Quietly they slip in and out of our
lives without us really noticing. This year they have been in our
hospitals, our assisted living facilities, our grocery stores, our
schools, our post offices and so many other places.
In November the United States of
America held an election. In what was probably one of the highest
voter turnouts in our history we the people voted. We voted by mail
or we voted at our election offices, either when they first opened
for early voting or on the actual election day. We did all of this
despite the fact that we have been living with a raging pandemic that
has taken thousands of lives and sickened even more.
According to numerous state election
officials and the US Attorney General William Barr it was a fair
election. In the state of Georgia the presidential election count
was conducted three times. Each time the result was the same. There
has been no, and I repeat no, evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Yet despite all of this we have a sitting president who chooses not
to listen to the will of the people. He insists on furthering
baseless claims on his Twitter feed and engaging in what are lawsuits
based on no real evidence. These lawsuits have been shot down again
and again by state and federal judges. I honestly am not surprised
by Donald Trump's actions. But what does surprise me are the actions
taken by our other elected Republican officials. They either refused
to acknowledge reality or out right deny it by supporting Trump in
his claims and in the recent lawsuit out of Texas which was filed in
the US Supreme Court against various swing states.
The US Supreme Court ruled that the
Texas lawsuit had no standing. That is, Texas did not have the right
to file the lawsuit in the first place as they have no say in how
other states conduct their elections. It was just another attempt to
overturn the popular vote. An attempt that had no basis in fact or
legality.
Here are the remarks of one federal
judge in the state of Wisconsin pertaining to one of the lawsuits:
Over 100 Republican House members
signed on supporting the Texas lawsuit. I am ashamed to say that
Minnesota's representatives were among them.
To them I say, when you were elected
you took an oath of office to support the United States Constitution.
By your actions you have broken that oath. Resign.
They have just called the election for Joe Biden. For some this will be a reason for joy, for others a day of sadness. I understand. Believe me, I do.
For many years, especially the last four, I have watched my country being torn apart by division. Some of this real and some fabricated by those who felt it was to their advantage. And even as I write that sentence I know that it will mean different things to different people.
But I want to remind everyone what has happened in the past, what should be avoided at all costs, and what should be done to heal our wounds. So I tip my hat to those who opposed my candidate, Joe Biden, honorably. For those who have not behaved with integrity and would appeal to the worst of our natures, I would remind them that this is a democratic country and as such everyone has a right to be heard. Listen, closely.
On a lighter note, I send this out to my country, because I now have hope that we might move forward to a better day. And these kids are just so cute!
I was talking to someone the other day
about our current state of affairs. We were specifically speaking
about the internet and social media. He was surprised that I would
support the banning of some content on social media platforms. He
felt that was an infringement on free speech. It is a question for
all free societies. I think part of the answer lies in the line
between my freedom and yours. Yes, we have the right to speak out
minds. But what happens when that speech endangers others?
Any number of fringe groups have
existed for years in our country. When I say “fringe” I mean
groups who espouse beliefs that most people would find extreme or
out of the mainstream of thought. With good reason. But in the age
of the internet and social media these groups have found a forum to
reach millions of people who would normally not even be aware of
their existence. It is something that has exacerbated our divisions
and encouraged violence in our cities.
You saw it with QAnon, which led to a
man bringing a weapon to a pizza restaurant in the belief that a
pedophile ring was operated out of it's basement. A ring run by
Hillary Clinton no less. Most people would understand how ridiculous
this idea was, but not this man. He believed it and he endangered
all of the innocent people within that establishment when he fired
his gun. Do I believe that “Q” and those who follow his/her
“bread crumbs” have the right to spout nonsense that endangers
others? No, I do not. Words can be just as powerful as a gun.
Because they can move people to action. We who live in a free
society also have a responsibility to respect the rights of others,
to take care to act within the laws of our country.
Which brings me to Boogaloo Bois.
“Boogaloo” is the term these people use for civil war. They are
a loose group of people who seem to have an ax to grind with any form
of government. They seem to have played a role in the unrest that
arose in Minneapolis after the George Floyd killing by Minneapolis
police and the attempted kidnapping of the Governor of Michigan.
They also have shown they have no problem working with a terrorist organization, Hamas. So do I think letting people like that have a forum to spread their hate, lies and violence is responsible free speech? No, not so much.
Last but not least there is also the question of who these people really are. There are those who would be quite happy to sow discord in our country in order to gain an advantage over us.
I think it's time to take a break from
the pandemic and politics to reflect on something that doesn't care
about either. It will do what it wills. That is our planet. The
one we all live on. The one that has been crying out for attention
for some time now. The latest salvo was the wildfires out West.
You've all seen that slogan, “Make
America Great Again”. But have we ever really asked ourselves what
really made America great? There have been countries that have risen
to great power and then ultimately faded as others have risen to take
their place. Will that be America's fate as well?
Yesterday was the anniversary of the
9/11 terrorist attacks. I was watching the remembrance ceremony at
the memorial and was so saddened that the America that responded back
then seems to have disappeared. We have always been more diverse
than people may realize, whether it be in religion, race or ancestry.
Yet, despite our differences, when we faced seemingly
insurmountable odds we pulled together and supported each other.
That's what we saw on 9/11 and in its aftermath.
So, we have had two political
conventions within the space of two weeks. We have had another
shooting by police of a Black man. We have had protests in response
and a shooting by an armed vigilante.
The two political conventions presented
two distinct visions of what our country is experiencing at this
time. In a few months it will be up to the American people to decide
which one best presents our reality and how we will proceed in the
future.
Until you actually
see the problem you won't be able to solve it. Too many people have
been looking the other way. We need to look more closely, and start
to actually see each other.
It's been some time since I've posted a
favorite movie, so since it's Saturday night I thought I might make a
suggestion. My favorite movies are usually those which are based on
real events and real people. This one is special because it depicts
the life of someone who really does embody that America that so many
people seem to be missing the point of. That America that was
supposed to stand for freedom for all people.
I just realized that for some reason the videos are not showing up on mobile devices. Blogger in their infinite wisdom changed their interface and so now that does not work. The videos included in this post are from the movie "Harriet". The first is the trailer and the second is the theme song "Stand Up".
So I am obviously not too impressed with the capabilities of the people at Blogger.
During this pandemic we have argued
over masks, reopening businesses and schools, financial assistance
for those who are unemployed and what we should in general be doing
to slow the spread of Covid-19. We have shown we can't agree.
But I would hope that there is one
thing we could agree on. That is the importance of our children.
They are our future. There was something I read in my paper today
that caused me to reflect on this. That something was the fact that
the United States, under the guidance of Donald Trump, has been
sending immigrant children back, alone, to countries they have fled
because of the danger that exists there for them.
I know there are those out there who
would argue that these children are here illegally and should be sent
back to their home countries. I would argue differently, and not
just because this practice actually runs counter to our laws. There
is a strength in compassion that Donald Trump does not understand. Those children he is deporting are someone's loved ones. But he has exhibited this lack of understanding when it
comes to the children here in the United States as well.
His push to open schools without a
nuanced plan in place to try to make it as safe as possible for both
students and teachers and his willful ignorance of the risk of this virus only shows his lack of empathy and compassion
for all of those involved.
Someone once said that children and
animals are able to sense who the good people are. I suspect that
person was right.
I never, ever thought I would do this.
It is an election year and due to the current circumstances we
haven't really been seeing as many political ads as we normally
would. In fact the media have barely seemed to cover it. With the
pandemic raging it is understandable. But I have seen a few ads and
one stood out. Yes, that's right, I am going to post a political ad.
What struck me about this ad and the reason I sit and listen to it
when it comes on, rather than tune out, is that it is spot on
regarding what America needs now. It is a Biden for President ad,
but even if you don't like Biden and have no intention of voting for
him, listen to what he says. Because he is absolutely right.
The world is in a world of hurt right
now. It needs smart people who really care about something more than
themselves and their own petty agendas to pull us through. And it
needs all of us to care. To care about taking responsibility for our
actions. To care about other people.
If we all care and open our hearts we
can do amazing things. If you don't believe me listen to Emmanuel
Kelly, who has faced a challenging path in life to rise above. Or listen because it's just a beautiful song sung by a man with an amazing voice. ;)
They were called the Greatest
Generation, those who lived through World War II. Their lives were
torn apart by war, by sacrifice. Rationing of critical materials
necessary to fight the war was the norm. Women took up the slack in
the factories so the men could go fight for our freedom, our way of
life.
It was a war where most everyone contributed
something.
The United States entered World War II
in 1941 and fought until the end in 1945. In that four year time period
the US lost over 400,000 people. That generation got the job done,
fighting until the war was won.
Fast forward to 2020 and the United
States, along with the rest of the world, is involved in a fight that
is no less world spanning. We are all affected by the Covid-19
pandemic. To date the United States alone has lost 127,000 people.
That is in the span of around 4 months. That is a rate higher than
during World War II. Wouldn't you think that this crisis deserves
everyone's attention and, well, effort? Yet something as simple as
wearing a mask has become a bone of contention.
Is the real reason Donald Trump got
elected because we have become at heart a self-serving, narcissistic,
selfish society who can't even put on a mask to help our own fellow
Americans?
You can spout all the slogans you want,
like “Make America Great Again”, but you have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Update:
Perhaps if you won't listen to me you will listen to those who are so desperately fighting for us.
In my state of Minnesota a black man
died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. There was no
reason for his death. He had done nothing to deserve that. Since
then our streets and many others around the country have erupted in a
paroxysm of rage and grief. Many, either in the streets or in the
halls of government, have tried to make this about themselves,
inciting a violence that only further hurts the Floyd family and the
community where they live. Those people only disrespect the memory
of a man who died so tragically.
I would like to honor Mr. Floyd's
memory with one of the most beautiful renditions of this song that I
have heard.
For all of the peaceful
demonstrators who have come out to honor Mr. Floyd and to seek a
justice that has been so scarce in the past.
It is Memorial Day today. A day where
we remember all of those who sacrificed so much to keep our country
free and strong. But we need to remember that it is not only our
duty to remember, but to aid and uphold the very ideals they fought
so hard for. It is our duty to maintain a country for them to come
back to. It is our responsibility to bring into government men and
women who will match their sense of responsibility and care for our
country. Charlatans should not be welcome.
The world has been dealing with
Covid-19 for around two months now. We have seen a complete shutdown
in China and shutdowns of varying depths in the rest of the world.
None of us know for sure which response to the crisis will be the
least damaging to our lives long term. We have seen a virus that
takes a toll on the elderly and those with underlying health
conditions. It has struck younger people with complications that can
lead to strokes. It has led to complications in children that
resemble toxic shock. And it has been devastating to economies
around the world.
How do we balance health and jobs?
Both are of critical importance to our well being. Here in the US
our reaction has been haphazard at best, with a White House that is
incapable of leading intelligently. Critical decisions are having to
be made by each state. People are running out of patience even as
they run out of money and food. Long lines form for food giveaways
and people are protesting the lock downs.
So I thought I would post a video I ran
across about Sweden which gives insight into their decision on how
they handled the crisis. It's an interview that was conducted at the
end of April. He makes some very good points. Some of which appear
very prescient. But one thing he says seemed to resonate. It
probably won't make any difference in the end.
Here is a link to a live update of the Covid-19 cases around the world.
I was contemplating writing another
post about the Covid-19 pandemic, but I changed my mind. It is what
we are living with daily, so I figured it might be time to take a bit
of a break. I am sure it will still be there when we get back.
The world has been through many trials
and tribulations. I cannot think of anything more devastating than
WWII. Perhaps revisiting that era will take our minds off this one.
Strange as that may seem, it has worked for me.
Recently they have been airing a fiction series
called World on Fire on channel 2 (TPT) under the Masterpiece showcase which was originally
aired on the BBC. It moves fairly slowly so you haven't missed much
if you pick it up now. It is on Sunday nights at 8:00. I have also
seen it out on DVD. Or if you can stream from YouTube you can watch
the full series through there. The following is a trailer.
If you haven't seen it already it's
worth a look. Hard times pass and we will survive.
It is Easter Sunday today. Normally we
would all be going to places of worship, getting together with family
or friends for a nice meal and just hanging out. But this year is a
little different. For much of the world is keeping their distance,
going out only when necessary. This is the year of the Covid-19
Pandemic.
Was this not foreseen? Of course it
was. It was foreseen by those who took the time to look.
History has seen this:
Those who forget history are doomed to
repeat it. There were preparations that could have been made, and
indeed were. Unfortunately, in the case of the United States a lot
of that was dismantled by Donald Trump.
Yes, we will get through this, but I
fear that the new normal will not look like the old.
How we choose to respond will make a
difference in each of our countries.
This morning the Governor of New York
spoke to the citizens of his state. It's long, but I thought it was
worth posting for anyone to listen to.
Life is a series of choices. How we
make those choices matters, to us and to others. I know many of you
have probably noticed the missing items in your grocery store, like
toilet paper or bottled water. Hoarding is a horrible byproduct of
this crisis. Filling your basement with a truckload of toilet paper
at the expense of others is not a good choice.
But we are not all like that. Tough
times can also bring out the best in many people and businesses. We
have those who are converting their Little Free Libraries to Little
Free Pantries, stocking them with food for whoever needs it. We have restaurants in downtown Minneapolis that are donating food
they can't use to anyone who can. We have
the volunteers who are reaching out via the internet to senior
citizens who are shut in. We have people working on making their
own ventilators, not waiting for supplies from outside. And we have some very intelligent scientists from various nations and states working on drugs that may help.
This restaurant in St. Paul is providing free meals and hope to those who are now unemployed.
This crisis will pass. We will
survive.
How do you want to remember your behavior during it?
A couple posts ago I wrote about three
events that I believed in some way shape or form were going to be
important, not just in the present, but in the future. I also felt
that they were going to be connected in a way that will impact all of
us.
As you are all aware the coronavirus,
or Covid-19, has now spread over much of the planet, touching many
countries and the people who live there. For most who are infected
it will be a mild version, but for some it will mean hospitalization
and, sadly, death. Whether you want to call it a pandemic or not it
is a very serious happening that will take a serious effort to
control.
We have seen how the Chinese government
responded to the outbreak of Covid-19 in their country, the mass
quarantine of millions of people. An extreme measure that we might
have thought would be out of the question for those in the West to
emulate. However, just overnight Italy has imposed a partial
quarantine of their own.
Obviously, we don't want to overreact,
but as is demonstrated by the Italian government official, as well as the Pope himself, it is up to those of us who have
limited health risks to try to protect others who will be more
seriously affected by Covid-19. Because we could be carriers.
Contrast these responses to the
response of Donald Trump, the current President of the United States.
Just in case that link disappears, it was pertaining to Trump's response to a reporter's question about a person who attended a CPAC rally for Trump who tested positive for coronavirus. While I may disagree with the people who attend those rallies, unlike Donald Trump I certainly would not encourage them to expose themselves to an illness like Covid-19.
An overview of what is happening and
what we can do ourselves to fight the coronavirus.
And, lastly, a prediction of what could
be. I stress could, because perhaps if we all work together we can
mitigate some of the seriousness of this outbreak.
China is in quarantine. As you know
the coronvirus shut down much of the travel for Lunar New Year that
millions of Chinese take part in every year. This mass migration of
people wasn't something I had really heard much about. Nor did I
ever really understand the ramifications of millions of people
migrating into the cities to work.
But in my YouTube wandering I came
across a story that brings home how this current viral outbreak may
be impacting millions of people. It is the sad story of the millions
of children left behind when their parents seek work in far away cities. These videos are a few years old now, but I suspect this situation has not eased.
Children are left in some cases to fend
for themselves. Or, perhaps just as bad, in the care of relatives
who don't really care. Although there are caring people who are attempting to help, the system isn't always supportive.
And another family's story.
I am not sure how I will feel wearing
something with the made in China label in the future.
Over the past week there has occurred
three things that for me seem to be turning points in some way shape
or form. I will touch on each in no particular order of importance.
As you are aware, or should be aware,
there has been an impeachment trial occurring in the United States
Senate. One might be forgiven if the word “trial” seems a little
overblown in this case. Because it seems there is already a foregone
conclusion. To that end it appears that some are quite willing to
dispense with something that is usually an integral part of a trial,
witnesses. And that to me is a slide away from the rule of law into
something else entirely. Listen to the statement made by one of our
Senators on why he reasons witnesses are not needed.
First off I don't think that admitting
the defendant's guilt is a good reason to deny further witnesses.
Secondly, if the articles of impeachment were written into the
Constitution then I am sure the writer's intent was for them to be a
recourse for removing a President who has shown his willingness to
abuse the powers of his office and undermine the rule of law.
The lack of will by the Republican led
Senate to rein in a President who abuses the office does not bode
well for the continuation of a democratic country.
Moving on we have what appears to be a
burgeoning global viral outbreak, which has sickened thousands,
killed hundreds, and left millions quarantined. China has been put
on lock down with many countries imposing flight bans in an effort to
contain the contagion. The effects are starting to ripple through
the global economy, tanking stock markets along the way, as many
businesses shutdown.
What we will see is whether or not the
global community can handle this in such a way as to minimize the
damage to people and their livelihoods. This should be a wake up
call for China to clean up the incubators of its markets and for
other countries to put in place plans to deal with a true global
pandemic before it happens.
And last, but certainly not least, we
have Brexit. The UK has now officially broken from the EU, leaving a
still divided populace. We may not see for a year what this has
wrought, but I suspect that it will slowly sink in. Good or bad?
The UK is an integral part of the world
community and this will touch not just them but us as well.
Is it any wonder we want to tune out?
A beach sounds good right about now.
I've been wanting to put up a new post
for some time now, but I've been swamped at work and with family
issues. But at the moment I am watching the snow blow around outside
my window contemplating clearing my driveway. Since I am not too
enthusiastic about doing that I thought now would be a good time to
write about something. I know there are many topics out there, the
fires in Australia, the killing of Soleimani, the downing of the
civilian aircraft by Iran and, of course, the impeachment of Donald
Trump. But a friend had suggested a topic a little while back that
maybe it is time we looked a little more closely at, population
decline.
Recently here in Minnesota we have
started talking about our declining population and what that will
mean to our future well being. I know there are those who worry
about population increase, but in reality we are actually looking at
just the opposite. Years ago in the 50's and 60's we had what
everyone called a “baby boom” leading to what was later called
the “Boomer generation”. Nowadays being designated a “Boomer”
has become somewhat of an insult in certain quarters. There seems to
be a growing rift between generations. But I digress.
I ran across this rather neat video
showing the changing population rates in various countries. They run
it over a large span of years showing what has happened and what they
believe will happen in the future. Some of the numbers in various
countries may surprise you.
In Minnesota we speculate on whether or
not we will lose a seat in the House because of population decline,
but perhaps that is a minor consequence compared to other things. I
remember a trip I took some years ago out to the western states of
the US. I visited a ghost town up in the mountains. Sometimes it is good to visit the past. It may be a foreshadowing of things
to come.
Others have dealt with their own
population declines in other ways. You may want to visit a town in
Japan that has tried a different approach. Well, one resident has,
anyway.
Yes, it's a little sad, I know. So I
will end this post with a little upbeat news. At least for one city
in Japan.
Now, my driveway awaits...and the sun has come out...