Getting It Right?

Polling leading up to the 2016 election was flawed. Many studies were done afterward to determine what went wrong. Not sure anyone came up with a definitive answer, but in 2020 the polls are not taking chances. Red faces of pollsters two elections in a row would be devastating.

To be sure, politicians rely on polling to determine which of their messages are resonating with voters, and which not. They adjust the message accordingly. They micro-niche their markets, too. This provides them mini-markets to try out pinpointed messages to audiences likely to accept their points. That is why the republican candidate is visiting so many places in such a hurry. He is attempting to sway bits and pieces of the voting public so polls will be influenced in his favor.

The opposite appears to be happening.

Not to be over pumped with this news, pollsters are adjusting their findings with more sensitive negative factors to tone down poll results. They hope to show clearly who is ahead or behind even if the polling is skewed.

The 2020 context has changed from 2016. So many voters are fed up with divisive politics they have chosen to put it behind them. They have voted early and by mail in record numbers. They are well over half of all votes cast in 2016 at this point. That means election day will find much smaller crowds and the early votes most likely have already elected the winner of the election.

How do you poll for that? Who do you poll? Only those who have not yet voted? Can you be statistically certain of that? And how do you blend what you learn from those people that would adjust what you think the early voters have already done?

Seems to me that higher math might think it has the answer to that question. Me thinks not.

We will only know the results once all the ballots have been counted. All of the ballots. However long it takes. We must get this election right.

Or there may not be another one.

October 31, 2020

 

Reaction to New

A few year back we didn’t need the van so traded it for a used sedan. The goal was to reduce monthly payments and maintenance costs. The car offered was a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The first time I drove this car was exhilarating. It was quiet. Comfortable. Well equipped. And powerful. Powerful? An electric? Yes. The torque was stunning. Green lights never seemed so exciting or freeing. The get up and go was amazing. Instant. Thrown back in the seat, I was half a block away before the guy behind me even started into the intersection! I had not expected this.

On wet or snowy pavement, I needed to exercise more caution. Anti-skid feature kept the drive wheels from spinning, but still, I had to learn to drive without the ‘stuttering’ starts.

The car was quiet at idle and slower speeds. When accelerating above 30 miles per hour the gas engine kicked in. In fact, the engine cycled on and off whenever the battery needed recharging. Mileage overall in that car was 38+.

As the odometer crept into the 70,000+ range, I worried about the life of the batteries and how much it would cost to replace them. That worry and warranty mandated maintenance led me to trade the car. Alas it was for a non-hybrid. Although the new car had one feature better than the Sonata, the performance of the Elantra GT was much less than the Sonata.

The one poor feature of the Sonata: the front passenger seat was positioned low. It was hard to get into and out of, especially for senior citizens. Ever since that car we have graduated to vehicles with higher seats to make entry and exit easier. Alas, the Sonata remains out of our reach for that reason unless they raise the seats and provide electric seat adjustments.

So. I experienced the new – hybrid cars. For those who have not driven this type of car, you are in for excitement. At last you will know what rapid acceleration is all about and why young guys like horsepower. Electric torque surpasses gas engines in this department.  

Other new things that exceeded my expectations: modern cell phones that receive my emails, internet connections and provide free long distance calling. I never knew what the I-phone was all about. I have the lesser phone but remain thrilled with its capabilities. I use many of its features and am still amazed. totally connected while away from home and the computer.

Lap top computers have been on my desk for a lot of years, now. And on my lap as well when portable use is required. Its features still enthrall me although I am stumped by many of its antics. Good thing there are young people around to rescue me from befuddlement.

As we navigate COVID distancing and remote operations, connectivity has grown. We literally communicate with every corner of the globe without so much as a thought. This blog is read throughout the globe each day. I didn’t plan that. I still don’t; although I dared to address Vlad Putin a few times, just in case he’s reading! Such a bully.

The new is unfamiliar for only a moment. We adapt quickly. We learn to use the benefits and move on with our lives. I do not lament the old and replaced technology. It didn’t understand intuitive.

October 30, 2020

Planning for the Future

The doctor’s office calls and reminds you of a pending appointment. You check your calendar and confirm that you can keep it. Plans to clear other appointments out of the way are made so you have plenty of time to drive to the doctor’s office, have the appointment, and return home. Maybe a drugstore visit will be needed too?

A quick scan of the calendar notes other appointments coming up over the next four weeks. Best I arrange the calendar to accommodate all of that.

Now that is done, what’s next?

I recall my dad going to a work symposium sponsored by his company for other colleagues. The task was to engage long range planning models. Their immediate goal? Describe a modern community in America 50 years in the future.

Well, that caused a stir. But in the spirit of the time and place, the people got to work to fulfill the assignment. And this is what they came up with.

Sub-teams were formed to examine various alternatives. Others tackled land usage. All agreed that the modern community would be formed as a standalone so all forms of technology and service systems could be laid out in advance of home construction, commercial and industrial districts. Thus they suggested:

·        Use plentiful land resources not now in use; desert west regions were cited

·        Water resources were provided by recycling methods and piping in desalinized ocean water

·        Climate extremes were tamed by building methods that sheltered interiors from hot seasons, and gained solar warmth in cold seasons

·        Centrally planned water and sewer distribution systems were planned in complete units serving specific areas

·        Schools and public institutions were sited near population centers using them

·        Manufacturing and industrial sites were planned near each other to make best use of utilities, distribution, parking and commuting needs. Technology was envisioned to expand communication for remote work groups lessening travel and commuting

·        Electric power relied on nuclear plants and remote from national grids

·        Fuel efficiency and use aimed for zero pollution standards

There was more. The exercise concluded with the need for more research and development of technology that focuses on quality of life and community health.

The company was a giant in many arenas covered by the above. Some teams were formed to pull patented and protected inventions already in the files but not yet used. How prepared would the company be to supply future markets with demanded services and products? That was the goal then.

The net result, however, was a keen awareness on the part of the participants that opportunity beckons constantly. Change is a continual agent that offers fresh thinking and possibility. This was more than 60 years ago!

Surprised? Hopefully not. Brainy inventive people are hard at work to solve current problems as well as imagining what lies beyond that horizon. Well we should. It is how we bridge today with tomorrow. The only variable is the time span between the two.

Getting along with and in the global village requires planning. Military readiness needs planning. Products and services must be planned well in advance. Inventing the future prepares us for that future and helps each of us adapt to the new.

Those who do not plan or adapt, lead very frustrating lives indeed. Perhaps this is a sign of our times?

October 29, 2020

 

A Week To Go

Next week the elections are over. The votes will be counted, and winners declared. With so many mail-in ballots, the count will take more time. At least a week is forecast. It could be much longer. However, the vote tallies must be certified by election authorities during the first week or so of December. By then we should know the results of most if not all races.

Whether candidates, political parties or citizens will accept the results is a well-known question these days. In my 77-year life I have never encountered an election where results may not be accepted. The legal procedures to handle this eventuality have not been used so precedent has no guide here.

I have faith that the electorate will abide by the results. Incumbents voted out of office will leave at the appointed time voluntarily. No one will stubbornly remain locked in his/her office. The passing of authority will take place peacefully as it always has.

This is America and we abide by the law. So do the candidates. Winners or losers, will do the right thing.

Time marches on for all of us. So do voter edicts. At least we can look forward to quiet on the political ad front! A blessing it will be.

Whatever the results, the American people will go on with their lives. As we have seen in the past four years, good people continue to do good things. Those in need receive what they need. Broken things are repaired. New ideas are tried out and improved, then used. Snow is shoveled and cleaned away. Holiday decorations appear on time. Laughter erupts among friends and family members. Good food is cooked and shared for all to enjoy. Joy and happiness follow. That is up to us, not an elected official.

And just because someone says something is so doesn’t make it so. Fact and proof remain required.

We are masters of our own universe regardless of current fad or edict. Always it has been, always it will be.

Smile and greet each day as though it were your last. Enjoy the day. And be glad in it.

October 28, 2020

 

Being a Guest

As I walk into the local Walgreen’s or grocery store, I expect to wear a face mask. This is a pandemic we are living in and I wear a mask to protect myself. I also wear a mask to protect others. I do not know if I have symptoms of COVID. I might. I doubt it. But I don’t want to unknowingly spread the disease. That would make the pandemic worse.

I protect my own health not just for me. I do so to protect Rocky. His health is more fragile than mine, but we both have underlying health concerns that would create a nightmare were we to get COVID. There are others we are close to we wish to protect as well.

So, going into public spaces is the topic here. A public accommodation – stores, shops, restaurants, lodging sites and offices, are privately owned and operated. They invite us into their space to do business with them. While there, we are their guest. They are responsible for our well-being and hold legal liability for us.

That relationship is in control of our being present in their space. We are the guest. That requires us to abide by the rules and regulations that help the host to protect us. We do not have control over that.

When a host requires a mask – to protect you and others, and to protect others from you – they have the legal right to do so. You have the right to leave rather than do as they request. That’s it. You have no other option.

You are free to live your life and go maskless, but that applies to your own space and the great outdoors. If others are present and near, you must comply with government regulations to protect public health standards in the great outdoors. The more isolated you are the freer you are to go maskless.

Being an American does not give you the right to freely take away the rights of others. The opposite is true: you have the obligation, the duty, to protect the community of others as you expect them to do so for your benefit.

Wear the mask if you are to be near others. Don’t want to wear a mask? Don’t. In isolation you have the freedom you desire. Out of isolation the needs of others trump your rights.

Just wear the mask until the pandemic is over.

Thank you!

October 27, 2020

 

 

Meanderings

Domestic Terrorism: Right Wing extremists are responsible for most domestic terrorism incidents in the United States currently. This is the conclusion of an annual assessment by the Department of Homeland Security. Their conclusions are echoed by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. As reported in the New York Times, CSIS claims 67% of terrorist events in the first 8 months of 2020 in the US are directly laid at the feet of right wing extremist groups. White supremacy is the predominant theme of these groups. They are credited with inserting their activities in Black Lives Matters protests of police killings to skew public blame toward black protesters as the cause of the violence. The opposite was and is the truth.

White Supremacy is not a kind and gentle belief system. It is one of fear and loathing that the once white majority is fading into minority. The math of this shift is inevitable. We are a diverse nation and we always have been. Only now is majority position shifting away from white to black/brown/other. The inevitability of this happening has long been in our knowledge. And it is OK. Mature adults accept this without fear. Some don’t. And that’s the problem here. Guns, fear and white supremacy is a toxic mix. Welcome to 2021?

Oil’s Future: I have opined often in this space that the ‘oil standard’ in America’s economy needs to be removed. The why is world peace and international stability. Control over oil supplies and markets has been the central cause of Middle East wars which are spreading to other global hot spots. Remove oil from the mix and the Middle East will have to find another reason to go to war. I suppose religious intolerance will become more central in that case, but then, America is not the arbiter in such things nor should it be.

The future of oil however needs to be abated because of another reason: ecological pollution of air, water and soil. Both the burning of fossil fuels and the extraction of the fuel destroys the planet. We have known this for a very long time.

Oil will remain a fixture in our lives for a very long time, but it will be much less. How much less is the function of how quickly we change to non-fossil fuel energy sources. Technology will help advance both the progress and the speed of change. Already the automotive industry is swinging toward production of electric powered vehicles. Off grid housing is a thing these days and it will increase. Eventually most homes will be off grid for heating, cooling and lighting. Wireless technology may eliminate the cable in cable TV and internet access as well.

Employment and career potential in this new oil-free economy will be plentiful. The benefit of saving the planet is just one side of this new future. It’s good, all good.

Filling Supreme Court Vacancy: It was wrong for the republican Senate to block President Obama’s Supreme Court nomination in the last year of his term. It is also wrong to do the same this close to trump’s re-election campaign. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. However, that’s not how power politics works in 2020 America. It is that power posture that has destroyed the nation’s civility. Constitutional design and balance of the federal government is now out of alignment. Pundits, philosophers and constitutional law experts can say what they want, but the system is now broken.

How do we fix it? Extraordinary effort and cooperation will be needed to fix this problem. The will and cooperation are lacking which also defines the problem.

Does this mean we must replay the revolution to restore balance? Your ideas are welcome here.

October 26, 2020

 

 

 

 

Pathway to Future

This was a busy week. Six new clients – four by assignment, two by referral. All were interesting. All were convincing and passionate about their sense of commitment. They are on their own paths to a future marked by service to others and building a fair and just society.

How so, you ask? Well, interesting you ask!

My answer is pretty simple: each of these clients sees a problem – one they have lived through, or someone close to them has survived or is still struggling with. They refuse to allow this problem to define them or their society.

Instead, they decided to do something about it. Most have worked alone. One young mother learned her son was autistic and she jumped into researching what that meant. She learned that most families do not have health insurance sufficient to cover the costs of testing, research and treatment of various outlying symptoms. Her solution? Buy insurance coverage in bulk and deliver to families in need. This year alone she has raised $72,000 to purchase insurance and is in the process of delivering it to those who need it. She came to me to learn how to expand her operation so the load is shared by a team of volunteers, not just her.

Another was dismayed by systemic racism in his community. He set out to define what that term meant and arrived at a stunning realization that systemic racism is so embedded in our social structure most do not recognize it. So, he and several others created an organization that is changing their community. He wants to expand so it is adopted in other communities throughout the nation. Their model is impressive.

Another client is stunned at the enormity of the need for reimagining public education at all levels. The task to be done is humongous yet little is done. Research at universities, yes; change in local districts, no. And in the classroom, how do teachers implement such change? How to invent the new and engineer its adoption while replacing the old methods? That’s the job ahead. A worthy one. How to make this happen? She will find a way.

And other clients with similar ardor to make a difference in their communities, regions and nation. America is birthing anew like it always has. The ebbing of the old is always slow and painful, but ebb away it does. The old has been useful but it must yield to the new and better. Our eyes and minds must be on improving who and what we are. The promise is great.

And so very possible.

One benefit of COVID-19 is the lockdown we hate. But that has given us time to think through a lot of things. connecting to others electronically we are still able to function and create the new. Like the chrysalis, amazing new things await their emergence to light.

Just you wait! The path forward is heartening and nutritious to the soul and mind.

October 25, 2020

 

Grinding

 Down or up? Grinding into dust the bad? Or grinding out progress by inches?

I sense we are at that point. Turning from one direction to another. A better option or not? Ah, that is the question.

I see our nation battling a pandemic. It has been a long slog, but the journey requires more of us. We need to keep plodding in the manner that defeats the virus and its march through our population. We do not need to give up and let it has its way with us.

Yes, I think we are fiddling around with that proposition, or at least a large portion are.

I understand being tired and disgusted with the pandemic. I don't like wearing masks, nor do I like being cooped up in my apartment for 7+ months. I certainly don't like the prospect of Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays without my family near.

The alternative is not a pleasant thought. Do I give up on science and knowledgeable advisors? Do I chance getting the virus and dealing with all that portends? 

There are amateurs throughout the land who claim the virus won't hurt them. There are those who have already had the virus and felt it wasn't all that bad; besides, now they claim they are immune to it. These same people claim the virus will not affect you long term. Like the chicken pox, get it and put it behind you.

Well, it isn't that simple is it? There are huge numbers of people with cardiac, pulmonary and weight histories that make them vulnerable to serious health problems should they get COVID-19. Diabetics are especially vulnerable. Weak and frail people, too, are vulnerable. So what do we do with these folks?

I'm one of those included in the previous chapter. I'm a functioning citizen living a life of purpose. I write. I read and study. I share experience and knowledge with others in a large volunteer group. I'm active in many things and hope my contributions have value. Do I throw all that away because some people think the virus is a hoax or a weak pandemic?

225,000 people in America have died of this hoax. Well over 8 million people have suffered the disease. Healthcare professionals are still baffled with the virus - it's trajectory, damage short term and long term to affected patients. Treatments are getting better but they are not fail-safe. The disease act differently in different patients and doctors have only their wits to guide them through dicey treatment plans.

No. COVID-19 is real. It is deadly to many people. It is uncomfortable for most who get it. And its long term effects are simply a huge unknown. The threat is real. The end is not truly in sight. We await better treatment, more research and a working vaccine that defeats the monster among us.

Claiming it doesn't exist or is a minor inconvenience is not provable fact. It is, indeed, a fantasy.

Those who do not believe this do not have the right to inflict their threat of contagion on others. 

Read that statement again. They do not have the right to inflict their contagion on others. They must cooperate with the community for its sake even if they don't believe it. If they insist on placing their own lives at risk, that's one thing; but it is entirely another thing to place other lives at risk. Even members of their own family.

Grinding down one path or up another one?

The choice is theirs only if they isolate themselves apart from the others. And take care of themselves and their others accordingly. That isn't truly possible is it? It simply is not practical.

Funny how thinking it through brings us back to community. We are in this together as is the rest of the world. Together we can get through this. 

As Abraham Lincoln stated wisely - "Together we stand; divided we fall."

That's true today. 

Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance in the company of others. Stay home at much as possible.

Life will change. Businesses and institutions will fail. But the new will rise and we will be whole once again. Have faith in this. And prosper in a new, dawning world.

October 24, 2020

Doing What’s Right

COVID is spreading quickly. Once again. It has its way and will do its thing. We still don't know a lot about it - its origin, timeline from start to present, best way to treat infected patients, long term effects years from now. And we do not have a cure. A vaccine is in testing phase. Several vaccines, each competing to find THE cure. 

We are getting close. We know much more about the COVID virus than before. Still many missing pieces to the puzzle. Meanwhile, people are getting sick. People continue to suffer. Many still die. Swaths of the public are vulnerable. Many will survive the disease. Many will not. Who will those poor souls be?

I don't know. You don't either. Scientists know more but still cannot give us the whole story. 

On the Illinois news front, the governor has imposed restrictions on public gatherings and bar and restaurant operations. Studies report these are the breeding grounds of COVID spread. These restrictions are imposed in the hope to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the most affected regions of the state.

That is prudent. The governor's job is to protect the public. His advisors in healthcare, public safety and disease control provide the facts upon which he has legal responsibility to act. Governor Pritzker has acted consistently to fulfill his obligations and moral duty.

Claiming otherwise is ridiculous. Constitutional rights are not being usurped. In fact the constitution is being upheld in preserving and protecting the people. That is his oath of office the same as it is for all sworn, elected officials. 

Currently an uprising is forming throughout the state to resist the governor's orders. Bar and restaurant owners are claiming their right to do business is being denied them. They say their customers support them in their resistance. They claim moral majority over the government.

Are they right? Or are they wrong?

I think they are wrong. I understand they are upset, scared and deeply afraid of losing their assets and means of earning a living. I'd be frightened as well. But the health and well-being of the public is the greater good being protected here. That is what our elected officials are supposed to do. It is what we expect them to do. 

In the face of many unknowns, public servants must be allowed to do their job. Failure to do so will cause much larger harm to us all.

The bar and restaurant industry is part of the larger hospitality industry. Their job is to serve the public with open arms and gracious service to meet the needs of that public. That service is in the best interests of the public, their loyal customers. Health and safety is a basic tenet of that hospitality. Without that, there is no public to serve.

If a dining establishment is found to carry disease or the imminent spread of disease (salmonella, botulism, or the vermin and infestation of disease spreading insects) the establishment is shut down. The spread of COVID is no different. 

Present circumstances do not allow us to guess. We must act on what we know to protect and preserve.

That is the right thing to do. Denying that is the wrong thing.

In this political age of ours, even this public health emergency is politicized. Shame on all those who have lost the bigger picture.

We will get through this. We will survive. In the meantime we must trust and cooperate as best we can.

October 23, 2020

Better Morrows

As political campaigns labor to their end in less than two weeks, we look forward to days, weeks and months of blessed peace from nasty ads. We look forward to the certainty of change that is kind and measurable. And manageable.

The morrows will come. I think they will be better than the nows.

We will encounter the ideas that refresh our food, our computer systems, the news, the technology that allows us to work from home. We look to the morrows for less commuting and more thinking, more relaxing time.

We know morrows will have family time, reading time, unhurried chore time. Our homes will be more present and enjoyable. We have the time to experience home and those that share it.

We will read and ponder new ideas. We will meet new people over Zoom or the many competing services. Our focus on people will heighten and we will be more for them as they will be for us.

Anxiety of uncertainty will abate, at least as much as has been caused by political turmoil. Now we can work toward defeating the COVID-19 virus and restoring our lives and futures to something more permanent. Old jobs may be gone, but technology has shown us how to adapt and create new things by which we can earn our keep.

Small business formations have soared these past 6 months. That’s measured by the EIN#’s applied for with the IRS. EIN’s are employer identification numbers and replace personal social security numbers of the business owner. This keeps business revenues separate from personal income and simplifies paying taxes. It also helps determine how financially viable the new business is.

Self-employment is the center point of job growth in America. Tapping into that creative energy, Americans have figured out what the economy needs in products and services appropriate to the times. COVID gave us all time to think and understand our circumstances. We see the future and the pathway toward it.

So, tomorrow is very likely to be better than today.

From anxiety to gratitude, that’s seeing the glass half full, not empty.

May your morrows be blessed and filled with purpose and joy!

October 22, 2020

 

 

Zoom Life

Before COVID-19 I drove 250 miles per week, sometimes much more. I frequently met SCORE clients in regional libraries, Panera’s and Starbucks. We had SCORE committee meetings and chapter meetings regularly. Some were scheduled all over the six-county region to equalize the commute for mentors living in those areas.

In COVID time Zoom replaced all that travel. I’m driving 15 miles per week now, mostly to Walgreens, McDonalds or the grocery store. The savings in gas alone is remarkable. Other savings accrue as well in not paying tolls, parking fees or fewer oil changes. Even insurance is cheaper.

Time is also saved – dressing for meetings, preparing files and papers, driving to the meeting location (being early so as not to be late!), and then the return from the meeting. All that to and fro saves at least an hour, most likely two. Also, the wardrobe. I now have a good working collection of shirts that look good on Zoom. Still wear sweatpants or shorts while on camera! Laundry is simple. Dry cleaning is non-existent.

Because of these savings my productivity has 'zoomed.' My budget is much healthier. I even bought a new large computer monitor to ease eyestrain. Now I have to reorganize the workstation for streamlined operations.

Zoom took getting used to. Now, however, it is a great tool used several times each day. Even church and community events are held over Zoom and that keeps us in contact and relationships.

After COVID I wonder what past behavior will come back. I think I will continue Zooming because it saves so much energy, effort, time and money. So far the clients have not complained. The content of our meetings is the central value. On that we are focused even more thanks to Zoom.

October 21, 2020

 

Somewhere

Every now and again I recall a memory from when I was 5 or 6 years old. It was in Altadena, California and I gazed out at our street. It was fairly busy. A two-lane residential street but it connected two suburban commercial areas. That started me thinking – these cars are coming from somewhere else, and going to somewhere else. Where is the somewhere?

I began wondering where our street went farther to the east and west? I imagined trees, homes, buildings and other cars. But were the mountains still there? Or was there another landscape? What would it be like to go there? Wherever that was?

Our family liked road trips. Dad was a civil service engineer working for the US Navy. He had a four- week vacation each year. We spent much of it traveling throughout the western states. On Sundays throughout the year we took rides up into the mountains, out onto the desert, and down to the ocean. Rides were a thing. They were the family’s greatest pastime.

Over the years these rides defined somewhere for me. I knew this road connected to another that would take us up over the San Gabriel mountains and into the desert. Later we lived on the desert for nearly 3 years. We traveled back and forth from Inyokern to Pasadena with regularity. Travel in that environment was highly varied – desert landscapes, desert mountain ranges, coastal mountains, seaward slopes in the burgeoning Los Angeles Basin. Nighttime lights from atop mountains were breathtaking. So too were long shot views of the ocean on days when smog was light.

Streets had routes through many somewheres. I pondered the beginning and the ending of such streets but never quite got a clear answer to that. Space and distance were great. No clear start or finish to a street. In residential areas, yes; deadends, cul de sacs, and T-intersections were plenteous. But not through roads. They just kept going on and on.

From then on somewhere became a destination but we learned to enjoy the journey. A whole lot like life itself.

I must admit the Midwest destinations are not as exciting as California’s, but the journeys are just as interesting. Guess it depends on what we focus on?

October 20, 2020

 

What Do We Owe?

Loyalty. Debt. Obligation. Caring. What other ways do we find ourselves owing something to someone or something? What creates the condition of owing? To whom or what do we owe it? And do they or the something other owe us?

Part of me doesn’t want the obligation to accrue. From the beginning of life do I owe something to someone or something? If so, how do I honor the obligation and repay it? And on what scale?

Of course we do – owe someone and something. Life itself is the gift; who and what made that possible is owed the credit and gratitude for making it happen.

My parents for bringing me into this world. God or some higher power made the world into which we have all come. To those we owe our thanks. How we give honor to them is another issue. Is this a lifelong debt we owe? An obligation that never ends?

How do we make this happen? What process or transaction fulfills the obligation?

This may be the crux of two things – family and theology. It is for me. Maybe not for you?

Life develops in stages – phases – over our lifetime. We encounter it in tiny steps. Sometimes we pay attention, other times we don’t. As time passes, though, we pay attention in bits and pieces. We develop conclusions about a few matters here and there. Over time a pattern develops. Of course others and institutions (schools and churches) try to form our ideas around some concepts.

Only much later in adulthood have I managed to structure my beliefs in a cohesive manner. Well, that may be too elegant a statement; cohesive is not a worthy label of my slapdash amalgam of thoughts!

How much of my thinking is actual theology with definition and discipline is in question. Belief is another term that needs serious thinking before claiming any final conclusions. Meanwhile the intellectual challenge remains and often revisited. No earthshaking conclusions made; none begging for it either.

And that’s OK with me. I owe a huge sense of gratitude for life itself. For whom and what and why, that’s an age-old query we each must manage. It matters little if we get far with the thinking, but it does matter that we consider it. We are not an island unto ourselves. We are in relation with much more. It is worth exploring these concepts.

We become more from such effort.

October 19, 2020

 

 

Life and Meaning

I’m reading a book a second time entitled “The Life of Meaning” by Bob Abernethy and Bill Bole. The foreword was written by Tom Brokaw.

Normally we ask the question, ‘what is the meaning of life?’ Well, the book turns that around to ‘the life of meaning.’ The difference is not subtle although it may appear so at first glance.

The book goes on to share interviews with 45 or so people who figure large in spiritual or religious circles. How do they live a life of meaning? What meaning is that? Do they practice that meaning in some way that defines a specific religion or theology? If yes, how so?

I’ve always wanted a life of purpose. What that purpose is/was/will be was not fully known. Sometimes I came close; most times not. The search for purpose, though, continued.

Life has moments of joy. The purpose of life, however, is not to fill life with the most pleasure. Pleasure and joy are not synonymous. yes, some pleasure is joyful. But joy for me entails so much more. The 'aha' moment of understanding a complexity is a joy. Helping someone learn something new is a joy. Watching people enjoy each other’s company is a joy.

Some would say sex is a joy; I would agree to a point, but life is not about sex. Life is about so much more than one thing. Experiencing life, knowing things, appreciating relationships – of people to people, and things to things, and people to things – is joyful, meaningful.

More basic is this – knowing my relationship to life itself is a joy and almost always elusive. It is a constant struggle to know. The effort is a journey looking for meaning and definition. The emotions and intellectual satisfaction take on spiritual dimensions. Theology comes alive in these moments, too. Suddenly my relationship with the universe and God become a focal point.

This may or may not be religion. Of that I really don’t care. What matters is the meaning and the purpose of that meaning. I need to share that with others. I need others to share their experiences with me. In that, fellowship is born and I need that.

Human experience may be felt alone but only in company of others do we become fully human. The purpose and meaning of life expand from there. Exploring this is meaning itself.

October 18, 2020

 

Stimulus or No?

An economic stimulus package is needed in America right now. We won’t get it, however, because the republicans think that would give democrats a victory. An agreement by democrats of the current republican offer is a non-starter. Here’s why:

·        State and local governments, including counties, are nearing empty cash drawers. They have lost trillions of tax revenues during COVID shutdowns, and spent many billions or more to provide emergency relief to tens of millions of people living within their jurisdictions. An enormous unemployment surge is hanging by a thread as local governments look to slash expenses. The Feds need to bail these governments out. They are the ‘feet on the ground’ during COVID. The feds pay for things, but don’t do much work. They rely on states and communities to do that.

·        Unemployed citizens need a boost in their unemployment benefits. Being stingy these last two months has caused untold heartache and bankruptcy pressure on the middle class and low income people. Emergency aid to them right now is needed. The amount remains a sticking point between the two parties. The president wants to help because this would look like a victory for him and gain votes by November 3^rd. Senate republicans are fighting a different game, still one of power over democrats.

·        The healthcare industry needs more money to cover expenses and disruptions from COVID. Just keep the money coming, folks. Every penny is justified.

·        Small businesses need more funds to maintain existence. Many have already disappeared into bankruptcy and a financial swamp. Those still operating are doing so on a shoe string. Provide more PPP funds for them, please. $500 billion would work well, and funds should be kept from larger firms. They have other resources to keep them in business for a while.

·        Bank holiday for mortgages and rent seems to be something we should be examining. A time-out so people maintain their housing while long term solutions can be engineered to save property owners and renters alike.

The need is real. Congress needs to act. Now!

October 17, 2020

 

Religious Freedom

In America we have freedom of religion. That allows each citizen to decide for themselves what they believe theologically, if anything, and how spirituality figures in their lives. They may pursue religious studies, adopt strict rituals and observances, or do absolutely nothing. They are free to do whatever agrees with their thoughts and feelings along these lines.

Of course, we are not free to infringe on others as they exercise their religious freedom, but they cannot infringe on ours either.

Somewhere along the line the Supreme Court has allowed religious freedom to be included in laws that press others to conform to the values espoused by others. An example is abortion. Many religions abhor abortion and legislatures and Congress seem to think abortion should be banned or strictly regulated. Why? This is a value stemming from religious conviction and gets further muddied when science and inception of life arguments are added to the mix.

You don’t want abortion, then don’t give cause to the fetus’ existence in the first place, or the baby delivered at full term. Don’t like others having abortions? Then mind your own business and ensure your life is abortion free; not in other families, mind you, but your own.

Well, abortion is not the point of this blog posting. Religious expression and personal exploration of religion is the point. In America we have the right to explore as much as we want. We can read, study, discuss and exercise our religious values freely. Finding a church or fellowship to support my thinking is another matter.

In the time of COVID most churchgoers have encountered live streaming or Zoom sessions over their computer. Music is prerecorded and mixed in clips with the rest of the streaming content. The rituals of worship are mostly there, but adaptations are made to conform to most of the worshipers.

Electronic church attendance is different from in-person. Sharing time and space with another human being, especially long-time friends and colleagues, is much more pleasant. We have learned this in the COVID era. We will learn much more as well as COVID forces us to examine norms and core issues we long took for granted.

Fifty-two years ago, I studied issues of church attendance and denomination identity in seminary. What was the future of the church? Who were now attending regularly as opposed to those in the past? What trends would likely drive church membership and religious structures in the future? Was church an important social institution that would survive major social upheaval? Kindly remember, this was 1968 and we had survived political assassinations, protests, riots and the flower power hippie movement. The Vietnam War was a thing that drove people apart. Political norms were tested, and new social alignments were in constant motion.

Now in 2020 we are asking the same question: is church relevant to our quality of life and social peace of mind?

The statistics are clear: church attendance is down. Church membership is down. Church size is either small or mega. Worship services are either small, personal experiences or large entertainment extravaganzas. The happy medium is nowhere in sight.

Questioning our moral compass, or value structure, and our religious beliefs is a good thing. It is healthy to take measure of these things from time to time. Me? I’m thinking religion is very personal and must remain in my personal domain. I don’t need an organization to inform me what to think or do in fealty to that belief. I’m not alone in this realization. Most of us – you – believe similarly. That’s what the statistics show.

Whether organized religion will ever catch up with its people is an unknown. What is clear are the divides among those who think they know what each of us needs. The easier course of action is to go it alone, or maybe find a few people with whom you feel comfortable discussing such matters. The temple in my mind is more comfortable than the construct of others in brick and mortar institutions.

Time to own my own theology? Yes. Most likely.

October 16, 2020

 

National Coming Out Day

Last Sunday was the day set aside each year for people to admit publicly that their sexual orientation is different from the norm. My granddaughter announced to the world she was bi-sexual. In doing so, she shared her story. She is young; a sophomore in college.

Her story retells the growing awareness of her sexual identity. From tiny glimmers of wondering to clear thinking of possibilities. Then reading. Searching for information. Observing others her age in the throes of growing understanding of gender issues. Emerging maturity. Clarity coming from mists and fogs.

Finally, it is clear, or at least much clearer than before. An identity at last!

My journey began similarly but the times were clouded in public ignorance and discrimination. Self-hatred was common in those days. Lack of information, too. Over a prolonged time span I came to my own awareness of gender identity. I finally admitted it to myself at 37. By then I was married with two children. A lot more of my journey lay ahead.

Today America is hip to gender orientation issues. We support and educate one another. We feel and love those on journey. It is not easy. We aim to make it easier.

I am proud of my granddaughter. She is mature beyond her years and wise in her disposition. She will do well on her journey. Hopefully much less tumultuous than so many others.

Welcome to the out world, Lindsay. Thank you for your courage and clear thinking. You will do well with the challenges in the years ahead. I bet your gifts will be shared with others and ease their journeys as well.

October 15, 2020

  

Re-thinking; Re-imagining

2020 has been quite the year. Not the ‘good year’ we imagined on New Year’s Eve. Huge happenings occurred in 2020 and the year isn’t over. Still ahead is the November 3^rd election, the possible seating of another Supreme Court Justice, the march of heavy weather caused by global warming (including wildfires by the dozens), and whatever happens with COVID by the end of the year. Vaccines may be approved by then, but still ahead is the manufacture and distribution on the scale of billions of doses.

Change. It happens. All the time. It is a constant of life. Always has been.

What we do about it is another matter. Some plan, others ‘do,’ while still others fret, worry and die of anxiety and panic attacks.

Whatever 2020 will eventually come to mean, it will cause us all to adapt to new normals in many facets of life. I suspect these few arenas will be huge focal points for us:

a.      Remote learning will revolutionize education for all age groups

b.      Remote fellowship and worship will revolutionize church life

c.      Remote transactions will change commercial life forever; fewer stores; smaller shops

d.      Remote working stations will revolutionize building design, organizational design and commercial real estate markets; also commuting patterns greatly changed or eliminated

Those are the four biggies. At least it seems so to me.

Socialization skills will change with each of the above. Those skills will redefine jobs, businesses, products and services. Remote locations will redefine real estate markets and transportation patterns and needs. Education will finally become life-long and expansively creative. Rote learning is over. Engaging minds and creating new ideas and connections with multiple disciplines will allow students of all ages to excel in so many ways.

A whole new world lies before us. And all because we were forced to live a little differently due to a pandemic. The changes cascade from that cause. Realizing what it means has just begun to shift our thinking.

We needed this. Too bad it cost 214,000 Americans their lives. But we can make it better. Let’s not allow those lost lives to be wasted.

Hard work lies ahead!

October 14, 2020

 

What’s Your Answer?

Yesterday’s blog was about getting involved with local government as a means to be better informed. Along with that comes a needed commitment to ‘see’ problems broadly. Doing that provides insight to possible solutions.

Thinking through solutions, a team of people can picture the results – pros and cons – of each solution. Some cost way too much. Others are cheap but ineffective for the long run. Still others help some citizens while harming others. The best answer usually involves long-term solutions for the most common good while controlling costs now and in the future. The holistic approach is hard work. It requires a lot of reading, thinking and solitary homework. Then it is time to share with people you trust to give your ideas some air, perspective and commonsense logic.

The process takes time. the process respects everyone as they struggle together to arrive at workable solutions that do little or no damage to the community.

Where to build a dam? Or where to locate a garbage processing facility? How about expanding the sewage treatment plant? Or replacing underground utilities that are nearing their expiration date? It didn’t take me long to learn that local government spends a lot of time and money on things people don’t see. They are invisible underground or so common as to be taken for granted.

Then there is planning for the future so the community isn’t surprised by a huge change that is inevitable. Look at COVID; how has that changed how we shop, meet, do business, govern and teach kids? What changes will be needed to accommodate these shifts in norms. And what is the norm now? What will it be in the future?

Another basic question: what is the one thing that makes our community special? What would happen if that ‘one thing’ were lost because of rampant change? How do we protect our community from that kind of damage or loss? Is there a way. How do we find out what our options are? What is the process we should use in considering these matters.

All of the above is governance. It is local. It matters. Each of us can be involved. At least we each can understand the issues.

Criticism is important to keep our institutions effective and efficient. But the negative must be balanced by the positive – what are the best solutions we can use to benefit the community? That takes an involved community. And a civil one.

If you think your voice is not heard, get involved and understand the issues well enough to craft good, workable solutions to the problems you believe are real.

October 13, 2020

 

Public Service

My readers know I trust government. Oh, some portions of government I have healthy doubts about. Certainly not all. In fact, so much of what we take for granted is routine operation of government units.

Think about it. Local public schools are government units; they are paid for by all of us through taxes, and those are collected by government laws and regulations. Same for fire departments, police departments, and don’t forget park districts and libraries. In fact, your municipal government provides many services you don’t think of being of government – water, sewer, streets, stormwater management, emergency disaster response, and a whole lot more.

I worked on a state university campus for nearly 18 years. The dedication, original thinking, research, teaching, invention and sheer motivation of masses of students, was something to behold. We weren’t controlling lives, governing them other than maintaining order so the great work could continue. No, we were doing our jobs. This was perhaps the most rewarding period of my working life.

I got involved with volunteer projects and organizations near my home. The Chamber of Commerce was one such organization. We struggled to help all local businesses strengthen their operations and by extension create a vital, successful marketplace in our hometown. At the same time, I was active on my homeowner’s association, was elected to the board and we accomplished a lot of good things for the homeowners.

That experience created associations with the city government and next thing I knew I was elected to city council. The four years I spent there was eye opening. What some people take as bureaucratic waste I saw as inventive, professional administration of the public’s work. We tackled complex issues all within full sight of the taxpayers. And those taxpayers had keen eyesight! The many different points of view were constantly pressed on us, but we made our decisions for the best of most people with a long view toward the future. Governing for today requires planning for the future.  

Next was the park district and helping it build for a long term, sustainable future in supporting development of healthy bodies and community. I served 7 years on that board before moving out of town for housing suited to our physical needs.

These experiences were service oriented. Not political. Yes, I was elected to serve on these boards and organizations. All were service oriented. None were political, financial or ego rewarding. They were demanding, challenging and worthwhile endeavors, however. And each position taught me much about our American democracy.

Are their politicians who are careerists? Yes. Are their politicians who are self-serving and get wealthy from their work? Decidedly yes. Are all elected officials like that? Hell no. Most are dedicated to doing the best for their communities and take into account the needs of every citizen. That’s how communities become healthy and sustainable.

All of this work helped me see the entire community as a collaborative whole. Soon after a few of us started the local newspaper and its success was directly related to understanding how all the parts of a community work together and function holistically. Very logical. Very understandable.

Today news articles, political campaigns, Facebook, Twitter and all the other social media outlets pour a steady stream of vitriol and distrust of government. Broadsides batter away at the purpose and value of government. Good people are doubted and castigated. Honest people are portrayed as scoundrels and monsters.

Reality is much different. If you doubt that, get involved. Volunteer for a board or commission. Become a part of your government for a while to see for yourself. Consider running for public office so you can see for yourself up close and personal what government is really like and how hard people work to make the best quality life possible for the community.

Now that’s an education. It doesn’t come with a diploma. It comes with satisfaction knowing a job well done was the result of much effort. By a lot of people working together.

October 12, 2020

 

 

Flailing

Once solid senate races in republican strongholds are now in doubt. The head of the party is finally beginning to worry republicans. The tide has turned in the presidential tea leaves. Democrats are finally coming out of the woodwork to support fresh faces and voices both in the senate, house of representatives and the white house.

The election nears. 24 days to go. The writing is on the wall. Do not fail the nation now.

Let republicans flail and fume. When the smoke clears they will learn that they have been focused on the wrong issues and people. And,...it's not about democrat and republican. It's about America and her future. Our future.

The turn of events is good.

Vote as though your life depends on it. It does!

October 11, 2020

 

Miscellany

Incapacity to Serve: A clear and present danger has existed for nearly the full 4 years of the trump administration. I have been reporting this for at least two years. Why has action not been taken? The  federal government has safeguards for this. They need to be taken immediately to preserve and protect both the US Constitution and the American People. Now.

Debate Value: In a divisive and uncivil mood, debates are food fights and unwatchable. Republican candidates appear to be the major contributor to this behavior. Because substantive discussion and debate of the issues is not possible under these conditions, all debates in the current election cycle should be eliminated. Period.

Timing of Aid: When COVID first struck and caused massive unemployment (remember 40 million?), Congress acted quickly and sent stimulus checks to nearly everyone. They also added $600 per week to the normal unemployment compensation. They also boosted aid to the healthcare system and provided enormous aid to small businesses. That aid was soon consumed although we later learned larger businesses received unintended assistance from this program and pushed smaller businesses out of the picture. Congress soon enacted another aid package to address small businesses again.

The Federal Reserve also enacted several actions to boost the economy just when it needed it.

All in all, $4 trillion of aid was rushed to American citizens and businesses. The crisis has not disappeared but elections loom large. Because of that alone, Congress has been unable to push forth another much needed aid package. Individuals, small businesses, and some industries need this aid. Now.

Also in need: all levels of local and regional governments. They are suffering massive revenue shortfalls plus increased costs due to COVID. Without federal aid these government units will institute massive employee furloughs and job eliminations.

Still, Congress fiddles while the nation burns.

October 10, 2020

 

Cutting or Raising Taxes?

Clearly taxes have been slashed in recent times. George W. Bush did it. So did trump.

The result? Imbalanced budgets, deficit spending to the max, and destabilized interest rate markets, banking crisis, and an economy that doesn’t truly know up from down.

But there is a more sinister plot afoot. That is simply to underfund the government so it cannot do as much as it has been doing. That is the conservative temper on things and their aim is to get government down to the smallest size. Dealing with deficits forces Congress to confront a false enemy, however.

Rather than improving on the deficit, trump and republicans continue to preach lower taxes and the trickle down economic theory. We all know that theory is bunk and has not worked. Even today the president claims to want to cut taxes another $1.7 trillion, while democrats in the Congress and Biden, himself, think raising taxes by $4+ trillion would address many issues that have arisen because of the drastic manipulation of conservative budgets.

With tax reductions, two wars in the Middle East and the cost of overcoming 9/11. Katrina and later hurricanes, the federal government has added much debt for the public to repay. Add to that the cost of COVID – both in expense as well as the aftereffects of the resultant recession – and trillions more in debt has been added.

Corporate tax rates have been strong-armed down for many years, now. So too taxes on the rich. It is time to scale that largesse back significantly. We call that a backlash, and none too soon in my opinion.

The middle class has been all but eliminated. Unemployment, stagnant household incomes, working spouses (sometimes 3 jobs for each partner) and limited buying power for long term retirement goals, has pretty much destroyed the American Dream. If that is the aim of conservatives, then they have bought into a very dangerous and self-defeating tactic. This will destroy America as we know it. It will also destroy the very means of managing our way out of this awful hole we find ourselves in.

Selfishness and greed are not a character builder. Wealth builder, yes. But is that all there is in life?

I think not. Time to reverse our thinking and action to restore morality, vigor and future dreams.

Vote like your life depends on it. It does!

October 9, 2020

 

Fair Tax Illinois

Then Governor Richard Ogilvie campaigned for re-election while also supporting the first Illinois state income tax. The tax proposition won but Ogilvie lost. That was the cost he paid for championing a tax measure that was sorely needed by the state. Without that tax Illinois would have been doomed to a meager, has-been state, unable to afford even the barest of needed programs for the well-being of her citizens. 

Decades later we face a similar impasse. The governor is not running for re-election in this election, but he supports boosting the income tax authority from a narrow constitutional flat tax to a General Assembly authority to adjust it as needed. That authority is a must if the state is to remove itself from the unfairest kind of tax of all time – a flat tax.

A flat tax is levied on all taxpayers regardless of their ability to pay. Wealthy are little affected by such a tax, but low income and middle income taxpayers pay with dear dollars, ill afforded.

The original flat tax was the first state income tax for Illinois. Few trusted that politicians would keep their hands off of manipulating such a tax, so the proposition firmly defined the income tax as a flat tax of 3.25%. Since then, the rate has been boosted to 5% by constitutional referenda to address funding problems. The electorate approved of these adjustments.

Now, however, the state is reeling from the COVID-induced recession, as well as an incomplete recovery from the 2008-09 recession. The flat income tax is no longer adequate, nor fair. 

The solution is to amend the taxing authority, so the General Assembly of Illinois has the responsibility to adjust the tax rates and applications as needed to meet funding needs of the state. This eliminates the periodic need to amend the constitution to fix funding problems.

The idea is to restore fairness by increasing tax rates on higher levels of income from wealthy residents. Calculations project this change would lower taxes for those least able to afford them, maintain current taxes on most households, while raising new funds from the wealthiest households. Not only is this a welcome result, it is fair.

Fear tactics are being used to raise a false alarm that most households will see their taxes rise while small businesses will also be hurt significantly. These claims are not justified by the facts. They are bald scare tactics. Those tactics are coming from the same political party that refuses to take action in Congress to send federal COVID relief dollars to state and municipal governments struggling with COVID expenses and reduced tax revenues.

Vote for a Fair Illinois Income Tax.

October 8, 2020

 

 

Reaching Deep For Democracy

The book, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” written by Robert Fulghum in 1989, told us that the most important things in life we learned at an early age. Holding hands for safety is one. Listening to the teacher is another. Being kind to others earned the same treatment in return. And so on.

Life experience teaches us more. One is the world is a dangerous place. Another: not all people can be trusted. Still another: what looks good isn’t always what it truly is.

2020 is a year of stark lessons. One of those lessons is looking healthy often covers illness spread swiftly. Another: saying it is so does not make it so. Still another: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Of course, this is oversimplification. I suggest the deeper: democracy is a great gift to mankind; democracy too often is impossible to maintain.

Doubt me? Consider then the crux of the problem: democracy requires informed citizens to make rational decisions and vote accordingly. What are the snags in that equation? Well, let’s see what they might be.

Informed requires reading, discussing, researching facts to support what is believed. This takes effort and discipline. Do voters take the time and spend the energy doing this? Doubtful all do. Most probable only 30% do. What damage then to democracy is done by the 70%?

Rational decisions lead to logical points of understanding. Being rational means being clear on what is the topic under review, and what is the process our thinking takes to understand the topic in the broader context of our society? What then should we be doing with this understanding? If the electorate does not use rationality or logic with the facts learned, then what sort of election results should we expect? Poorly informed voters don’t have the bits and pieces with which to make rational decisions. They think they are rational, but they are dealing with an incomplete thought; therefore a conclusion is not possible.

Vote accordingly is a natural flow of logic and process. We have already seen that is impossible if the facts are not known or logically trusted to be correct. For example, American democracy has long accepted that society in general gives up some personal freedom to gain ample benefit for the well-being of the greater citizenry. Thus, we authorize a military to maintain the safety and security of the nation’s people. We give up some personal income to pay for this, and many other things like education, health standards, safety nets like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Authorizing such benefits and then not funding them is not a rational action. Realizing health and safety of children and families is a must yet underfunding the agencies that respond to such needs is a failure to perform the promise of our values.

The three elements – informed, rational decisions, voting accordingly – taken together require a commitment to do the work and follow through action required.

Clearly that is not being done. The FDA, the CDC, and the overall healthcare industry is working hard to safeguard the American public from the Coronavirus pandemic. Yet voters campaign on illogical actions that spread the virus. The values, logic, research and discipline are not completed. The effort is not invested. Only emotion and ideology are exercised. The results are apparent.

Democracy is not a popularity contest. Facts remain facts whether a majority believe them or not. Denying reality has deeper roots in the American psyche than commonly believed.

It’s time to teach civics again in our schools. Might that help improve the core of diligent voters to more than 30%?

October 7, 2020

   

Free Press?

Having spent 7 or 8 years as managing editor of a local newspaper, one thing I learned well is the press is not free. We barely covered our operating costs the entire time. We paid one person a pittance compared to market rates to do all our type setting and layout. She was terrific and dedicated; also living in near poverty; but it was all we could afford.

The rest of us were reimbursed for the odd expenses we incurred for the paper, but no pay. Thirty-two volunteer journalists worked hard together. Original investors mostly lost their stake, two heavily. But we were committed to providing the community its voice. I think we did a credible job with very few resources. Oh, we had our wits, and a wonderful community to serve. In the final analysis it wasn’t enough to keep the paper going.

The electronic media model is what we have today. Print ads are getting scarce, although the graphics are useful for digital sharing. Social media is the center of advertising these days. Instagram and other video based platforms are effective as well.

Print journalism has relied on advertising revenues to pay its bills. That is not possible today. As those revenues become more scarce, corporate influence through marketing dollars becomes more of a threat.

Electronic imaging with its impact proven has created a new market. Revenues can and have been attached to this new model. If publishers can harness these revenues, they will have a means to support journalism. TV and radio advertising is still a force but competition among broadcast outlets has made marketing more complex and costly.

Lost in the shuffle is the press itself.

Opinion, however, has never lost its voice! We witness that everywhere. Well, at least that’s free.

Or is it?

October 6, 2020

Meanderings

Presidential Debates: in times of reason and civility, debates provide an opportunity to observe candidates in action. We also may learn more about alternative policies and programs between the candidates. We may also be inspired by the candidates.

Apparently, that is not to be in 2020. One of the candidates does not know manners or decency. It is his chance to sow discord and chaos. The rules do not allow this, but he does so anyway. That being the case, debates among candidates for president ought to be cancelled. Enough has been learned to determine which candidate to avoid and which to support. It is also time to restore order to the political process and avoid chaos.

COVID Progress: COVID-19 infections are continuing. The death rate is declining so some progress has been noted. Hospitalizations are not quite so rampant and treatments are more successful. Still the disease takes a toll on our healthcare community, our economy and our social order. COVID remains a serious threat to the stability of our nation and democracy itself. It is a major disruption with enormous costs. We will feel the effect of this disease for at least a generation. Possibly more. A new normal has not yet been cast. It will be. Little by little we will see this unfold.

Meanwhile, we await an effective vaccine that will restore confidence and a healthy future for all of mankind. This is not an American disease. It is a global pandemic. Continued caution is a must.

Wear your mask to protect yourself and others. Keep social distance; it slows the spread of the disease.

Election Confidence: Trump’s political strategy is to sow discord, chaos and distrust among the populace. Messaging is thus confused, easily misconstrued, and fake passed off as factual. In reality, his messages are total nonsense and have no credibility. Because something is said does not make it true. Same with print media: because it is printed in a newspaper, that doesn’t make it factual. Just look at Washington DC’s print press; one paper has the unvarnished factual record presented daily; another paper warps facts to fit political strategy of one point of view. That is called propaganda.

Democracy is best served if information is accessible to all and studied for accuracy and logic. Discussion and comparing notes among trusted colleagues help determine the accuracy of the material. Then individuals can make up their own mind and take appropriate action.

Our democracy relies on open minds, free press, and accessible research. Voting on the basis of that study keeps us free and in charge of our own nation. Read. Study. Discuss. Vote. It is our duty.

October 5, 2020

 

Inevitable

Reality is real when it happens to you. At that moment the mind comprehends what it didn’t wish to before.

Trump’s COVID diagnosis is such a moment. We can only hope he appreciates the complexity of the real.

The rest of us – certainly a majority of people on the planet – understand the nature of disease and pandemics. They spread at will unless we do something about them. Taking simple precautions is the first step. Once a viral spread is evident, face masks, social distancing and even quarantining are immediate first steps. Hand washing and personal hygiene go a long way toward easing the spread, too.

Those who don’t get this logic, prefer to think someone is pulling a prank on them. Add some time to that thinking and conspiracy logic takes hold. Soon the planet is believed to be under a sordid Dark State attack. Conveniently, they see themselves as the only ones not duped.

Hmmmmm.

COVID will run its course while serious medical personnel treat the sick and serious scientists seek answers to the disease so they can quell it with an effective vaccine. Together they help one another deal with the attendant problems of the sick.

Policy makers in government, however, have the duty to protect the public’s safety and health. Those policymakers will have detractors. Usually political parties find levers to wield for their own gain. Then too, there are those who are so blinded by their own ideology, they cannot perceive truth and fact.

Trump will survive COVID. So will most of the White House team. Their health will most likely return to normal. They will get excellent medical care. Doubts about their mortality will be few, but that will cross their minds.

Now they know what the rest of us have accept all along. We can only hope they turn their attention to what should have been done all along this journey. Now. Better late than never.

Welcome to the world of aware living!

October 4, 2020

 

Incivility Cubed

The public debate of presidential candidates was everything we expected: uncivil; rowdy; bullying; and untruthful. All this from one person, the woebegone incumbent of the White House. We expected this outcome so much we didn’t watch the debate. The campaign is sickening enough; so too, the news. A debate mirroring the same would be disheartening.

One person arrives professional and respectful. But one sided conversation is nothing but a memoir, or a Shakespearean aside. A debate ought to be a reasoned discussion based on facts and calm logic. Politics doesn’t allow such to happen; hasn’t for several campaigns now.

The debates ought to be abandoned. They are nothing but planned trouble.

Instead, the candidates should be campaigning about their own programs, views and long term dreams for the nation and her people. Campaigns should never be about the other person. Let the lawyers and inspector generals handle that side of the affair.

We learned what we already knew Tuesday night, September 29^th: the president of the United States is an error of history, a bully, a person without class or emotional balance. Such an individual ought not have public power in any manner whatsoever.

But then, many of us have said so consistently since the last election in November 2016.

Pity that 46% of the nation’s voters don’t understand that. But then, there is no understanding of their position anyway.

Even more’s the pity.

October 3, 2020

 

Who and Why

Who are you? Who am I? What am I doing and why? Why do any of us do what we do?

Hate to jolt a Friday with a serious ponder, but there it is. How did we come to be who we are? Why did we choose to be a certain ‘way?’ Or did we even choose?

It is a truth that we are all unique. At least I prefer to think so. Although we seem similar and have DNA nearly identical, we are different people. Then there is the life journey. Each person imbued with the rewards or scars of experiences survived; day in and day out; hopes up and failures crashing down. We learn and grow by inches. In time we take on behaviors, routines, beliefs, styles and fads. We become me, you, us. We become so different from one another.

The rest of the time we coexist or at least try to. We tolerate, accept or ignore the differences. Unless we feel ire, hurt or revenge; then we learn to hate and separate, aggregate and discriminate. If it is worth the trouble, we even create dissension to control the space.

Political campaigns are like that; but so too is life. Daily life is forever; campaigns are only until election day.

Shifting by choice from one personality to another, or one cult to yet another, we stumble through time to become what we do not recognize.

Then, one day, we ask, “Is that all there is?”

October 2, 2020

 

 

Don Quixote

 A simple minded man of noble birth wandering the land of old seeking good deeds to do. Imagining the possible where it is unrealistic. Seeking the utopian? Mending fences broken or falling apart? Or finding lasting purpose in life?

The theme is simple. And entertaining. Cervantes’ novel was rich and well-read in its day. It made it into film, Broadway musical and ballet. It is now legend. It remains an icon to ponder.

What is the meaning of life? What is a purposeful life? Who am I? You?

Quixote…Am I that person? Are you?

The imagining of possible is a mighty motivator for the visionary, the dreamer, the builder.

The opposite can also be true – not imagining or dreaming. What then are the outcomes? Living what is present? Living in the moment? Accepting what is visible? Doing the routine obvious tasks? Living on what has been provided? Is there any forward thinking capable of this existence?

Or maybe the true opposite is the destroyer, the destruction of dreams, buildings and other physical monuments?

Huh! Those three modes pose unhappy possibilities. The last being the worst. The middle though, needs pondering. Living in the moment has its rewards. We often rush through the present without valuing it. Existence is made up of those moments; to ignore any of them seems a rejection of the now. Do that long enough and what do you have? A bunch of nothing?

But a smell of flowers, food cooking, fresh air and nature’s perfumes is a cause for joy. So too, the taste of foods and nectars! And love. Feeling. Sensing. Experiencing life in its many offerings.

Dreaming is an allure to potential. Possible. It creates visions of what could be, ought to be. From that we have yearning to make it happen, create the better of us. Lift up each other to a better place. Experience life in a fuller aspect. Be the more we have promise of being.

Sound trite? Or meaningful?

Don Quixote didn’t bother to live the present; he only pressed onward for the pure and best.

Where are we in this struggle? Are we visionary, builder, destroyer or denizen of now?

What do the times call us to be? What ought we be doing?

Don Quixote knows.

October 1, 2020