How To Become A Tyrant

 10.29.2022

This has been released for a while now, but when a friend encouraged me to watch it, I had no idea how profound this aspect of our global history really was. It's narrated by Peter Dinklage, and he does a masterful job in doing so.

Here's a primer of a few of the folks & their reigns of terror:

Idi Amin Dada 

Josef Stalin

Adolf Hitler

Saddam Hussein

The Kim Jongs

Muammar Gaddafi

The above are only a few of the power hungry, greedy tyrants of somewhat recent years. The list throughout history includes so many more.

Please watch & learn. The history is mind-numbing, but super relevant to today's like processes. It's scary to think that folks are using this information as a playbook to gain power & control. But here we are. See any parallels here?

Thank you for stopping in.

Number One Hundred

 10.24.2022

This published entry makes the 100th since I began my blog. Kinda stoked, as I know it's not the family and friends specifically. 

There has not been a day when I struggled to identify a topic. Not sure if that's good or bad, since a lot have been political in nature. Nonetheless, I feel encouraged by those that take a peek. Some of the messages I share can't be for every soul out there. No way. But I do try to offer hints of advice based on my own experiences and studies. So thank you so much for your follows.

Today is another solemn one. The passing of my Bride's mom has left us living in a temporary void, at least now. As we all transition, it's as much a blessing, as she was past ready.

The saving grace has been being home with our granddaughters, both home sick & didn't go to school today, and their mom, who was off work. Seeing the future for them through a future vision is helping to keep me level. Watching my Bride continue to deal with all that comes with the aftermath of ones passing has been challenging for her, but awe inspiring to observe. She's still drained both physically and emotionally, and now comes the estate. 

The weaker sex my ass.

I'll cut this entry short, as being there for her has been, and still needs to be, my priority. Not that she needs my help. Maybe it helps to add a bit of a cushion. I have to hope so. It ain't a cakewalk.

Thank you for stopping by.

Companion/Service Animals

 10.22.2022

If you've ever known anyone with a SERVICE or COMPANION animal, and you know the reason for said animal, you quickly understand the benefits of the relationship. I would think any pet owner would.

Here are some different types and reasons types of healing for them:

• PTSD-Often "invisible wounds" that occur during times of war. Physical and/or psychological trauma, and  at times both, brings with it great depression, as one could imagine.
• The human-animal bond as a way to help people overcome many of the emotional impacts of their conditions.  
• COMPANION ANIMALS are just another word for a family pet. Think Fido and Fluffy.
• SERVICE ANIMALS are one who is trained to perform specific tasks on behalf of a disabled individual. See The American Disabilities Act (ADA).

The therapeutic abilities of the everyday COMPANION dogs and cats. We all know the love generated. It is why we focus solely on companion pets to achieve our mission.

The term SERVICE animal includes a wide range of animals highly trained for specific types of needs, such as signal dogs for the deaf, or seeing eye or guide dogs for the blind.

I dedicate this blog entry to the gentleman in front of me in line at the CVS yesterday. He was carrying a small fog in his arms, and I immediately said hi to the man & his pup. I instinctively started softly speaking to the pup, scratching behind it's ears & under it's chin. When I stopped, it wanted more. It smiled at me. I backed away the proper 6' distance, and then a woman engaged the man in the same manner. But she asked if it was a SERVICE dog. He said yes. I touched his shoulder, apologizing, and said I was so sorry. He was really gracious. He did not forgive me though, just nodded & kind of chuckled. Lesson learned. I knew not to approach SERVICE or COMPANION animals. In my own defense, the pup had no identifying gear on. Shame on me for even assuming, though.

Learn from my mistake. As a guy with a HUGE love for kids & animals, I always tend to approach, usually seeking consent. But I didn't. It should be part of the golden rule.

Thank you for stopping by.

Paying It Forward

10.21.2022

Life lessons are opportunities. But also choices. My thoughts of sharing mine to whomever are my own choices made on the spot. Not everyone accepts my commentary, as most can see my "Then you can go fvck yourself" facial expression as I move on by. I've perfected it.

But it's rare I get ugly about things these days. I try really hard to keep my thoughts from obtaining outward expression. My friend, former coworker & former department director was always more appreciative of me expressing myself in private with him. But he gets me. One of the few that do. Really, all six of my former department directors. Some would look over their glasses at me, some give me the big-eye, some would sort of chuckle. Not a lot of chuckles, though. But once again, I digress. 

Most "paying it forward" actions involve little things that I hope set an example. Make a tiny difference. I know you know what I mean, but I'll list a few that I like to practice on the regular:

• Check on folks

• Offer groceries/money to a struggling human

• Let someone in during traffic feeds

• Return shopping carts to a storefront

• Smile/wave at kids & babies

• Assist someone that doesn't speak our language

• Give blood/platelets

• Volunteer

• Vote for the future of mankind 

• Interact with neighbors & animals

• Keep fresh water outside for wild animals

• Tip your service worker's well

• Pick up discarded litter

• Donate school supplies

• Lend a hand when you can

• Show people that you give a damn

• Acknowledge your mentors

• Reach something on the high shelf for a stranger

• Smile with your eyes

• And last but not least, shoot someone a peace sign instead of the finger (I'm still in training for this one)

This is of course not an all inclusive list, but the short list of some really easy ones. I believe you'll find that positive reactions and good feelings will come in abundance. 

Thank you for stopping by.

The "Saturday Night Massacre"

10.20.2022

INTRO:

June 1972: Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C.

On the night of June 17, 1972, while the nation slept, burglars broke into the Watergate Building in Washington, D.C. and ransacked the headquarters of the Democratic Party. But the burglars were caught after a security guard noticed something awry and alerted the police. Investigators began to explore the crime scene and look for suspects.

Police identified the burglars as Nixon aides who were working for his re-election campaign. Let's pause a minute and note that this campaign was called the Committee to Re-Elect the President and was actually nicknamed 'CREEP.' That already puts the President in a negative light, wouldn't you say?

Like many criminal suspects do, Nixon maintained he had no relation to the crime and didn't even know about the break-in. Trying to convince both investigators and the American people of his innocence, Nixon even appointed a special prosecutor, Archibald Cox, to take over and lead the case.

-----------------------------------------------------------

The Saturday Night Massacre

As the investigation continued, more and more evidence came to light illustrating Nixon's involvement. Keep in mind that the person leading the charge was appointed by Nixon 0himself. Archibald Cox and his team interviewed many Nixon associates, including some of his top aides. The aides mentioned there were tape recordings of Nixon in the Oval Office. The president taped everything, the aides said, and perhaps on them there was incriminating evidence against Nixon.

The Saturday Night Massacre was a series of events that took place in the United States on the evening of Saturday, October 20, 1973, during the Watergate scandal. U.S. President Richard Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox; Richardson refused and resigned effective immediately. Nixon then ordered Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus to fire Cox; Ruckelshaus refused, and also resigned. Nixon then ordered the third-most-senior official at the Justice Department, Solicitor General Robert Bork, to fire Cox. Bork carried out the dismissal as Nixon asked. Bork stated that he intended to resign afterward, but was persuaded by Richardson and Ruckelshaus to stay on for the good of the Justice Department.

The political and public reactions to Nixon's actions were negative and highly damaging to the president. The impeachment process against Nixon began ten days later, on October 30, 1973. Leon Jaworski was appointed as the new special prosecutor on November 1, 1973, and on November 14, 1973, United States District Judge Gerhard Gesell ruled that the dismissal had been illegal. The Saturday Night Massacre marked the turning point of the Watergate scandal as the public, while increasingly uncertain about Nixon's actions in Watergate, were incensed by Nixon's seemingly blatant attempt to end the Watergate probe, while Congress, having largely taken a wait-and-see policy regarding Nixon's role in the scandal, quickly turned on Nixon and initiated impeachment proceedings that would end in Nixon's resignation.

 

There's more, so dig deep if you're so inclined.

Thank you for stopping in.

Turbulence

 10.19.2022

Turbulence - In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity. Or: An eddying motion of the atmosphere that interrupts the flow of wind.

Hmmm. I'm no Engineer, but I know several. I also watched a lot of "Mythbusters". Think fishing in a stream, and as current passes by an outcropping; or NASCAR, when racers take advantage of another car's pull, or suction..."the draft". You with me? Or in a plane and the cockpit comes alive & announces "We're currently at an altitude of 33,000', and due to an unusual amount of turbulence, we're going to climb about 3,000 more feet. Chew it if ya got it". I can explain in greater detail about the fishing & NASCAR references upon request.

These are turbulent times, but maybe no different that times of days gone by. I wasn't as present in community or current events over the earlier days of my growth. My very slowly growth. But it's a different day.

My Bride, son, his fiance' and my niece's opinions carry a lot of weight with me. As I've stated in recent posts, I tend to get a little combative politically. It's my own problem and mine to carry. But I'll try to lighten the load a bit.

Voting Season: adversity in our own thoughts and opinions on what we're zeroed in on varies in what is felt on both sides of our two party system. I see both sides of the coin. Of course, to an extent. I draw the line at ignoring human being's well being. I want to be as clear as I can be, though. As critical as our economy is to the health & well being of our country, I just want to encourage all to take the economic growth along with the treatment of people in countries that have said booming economies. 

So, human rights. In North Korea, China, Russia, Canada to name a few. Let's compare....FYI: Canada wins. We're not so bad ourselves, for now. But there's a fly in the ointment. 

Okay, I'll stop here. I think its kinda obvious where I'm headed with this. China's economy is probably the best in the world. Reckon all the people are reaping the benefits? Me neither.

Thank you for stopping by.

Collective Rebelling

 10.18.2022

Let's revisit some changes on our planet due to critical thinkers on a mission of change. 

The Spark: An early stage of the ignition process. Someone meeting someone else for coffee. An idea is discussed at length, feasibility, then a process to possibly put an ideal into motion. It's talked around your school's campus for a week or so. Or a workplace meeting. Or a jobsite. Seemingly overnight, it gains traction. Switchboards light up. Low volume chats in grocery stores, at church, garages, golf courses, neighborhood meetings, little league games, and other groupings. It's the spark that creates combustion. 

Environmentalists. Feminists. Groups that are so over racists and their inability to embrace all humans. Groups that are sick & tired of being sick & tired. Me.

A few heavy hitters, many in these positions before, get rev'd up. Their spirit is unbridled. Intense. Brows furrow. Teeth grit. Someone yells, "IT'S BEGUN"! "Let's start and monitor a call log". "My husband's a trucker, and can help spread the news". "I'm a hairdresser & our shop is like a telegraph".

A Chief Organizer is selected, democratically, and all agree on a group's overseer. They all love & respect her, as well as her options for their mission and goals. She makes it clear that with or without the group, her fight will continue.

Think Gilead. Think Joan Osborne. Fearless. Driven. They take her daughter, hold her captive, rape her, beat her, but she does not cower. She thinks. Plans. Waits. Then strikes. With savage military precision. This was no January 6th insurrection. This is an organized war against a brutal, backwards regime. They fucked with the wrong one.

Yes, it's a longtime thought of mine. Making sure the bad guys get it. I mean, dissolved. A message should be sent: YOU'VE BEEN WARNED. I believe if it really happens, it'll be brutal. Like the Handmaid's as they revolt. Or Muslim women. Or our own countrywomen. Hand's off our women, or consequence's may shower down on you like a fury not seen or imagined for those that think they're untouchable. 

You've been warned.

Thank you for stopping by.

When Hospice Comes

 10.17.2022

Unfortunately, it's rarely a good thing. While it can be a blessing to those in times of transition, we just hope they can feel it's for the best. Or not feel the pain of their bodies shutting down.

I'm a fan of many things, but the lessons in humility rank right up there with true love. I've gotten doses of such lessons at different times in my life, but none that create the introspection as a loved one moving on. There's just something about being forced to accept that you'll never hug your loved one again.

Personally, I've experienced loss in several different ways. Very few had provided me with immediate solace. Some messages dropped me to my knees immediately, while others had me retreat into myself, knowing it was in reality a gift.

Since the early 80s, I've made it a point to openly hug, never parting without some loving gesture, and often, since becoming a parent in the late 80s, telling close ones I love them. I know what it's like to get the phone call of a sudden loss, and the trauma that comes along with it. It touches me every day at some point, in varying degrees. It helps me to focus on humility, which increases my compassion, and my love for human beings....and all animals.

So today's lesson on humility is almost complete. Call your folks if you're lucky enough to still have them.  Contact your siblings, your family, family friends that are just like siblings, and anyone else you keep tucked in your heart. They're the gift that keeps on giving. Hard feelings, of which I'm guilty, need not remain harnessed. It'll ruin you, eating you up from the iside out. That ain't no way to be, y'all.

Thank you for stopping in.

Times Like These

 10.16.2022

I, I'm a one way motorway

I'm the one that drives away

Then follows you back home

I, I'm a street light shining

I'm a wild light blinding bright

Burning off and on

Ah-ah-ahh 

Foo Fighters-Times Like These-2003

I think my love of music inspires me a lot. A whole lot. Probably like most of us, it hits emotions, good, bad, and indifferent. Dave Grohl, a musical genius, captured me long ago during his Nirvana days, but especially after. He, his bandmates, (RIP Taylor), always hit me as the kind of guys you wanna hang with. You know, regular folks, just full of passion & talent. I'd crack open a Dr Pepper with those fuckers in a heartbeat.

About 4:30 AM this morning, my Bride calls me from her mom's, as she has been almost living with her quite a bit since her health began to decline. As has our nieces, and her sisters. We're fortunate to also be able to have a part-time caregiver a few days a week. It's a lot, but the daughters & their daughters have stayed close to "Gram" to try to comfort our last living matriarch.

I remember the waning days of my own parents, my siblings & their families being readily available to visit, care give, or our sister dropping everything to respond to assist where she could. And it was a lot for her, but it's what families do in Times Like These. Mom would eventually move in with my sister & her sweet husband until her final day.

As I monitor the video monitor we have in Gram's room while Sweet Baby takes a nap, I know how it's not that way for all families, and possibly for many, many different reasons. Proximity, other pending responsibilities, obligations....I just know it doesn't go like this for everyone. But I feel these times, as  they come to all animals, is a built-in response. Character is a great quality. The selflessness is such a beautiful thing to observe.

I hope you all have someone in your lives like I do. That awesome "emergency contact" that no matter what, when, or how you're jammed up, is there for you. Knowing you do is an incredible feeling. Be well.

Thank you for stopping in.

It's Official

 10.15.2022

I made it through one year of retirement today! I'm so happy to still be alive to enjoy family (my jam) AND MY NEW RECLINER! That's right. After years of wanting one, my Bride picked out the perfect one. Plus it swivels. And glides. Not something I could justify buying myself. I think she finally gave in due to my damaged body. She's the gift that keeps on giving.

If you are lucky enough to have found your partner, you know my elation. Loving, caring, kind, sweet, compassionate, giving, remarkably attentive, driven, rarely complicit in illegal traffic rules. She's a keeper.

Retirement has been enhanced by having our kids & their kids live with us for a little bit while they save for a house. This family time has afforded me one of my greatest passions: perspective. Imperative to growth, and essential, extremely rewarding, and welcomed. Like when our son & his fiance' school me on things that "aren't that way anymore". I always pay thoughtful attention to them, as they're both SO very much smarter than me. It's the same with their daughters. The 14 year old tells me things before the news has a chance. Those kids are my daily prizes. The 4 year old offers common sense solutions that I've long since overlooked. I got it bad for all of them. So bad that when me & Sweet Baby have a chance to get time alone, we always consider including them. All four. While we're out or gone for a couple of days, they're all we talk about. If that's bsd, then keep it coming. I'll try to suffer through it.

As my parents aged, their kids & grandkids & great grandkids were everything to anything they planned or did. Didn't offer me near the perspective 15 years ago as it does now. Even after they retired, fixed incomes be damned, it wouldn't do to not shower the younger kids with gifts on special occasions.

I just hope to always focus on perspective. When its my time for me to move on, it's all the family moments that I'll want to be running through my mind. And this old fucker will die happy and with a smile. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Immigration

 10.14.2022

As many issues as America has on the table, it's still a country to be proud to inhabit. Sure, how we got here was sketchy at best, but it's been a consistent work in progress. I understand the concept, as it's so much like life as we all know it.

Process improvement. Being very proactive vs reactive. Moving us forward, but never forgetting from where we came.

But therein lies the problems. So often, we appear to have been a little oblivious. A lot oblivious. We are supposed to grow as we move & progress in life. K-12, & maybe college, maybe straight to a career,  but continue to grow nonetheless. It took me a while as a slow to mature male. But now, let me help you see from my eyes.

Ever known someone that gave up their homeland for the possiblity of a better chance at life for their kids or family? Came to our country in search of opportunity for a chance to send money back to their family in the hopes of all being together again in a better place, away from terror or lack of employment, or for a better education? What if that described you? Or a friend? Or a relative? Or even a fellow human being?

What if you were sold & brought here, or were ancestors of a horrid genocide, yet STILL lacked real opportunity? What if you were a subject of human trafficking, but escaped your captors, and didn't have a single resource? What if?

Let's all put ourselves in the place of individuals seeking a better life, while remembering how fortunate we are to already be citizens of this wonderful land. Let's try to make amends to our fellow humans and  try to right the wrongs of the past. It's a lot of wrongs. It ain't gonna be easy. Or quick. But it all starts with a single effort to make a difference. Let's do this.

Thank you for stopping in.

Voter Apathy

10.13.2022

On the news yesterday, I watched a piece on voters that have decided NOT to vote in the 11.8.22 midterm elections. Most stated that they "do not usually vote in midterms, only Presidential elections". Hmmm...

This Saturday, I'll have been retired for a year. Yes, I've had a ton of opportunities to study the political landscape and issues. I know I'm a worrier (Thanks Mom) and at this juncture, I believe it's warranted.

My fellow Democrats see, like I do, the need to focus on a few choice topics. Even some Republicans do, also. Let's check some boxes.

• Equal Voting Opportunities
• Reproductive Healthcare
• Social Security
• Medicare/Medicaid
• Eldercare
• Fair Taxing
• Gun Reform
• Immigration Reform
• Solid Infrastructure 

Just a snapshot here, folks. If you're for capitalist societies, then you've probably already left the building. I'm more for having my tax dollars assist the less fortunate than me  dying with the most toys. I haven't always been that way, but aging has really changed me. I just want less hate, less sickness, less death, homelessness, clean water for all, safe bridges, cleaner air, and less dependency on oil. Especially if it comes from out of our country.

Whichever side of the isle is yours, please vote. And please encourage others to vote. ROCK THE VOTE.

Thank you for stopping by.

The Big Money Bag

 10.11.2022

From: VICE, Open Secrets, &  Newsweek 

Look At All These Companies Bankrolling Republican Jan. 6 Apologists! So wrong & greedy.

This began in January 2021, just after the Insurection. Then stopped. Then then restarted. No clue how much has carried on the last year & ten months. But I will.

Lots of Fortune 500 companies have donated millions to support Republicans who voted to overturn the 2020 election results. And I'm saddened to report that some of these companies have had my support for years. Years. 

I'd like to know how folks like lobbyists weasel in to support political campaigns. Using one's greed as a lever. Like crooks. It's pretty fucking telling.

OK, ready? Should I also throw in the companies that are intolerant of people that may not follow traditional, old school Christian teachings? Hmm. Let's take a sampling, shall we?

Home Depot, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, General Motors,

Boeing, ExxonMobil, Cigna,

Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Chick-fil-A, Uline, Soros Fund Management,

Koch Industries, Charles Schwab,

Bloomberg, Chevron...

This list is only a small list of large contributors. I just wanted to show a snapshot of how big greed & big money color our politics. What a shame it still goes on.

One report, from the nonpartisan corporate/government watchdog group www.Accountable.US listed some companies among others that donated a combined $8.1 million to the 147 Republican lawmakers who voted against certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. The watchdog group called the 147 lawmakers "the Sedition Caucus," signifying a political group that rebelled against the country's authority.

The lawmakers were roundly criticized for legitimizing former President Donald Trump's baseless claims that the 2020 election was "stolen" from him due to an unprecedented nationwide conspiracy of voter fraud. Numerous political analysts and arrestees cited Trump's claim as the basis for the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. No evidence backs up the claim. It's not all Republicans & no Democrats. I'm not that naive. But I just wanted to share. If you want to see just how much is contributed, (and it's a whole lot more than eight million), please take a sec &

Google www.opensecrets.org.

It's scary being the less fortunate. Or darker, gayer, a female, or a recent immigrated pea in the pod. Big Whitey says so. Vote Blue.🫂

Thank you for stopping by.

We Must Confess To Ourselves

 10.9.2022

If you look at your reflection at the bottom of the well
What you see is only on the surface
When you try to see the meaning, hidden underneath
The measure of the depth can be deceiving
The bottom has a rocky reputation

You can feel it in the distance the deeper down
You stare
From up above it's hard to see
But you know when you're there
On the bottom words are shallow
The surface talk is cheap
You can only judge the distance by the company you keep
In the eyes of the confessor...

The Confessor-Joe Walsh-1985

Confession, admittance of wrongs, reevaluating our stances on everything from past transgressions to current viewpoints of ourselves and others, and everything in between... I've really tried to do this on the daily for quite some time. I'm rarely successful as I'd like to be. And as hard as I try to not allow my political views dictate my actions, I'm never successful. My thoughts about the world now are not like my world as a younger man. I remain incredulous at happenings here in America as well as around the world. 

Thus this blog. My venting & sharing place. My sweet Bride encourages me to calm my posting about the far right antics & viewpoints. But that doesn't serve me very well. My research keeps me skeptical, and the facts, overwhelming as they can be, speak to me as things that beg to be shared. The cost has been heavy. 

Emotionally, I've had to toughen/thicken my skin more than ever.  I've had great support at home, and have been fortunate to have found several IG, FB, and TT sites with people A LOT smarter than me, to help me along the way. Professionals that take the time to video self help processes. Bless them all, as they are really making a difference based on their comment sections.

My last words today will echo my own feelings about politics. Vote Blue. Especially if you value firearm reform, fair taxing, racial equality, gender equality,  no voter suppression, elder care,  humanitarian aid, and other human beings. It seems so simple, but everyone is different. The feelings of being estranged from friends, and especially family, keeps a part of me heartbroken. I know I'm not alone in feeling like this. 

Be well, all. Confess your true soul. 🌊🫂💙

Thank you for stopping in.

Compliance/Morality Police In Iran

 10.8.2022

I know I just wrote about this a week or so ago, but again, the morning news ignited yet another inextinguishable flame inside of me. Another young woman, 16 years old, killed by  Iranian police. For protesting. Her fucking rights. 

 A repost from my friend Kayli...

"The biggest women's right movement in the world is happening in Iran right now. It is a human rights movement. It is intersectional. It is a REVOLUTION with teen girls at its forefront. If you aren't paying attention and amplifying those voices, you are making a mistake. Posting about what's happening in Iran, sharing posts coming from Iran, participating in protests abroad, makes a difference. It helps the people risking their lives for their freedom to keep going. It makes them know they're not alone, that the world is watching and that we care. This is a movement to overthrow a brutal regime. One which has killed thousands of political dissidents, artists, writers, journalists and even children and dogs. My father was killed at the hands is this regime, he was imprisoned and hung. I had to leave my home, my culture, my country, my language, my family, because of this regime. (Aided to power by the colonial forces of the US and UK who have always wanted to exploit Iran for its oil and other natural resources). If you are not paying attention, you're on the wrong side or history. 

If you're curious what accounts to follow, start with @from iran #mahsaamini #freeiran #زن_زندگی_آزادی#womanlifefreedom"

Support these people and their lack of a reasonably understanding government. Like where ours is headed. Stick together, y'all. For all.

Thank you for stopping by.

The Thailand Daycare Massacre

 10.7.2022

Before I got sober or even began to mature, kids won my heart. For good. And that's never changed, with the exception of intensifying.

Kids are the new hope. I think I was 17 when I was able to ease away from self...only slightly...to be able to free up enough headspace to give a hoot about anything that wasn't my next beer. This was with my best friend's niece, now a mother herself with kids in college. Then, my sister's kids. Friend's kids. Then our nieces & nephews on my Bride's side of our family, and students from my days as a teacher.  Again, pre-sobriety regrets I can't change, but try to amend. Thank goodness the kid's that we've known though our son's K-12 years never new any different me. All of the above are great kids, even into their 40s. 

I still stay in contact with most all of them the best I can. Thank you electronic contact and our social media! Too bad for my mispent youth, but at least the children I've known stayed super important.

Thailand this week. 34 people killed, 24 of them children. IN A DAYCARE. I can't begin to imagine the horror and disbelief of the folks inside, the victims, and anyone that may have survived, if any. Then the parents and family receiving the news. Hold them close, folks.

In thinking about all of the kids I have already spoken about, I don't know what would have been triggered inside of me had I been the recipient of this kind of news. I think we all have, or have had, "what if" thoughts. Especially when whacked out fuckers go next level batshit unbelievably mental. For me, I recall thoughts of vengeance. I know it's wrong, but don't judge me. They're only thoughts. But kids, man. AT A DAYCARE. 

So the chickenshit perpetrator offs himself. Pussy. He knew what he'd face otherwise. I don't have much sympathy for kid killers, or for the killing of the folks that care for our kids. Motherfucker.

The January 6th Insurrection was bad. GOP leadership is bad. North Korean leadership is bad. Russian leadership is bad. Iranian leadership is bad. Racists of all kinds are bad. Lying liars are bad. Lots of bad people out there. But none as bad as kid killers. So if your mind ever takes you there, here's a tip: go ahead and end yourself without inflicting irreparable harm to others. Please.

R.I.P. sweet innocents. 

R.I.P. sweet caregivers.

Thank you for stopping by.

 

Parenthood

 10.6.2022

Our son turned 33 this morning. I can remember holding him, whispering that I would never let him down. I was still battling my alcohol addiction at the time.

Here's the thing about addictions. You seem to convince yourself that your times of enjoying your bad habits are relatively harmless at the moments of imbibing. Regrets? You bet. Thankfully, he never knew me as a functional alcoholic, only a recovering one. I am so thankful.

Tonight with him, his fiance', their two daughters & my Bride, it was again a special time of reflection for me. Probably not a big deal to him, or the others. And that's ok. But to me, burgers & ice cream & cake & balloons & hugs & kisses & laughter...lots of laughter...were the name of the game. Yes, I have pride in my 31 years being alcohol free. I know that it could have gotten so bad that I could have lost it all. I've seen it happen.

Thank you, loving family. Thank you, solid friends. And a HUGE thank you to AA and all of the supporters, in all the groups, in all the meetings, in all the towns. 

If you know, you know.

To others that struggle with their addictions: there is a way out. I'm a huge believer in the fact that if you want something bad enough, you can probably obtain it. But you have to truly want it. 

Remember this. A drunk does not mean somebody you imagine lying in a gutter, soaked in their own urine, a puddle of vomit close by, a capful of whiskey remaining in their pint bottle. 

A drunk is me. 

Me.

Thank you for stopping in.

The Cleansing Forcast

 10.4.2022

So, my mind stays riddled with thoughts of the many that appear to support those that have visions of inequality. Like going backwards from the country I've watched to progress through do much civil turmoil, world conflict, equal rights climbs, mountains of red tape, you know. Civilized things on our way towards a utopia-like society free of basic conflicts for future generations. Where do these people come from, and where are their ideals garnered? Am I making any sense here? I'm talking about our two party system that has been crumbling for many years.

Some examples: in the last two  centuries and so far in the first years of this one, we've had an opportunity to witness the following...

• Emancipation
• War
• Tyranny 
• Solidarity
• Economic peaks & valleys
• Climbing divorce rates
• Escalating violent crime
• Racial hatred
• Dumbing down
• Overwhelming greed
• Selflessness
• Human trafficking
• Recognitions in triumph
• Hopelessness
• Spurts of change
• Apathy

Just a few, huh. Most of us can agree on some. But this is my plea, lest me allow history to repeat itself. Our human connections need to mean something more to all of us. All the self seeking is a dead end road. Be the change you want to see in others. Reach out of your comfort zone to make human connections. Don't be judgemental, as you never know the what's or why's of another persons circumstances. 

Other human beings. Our people.

My recent absorbing of Ken Burns' "The U.S. and the Holocaust" has been a brutal reminder of real world problems that occur in times of tyranny. People before Politics. I will sing this until the day I move on from this earth. Below is a reminder of how rapidly things can go awry.

Nazi Extermination 

Camp Timeline

*Note the dates indicate the beginning of mass extermination at the camps vice the construction date. These are not all-inclusive of the Nazi death camps built and used during World War 2, just the major camps in the Holocaust.

(Kulmhof) Chelmno

December 7, 1941

Gas Vans

More than 320,000 Killed

Auschwitz-Birkenau

September, 1941

Zyklon-B

Killed 1,200,000

Belzek

March 17, 1942

Carbon Monoxide gas

Killed 600,000

Sobibor

March, 1942

Carbon Monoxide gas

Killed 250,000

Treblinka

July 23, 1942

Carbon Monoxide gas

Killed 700,000

Majdanek

October, 1942 Carbon Monoxide and Zyklon B gas

Killed 1,380,000

Stutthof June, 1944

Zyklon-B gas

Killed 65,000

Think this is not relevant? Think again. The hatemongers push the message every day. Well, I will also continue to push my messages and reach as many as possible. Freedom, equality, equal rights for all. Everyone. If you don't agree, please shut up & sit down.💙🫂💙

Thank you for stopping in.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 10.3.2022

All month long. Chances are you know someone that has been diagnosed and fought for their lives, or fought and lost their fight. The importance of an annual screening cannot be emphasized enough. Please don't put it off. It could be your famous last words.

It's been said that breast cancer runs in families. I know I've heard it forever. But also, keep in mind that about 90% of breast cancer diagnosed have ZERO -0- FAMILY history.

Ever known anyone that had a lump, or had a positive diagnoses, or had to endure radiation, or chemotherapy? Gotten so sick after treatments that they didn't feel like eating, or drinking, or had to deal with their hair falling out, clogging the bathtub drain strainer, until they finally stop crying & shave their head?

Well, most of those are the really successful times of fighting cancer. It's the ones that go through all that, and more, that end up in the obituaries that really sting. Burn. Crush. And not just because of us, the ones left longing. It's the suffering through all of it and then losing the battle. They're there in the office one day, then there in the hospital, then they're out for Short Term Disability, then Long Term, then you get the call. 

We bury too many that could have taken a more proactive stance to a preventive coarse of action. Our brightest and best humans have provided us with solutions to so many health related issues. No, not all. But a lot.

Please encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to NOT neglect their mamograms. Please. Share posts on social media, get bumper stickers, get t-shirts, just be sure we're not ignoring the obvious. Age a factor, information is readily available, be informed. 

Thank you for stopping by.

The AJC (con't.)

10.2.2022

Eastern European Jews were rounded up in what was to be termed "Shoah by Bullets". Nazi soldier groups of 15 were given 15 bullets and killed 15 helpless Jews at a time. It's estimated that two million were killed in this single campaign. Shot at the edge of pits that would be their mass grave. The people that were next in line watching what was to come...I can't imagine their final moments. How could people do this to people? Murder in mass. Alerted Jewish organizations in America worked feverishly to raise money and work to bring their European brethrten to America.

9.11.1941- A German submarine attacked an American destroyer. It was in a designated part of the Atlantic Ocean that FDR had listed as a United States boundary. This kicked off serious discussions about America going to war.

Both Lindbergh & Father Coglin had continued their extreme views, and many Americans listened to their propaganda. Catholics gangs took up arms against Jewish areas and neighborhoods. 

Synagogues were broken into and broken destroyed, Jewish owned businesses had their storefronts smashed, as Jewish children were beaten.

By then, the process of elimination by gas, carbon monoxide, had already been ordered by Hitler to be used by doctors to kill men, women, and infant children with birth defects, mental patients, and the disabled. The Nazis called them "useless eaters". Eugenics. Reinhard Heydrich, the principle architect of the Holocaust, then used this method to place Jews in airtight chambers to gas en mass.

Hitler said that America had Judified and Negrafied, where everything is built on the dollar. Heartless, racist, greedy piece of shit. And to add more horror to these facts, the Nazis would also kill many innocent non-Jews. Because Hitler.

Chelmno...Belzec...Sobinor...Treblinka...Auschwitz...Dachau...Majdanek

These are just s few concentration and/or death camps. I'm so sad.

Thank you for stopping by.

The AJC (con't)

 10.1.2022

In September of 1939, Hitler began his blitzkrieg in Poland. Three million, three hundred thousand Jews were there. It was the beginning of World War II. It was at this time FDR lifted the embargo of selling arms to countries being attacked by "belligerents". But it took six more weeks for Congress to agree, and only if the buyers paid cash.

Charles Lindbergh, celebrated aviator, is someone we grew up learning about in school. He in actuality cared only about the white race, and made nice with Germany. President Roosevelt was to say "I actually believe Lindbergh is a Nazi". 

Within five weeks, German forces had murdered 45,000 Polish souls. That was in western Poland. Russia then invaded the eastern portion of Poland, forced many of them to be part of their Red Army, and shipped thousands to Siberia. Tens of thousands of Poles died, either of starvation or freezing to death. It was only the beginning. Also, about 22,000 officers and scholars were murdered. An attempt to segregate Jews in Poland, neighborhoods that were run down to a point of being considered a ghetto were fenced off and Jews were corralled to be only there. They were pillaged of everything they had, and forced to wear Star of David arm bands or yellow stars for readily available identification.The Warsaw Ghetto was about two square miles, and about 400,000 Jews were forced to survive best they could. Over 80,000 died there by either being shot by guards, typhoid fever, or starving to death. The American counterparts to so many struggled to get their European family over here. There in lay the great guilt by so many. Survivor's Guilt.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Hero. She worked side by side with her husband, both compassionate, but she was less tied to the will of the people. Had a heart the size of Texas. Also, academic & politician  Hiram Bingham, Jr. He went to France, and with the help of  an American Journalist Varian Fry and so many regular ol' folk, rescued between 2,000 and 4,000 individuals from the Nazis. 

Enough for today. My heart breaks a little more every day. To be continued tomorrow.

Thank you for stopping in.