The First Amendment

Last night was the White House correspondence dinner.  President Trump, unlike many of his predecessors, chose not to attend.   His choice, of course.  But I listened to clips of some of the speakers and ended up listening to one monologue in its entirety, the one by Hasan Minhaj, a comedian on the Daily Show.  I listened expecting the jokes and the roasting of the President and the media.  I got all of that, but there was also a very on point portion that gave us an inkling of what it means to be a minority.   He also showed us what exactly that First Amendment right to free speech really means.

So if you want to really see why we are not North Korea, or Russia, or any of the other countries out there who repress their citizens, give it a listen.  It is a real shame that President Trump did not attend that dinner.  He might have learned something about what America was envisioned to be.

The Hermit Kingdom

Sometimes there really is someone who is worse off than you.  With all of the saber rattling of North Korea recently I thought it might be interesting to visit this reclusive country.  This Frontline film was aired three years ago, but it still gives timely insight into a place that many of us know little about.

 

The Sumerians

I was trolling You Tube and happened upon this documentary.  I found it interesting and thought I would share it with you.  It is a bit long, about an hour.  But looking at the past may give us an insight into our present and our future.   So it is worth the time.

Happy Easter!

Swinging for the Fences

Have you ever had someone tell you that something is impossible? Well, sometimes you run across someone that is willing, and able, to prove you wrong. A few weeks ago I went to see the movie Hidden Figures. It was nominated for Best Picture and I can see why. It is the amazing story of three African-American women of immense talent and perseverance who worked behind the scenes at NASA to help launch the United States into space. This despite all of the obstacles put in their path.

As we watch the implosion of countries in the Middle East and we are told that it is impossible for people in these countries to work together, maybe we should take a break from that supposed reality and watch what some people have accomplished by their hard work and determination within a system that wasn't favorable to them.

The Tongass

There are places on this Earth that you remember.  They stick in your mind as something special.  For me this is one such place.  I have walked in this forest, I have stood by a tree just like the one in this video.  It was an amazing experience that made me feel humble and in awe of what nature has created.  I wanted to share this video so that others may see, perhaps, what I saw.  A place that needs to be preserved for others to enjoy, for others to understand that we are but a small part of this ecosystem of Earth.  When our elected officials talk about cutting regulations, or slashing budgets for the EPA, or even ignoring the possibility that we may have some, however small it may be, effect on our changing climate I wanted to remind people of what we have at risk.   We are stewards of our environment.

Sit back and enjoy a tour through an ancient place that I am hoping will still be around for generations to come.