I Stopped Blogging

For a long time, I tried to blog daily, and it became too cumbersome, so I just abandoned that effort.  I have been thinking lately I want to blog, but not with any pressure or stress to do so daily or for any particular reason.  I have a lot to say, but by the time I am done with my daytime world, sometimes, I cannot think about what I want to share and my mind is too cluttered to make much sense of my world.  Today is no different, although I called in sick, and mostly read and slept today, while nursing my back spasms.  I still checked my email, and doing my routine of thought games to keep my mind focused if not sharp. 

Our world is a mess, with global warming, and the extreme weather events we are experiencing.  COVID 19 is devastating populations, and even though we have a vaccine,  so many people do not trust it, or it is not available to them. The resulting variants make the coronavirus that much more virulent, although that is not a word you will hear in the world news. And politicians have not and are not advocating the use of masks, which are helpful in delaying the spread of COVID 19.  Although science demonstrates that mask wearing is a major safety for our population why would our leadres be opposed to that measure?  

Politics is generally no longer an exercise in compromise and consensus, but a tug of war between political factions who are more concerned with promoting their personal political agenda, then trying to promote governance that will benefit all constituents represented, regardless of political party.  This is not democracy  This is governance by threat.  Pure and simple.  "Disagree with me, and I will make sure your views are not considered"  is the general tenor of our legislators.  Where has democracy gone?  

There is too much headache in this world.  We have been here before, many times.  Let us  hope, this time, we do not obliterate ourselves off of the face of the earth.  

  

Politics vs. Basketbal

On January 8, 2019,  President Trump was addressing the country live regarding the need for a border wall with Mexico to curtail/limit illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America.  He and Congress have shut down part of the government in their disagreement about this issue, and it appears no one will budge.  He started by saying he would own the shut down, but in true Trump fashion, he has been blaming the Democrats.   He has started making a case that this is a national security emergency, which lays the groundwork for him to order the military to build a wall, if Congress does not agree to otherwise fund it.  Where are we? Germany during the Cold War?  Berlin?  Check Point Charlie?  

So many of Trump's "policies" have been or bordered on inhumane.  The travel bans from various countries that eventually were enacted. Separating immigrant children from their families without regard for the welfare of the children or their families that were not upheld. The holding of immigrant children in conditions that lead to their deaths.  He even threatened to withhold emergency aid from California after some wildfires, because California has defied him. 

So, anyway, on January 8, 2019, President Trump addressed the country.  But, you know what, the No. 8 ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders were playing the No. 23 ranked Oklahoma Sooners at home. The game was televised but on channels I do not get, so I listened on the radio.  It is a lively, close game.  

Basketball was more important than politics.

Political Advertisements

I was playing Words with Friends tonight. Often, when I do, I am subjected to seeing various advertisements.  Tonight, many of the advertisements were very vitriolic attacks on Beto O'Rourke  by Senator Ted Cruz.  This made me almost want to stop playing Words with Friends, but really, I usually do not pay attention to the advertisements, anyway.  However, the caustic vitriol of these advertisements indicated to me that Sen. Cruz is very desperate in his attempt to be re-elected.  He must be very concerned by the challenge being made by Beto O'Rourke. 

I hate it when politicians sink to such low, demeaning vitriol against their opponents.  There are so many issues that need to be explored in campaigns, that personal attacks are unnecessary and a symptom of the negative character of the person who is approving those advertisements. 

Politics in Person

A few weeks ago, a group in which I am involved had an opportunity to meet with a local politician running for a state-wide office.  We spent about 2 hours talking.  I really enjoy politics up close and personal, but watching it from afar is not as interesting and exciting.  The other exciting thing is to engage with someone who has similar views to mine.  Living in West Texas, that does not happen very much.  I am glad I at least always vote, even if sometimes, I do not make a selection on the ballot. 

Separating Families - Immigration Policy or Law?

The big political storm this summer, so far, has been the policy of separating illegal children immigrants from their parents at the Mexican border, and holding the children in massive detention facilities Immigration Impact.  There was a large public outcry, and even some Republican lawmakers came out against this practice. 

I was incensed, but did not call my US Representative and Senators because I was so angry.  After thinking, praying, and talking to others, and hearing what others had to say, I wrote a script that just expressed my concerns, and why, including that this was a human rights abuse, our nation was better than this, and we deserve any censure we receive from Human Rights organizations because of this practice.  I then called my government representatives, read the script and sent a follow up email.  

At first, President Trump said he could do nothing, but he eventually signed an executive order to stop the separation, but allowing for the entire family to be detained.  So now there is problem re-uniting the children with their families. 

Most recently,  a US District Court Judge declared this separation was illegal, and ordered the separated children to be returned to their families within 30 days.  Let us hope that happens. 

The problem needs to be resolved.  It needs to be resolved by a law that addresses illegal immigration, a path to citizenship for children immigrants who grew up in this country (DREAMERS) and want to make it their home, and for asylum seekers, including those seeking to escape domestic abuse as well as gang activity, cartel activity and political threats. 

By ignoring the problem, we just create more chaos and havoc.  US is better than this. We are better than this. 

Racist Tweet

So, Roseann Barr, a TV star and comedienne, had resurrected her TV show, about a blue collar family and their trials and tribulations.  On 5/29/2018, however, she made a racist tweet, which resulted in her being fired by ABC, owned by the Disney corporation Roseann Barr tweet and response.

I say yeah! to Disney.  Where that tweet came from who knows.  Ms. Barr claimed to be Ambien Tweeting but as the Ambien manufacturers so aptly noted, racism is not noted to be a side effect of Ambien.

Sometimes, comediennes  cross boundaries in political correctness and societal norms.  This was one of those times. Sometimes, an apology with an acknowledgement of wrong doing is acceptable,   This time, it was not.  

I applaud ABC and Disney.

Bernie Sanders Comes to Lubbock!

I could not believe it!  On Wednesday, from two separate sources, I received notice that Bernie Sanders was coming to Lubbock.  The meeting was free, but the Bernie Sanders organization email wanted me to RSVP.  I did.  But, I decided that I was not going to take the chance of not getting in.  

In 2008, Bill Clinton came to Lubbock, and spoke at the Lubbock High School gym (where Buddy Holly went to school.)  A friend and I went a couple hours before the speech began, and we almost did not get in.  I was not going to take that chance again. So, although the doors did not open until noon, I arrived at  the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center shortly after 10 AM. I brought a book, found a seat, and was content to read, which is what I would have been doing at home. I met up with a woman who has been involved in the Democratic party, and she took me under her wing, so to speak.  We were able to be near the front of the line, and get good seats.  

I had announced this at the NASW meeting on Thursday.  I saw several social workers at the event: Stacy, Selly, Earline, Graciela, and Adelaida.  There may have been more.

It felt soooo good to be among people who demonstrated support for the kinds of issues that I support.  I did not believe there were that many progressives in Lubbock.

I was concerned, as was my "mentor" that the crowd would be small, but there was standing room only.  And, no dissenters spoke up!  What a relief. 

I have not been able to support the Democratic party in Lubbock because it is so staid and conservative.  I could support this. 

Thank you, Our Revolution Texas

Andy Wilkerson

Jim Hightower

Bernie Sanders

Nina Turner

It was a busy week

It continued to be a busy week.  I worked late Wednesday, in anticipation of getting off early.  Thursday, I left work early. I went to the NASW meeting, and Thursday evening, I went to the book club.  Friday, I stayed late, about 15 minutes, and then ran errands.  Today, I went to the Bernie Sanders presentation.  Now, it looks like Beto O'Rourke, Democratic candidate for US Senator from Texas will be in town on Sunday afternoon.

I am not sure when I am going to get housework done, but I want to go.

When We Think About Our Country.

When we think about our country and what is happening in it right now, think about this quote: "The happiness of every country depends upon the character of its people, rather than the form of its government." Thomas Chandler Haliburton

I do a daily cryptogram, and most of them have a message. This was today's and I think someone has been paying attention to our political climate.  

Our Responsibility as Voters

I had this epiphany as we were driving home from our trip on the 21^st of July. 

As a citizenry of the USA, we have to be responsible when we are voting for potential leaders.  Our obligation is not just to understand the candidate’s stand on various issues.  Our obligation is to understand the provisions of the Constitution of the United States.  We have an obligation when we elect a president to decide if that person can successfully recuse himself/herself from profit making so as to comply with the tenets of the Constitution, especially the “emoluments clause.”  If we elect a person whose business entanglements are so intricate that this is cannot be done, then we as citizens have failed our constitutional duties as voters.  These issues were brought to the foreground by the media during the election, but it was presented as an obligation the potential winner had to deal with, not as an issue the voter had an obligation to consider when casting their ballot.  I think, in retrospect, that viewpoint was wrong, and we as voters needed to be challenged to be responsible for making that a consideration when we decide on our candidates.

Ethics Violation by Kellanne Conway

Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President, blatantly promoted Ivanka Trump's fashion line from The White House https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/09/us/politics/kellyanne-conway-ivanka-trump-ethics.html?_r=0.  That is so in violation of the code of ethical conduct, and Ms. Conway was "counseled" about that.  This is leading the Trump administration down the "slippery slope."  We saw what happened when Charles Colson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Colson acted above the law.  It eventually brought down President Nixon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon. Hmmm. What else is not right in the Trump Administration?

Donald Trump's References to Violence

I am very frightened for the United States of America.  During this election year, there has been a lot of negative rhetoric, much coming from Donald Trump.  Today, he made a comment regarding being stuck with justices that Hillary Clinton would appoint, and then he referenced there is always the 2nd Amendment.  http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/09/politics/donald-trump-hillary-clinton-second-amendment/. Was he referring to using violence against Hillary Clinton, or her judge appointees, or was he referencing the voting power of the NRA and other supporters of the right to bear arms? It really does not matter what he was referring to.  If just one person thinks he was saying it was okay, that if Hillary Clinton becomes president, to use violence against her or her judge appointees, and even one person is injured, even if not killed, that is too much violence incited and sanctioned by his comments.

This is not the first time he has used this kind of rhetoric.  Remember when he said that even a murder would not erode his support?  http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/23/politics/donald-trump-nevada-murder/.  This article references other comments that he has made about violence.

We are a nation born of Revolution https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution and re-affirmed by a War Between the States https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War.

We have fought many other wars, skirmishes, police actions, and whatever you want to call them, so as a nation we are not strangers to violence. We are the only nation to have used atomic weapons during war time. Anniversaries of which occur this month: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki. We are a nation that has seen all sorts of domestic violence.

But we are a nation founded on the rule of law, and the right to due process.  Violence against individuals honors neither.

During the last few years, but starting as far back at 1966, when Charles Whitman shot at innocent people from the tower on the University of Texas campus http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/an-ex-marine-goes-on-a-killing-spree-at-the-university-of-texas, mass violence has been escalating in our country. http://www.gannett-cdn.com/GDContent/mass-killings/index.html#frequency.  Why?  I could speculate but will not.

What I will say is that for leaders in our country to encourage violence or the hint of violence is more than irresponsible. It is criminal.  This is not the first time that I have said that the things Donald Trump says are criminal.  I believe in free speech, and Trump is certainly exercising his right to free speech, but he does not care whom he is inciting to act in a criminal manner based on his speech. And, ultimately, if he incites others to violence, he will not pay the price.  I think this is the ultimate act of cowardice. The ultimate act of a bully. 

Basketball in the Olympics

I watched the US men's basketball team play against China on Saturday and the women's basketball team play against Senegal on Sunday in the Olympic games  http://www.fiba.com/olympics/2016.  Both teams overpowered their opponents. 

I am from Western Massachusetts, and am very much aware of the heritage of basketball as a game created in the United States. I have been to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame http://www.hoophall.com/.  This is our game! I get it!

While I watched both games, I was really distressed by the announcers. They talked about the United States winning the gold as if it were a forgone conclusion.  The announcers were very respectful of the opponents that both the men's and women's team played. But their comments were as if it were already decided that the United States would win the gold medal.  This kind of hubris is what alienates the rest of the world from the United States.  I do not believe that the announcers were trying to be rude or disrespectful, but they were. I sent an email to NBC http://www.nbc.com/.  Because comments are limited to 500 characters, I was a constrained in giving them my message. And, I realize that my message is probably one of thousands if not millions that they will receive and even if they read it, it will probably not make an impact.

I know that my blog is viewed, if not read, in other parts of the world, especially in Russia and China, although why I am so popular there, I do not know.  I want other people from other parts of the world to know that I am not that disrespectful of other countries of the world.

The Democratic National Convention

I am watching the Democratic National Convention tonight.  Right now.

Michelle Obama was a wonderful speaker. She is just fabulous. So on the mark. So aware. So great.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is speaking on behalf of former Secretary of State, and presumptive Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton, and I am wondering why Elizabeth Warren is not the presumptive nominee.

I know the answer: she did not want to be the candidate.  I am hearing the rhetoric that is promoting the united platform of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with many of the platforms of Senator Bernie Sanders. 

We need this. We need union. We need more platforms that call for wage equality, racial equality, climate justice.

We need people to understand that the slick, sly and disingenuous stances of the Republican party are not for equality, social justice, open social activity.  It is, unfortunately, about lining the pockets of the rich, wealthy, powerful and privileged. 

I have to believe that Abraham Lincoln is turning in his grave, and would come back as a Democrat.

Now, I am watching Bernie Sanders, who is making a case for Hillary Clinton, and the social programs he has endorsed and is encouraging Hillary Clinton to endorse.  He is announcing a Democratic Party Platform that endorses many of his policies. He is encouraging his delegates to vote for him, but knows he is not the nominee. 

The rest of the convention will be interesting. 

Baseball vs. Politics

So, I was planning to watch the Republican National Convention http://convention.gop/about tonight.  It is good theater. But as I was checking the TV standings, I realized that I could watch the Boston Red Sox play the San Francisco Giants http://mlb.mlb.com/home. 

That was a no-brainer.  The baseball game won out over the Republican National Convention.  The Red Sox are in front of the AL East by 1 percentage point.  The Yankees are 5.5 games back!  The Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants have the best percentage at .606.  The D'backs are not doing well at all. 

Right now the Red Sox are leading and the announcers have spent a lot of time talking about ESPN's Global Baseball https://bosoxinjection.com/2016/07/20/red-sox-does-doug-glanville-know-dominican-flavor/. They are highlighting the players from the Dominican Republic, including David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, and from history, Juan Marichal and Pedro Martinez.  The integration of baseball by these players is being commented on, and in a scholarly sort of way.  This is good sports history as well as good baseball.

The Republican National Convention

I am watching the Republican National Convention this week. Of course, I am watching  a liberal slanted network, but what they are saying resonates with me. There are problems. 

Mrs.Trump made a very good speech last night.  It turns out, some of the content was plagiarized from Mrs. Obama in 2008 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/melania-trump-speech-plagiarized_us_578da752e4b0a0ae97c33675.  I do not blame Mrs. Trump. I think the people who helped her with her speech are to blame. I saw the speech.  Mrs. Trump did a very good job. And, let's face it, imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Tonight, I watched again.  As the state of Alaska screwed up the schedule by contesting the way their votes were recorded.  But this was resolved, the speeches progressed, and the night was not much of a surprise. Donald Trumps' daughter Tiffany spoke, as did his son Donald Trump Jr.  Junior was superb as an advocate for his father. 

I was not impressed. 

Trump's Real Reason for Running for President?

Donald Trump went to Scotland, to promote his golf course in Turnberry.  The press followed, and the United States citizens footed the bill for his Secret Service security detail.  His trip was to tout the Trump golf course.  It coincided with the "Brexit" vote in the United Kingdom, a referendum to decide whether or not to leave the European Union https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jun/24/donald-trump-hails-eu-referendum-result-as-he-arrives-in-uk.  So, this is my question.  Is this the real reason Donald Trump is running for President of the United States.

The truth is, although he is this self-proclaimed business tycoon, he has experienced bankruptcies, law suits, and questionable business practices. He admits himself if he does not like the work done for him, he does not pay, yet tries to hire the same companies again. 

So, here is my take.  I think Trump has seen all of these people in politics who enter with moderate or affluent standards of living and leave politics, or at least leave their elected positions with untold wealth.  Is this a scheme to promote his businesses? 

Who knows. But he is doing just this, and strategically landed himself in the United Kingdom at the time of the Brexit vote. Who is he trying to influence?  What is he trying to pull off here?  I am suspect of him.

The Tragedy in Orlando, Florida

The shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/ that resulted in 49 victims dead, 53 injured, and the perpetrator killed, is described as a hate crime and terrorism, or both.  It was aimed at the LGBTQ community, and carried out by an American born man who was reportedly radicalized on the Internet.  His parents have a apologized.  Much of the country has rallied to indicate some kind of support.   I did not find out about vigils in Lubbock until after they were over with, when I heard about them on the late Lubbock news.

Our leaders reacted variously.  http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/politics/orlando-shooting-obama-political-reaction/ Hate and racism just feeds the kind of behavior that was exhibited by the perpetrator today.  The more we accept hate and racism, the more we damage our country.  We are better than that! 

Politics

I had lunch with a coworker the other day, and she said something I so often think.  We are in a closed conservative enclave in West Texas.  Her comment reflected how pleased she was to see President Obama re-elected with such a majority, the it demonstrates that the conservative mindset is not predominate in all of America.

It is politics season, and in ad after ad, I hear the candidate's conservative background being touted as a reason for people to support that candidate.  So, of course, I do not want to vote for these people.

I also hear all of the campaign promises that the candidates make that they cannot possibly know they can deliver on the national level.  I want a candidate who is real.  Well, that makes selecting someone very difficult. 

It is going to be an interesting election cycle this year.

The United States Census Bureau

I received a piece of mail today from the United States Census Bureau http://www.census.gov/.  I forget that the Census Bureau is a part of the US Department of Commerce https://www.commerce.gov/.  Well, my address was selected to participate in an American Community Survey https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/.  It had a dire warning on the envelope that it is against the law not to respond.

So, respond I did. Tonight. On line.  It was an interesting survey, asking about education, housing, utility and insurance coverage and cost.  It asked some good questions about what the government should know about its citizens.

Interestingly, tonight, at the Catholic Charities Diocese of Lubbock board meeting, we heard a presentation by one of the local priests about charitable giving, charitable works, wealth and poverty. If I got his statistics correct, 1% of the world holds 50% of the wealth.  And 67 individuals own as much as the poorest 1/2 of the world's population. The speaker made the point that the poor in the United States are still usually wealthier than the poor in many other parts of the world.

This should speak to us about the distribution of wealth in the world.  And, with wealth comes power.  And, this is frightening.  It depends upon the character of who holds the wealth!

The survey asked questions about mortgages, home ownership, hot and cold running water and other indoor plumbing questions, amounts paid for utilities, insurance, health insurance coverage, vehicle ownership, education and employment.  All measures of wealth. 

I hope my participation in this survey makes a difference.