Friend Requests

This has to do with Facebook. I get a lot of friend requests. I usually don’t accept them if I don’t know them or one of our mutual friends. So, when I get a request without a mutual friends list, I delete the request.

Many of these requests come from women with daring décolletages. Impressive displays but not my thing if you know me well. So, I don’t bother with the requests.

Having been through a nasty bit of history – trump, et. al. – I also do not accept people without references or shared mutual friends. This is because of the trolls who lurk in Facebook to attack your views at the slightest provocation.  Most of us have experienced this. So, I am now careful to accept friend requests.

Anyone else have this reaction?

An update: Dental visit went well yesterday. Broken tooth was actually a broken crown. The outside (visible) portion had broken off from the inside portion. Tooth remains well and solid. Appearance issue only which I don't think is an issue. So, some probing and some x-rays but nothing more. Dentist did find a small cavity to fix and a dreadful need for a cleaning. All appointments arranged. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, suggestions and feedback. I had 75 or more comments and views on yesterday's post!

February 26, 2021

 

Dentist Day

On Christmas Day a tooth broke off. Nothing dramatic, just a tooth losing its grip on self and falling away. I thought it was a nut casing and so swallowed it. Later I realized the tooth had broken off. This is the sexy part of growing old.

Anyway, I felt no pain. So, I ignored it. The other day I went with Rocky to have his denture repaired. While doing that I chatted with the dentist. I asked about the cost of a crown on what is left of my tooth. He said $1400 to $1800.

I was shocked. Then he told me the remainder of the tooth could turn into a large problem if left unattended, so I made an appointment for today to have him assess the situation. Knowing me this will be a bigger deal. Removal of the tooth. Implanting a tooth based into the bone. Installing a fake, permanent tooth to the new base. I’ll just bet you the cost will be close to $2000.

Well, I will not have all of that done. Too much cost.

I remember visiting my dad in his final year of life, of course we did not know that at the time. But, at supper, he broke off a tooth. It pained him so he made a dental appointment for the next day. They affixed a metal receptor stub on the remaining base of the tooth. They took a cast for a fake tooth to screw to the new stub. On checking out, he asked for the bill. It was $1800. He was visibly shocked. Blanched. Paled. Then wrote a check.

Five months later dad died. I will always remember the shocked look on his face for that dental repair. He surely flashed on the irony of paying so much for something that would be of little use to him to the near future. And he was right. At the time he did not know he would fall and break a cervical vertebra that could not be fixed.

Something in me recalls this experience. The futility of repairing a broken tooth that has no pain at my current age but will cost a fortune to repair, unsettles me. I do not know what decision I will make when it comes down to the moment. But I am betting on a cheaper option. If pain comes later, I will deal with it then. Meanwhile, if I die without the full fix, what does it matter?

This is not about dignity of appearance. It is a matter of practical finances. I’ll let you know what the consequences are when I know them. Meanwhile, welcome to the Golden Years!

February 25, 2021

 

Wedge Issues as Power Levers

Regardless of the big issues we face, narrow minded propagandists will continue to distract Americans with wedge issues just because they can. If we engage them, we are part of the problem. That is what they need, an issue with punch. It takes two people to form an argument. Do not be the one arguing. Ignore them. They lose power.

Here are the issues most likely to be managed for political gain:

1.      Gay vs Homophobes

2.      Abortion vs Right to Life

3.      Rightwing Extremism vs Centrism

4.      Economic Rights vs Me First

5.      America First vs Global Village

Make no mistake, these issues are powerful. As a gay man in his 70’s I have learned to chuckle over homophobic remarks. There is no point in ‘educating’ the homophobe. They might not actually be one, rather a poser to get your goat and engage in the argument. Do not fall for it. They are hopeless on the one hand, and not real on the other hand. Leave the issue alone. Gay Rights have swelled in recent decades. That does not mean we can ignore efforts to remove those rights. We must continue to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Ignore the other noise for what it is. Noise.

Abortion rights will continue to be argued by those who tug at your heart strings for murdering babies. They are not babies. They are fetuses unable to survive outside the womb. If the ‘baby’ is unwanted in the long run, then one of two things must happen to be humane: either abort the fetus that is unloved and uncared for or commit resources and people to ‘save’ the baby in foster homes until adoption is arranged. That means free hospital birth care, free housing and nursing/maternal care, free foster care leading to free adoption support services. To do less brings the argument back to the first option – abortion. These two options underscore the need to love and care for the fetus. If we drop that ball, then abortion is the only remaining option.

Me First or Economic Rights are a false argument. Like the folks who resent forgiving student loans, they wish to deprive others of what they already have or never worried about in the first place. A student burdened by crushing debt – more than $50,000 – is kept from leasing a proper home, or buying his/her first home, or buying a car for basic transportation. That is a second burden of the problem that costs the American Economy untold jobs, economic activity and much more. Graduates loaded down with education debt will not fully participate in our economy and that holds all of us back. Better yet, provide free education to students with the talent and motivation to pursue valuable degrees for themselves and our society. We are only cutting off our own potential if we insist on getting the loans paid back by the students. Other issues echo the public discussion over student loans, too. At their base is this argument: I paid for my rights; you must do the same. That only continues the disparity between haves and have nots that choke economic progress.

America First is a dead issue on arrival. If Putin claims Russia First, everyone else last, that only creates the problem in the first place. What is good for all of us is good for individual nations. Putting anyone first denies rights and equal access to everyone else. Petty and self-defeating, the global village will continue to struggle for its existence. That will cut off opportunity and new markets for everyone. A stupid position. The common good is a positive ideal to support. Everyone wins.

Rightwing Extremism is a false argument before the first word is mentioned. To have any power at all, right-winger’s merely have to make a claim about any issue. The opposite is not automatic. Left-wing extremists do exist, but they are so scattered as to be a non-force. Being against right-wing positions belongs to everyone who is not a right-winger. Centrism most likely claims the largest plurality of supporters. Centrist thinking, after all, is arrived at by sharing ideas from both left and right to arrive at a practical solution to a given problem. Only by narrowing the field of argument a bit here and a bit there, defines political ‘sides’ as right, left, or anything else. Why bother with such games? Start with the centrist position and then see where others differ. Discuss those differences only if they are actual issues not made-up ones.

Let the gamers game. Ignore them. Rob them of the power and attention they seek. Meanwhile, concentrate on real solutions to real problems for the common good of our society.

February 24, 2021

 

Voter Suppression

History taught us that poll taxes – a tax paid by a citizen for the right to vote – was unconstitutional. Such taxes were burdensome to the poor and almost always targeted poor blacks in southern states. In fact, almost all states imposing a poll tax prior to the Supreme Court decision were southern states.

The aim was clear – disenfranchise African American voters.

Many states outlaw use of photo ID cards at polling places for the same reason. Forcing a person to buy a photo ID such as a driver’s license, is placing an undue burden on those people who do not drive, do not own a car, or simply cannot afford the license. People without transportation would also find it most difficult to even arrange getting a driver’s license.

So, photo IDs were prohibited at polling places.

As an election judge for many years, we were grateful when a voter handed us their ID when we could not understand the spelling of their names. We needed that to find their voter registration material, but we did not request such identification. Signature comparison was the sole ID proof required. This legal issue was part of our training.

Party affiliation among poor and minority persons heavily favors Democrats. That is why Republican controlled state legislators continually strive to suppress voter participation in this manner.

It is a sick reality that the land of the free and brave with hallowed freedoms and all, continues to be discriminatory against minorities and poor. The same manipulation of voting rights is involved in jerrymandering voter districts.

Perhaps we should return to one person – one vote?

Better yet, maybe we should consider outlawing political parties?

February 23, 2021

 

Under the Rock

When I was a young lad, I curiously picked up a rock in the garden. What I found was creepy. Dark, damp, and crawly things were there. At first, I dropped the rock and ran into the house to ask my mother what my discovery was. Her answers calmed my jitters. These things were normal. Curiosity did not abate. Later I learned about such life forms. An interest in science and education began its halting journey.

The big lesson, however, was knowing ‘other’ lifeforms lurked in dark spaces. Under rocks is just one of those spaces. Deep in forests under an accumulation of leaves and pine needs, the ‘other’ lurks. Dark corners of little traveled places are home to the ‘other,’ as well. Just think of such places and conjure the creepy crawlies.

Pandemics call forth such images, but those imaginings are tame compared to what we see on the news these days!

Under the rock of the past White House inhabitant, we find the Steve Bannon’s, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz, and a host of other creepy crawlies coming forth. They seem to be everywhere. Florida’s governor is another example, Asa Hutchinson in Arkansas is yet another, and of course, let us not omit Governor Abbott of Texas. So many failed politicians clamoring for national attention. Oh, they are getting that attention; just not sure yet if it is productive for their aims.

The Proud Boys are anything but, however they continue to have effect. Their agenda is not fully understood but it is not good for the rest of us. Disorganized militias lurk in southern states, Texas, Oregon, Washington state and mountainous regions of the upper west. Wyoming and Montana provide haven for such groups, too.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, Homeland Security Department, the FBI, and other federal agencies tell us domestic terrorism is alive and thriving in America. That is what freedom of speech produces when coupled with lazy, inadequate schooling. Whether that is the result of poor schools or bad students can be argued, but I suspect it is on the students.

A hankering for violence and excitement adds zest to the stewed thinking of such people. Eventually it causes bombings like that in Oklahoma City, takeover of public lands in Oregon a few years ago, and of course, the uprising at the Capitol Building on January 6^th of this year. Aimless. Angry. Entitled. Poorly educated. And lazy. Not up to organizing, building, and leading large, complex organizations to achieve their goals. No, just take it by force. Yell and scream for the cameras and scare people half to death. Let the inner child run riot, then complain when authorities arrest and jail you.

Creepy crawly things. Life forms galore come into view. The rock has been overturned and they appear as if by magic.

What now do we do with them? Is a recycling program handy to rid society of this menace? Or do we lay the rock gently back in place?

Perhaps we should drop the rock on them from a high place? You know, crushing force? Or might that be stooping to their low and dark methods?

Just asking.

February 22, 2021

 

Governor’s With Courage

Governor Newsom of California is in trouble. A recall campaign has begun. Reason? He has led the state’s fight against COVID-19 with energy, foresight, and courage. This means face mask rules were issued, public events were temporarily canceled, and some worksites and industries were pinched in the name of social distancing.

Governor Cuomo of New York has also been under attack for similar reasons. Currently, his largest challenge is the negative press over COVID deaths at assisted living homes. Seems the death counts early in the pandemic were undercounted. Later, all hell broke loose when the data was adjusted to include COVID ‘related’ deaths. Cuomo also took heat for shutting down schools, asking citizens to wear face masks, social distance and curtail activities outside their homes. A complaint of ‘freedom’ was heard loud and clear from those who thought the governor had gone too far. And coverup for misreporting elder care center deaths.

From my perspective, both governors are heroes. They stepped up to do their duty in the name of the public. They took the heat for decisions that would keep people safe and reduce the toll of the pandemic. Both states continue their journey to haven once the pandemic is over. That will happen eventually, but until then disciplined leadership is needed.

Especially leadership in face of unknowns - pandemic scale and scope, definitions of cause of death when underlying conditions are plentiful, diagnoses clouded by a misunderstood disease and its effects on underlying conditions. Did the patient die of obesity? Diabetes? Heart Failure? Lung disease? Pneumonia? Or was it 'just' COVID? No one knew then. We have adopted protocols now to give proper weight to the death counts from the pandemic. It took time and input from several professions.

Some people think a leader cannot ask others for personal sacrifice. Yet that is the nature of the job itself.

Leaders heed warnings of trouble. They study the problem for full definition, cause, effect, and possible solution. They make decisions based on the information they have accumulated knowing it is no complete. They do the best job with the tools at hand in the circumstances that are dealt them. They do not have the luxury of omniscient knowledge. They also continue to study the problems until it is tamed and their world is once again safe.

Critics of leaders never seem to think of themselves in similar situations. What would they do if called upon to take action on behalf of others? But these folk would rather tear down somebody rather than place themselves in the hot seat.

Most public issues are tough. An army of people are for one solution while another massive group is against that solution and favors yet another. There is no easy win in such cases. For anyone. We simply must accept matters as they are, do our best, and move forward.

Thanks to Newsome and Cuomo for their hard work and disciplined approach to leading their states. Thank God they are the worthy people in place where the most good can be accomplished. Both states are fortunate to have public servants of their caliber.

February 19, 2021

 

Moving On

It was right to impeach Trump. It would have been appropriate to convict him as charged, but the Senate did not, so we move on. Move on to doing the work of the American People, the work that was shunted aside in that past four years. The Big Distraction of Trump turned us away from the important work still needing to be done.

President Biden understands this. The COVID Pandemic has not gone away. We have vaccinations to administer to all who want/need them; those that do not are taking a chance on lifelong health problems. They also threaten the well-being of the rest of us, but we will survive; they may or may not. That is their decision. The real work is produce the vaccine, distribute it quickly, and administer it as soon as possible to the most people.

When that is done, we can hopefully return to full work, school and socializing.

I am so looking forward to returning to restaurants. The first thing I will order is prime rib at Texas Roadhouse. The second thing will be a full on breakfast with eggs and bacon!

I look forward to my granddaughters returning to school, one in high school, the other in college. I want them to fully submerge in the social sharing that is high school and college life. They need this. They deserve this.

The rest of the grandkids need to return to their respective schools, too. Grade school, middle school, and high school all. Their return is a fresh sense of freedom for their moms and dads, too! A year or more with the kids stuck at home has been a challenge. Even more so if the parents have been able to work from home during this horrendous period of our history.

Getting back to work with colleagues will likely take time. Many will likely continue to work from home and/or blend colleagues at the office with most of the time back at the house.

We learned some things from the pandemic. We learned to make good use of technology and networking. We learned to get work done on flexible schedules, creatively and quickly. Productivity soared as we pivoted to a new work reality. Employers also recognized how much operating expense could be reduced by eliminating huge office facilities whether leased or owned. The commercial real estate industry will take years to accommodate this change. So too, cities will adjust to a different role for their downtown areas.

Remote employees are valued for what they accomplish regardless of their location. This means national access to talent pools ignored or written off. No longer; these prized individuals will be welcomed with open arms to the full team of innovators now.

Another thing learned from the pandemic? Wearing masks works to reduce spreading germs, viruses, and nasty seasonal colds. We adopted a way of living that is healthier. I know I will continue to wear a face mask going forward and not care when others laugh at me. That is their problem, not mine.

We also learned to make do and appreciate our simpler surroundings. We do not need fancy digs or fancy cars as much as we once thought. Transportation to and from needs vehicles appropriate to the number of passengers and the scope of the travel. Vehicle ownership standards will be changed forever. Personal transportation will be simpler. Long-term ownership and multiple vehicles in the household will also change. Community life will be more focused on the neighborhood and town. City life will be for special use, not a lifestyle.

Yes, we learned a lot from the pandemic. Best of all we learned to be more self-reliant and to treasurer our relationships. That is as it should be. Without distraction, we learned what is really important.

Let us not lose sight of that. Ever.

February 18, 2021

 

 

Remote Learning

We have all heard the complaints that learning by computer screen is disastrous for many students. That may well be, but I need some credible reports from rock solid research. Remote learning may be the worst thing that ever happened in childhood learning, or it may be the best thing. Who knows? Really knows?

If remote learning is good, let us do whatever possible to perfect it. That is a big ‘if’ but face it, we either have a major improvement on our hands, or not. Which is it?

For-profit universities, colleges and career-prep educators have touted remote learning for years. They have made tons of money from this effort. The real question is: have students actually become educated from this process? Has society benefitted from this teaching process?  If so, it should be adopted by traditional educational institutions to benefit from improved results, lower costs and greater access for more students. The latter is the primary benefit of remote learning. Access to education for people working full time jobs, or stuck at home for whatever reason. The pandemic is but one of those reasons. Remote resident location is another, poverty is another, illness and disability yet other reasons. And poor transportation, too!

On the other hand, if remote computer learning is flawed and a fraud perpetrated by these institutions, they should be called out and shut down. After all, they soak up valuable financial aid dollars from traditional institutions that could make that education possible for more deserving students.

Which is it? Remote learning terrific, or a failure?

Other questions persist, too; is remote learning great for some age groups and awful for others? Which ones? How do we manage this dichotomy if it exists? What are the credentials of effective learning and teaching? Who audits and certifies this standard? Who tells us who can do this and who cannot?

So many questions. Stop with the hand wringing and teeth gnashing, especially from parents. They do not know the answers to our questions. Let us find those who do know and seek credible answers to engineer the best learning experiences possible for all students of any age group.

We need definitive information backed by solid full-on research from people who know.

Let the search begin. Meanwhile stop the unhelpful noise from those who do not know.

February 17, 2021

 

Haunts of Yesteryear

Have you lived in one or two places most of your life? Or have you lived in many homes and communities? Later in life I have been slow to move. Here for 7+ years. Previous home for 20, and the one before that 23 years. Before that, however, many homes. Where to start?

At the beginning would be good. Hospital of birth in Pasadena, California, but the family home was in Altadena. We lived there several years. When I was 2 and a half, we moved to the middle of the Mojave desert near the town of InyoKern. Dad worked on the Navy base nearby, an ordnance testing site, and after the war, a storage site for inactive tanks, jeeps and troop carriers.

Although very young some memories are vivid. Hailstorm on the desert that led to short term flooding. Snow once that transfixed us. A sandstorm (or four!) that took the paint off our car and turned its windshield opaque. Also, family meanderings in the desert to explore for desert diamonds (quartz crystals), quiet serene and lonely locations where the sound of silence was an oppressive pressure on the ears as we strained to hear something, anything. Deep blue skies and light beige sand were a common companion on these walks. Getting stuck in the sand was a big fear; no help was nearby and cell phones were not even a fanciful dream.

I remember hot air and sun on my bare legs. I recall the sting of sand hitting tender legs in the wind. I remember the smell of dessert, and the stink following a brief rain shower.

By 5 years of age, we returned to the home in Altadena. This town was a suburb of Pasadena and did not have a well-defined downtown shopping district. For that we went into Pasadena where our doctors and major retailers were located. Schools and shops and churches were near but so were horse farms, golf courses and the foothills. The San Gabriel Mountains soared over our backyard, including Mount Wilson and its early, famed observatory. Our street was lined with towering palm trees bending ever so gently in the wind. Southern California weather was golden and soft, warm and gentle.

In the early 50’s we built a new home in Glendora, a small town of 5000. Again, it was nestled at the bottom of the foothills, below Mount Baldy and more of the San Gabriel mountains. Our home was built in an orange grove and we were the first family on our street. Before the other homes were built, we walked through endless rows of orange and lemon trees, sampling ripe oranges fresh from the tree. How refreshing on a warm afternoon! We stayed in Glendora only a year; dad transferred to a new job in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

The summer of our move the family trekked cross county on a 2+ week vacation. From the shores of the Pacific to the green mountains of the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. The trip was an odyssey. From mountains and deserts through high plains, the breadbasket of the Midwest and on to the green, green east coast states. Flora and fauna were like nothing we had ever seen. The culture was even more stark. The history was that of early America. We had learned the story of Father Junipero Sera and his settling of missions along the California coastline. The Spanish exploration of the western lands that eventually became settled as California and American territory. Cowboys, Indians, snakes and bears were part of our early childhood. But then came New England and its culture’s weight.

Pittsfield was the winter home of skiing. New York City dwellers visited often as an escape to thrill in the wonderland of snow in the Berkshires. In the fall those same folks flocked to our surroundings to witness nature’s shift from green to autumn’s riot of color. Then in the summer months we were home to the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood, dance at Jacob’s Pillow, early renaissance music at South Mountain Music Festival and of course countless summer stock theaters throughout the region. The Berkshires were a mecca of culture year round. It was special, especially for a family raised in the rough and tumble west. We were 120 miles west of Boston and 150 miles north of New York City.

Oh, and the winters filled with snow and cold winds. We were not used to that, no; not used to it at all. I remember trying to ice skate for the first time; didn’t do well; in fact never attempted it again! And no skiing, either; that was simply too cold, what with wet snow jammed down the shoes and boots. It hurt. It ached. All I wanted was warm and dry homebound conditions. I waited for more civilized temps.

After six years in Massachusetts (we had explored all New England on many vacations and weekend trips) we moved to upstate New York, Syracuse to be accurate. The snow belt. Tons of white stuff, constantly. And rolling farmlands reminiscent of England’s topography. Beautiful regions complete with the Finger Lakes and dells. But oh, those winters. Brutal. Tire chains. Constant snow shoveling and thundering snow plows built by Oshkosh. Heavy duty and big.

I graduated from high school in Syracuse but then attended college in Illinois (Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.). After four years there I remained in Illinois for my first career position, graduate school (2) and a career varied and challenging but fun. I’ve remained here ever since. But homes were in Cicero, Oak Park, Chicago (University of Chicago campus and then Lakeview on Lake Shore Drive), then Wheaton and the suburban life for 50+ years.

With a plethora of homes, I struggle to remember the placement of bathrooms, bedrooms, backyard features and whatnot. On the desert my sister and I shared a bedroom while my brother’s bedroom was a converted sunporch that was cold on winter nights and sandy the rest of the year. We lived in Navy housing units for the families of civil engineers. The Altadena home with large trees to climb and mountains to explore. High up we could see the ocean but only if the day was clear of smog.

Amazing the wealth of memories of mundane things popping to mind when least expected. The smell of a place; the breeze felt gently on the skin. The sounds, too. Together these trigger times remembered of long ago. You too?

February 16, 2021

 

Impeachment 2 & 3

With the prosecution’s case closed on Thursday afternoon, the defense’s time started Friday, February 12. Their job is large. A strong case has been made against Trump. I cannot imagine the defense undoing the stellar job presented by the House’s Impeachment Managers. They did an excellent job building a prima facie case against the former president; but they went on to build an evidentiary case to seal the deal. For all the world, Trump appears guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

But this is not a court of law. No, this is a sitting political body acting as jury. To make matters worse, the jury is biased along party lines. A guilty verdict requires all 50 democrat senators to vote for the verdict, plus another 17 republican senators to join them. That is not likely. The political rub through this entire sorry episode – an invited insurrection by a sitting president to physically stop the certification of the Electoral College affirming the loss of an election by that sitting president – most likely will end in acquittal.

And they did vote to acquit. 57 guilty; 43 acquital. 67 votes were needed for guilty.

That does not erase the impeachment. That stands. The guilty verdict would not stand, but the indictment (impeachment) does remain for all of history.

Yes, I was for a guilty verdict. I believe the four year term of Trump was a preparation for his ascendancy to a prolonged presidency. In his mind, he was the Chosen One. His original campaign for the office in 2016 was a forerunner of his oddball exercise of the office of President. Nothing normal occurred during the Time of Trump. Nothing normal. All was upside down.

Fact became fiction, and fiction became fact. In was now out, and out was now in.

It is no surprise that election results not favoring him would be defined as a sweeping victory for him. The unreality of this period of our history is staggering.

Yet, the Senate's action is counter to logic – legal, constitutional, and commonsense – but the Senate acquitted the accused because this is not a court of law. It is a court of politics.

That is par for the course for Trump. Everything has been about politics, power and money. It has not been about We The People or the common good of the American people.

We lost. You and I lost. Over four years of lost values, relevance, power and purpose. The soul of our nation was bruised. It was bloodied in the final hours of the Trump regime. And yet, people who should know better will let that verdict of not guilty stand against all reason.

Shame on them. Shame on the Congress. Shame on We The People for allowing this travesty to happen.

From this day forward, let all know that voting matters; it is the highest duty and honor in America to perform. Preparing to exercise that duty takes concentration, study, research and determined fact finding. Then and only then ought the voter cast their vote.

We didn’t do that in 2016. The results are staring us in the face. Be very aware of the Clear and Present Danger such voting caused. It nearly destroyed one of the greatest democracies of all time in human history.

Let that sink in.

February 15, 2021

 

 

Valentineversary

Yes, today is Valentine's Day. But it is special to Rocky and I because it is also our wedding anniversary. Five years ago we were wed at our Lutheran church in Warrenville, Illinois. We have been together now over 20 years, 21 this April. 

We had a Commitment Ceremony at a Unitarian Church in Naperville, Illinois a at the end of our first five years together. The legal wedding came in 2016 when it was early in legal recognition in Illinois. 

21 years together is a long time. In Gay chronology it is a super long time. But then I've attended 50 and 60 year anniversaries of gay friends The straight world doesn't know what it doesn't see. Gay culture has been around for thousands of years.

Thank God for that. And thank God for matching Rocky and George together all these years.

Love you, Rocky!

February 14, 2021

Bits and Pieces

A few items to mention.

First, Monday afternoon I get my first COVID vaccine shot. Second will be automatically scheduled for follow up.

Second, my granddaughter has been accepted by Oxford University for a foreign exchange term in her junior year of college! Totally surprised, stunned, and pleased to death. Way to go Lindsay!!

Third, I am holding my own during the pandemic. Of course, I am concerned about long term health issues that could occur; Rocky has diabetes, Parkinson’s, and a few more things plus two-time survivor of cancer surgery. I’m his caregiver and if anything happens to me, what happens to him?

However, the greatest threat to our well-being are these issues: mental health and boredom.

For boredom I read, volunteer a lot for SCORE, and watch documentaries on TV streaming services. These activities keep my brain from rotting. I just might exit pandemic social distancing more informed than when I entered.

Mental health issues would include depression from isolation and minimal social interaction. My tactic is to remain active in SCORE whereby I coach, mentor, and motivate entrepreneurs to start their own business, or help struggling business owners survive major challenges. That work is very rewarding. It is totally volunteer but that does not detract from the creativity and value of the work done for the benefit of others. The depth and breadth of the work means I am never bored. The interaction of so many people keeps me from being isolated as well.

Of course, writing this blog allows me to ventilate my frustrations encountered daily. The most obvious frustration is the inability of our federal and state governments to operate openly, honestly, and logically. Political power and corruption remain a constant problem. Our current Senate and House of Representatives demonstrate their inability to get along and share power, so the right things are accomplished for the American people in a timely manner. They continue to be an embarrassment to themselves and our nation. Writing about it reduces my own stress. I feel better doing this and my mental health is steady. I still lose my cool about these matters but at least I have a means to unload the pressure!

Thanks for allowing me to do so!

February 12, 2021

 

Impeachment

It is real. Impeachment is fact. It is history. Mr. Trump has been impeached twice. Acquitted of the first round of impeachment, but impeached nonetheless. The second impeachment is authorized. The Senate trial is underway. Will they acquit or convict? We do not know, but we have strong feelings that acquittal is near.

That is a shame. The unmooring of our national character, values, and trustworthiness will be complete. We will need to rebuild our reputation as a reliable friend and ally on the world stage.

When we sign our name to a world peace pact, trade agreement, or moral conviction that steadies the world community, it needs to be believed. Together the global village can do much. It requires many nations to stand together against ignorance, bullies, selfishness and militarization, to build a peaceful future. Also to build a planet that sustains itself and its living creatures for eons ahead.

No one country can do all of this alone. Together we can do it. 10 world powers or a 190 nations signing an agreement makes it possible. One standing alone does not.

Nor do international agreements work very much if the mightiest nations absent themselves.

Impeachment matters. Impeachment is accountability for bad behaviors. Behaviors that detract from our norms, our word. Our reputation.

Without that there is no trust. There is no peace.

Only death and destruction.

Senate; do your duty!

February 11, 2021

 

Distracted

How many ways are we distracted from important business? Important issues? Important duties?

Let us see. There’s sports, fanatic sports. Something for everyone. There’s movies that ‘entertain’ or at least provoke and titillate. There’s music of all sorts, mostly popular sounds that lure libido and visual images that transfix our gaze on anything but the music. There’s dance, and I don’t mean the classical ballet! There’s literature of all sorts that grasp attention whether true or fiction. There’s drinking, drugs, eating to end all. Of course there are vacations without end with beaches that go on forever. What about golf? What about….?

You see, the list goes on. A distraction or 10 for everyone. Something is bound to please, to entice, to disrupt our attention. From what you ask? Well here are a few issues, duties and jobs that need our full effort:C

• COVID defense; wear the mask!
• Global Warming
• School referenda and bond issues
• Municipal economic development plans
• Family matters and nurturing
• Neighborhood watch and collaborative projects
• County government affairs and emerging problems
• State government tax and economic affairs
• National policies on immigration, the cornerstone of America’s character and people
• National policies on economic development and sustainability
• National policies on international affairs, world affairs
• China’s plundering of third world country economies
• China’s militarization of open seas, international seas
• Russia’s sword rattling the world over
• Poverty and domestic violence throughout Africa
• South American politics and emergent dictators
• International drug trade
• International sex trade
• World peace
• Global village issues
• Education renewal, reinvention here at home and worldwide
• International economics
• International science adoption
• More!

A long list. A lot of things needing attention. Our attention.

Yet with the Super Bowl, the next round of new automobiles on the market, the unveiling of new products from Apple and Tesla, our attention is elsewhere. We sniff out new fashions. New foods. Exotic sex. Things that make us feel alive. All the while, issues that threaten life itself beg for attention.

When. Will. We. pay. Attention? When will we get back to work? When will we decide which is most important?

When that time comes, will it be too late? Too costly to fix? Or will war and destruction already have broken out negating fresh attention, other than to bear arms and save ourselves?

I am not a Chicken Little declaiming imminent disaster. I am merely a chronicler of fact and real threats.

But then, it takes listeners and readers to receive the messages and decide to take action. Then maybe something will be done?

I don’t ask for myself. I’m nearing life’s end. But for the rest of you, the hope of continued life for yourselves and your kids, and their unborn kids, should matter. Why doesn’t it?

Ah! The big questions beckon. They always do.

February 10, 2021

 

Stimulus

What is so hard to understand? A stimulus bill is designed to jump start the economy, not socialize it. Remember when tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations were proposed and zealously approved by Republican House and Senate and signed by a Republican President? Those were supposed to be stimulating to the economy. In some regards they were. For the most part, however, the wealth was retained and stashed. Some corporations used their newfound wealth to buy back stock in their own company, thus raising the stock value without changing one twit of their corporate operations or profitability. Or create any new jobs. Or benefit anyone except themselves.

The trickle down economy theory has been disproved. For decades now, that myth has simply not worked, nor will it.

The people who are having a hard time economically will spend their stimulus checks for food, rent, mortgages, car payments, and other consumables. This financial help will stir businesses and their bottom lines. They will have money to pay their staff and thus sustain the economy. Bit by bit the economy will strengthen. 

Same with forgiving student debt. Those people will then have credit strength to buy and finance a new car, or pay rent, or buy a home and support a mortgage. And new families! Heavy student debt retards all these things; forgive the debt and watch the economy grow!

Larry Summers is wrong about his fears of inflation. Why? Because the money in the bill will pay for necessary things, not bloated consumer products. We have an economy that needs rebuilding from the negative effects of the pandemic. The stimulus dollars will go for sustaining families in their homes and neighborhoods. Most likely debts will be reduced rather than creation of new debt and other inflationary behaviors of consumers. Rebuilding the economy and stability of the middle class is the aim of the stimulus bill.

The middle class is hurting. And that is not a classist statement. The middle class used to be about 70% of the economy. These were the people who bought and built homes, took out stable mortgages, bought new cars and financed them, kept shopkeepers busy replacing inventory in their stores with clothing, household goods and a host of other things. Measured consumption was supported by the middle class. That is the huge platform upon which the great American Economy of yesterday was built.

No more. The Middle Class has shrunk. Subjugate this class of people and you knock the underpinnings out from the economy. The poor always struggle. They do not build the economy. The rich do not build more goods others cannot afford to buy. Without the middle class the wealthy can only consume luxury goods and those don’t support vast numbers of working people. They simply do not. A big economy must be supported by a big number of spenders and consumers. That is the definition of the middle class. Without them, the economy is lost unless foreign markets replace domestic markets.

So, vote for the stimulus bill, distribute $1400 per person to the middle class and the poor. Restrict such checks from wealthy people. They do not need it. They have enough. It is the others who are in need, and they will spend it and help the economy recover a little of its punch.

Inflation, Larry? Hah! Hardly. Restudy your economic textbooks.

February 9, 2021

 

Working Toward Positive

Problems. Big ones. Complicated. Discussions and arguments about them. How to handle them. What is most important, what least? Who has the power to manage them? What resources are available to work out solutions? How many possible solutions are there? Which is the best one? More arguments? Over which solution to employ?

Welcome to 2021. Yes, it is built on 2020, 2019, and a host of preceding years.

We have lots of troubles. Many are years old. With examination, history of the troubles point to causes and a whole lot more. But those thoughts dig deeper issues to argue over. We are not making progress. We are regressing.

This state of affairs is encountered just about everywhere. In our families (dysfunction anyone?). In our churches (who are we and what are we about even with the Bible telling us?!). In our governments – state, municipal, county, and federal. Lots of discussion and growing ire. Solutions never quite get fully aired.

Even in our interest groups, hobby organizations, and nonprofit charities we have conflict. And this quickly turns personal. Nasty, even. Like a plague – a pandemic? – interpersonal relationships become unmoored. Strife and anger seem to rule the day.

The opposite of this may be the answer.

We have our interests. We have ideals. We have hopes and dreams. Perhaps sharing these with one another will help? At least focusing on the positive is an escape from the negative. Visiting the positive also gives image to possible.

That is what I want to focus on today. What is the ideal outcome we hope to see from any one problem? We know what we have. We know the problems and the disagreements. But what would we have if all that went away and we actually accomplished having programs and an organization that produced the ideal outcomes?

Let us focus on just that, the outcomes. Define what the outcome would look like. What would be happening? How would things be working? What working relationships would be necessary to keep it working just like that? Not perfection, but improved, more fully functioning and beneficial to everyone involved? What would that be like? What needs to be in place to keep it that way, indeed, to get it that way?

Knowing the positive gives distance from the negative. Is that distance enough space to change how we get things done? Might tempers and personalities cool off enough to get out of the way of progress?

In that operating environment we ought to determine what problems are homemade and easily discarded so we have a better chance to work on the problems that matter.

Nasty personalities have no place in our workplace. Neither should they have a home in our circles of government. We should focus on what we are about for the good of the most people. Whether a company, a charity, a government or whatever, the mission is the thing. The vision is the dream.

Now, let us make the outcome a reality.

February 8 2021

 

Go Big GOP

Two opportunities to do the right thing at this crucial moment by the Republicans:

1.      Stimulus Bill: This bill needs to be large enough to stimulate segments of the American economy that need it. First are unemployed or seriously underemployed. During the pandemic they have suffered the most of all citizens. Their cost of living continued while their incomes either stopped entirely or were greatly reduced. Behind in rent or mortgage payments, behind on car payments, tough putting food on the table. So many problems to fix. The stimulus bill directly targets them.

Also, local and municipal governments are targeted to help them manage huge revenue declines while expenses mainly continue or increase during the pandemic. If these units of government have to furlough staff to balance their budgets, both needed citizen services for health and safety will be reduced severely while unemployment in the regions jump. Not a good thing for anyone.

COVID vaccine production and distribution is also targeted in the current Biden stimulus bill. This is not the time to undercut our response to the largest health challenge in our history!

Investing in the people is needed at this time. This is not public aid for the wealthy; just the opposite; it is aid to the non-wealthy who are increasingly being lost in the pandemic’s swath.

2.      Party Accountability: three accountability opportunities loom for the GOP. First is protecting Liz Cheney for having the courage to speak out against Trump at a crucial time. Her leadership should have been adopted by many others. The fact they did not lend a hand says a lot about the GOP’s spine. Help her prevail over her detractors. Second, punish Georgia Congresswoman Green for her outrageous propaganda and misrepresentation. If she can be seated in the House after her behavior, there is no accountability for politicians at the federal level of our government. With that comes a dilution of credibility for the Republican Party.

Third, conviction of Trump’s impeachment. The impeachment began while he was President. The accusation is constitutional. Following the process as outlined in the Constitution is also constitutional. Accountability of a President while in office is the aim. He must face those charges legitimately. Is he guilty or not? That is up to the Senate to decide. However, a not guilty decision is a reflection on the credibility of the Republican Senators and their party. Be a part of history or not. Their actions will speak loudly forever.

Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their nation. We shall see who has the spine to do the right thing by the American People. So far Republicans have been an enormous disappointment.

February 5, 2021

 

 

COVID Vaccine

Rocky got his first COVID vaccine shot Tuesday morning, February 2, 2021. I drove him and escorted him throughout the procedure. With a laryngectomy, Rocky has no voice box and needs me as his voice and interpreter. Parkinson’s limits his ability to write and his skills are unformed using the electrolarynx gadget. At 76 he is losing his hearing and eyesight is dimming. He walks stutteringly and is a fall waiting to happen. That is why I escort him.

COVID protocols resisted slightly on the my escort role. But we were graciously accepted as a couple. And me with a rollator walker! We must have been a sight to others; they gave us wide berth!

We are relieved Rocky has had the shot. Now to return for the second and final one in four weeks when we get to do this all over again.

When will I get my vaccination? We do not know. My medical group relies on its My Chart software. An early adopter of this program, I used the service successfully for several years. Then I changed my email provider a few times and My Chart never caught up with the changes and totally barred my entry in the last several years. DuPage Medical Group techies have labored to solve the problem with no lasting success. A few days of reprieve, then silence once again.

I have been with DMG for 47 years, nearly 48. They know everything about me. They can share my medical records with any hospital or physician anywhere there is a computer. My Chart is a marvelous asset – when it works.

So, hoping for a COVID vaccine shot relies on DMG working past the My Chart blockage. We are not allowed to call for a vaccine appointment so we must rely on repairing the My Chart problem if I am to access the vaccination. Before going for Rocky's vaccination, I attempted to clear up the My Chart problem. So far so good. That means the channel is open for DMG to notify me of my vaccination date. I am hopeful it will be soon.

February 4, 2021

 

 

Political Identity

I receive a lot of internet surveys. Most of them are political. I am asked my views on a host of topics, and always questions about prioritizing issues. Clearly, they want to categorize me as a Republican, Democrat or Independent. Often, they are trying to slot me as a conservative, liberal, centrist or some extremist. Truth be told, it is hard for me to find a comfort zone in these surveys.

Why? Because although I am a centrist (middle of the roader), I am also a thinker and analyzer. Surface issues do not always spell a good long-term view toward a better outcome. I do not like abortion, but I accept it and wish it to be used intelligently by women struggling with the decision.  I prefer doctors to help but do not think it is mandatory they do. My view is long-term. I want pregnancies to be wanted. I do not want babies to be abused, unwanted and trashed. Bottom line: abortion not used as birth control, but all babies wanted and loved. Try placing that answer on a survey.

Also, timing of the survey is important. I have changed my viewpoint many times during my life. I started out as a rabid conservative and a Republican when I was a teenager. Later in college I shifted to the center, then farther to the liberal camp when I realized conservatives needed firm opposition if they were ever to understand the issues properly. Still later, in my 20’s and 30’s, I became firmly centrist although still a Republican.

In the mid 80’s I walked away from Republicans and became an independent. Since there is no such party, I tended to vote for Democrats. Still, I counted myself an independent. Of course, election law labels me by the ballot I take in primary elections; thus, I am officially a Democrat. That label does not upset me especially now with the Republicans being far too extremist and conservative.

I am not alone. Many of us do not identify as conservative or liberal but others insist on labeling us anyway. Extreme positions are usually not long lasting by anyone except oddballs. Extremist views short term usually happen as a person suddenly understands the why of a position as opposed to the current happenstance of the issue. Once the nuances are merged into their thinking, an individual usually tends toward moderation. Only when their desired position seems hopelessly lost are they likely to turn to an extremist view in frustration.

Your political views and mine are temporary. They move about as time and context change. And our understanding of the issues in depth. Surveys are helpful but not always accurate.

Perhaps we all need to discuss these matters in more detail with an open mind and civility. Political parties seem to have missed the boat on that point.

February 3, 2021

 

 

Trust

So much of life is trust. We trust the sun will rise in the morning, even if clouds block its view. We trust birds will sing and chirp. We trust bed will welcome us each night and sleep soundly. We trust family will care about us, as we care for them.

Our friends can rely on us to be honest, true, and supportive. We rely on friends for the same.

When I buy groceries, I know what to expect in the package when opened. I also expect the store to replace the product if the expectation does not measure up. I trust the people I work with; we have done so for years and know them well. I trust they trust me in return.

When deciding on a large purchase (complicated, costly, long-term, etc.), I rely on documentation and legal protocols to protect me. In return, the other party to the deal can do the same. We share trust in the legal protocols.

Negotiating with others on matters of mutual importance is another venue where trust plays an important role. Upset any part of the trust relationship, and the relationship itself is poisoned.

That is the situation today in Congress. Among citizens and their institutions. Their government is held in question. Trust? Not so much now.

And that is a sad reality.

We need to fix this. Now.

For many years, our Congress has played games with itself. Political parties focused on power relationships instead of shared goals of desired outcomes for the nation. For whatever reason, the power became THE means to the end. Now we are at the end of the compromises that build progress toward a shared objective.

The objective is lost. The power struggle is the only thing working, not the desired ends of the people.

Trust. Is. Golden. Trust in a co-worker. A family member. A legislator in the next seat. In a president or senator or congressman. 

Even state political parties participate in this game. Watch news conferences of the governor of any state as he/she deals with the unknowns of the COVID pandemic. Decisions are parsed and shaded for any number of reasons. Mostly the ‘public’ does not like restrictions of masks, social distancing and giving up restaurant and bar life and schools for the kids. But what if those same people were in the position of making decisions that would affect the health and safety of millions of people? What actions would they make? What decisions would they impose on others?

Same with our new President. A few weeks ago, Trump could do no wrong; now the shoe is on the other foot. 

This is childish behavior. It has serious consequences if left to run its course. We must change this.

What we all need is an end to COVID. So, let us do everything possible to defeat the pandemic.

Next, let us get the kids back in school so we can trust their education is back on track. A bonus: parents can then return to work without the kids home all the time!

Let us work out a return to work as we figure out the new normal. The economy should recover more quickly after that. It will take time to heal from a year of horrendous upset. Give it time. It will do what it does naturally.

Then, let our elected representatives sit down and identify the things we agree on and work towards common goals. Some disagreement is natural but focus on the long-term results we hope for. Compromise as necessary to gain a foothold in solving our common problems. Let that working relationship percolate a bit until trust returns firmly to the relationship.

Let us tackle the ideological issues later. They are not life and death issues now. Trusts is.

February 2, 2021

 

Making for Change

Oil or gas? Electricity or natural gas? Hydrogen cells or electric vehicles? Yin or Yang?

Over time we went from wood burning for heat and steam creation for electric generators, to coal, coke and then oil. Natural gas came later. Internal combustion engines burned volatile petroleum based gasoline. Later, much later, electric batteries came into use to power electric motors to propel cars.

Heating our homes was wood, coal, natural gas and electricity. How the electricity was produced was from varying means, all burning something to create heat. Of course thermal sources from earth’s volcanic activity was used for heating, too. Hydroelectric dams were another source for powering generators in the production of electric power.

Change. Constant change pressing us forward to different methods and resources and processes. Science helps enormously in this endeavor. Science also warns us of pending problems and catastrophe.

Global warming is one of those catastrophes in waiting. Destruction of the planet’s life cycle due to atmospheric pollution. We must change how we heat things, generate electricity and simply find the power we need to do the work society demands.

Renewable energy is available: thermal, wind, solar, hydro dams. Not enough to do everything we want or need. But a great start, especially magnified by science and engineering.

Hydrogen power cells is one of those. Nuclear energy is another. Anything that does not require extracting fossil fuels and the burning of them to pollute the air. Actions have consequences. Fossil fuels pollute the atmosphere and threaten our extinction. Nuclear energy of course threatens extinction by another means.

Engineering and science coupled have amazing power. The human mind has extraordinary power. Using these three together can and most probably will solve our energy problems.

The fossil fuel industry doesn’t agree because it means the end of its ‘business as usual’ work record. But we must. We must find better ways to supply the energy we need. Perhaps the fossil fuel industry should adopt the broader label of energy industry and help with long-term change?

Curbing mining, fracking and drilling for fossil fuels is a good first step in pressing change on a recalcitrant industry. They have been coddled long enough and earned their trillions of dollars pushing their own self-interest. Now the interest is for the public. The industry must follow ready or not.

Thank you, President Biden, for reversing recent energy legislation that favored the fossil fuel industry. It is time all of us to awaken to reality and prepare for the future. With eyes wide open this time, not wide shut as before.

February 1, 2021