Connections

 I'm going to take a break from politics and the sad divisions within my country for a moment and post something totally different. I happened to run across this video and I was struck by something as I watched these young men listening to this song. It was the connection they made with the emotion written in the music. It was honest, real. What they showed was empathy and an open mind to something different. With so much hate floating around it was nice to be reminded that we can still make connections if we try.

Take a moment to watch...

Jolene

Jan. 6, 2021

 On Wednesday Jan. 6, 2021 the United States Congress gathered to read the Electoral College votes and officially certify Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. It is a day that will live in many people's memories with revulsion and horror. Not because of the certification process but because a group of people chose, at the behest of the current president, to attack and invade the Capitol building in order to stop a legitimate election process.

This comes as no surprise to many who have watched Donald Trump over the years gradually shaping the narrative with lies, half truths and simple repetition in order to increase and maintain his power. What has been so repulsive is that many in the Republican party have aided and abetted him. This is the result.

Many are worried about America's standing in the world as the leader of democracy.. I am not. Why? Because despite Donald Trump's best efforts he failed. On November 3^rd a majority of the American people stood up and rejected what he represented. It was not as if this was not foreseen. It is no surprise that our government was created in such a way that there are multiple checks and balances in place. The people who wrote our Constitution understood very well the autocratic possibilities for the wrong person in power. While they could not have envisioned the power of the internet they did envision that.

While we may not have seen the end of Trumpism I would not count out the strength of the true patriots in my country. They are out here, they are the people who stood up for the Constitution and democracy. Many of those who invaded the Capitol were fooled by a very talented Puppetmaster, who was enabled by others who chose to seek power rather than uphold their oaths of office.

Donald Trump has spent four years fomenting hate. It's time we turned the page.  Yes, I did mean to choose this particular movie clip.  

Happy New Year!

 Today the US Senate voted to override Donald Trump's veto of the defense bill.  It is the first time that the Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate, has actually stood up to Donald Trump.  

I hope all of you have a safe and Happy New Year!

Angels Among Us

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.

The true spirit of Christmas, giving.

May you all have a safe and peaceful Christmas!

A Test of Honor

 

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:

Wisconsin Judge's remarks.

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.

This Thanksgiving

 This Thanksgiving there are so many who are in need.  They need our help and prayers.  

Remember what is important.

Take care and stay safe.  

November 15, 2020

 Today America returned to space on its own power.  We can still get things done if we work hard enough.  

Congratulations, SpaceX!