others have been there, tried that, and history said no.

Bottom line, the man is guilty. Here is the best summary I can find. The closing two paragraphs in an essay by Bill Press online this morning.

  " It all boils down to this. After Dec. 14, when the Electoral College certified the election of Joe Biden, Trump engaged in a four-part plan: lying to the American people about election fraud; filing phony claims of fraud in court (he lost 60 out of 61 cases filed); pressuring state officials to send phony electors to Washington; and summoning his supporters to come to Washington on Jan. 6 and prevent Congress from doing its job. Why? To stage a coup. To launch another Civil War. To overthrow the government of the United States and replace it with an illegitimate, unelected government. Above all else, Trump must be charged with sedition.

In order to preserve our democracy, Attorney General Merrick Garland must charge Donald Trump with attempting to overthrow our government. If not, we might as well put back up all the statues of Confederate generals, erect a monument to Robert E. Lee on the Washington Mall, and give the Medal of Honor to Benedict Arnold. Trump’s as big a traitor as all the rest of them. They didn’t get away with treason, and neither should he."

 

JIGSAWS

  That is a word which appeared very few times in my spoken lexicon. I can recall using a jigsaw on a solid wood door, carving out a mail slot. No idea where or why I thought of that, and that I could do it, but anyway, that is how we received our mail for the next 26 years. The next time jigsaws came into my common vocabulary is when the jigsaw of my life changed, and I became enamored of working with wood. Jigsaws, manual and electric, there it was.

Then a real surprise. I, who could not put together the 20-piece puzzles that my little kids left undone, began to watch members of the family who had a knack for jigsaw puzzles. I began to be drawn in, admiring their impossible to believe ability to do this and wondering where the heck that gene came from. Then a surprise. I began finding pieces that belonged together, Mind you, I couldn't fit them together, only group them. That was good enough for me.

Dear lord! I found a 100-piece puzzle, meant for kids, and managed over two days to put it together. After another one I graduated to 300-piece puzzles and there I remain, a puzzle spread out on half the table, I, finding a piece or two every time I wander by. Good enough for me - at least right now. Still amazed that I can do this, let alone liking the challenge. The jigsaw of my life changed yet again, and I welcome all these new interests. Good for the brain they tell me!

Unfortunately, beyond jigsaws as tools and puzzles, there is the jigsaw of life in which we presently find ourselves. It is a jigsaw that is almost live, changing according to actions and words of others, and self, sometimes on an hourly rate. Old pieces no longer fit in anywhere, and new pieces, unsure of where they belong complicate the entire matter. The puzzle maker seems to be having a great deal of fun even as we struggle to keep up. A bit more time to internalize, assimilate the changes, would be most appreciated. Certainly by me!

Finally, we come to the jigsaw of life that is our fate right now. I think our karma could use a refreshing, a spring cleaning, but I sincerely doubt that will happen. As a substitute method, we need to resituate our jigsaws. In fact, some of us need to find it and the old pieces again and incorporate the pieces they have rejected. Simply because they did not like them, for various unfounded reasons. We must be alert to new, unsettling pieces trying to insert themselves in our jigsaws, where they do not belong, where they will cause havoc. On the other hand, there are new pieces that would be beneficial, help us solve this new jigsaw that we all face, the jigsaw which has turned sour on us - or perhaps because of us. We must recognize reality, adjust to it and find the correct, cooperating pieces to complete the puzzle, to create a whole, a beautiful new picture, a pleasing and most pleasant result.

It is a must that we do this. Reading the news, hearing the words and events revealed yesterday in the Jan. 6 hearing, I found my jigsaw foundering. Where have these people come from? How have they allowed, encouraged, bought into the words of a most visibly mentally ill man, a man determined to become the ruler of this country, to destroy all the old jigsaws we valued, and replace it with dark, sharp-edged pieces difficult to handle, inimical to any hope and dream of a future jigsaw beneficial to all. 

We were, on Jan. 6, perilously close to setting our personal jigsaws on fire, along with that of the nation. Too close to allow any breathing room at all. Yet we must not hold our breath and pray for the powers that be to find the pieces of their puzzles which will show what should and could be done. They will find pieces which stand for truth and justice. They will find the pieces that give them shame at what they have allowed, this most ugly harmful fungus, mold, on our country's foundation. Those who now catalogue how 'hard' they fought to avoid disaster - well, they did not do their jobs. They chose the wrong pieces of the puzzle and insisted on trying hard to make them fit, to the point of further misshaping them, causing a cascade of falling puzzles of so many, too many. Their national and personal puzzles began to darken, to exchange once very pleasant overall picture pieces into pieces of an ugly ramble and thistle infested puzzle scene with dark overtones to a degree that obscured the truth of the discarded pieces.

Thus, while we can have fun with the manufactured jigsaw puzzles, changing and adjusting, it is different with the jigsaw of our outer lives, that of our country. Once it was a jigsaw, welcoming, fitting in the new pieces, growing as the country did, allowing for positive growth and change as well as the rejection and discarding of misfit pieces. 

The current puzzle is quite different. We must return to the mentality and acceptance of that salad bowl, that bag of M&Ms, that puzzle that was the entryway for so many, a philosophy that was always challenged but always survived. Now that survival of the jigsaw puzzle is at stake. Its philosophy will be discarded, the picture grow ugly and dark. 

We need to choose the correct puzzle, the proper pieces, the good, bright ones, the permanent ones that provide the framework of the puzzle while allowing for positive change within. Jigsaws can be fun. They can be productive. But they need tending and proper process and use. Else tragedy can take place. It is that tragedy we must prevent right here in our own jigsaw puzzle of life.

BRUDGES AND GHOSTS

  We all know what ghost is, and we have seen how the new technology has given ghost a new meaning - to completely and suddenly, totally ignore someone. Without violence, it is a strong, powerful manner in which to send a message, but it must be remembered that it does hurt the ghosted one. There is no explanation, no warning, and a wounded person - or not. 

Ghosting, like most things, has two sides to it. Personally, it worked for me when some dude decided to try to begin an online relationship, beginning smoothly with a compliment on my writings on Facebook and my blog. It quickly morphed into something which made me "break out into a rash" and I blocked the dude - no warning, no explanation, but the cause and the reason was quite clear. Ironically enough, I have just finished a novel which dealt with online 'romance' relationships. Ghosting worked. Amen to that.

However, ghosts are also things that remain with us, generally a remnant of something bad, haunting us within our minds and memories. A ghost of a chance. His ghosts haunted him. The wrongly executed person haunted his cell, moaning the night through. These are 'examples' of ghosts.

Additionally, there is also a ghost which tells us, warns us, that what was once real and substantial, has now turned into a ghost of itself, barely there, losing power and semblance constantly, until total disappearance; all that will be left is a ghost memory of what once was. Camelot gone. Or sad memories losing power to hurt, some of the acute hurt losing its sharpness, though never gone completely. 

Today, America is a nation haunted by battalions of ghosts. Memories of what once was, a country beset by some issues, but a country that tried, that was earnest, that was a leader to the world, a country that stepped into two wars and turned the tide. A country which generally tried to do the right thing, though failure was always around. The ghosts of those failures haunted the psyche of the country, forcing it to recognize, for the most part, its flaws, and try hard, to do better. At times it took decades, but the oomph, the determination, the drive was there. 

At least when there was a majority of representatives who knew they owed loyalty to their constituents, knew what they needed, what they wanted. Unfortunately, today we do not have that. Today, we have representatives who represent themselves, their personal wants, weak souls who give in to their own worst desires, and/or have a loyalty not to a nation, but to a person.  This person has allegedly, egregiously, abused this country from time immemorial, before, during and after his misguided never should have been Presidency, yet the crazed loyalty, denying facts right there, continues. It must be pointed out though, that there is a panel which should be congratulated, used as a role model for future panels. And as always, the truth will out. It may take time, but that truth is persistent.

May we extinguish all these bad and shameful ghosts and return, at least try, to a better America. Notice how certain big mouths of this awful straying from America have now turned silent. Where is Gaetz? Where is Ron Johnson? Where is Scott Perry? Where is Rudy Giuliani - no, he is always there, that demented remnant of a once good man. I am haunted by his ghost, his deterioration. A hero turned sour. Sad.

Hopefully, especially with today's powerful images presented by the panel, perhaps, maybe, if only, we can put aside the ghosts that now haunt this nation, hurting its unity, its soul, its foundational stones, and work hard to retrieve what once was.

 Hopefully. Hopefully.

So, what the heck is a brudge? It apparently is a species of shark, the second largest in size, frightening as all hell as its swims powerfully at a target, its wake large and consistent, and all the ghosts of your life pass before your eyes and .... Nothing, for it is not harmful to humans. It eats plankton. Not us. It merely looks like death a comin' for you, but it is not so.

 We need to remember that. We need to be able to discern the difference between a true patriot and a false one. Michael Flynn turned on this country and all his pregnant pauses and taking the Fifths, will not save him nor resurrect his reputation. His ghosts have come home. He is most definitely not a brudge shark but rather a shark that would have hurt this nation, perhaps beyond all hope of reformation.

It is upon us to choose. Which ghosts will we reformat? Which will be destroyed? From what ghost will we learn a lesson? What ghost is a danger to the future? We need to distinguish between those who are false, hiring dangerous shark grins and teeth behind false flags, fake fronts and those who truly are people trying to do their job right, even if they are hurt by their efforts.

We need to ghost those who would harm us. We need to take away their power, their hatred which has inflicted great damage to this nation. Ghost them for sure.

Decisions of the time. Decisions for forever. Decide. It is time. It is past time.

Update on yesterday's posting. The Presbyterian Church has declared Israel an apartheid state and has declared a day of mourning for May 15, the day which the Arabs call Nakba. This continues the growth of antisemitism in the Church. The answer to that was that once their words counted - now they do not and mean nothing.

In the meanwhile, all one has to do is visit Israel and see the total integration of Arabs in the economy and workplace, in the army and Knesset, wherever they wish to go. Or visit the beautiful 3 story houses while the rest of Israel cannot find homes to buy or rent as the cost is not untouchable.

Apartheid? Not in a million years. Though Israel will continue to defend itself and its citizens, but the enemy is not the Arb working in the drugstore as a pharmacist or the student in university or the doctor or nurse in the hospital. In fact, it is very difficult to tell them apart and who cares. It is the violent, who kill and bomb. 

Is it correct to worry? You bet!!

#3 - THREE STRIKES?

 And you're out? Or should the punctuation be out!! The third approach, following, or continuing, yesterday's posting is to change the very ethos, the very composition, the very core of this country to something it was and isn't meant to be. It will change this country to such a great degree that it will prove to be unrecognizable in any shape, manner, or form. Rather, it will resemble countries of the past, the present, and those trying for the future. Countries where no one is or will ever be safe, other than a privileged few, and even they will find themselves living under constant suspicion, always having to prove themselves, never actually succeeding 100%.

This third way shatters my soul. It destroys my heart, my trust, my confidence. I think of what Trump said, that the only way to exist, to survive, is to be "untrusting". That cannot be. That man cannot represent the future truth of America, actually, the destruction of America. And yet, even as my heart and soul scream out against that possibility, the mind knows that the possibility has moved, faster and faster, into a reality and probability that will take place unless there be immediate and proactive as well as reactive steps.

Have you figured it out yet? If not, here are a few hints, not in any particular order, as the order does not make a difference, and actually maintains the reasoning behind by fear and concern. The hatred is real. It is physical. It is mental and emotional. It is real. It means blood. It means great loss and dehumanization beyond belief, among both victim and oppressor. It means turning180 degrees from what is supposed to be, to what has unfortunately been the actual truth, the ugly, bloody, eternal truth. 

Look up the dates and the names if they are unfamiliar to you and read, learn of a dark past, an increasingly common present, and a threatening future. Read and understand why my heart beats so fast, why my innards are ripped by terror, why my soul cries out, "Why?" Must it always be so? Can there never be a surety of permanence, of belonging, of acceptance? Why are our contributions to society, to history, to science, to mankind, to philanthropy always discounted, while the false and acrid blood-stained accusations proliferate? Enough!!! Will that ever be true?

1492. 1648. 1881. Kiev. Mendel Bailis. Auto-de feus. 1924 immigration law. 1948.  1933 -1945. One plus one plus one plus one plus one to ....  To the count of millions. Cossacks. Henry Ford. Protocols of Zion. Oath Keepers. Tree of Life synagogue. Ilan Halimi. Growing right wing Christianity. Evangelical adherents turning on their own beliefs. Pogroms. Quotas. Secret agreements. Implied, implicit, explicit - take your choice, or do all three.

Got it yet? Separation of church and state a "myth"?Blending of Christianity - a perverted false one - and conspiracy theories. "Jesus, Guns, and Babies" shouted at rallies.  Declaring the country, my country, your country, a Christian nation - forcefully, only, restrictively. Claims that the Constitution is based on the Bible. A campaign and heavy-duty efforts to leverage, to build upon, this ever increasing, ever more fervid extreme right-wing religionists as they attempt take over the government at all stages. A sword inscribed with "For God and Country' given as a reward and why? "Because you've been cutting a lot of heads off". "You are fighting for our religious rights in Christ Jesus, and so we wanted to bless you with that sword of David."

How ironic that evident facts are overlooked or disregarded. David was a Jewish hero and King. Jesus was born, lived, and died as a Jew. His speeches spoke of many elementary principles of Judaism, railing against corruption. Not new actions for any Jew. But Crusades and butchery was the way Christianity chose for too long.

Make no mistake. This Christianity is not what it purports to be. It is a Christianity that used that name as a costume, a deadly one, which will uncloak as a hater of all but their views. Jews, Hindus, Moslems, Bahai, Catholics. LGBTQ+. Single parents. Contraception. Women's rights and acceptance, recognition as equal to all. And on and on and on.

My heart breaks as I see this hatred encouraged, bought into by troubled souls looking for a quick fix to all the problems they see and have. This is not Christianity. This is not truth.

This is not, cannot be, my country. I do not ever expect every American to recognize eternal truths, but I do, at least till now, have faith in their inner core, in the education they received, in life. Evidently, I am now being proven wrong, dreadfully so.

Thus, the results. The wondering if my Christian friends will speak for me, protect me. The fear of wondering, three years from now if we should have left then and too late now. Nowhere to go. No country a refuge. A Bermuda Conference repetition. Yet another attempt to extirpate Jews from society, from life itself? Wonder why I am truly frightened, growing more each and every day? Wondering, worrying, to my last cell, what will happen to my kids, grandchildren and future generations? Will there even be any future at all for them?

Think I am wrong, jumping the shark? Go read history. Read the newspapers of the times - past and present. Hear the interviews and podcasts, newscasts, political analysis. Feel the crunch of hate thrust against your jaw, undercutting your knees, with no help in sight. It has happened - again and again - in counties where Jews were among the highest ranks of society and government, thinking they were of that nation as a first descriptive term. Read of their great shock when they were 'outed' as eternal aliens, eternal others, eternal scapegoats for the woes and ills of the world.

This country today leaves a frightened woman all alone in a Russian jail cell, facing unjust 'punishment', as a political pawn, the currency of a nation. Why have we abandoned her? Because, she, like the Jewish person is different? Because she IS a woman? Why? And why do I see a horrid ad asking why use something else, when you can have a Jew. What the hell is that?! Why is that even printed? Is it because that person feels the hate directed against him and uses that hate to increase his business or to keep others safe? Cannot answer that, but both incidents are indicative of society's ill-chosen turns.

Yes, this is the third way, the worst way, yet perhaps the more likely, probable way. It cannot be. It should not be. Yet the doubt, the fear, the ugliness of it all befogs all else.

And hot off the press. San Antonio's Jewish congregations were told to cancel all prayer services on Saturday due to threats. Where are we living? How are we living?