Congratulations, America!

 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!

     

Congratulations, America! 

Congratulations, Joe & Kamala!

"Boogaloo"

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.

Boogaloo Bois

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.  

Fire and Ashes

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.

A lesson on our connected world.

A little brush clearing just won't cut it.

Aftermath

The danger in our political climate goes hand in hand with the danger in our planet's climate. If we don't work together we will all lose.

What Made America Great?

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.

One Survivor's story

There were people who responded to help without question.

And people in our government knew what to do.

In times of trouble we have stood side by side, united in common cause. That is what made our country great.

A Better Idea

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.

One Man's Journey

Movie Night

 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.

Without further ado:

Harriet

And like so many wonderful movies this one comes with an equally wonderful theme song. Listen closely, for it has meaning for all of us.

Stand Up

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.

Our Future

 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.

Children Expelled

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 really do miss the way we were.