Drinking and Other Addictions

Do Americans realize how much drinking alcohol has increased over the last decade? As much as the reliance on opioids, pain killers, and other addictive behaviors. Games and gaming, (and soon) virtual reality, exercise, diet changes, sex, porn, and even simpler things like shopping, travel, and social media use -- all of these, in their extreme, could be classified as addictions.

The results are also clear -- all the addictions, which are deviations and excesses that pull us away from a balanced life style, result in damage to our overall health. Sometimes that damage is psychological (we pretend we are doing what's best for us); sometimes the damage is physical (organs, blood pressure, brain health, and cellular health) can all be damaged by excess. And yet we continue.

I am no crazed apostle of balance and long life. By simple observation I perceive that Americans are increasingly harming themselves. Why? Perhaps to compensate for what's happening around us: crime, gangs, drugs, immorality, character lapses, and even the collapse of old institutions and mores like: government, the legal and ministerial professions, and our own standards of good behavior.

Take a look at your own life  -- are you living the best life you can. Are you happy, or just medicated. Are you willing to do the work to achieve what you want?

In any case you must: RESIST!

Life is...

Finding ways to help others. Giving love and receiving love. Hoping for tomorrow. Honoring yesterday. Listening to other people. Listening to your own heart and mind. Helping all children to thrive. Realizing that not everyone is like you. Hugging others without hidden agendas. Being unafraid to speak the truth.

Life is also...all about time and energy. Working for the greater good. Helping understanding spread throughout the universe. Respecting time passing. Honoring all generations. Smiling at the sun. Surviving the extremes in life, love, and the weather.

Being yourself. Living up to...your own expectations.  Loving yourself first.  Expecting and honoring beings greater than yourself. Kissing the world ... on all its levels. Touching what needs to be touched. Rendering to caesar what is caesar's, and to God what is God's. Opening up your mind and keeping it open.

 Continuing to "resist."

The Dangers of War ... For Everyone

Suffice it to say -- a nuclear "exchange" in war, even a tactical one; would open up the gates to the eventual annihilation of millions upon millions of innocent people. Whether the war is between North Korea and the US, or Russia and the US, or China and the US, the outcome -- eventually -- would be disastrous for all.

We all hope that Trump understands this and doesn't do anything "stupid" to back up his ridiculous tweets, We also hope that Putin understands that "war is death" not political longevity, even in the economically challenged Soviet Union. We need "cooler heads" and "intelligent generals and politicians" everywhere to understand that "war is DEATH" -- not the beginning of empire, or political power, or capitalist advantage, or anything else.

In America we loathe the self-righteous, pompous, and self-serving (for the Trump empire) policies of Donald Trump. In the Soviet Union we see the struggle to avoid another Stalin, or another Trump.
The search for a new Soviet supremacy has been compromised by both the oligarchs and the corrupt communist/capitalist establishment. Greed for power is coequal to greed for cash. Both are immoral and should be avoided in a just and peaceful world.

Remember to hold onto your minds, your mores, your morals, your conscience, your character, and the civilization they support.

And for Americans and everyone who can think --- resist, resist, resist!

When Paperwork is More Than Perfunctory

The great bureaucracies of the world are not necessarily countries -- they are actually the banks, hospitals, credit card companies, and telecom providers. They have "rules" as to how an account or an application for an account has to be done. Recently my sister and I tried to set up a checking account (with a large initial deposit mind you) and as the paperwork/information period wore on it became evident that my sister had not brought the paperwork necessary to complete the deal. She did not have 2 documents from the "approved list" -- only one. Actually she had 2 but one of them was expired (due to a hospital stay last year she was unable to renew her driver's license).

Now since she did have other documents at home -- a second trip to this bank was required.  As of this moment we are not sure whether these additional documents will be enough. Yikes.

Resist, resist, resist!!!

Blessings of Christmas -- Human and Divine

On this Christmas Day -- many of us are moved to charity, compassion, and love for one another. I do wonder (as you do) why those wondrous elements are not there throughout the year: every day, every situation, every relationship. Is it somehow not chic to love one's co-workers; or not politically correct to truly love one's neighbors, or even uncool to love those you consider enemies?  Love all -- and wish the best for all, according to the principles you own of right and wrong, and real conscience.

Jesus's message to humanity is to love. I am now, personally, both a Christian and a Buddhist. Have I added Buddhism to my own belief system because Christianity is lacking? Not so much. I have added Buddhism, specifically KoShinto Buddhism, because Christianity too often falls short of its own principles. Women are not treated fairly -- they are subjugated by the old laws of Old Testament Judaism. They are treated as the causes of sin -- in a male-dominated society, ethnicity, practice. That is not right. The ancient precepts of Judaism are passed on and picked up by the modern Christian church, especially Catholicism. Even with a wise and very holy Pope in place, modern Catholicism often fails in its beliefs and its mission. Why is the Catholic Church still treating women (nuns, laity, teachers) as they did in the 9th century?  Are women still somehow the "Eve of the 'apple' story" -- tempting righteous men to sin?

Why is Catholicism so against "gay sexuality" when an estimated 30% of the Catholic priesthood is gay? Is being gay really a sin -- or is it a biological and neurological condition of sexual preference?
Is "sex" the original sin? Is that why the Catholic Church (and so many other pseudo-Christian sects) hung up on sexuality?  We must continue to grow in wisdom and understanding -- not be strapped to the ancient grinding wheel of times past.

We are allowed to understand and respect sexual preferences in a new way -- as long as we continue to honor our own basic principles of love and respect for others.


Merry Christmas; RESPECT FOR ALL; and continue to Resist!

The State of Christmas

Christmas is "love" -- it truly depicts a story of love and redemption via the Christian story of Jesus. What Americans sometimes fail to see is that there are many such stories in the mythologies of every ethnicity, every religion, every set of tribal legends. Just because you believe in Jesus and his miraculous coming -- doesn't mean that it is the only truth.  Many "Native American" stories/myths tell of sacrifice and giving in times of pestilence and pain.

Ancient Celtic stories -- long before the introduction of Christianity to far Northern Europe tell of animal and human sacrifices: given to the main god of that region. In every part of the World there are religions that depict sacrifice. It is arrogant and small-minded to think that the story of Jesus' birth is the only such story. But we are always the victims of our own parochialism.

The God of Israel is a god who sacrificed other people to free the Jews -- at least according the the Biblical legends surrounding the story of Moses. Any religion/myth you can name will have an element of sacrifice. Believe in that -- that the "diversity" of the world as to ethnicity, religion, mores, and practises binds us into one human family. "Sacrifice" given for love's sake -- is the glue that holds civilization itself together.

And so, Merry Christmas; Happy Hanakkah: Blessed Kwanza; Holy Ramadan; Happy Winter Solstice; et al. If there is a God (and I acknowledge deep inside that there is), then all manners of love induced by sacrifice show his/her presence.  Even ---

RESISTANCE!

Curiosity......?

Just as one of the greatest elements of Christmas ... is waiting for the day to arrive: presents for kids, celebration for families, connections and conversation for all -- so too waiting for sengateCREATE is now all about the...anticipation!  What will it be; when will it start; how will it operate; what will it do?

Is it the kind of idea that can be "fleshed" into a winning and worthwhile something? Is it a "sham" or simply a cursory, not-well-thought-out idea? Is it a "trumpian  hoax?"  Is it "fake news?"  Who can say? I can.

At this point I will say that it is "real" and will do "real things" and will make a "real difference!"And it is coming...soon. February 1st all (or at least the the planning for "all" will be shown; all will be delineated; the shape and direction will be plotted and revealed. Wait for it -- wait for it...

And as always continue to resist!

sengateCREATE

"sengateCREATE" is a work in progress. It hasn't quite figured out what it will be yet, or how exactly it will operate. Nor has it put any limitations on the way it might view things -- and the way it might itself change to accommodate "things."

A zygote always has the genetic blueprint for its own growth. So too an idea has the blueprint of its own construction. And so there we have it. "sengateCREATE" is coming into being; and it is stirring open thoughts and plans into a unified and effective "modus operandi."

So, it is more than an idea -- and slightly less than a plan at this point. But it is "alive" and will continue to grown towards fruition. 

Keep RESISTING -- for the sake of morality, humanity, and intelligence itself.

On the Cusp of Growth

Thinking about thinking requires the most concise kind of mindset. Not only does one have to blind oneself to distractions, but one also must see past fantasies, and concentrate instead on the single-minded edge that will accomplish the goal.  This kind of approach rules out all self-awareness and instead employs the problem itself as the whip,  and the carrot.

There are goals to be reached. How and where these goals can even be accessed is a changing kaleidoscope of generated and regenerated possibilities. Being ready to pivot  -- and try a new path -- goes well beyond "two roads diverging in a yellow wood." It actually defines the "yellow wood" itself, as well as the direction of the roads, and the speed on which they are traveled. There is no way to say this crisply and distinctly.

Embarking on an adventure -- into unknown areas, with only the simple means at our disposal: the mind, the energy, the time -- is daunting but thrilling.  From my youth I desired my epitaph to be -- "he used himself up'' --doing everything he could -- to become better, and to do better.

Continue to resist, as well.

Feminine Beauty

Today was a day of goodbyes at Savannah Technical College.  All my "best" students came by -- some groups of them had gotten or rigged small gifts for me, little remembrances, little things -- but they all meant a lot. Many kind words were exchanged. Once again I was often told how much they had  learned; how they never thought that they would love public speaking; and how they thought I was the key to that process.

I am used to those kind words -- but I have not become jaded to their honesty nor their real truth. What I would have liked to have said to each of them -- is how much they meant and will mean to me. How much --- frankly -- that I loved them; each and every one of them. It seems foolish to say such things -- but it is of course the honest "feminine" in me, something my long departed wife loved in me; something my friends recognize in me as "my creative side."

I do love my students -- always have, always will. And so it goes -- the last full semester is done except for the grading, and the bureaucracy.

Resist still!

Too Pooped to Participate

In my youth -- the title of this piece often indicated the "end of the semester" at school when all the work was almost done, all the exams were "taken," and the outcome of everything was still in doubt but you took to your bed nonetheless.

This term was the last time I really have felt this way -- using the "tired" excuse to justify all kinds of laziness. This malaise is not that uncommon -- and has many different names: waiting until the last minute, fatigue, stress avoidance, procrastination, hysterical paralysis, and just plain laziness. Use whichever phrase you prefer --- but take that nap!!!

And continue to RESIST!!!

The Delicate Process of Being

Having a lively attitude towards life, not being afraid of making mistakes (even gigantic ones), trying not to lead a life of "devastation" for those around you, understanding that morality is not absolute but human, realizing that those people around you may not agree with you, and finally being "open" to all experiences and people---- those elements are in balance in a true human being.

Resist Trump!!!

On Relationships Big and Small

As a person, I cherish and work to maintain friendships. These are "relationships" that for me are pure, with no strings attached of any kind. Sometimes these "relationships" can turn into something more, but in most cases they do not.

I have maintained a number of friendships with former students and faculty  at the various places I have taught. Many of them are still my "friends" -- a small (very small) number of them became closer than friends. One became my "surrogate daughter" --- very long story there. And one, before I was married -- so pre-1986, became my lover. That wonderful relationship became a lifelong friendship maintained even until today. One former friend even "saved my life" -- another very long story.

My younger students and former students have nothing to fear from me. I would always be honest with them -- supportive, not self-seeking, not controlling. I am not a pervert nor am I a "user" of any kind. I have employed former students for a variety of jobs -- packing, moving, helping to give away or sell furniture, researching, cleaning,  and other tasks. I always am honest with them; pay well; and seek no extra benefits.

I have given away money to those who need it (just for fun) -- or sometimes because a friend just needs a "lift." I don't seek becoming a "sugar daddy" nor an abuser. I am, in the current age of users and abusers (see all the stories about #metoo) an outlier for sure.   

On Trump Diminishing America

As an autocrat and a wouldbe tyrant -- Trump is also a failure. He has engaged the legal machinery of the United States Constitution on many fronts to "rise up" and defeat him.

He is in violation of the emoluments clause -- because he is a self-proclaimed "successful businessman" he claims that he can still make lots of money off of his position with his hotels, golf courses, and branding exercises. His private business portfolio is not distinct from his office. Even giving nominal control of Trump Enterprises to his children, he further crosses the line(s) on the emoluments clause because "his children" are all a part of his administration at the highest level. He is complicit to "cheating on the emoluments clause" in more than one way -- first on his own (peddling favors or influence for future or current business deals); second by forcing foreign governments and our own government to "meet and greet" and "negotiate" issues of state at Trump's own hotels, resorts, or golf clubs; third he holds the security forces of the US "hostage" by forcing the government to "rent" space from his properties to secure safety for Trump, his family, and for all their lavish travel and vacationing. On the emoluments clause --- Trump is a crooked businessman.

Now as to his "stealing the election" of 2016 -- that will never be proven conclusively. But what is obvious is that there was "collusion" to steal the election, and then a ridiculous and amateur attempt to cover up or "obstruct" the Mueller, Senate, and House investigations of the Trump campaign's, transition's, and early days of his Presidency (just before and after his inauguration) contacts with the Russians. Who was he colluding with? Was it Putin himself, or Russian hackers spreading disinformation and lies (which continue now through Trump himself) about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and everyone and everything that casts doubts of Trump, his policies, his lifestyle, or what-have-you.

Trump is also in violation of basic decency. He has attacked Gold Star Parents, "heroes" within his own party, women, other Republicans, his own staff, his former wives, his former partners, and everyone else. He is still attacking Hillary Clinton, trying to claim that while she got all the breaks from the FBI -- he is getting unequal and unfair scrutiny. Leaving out the fact that Trump is amoral,
guilty of many cultural and moral failings, and probably a sociopathic criminal as well -- he is also a spoiled little bully with no discernible moral compass. For him -- lies are truth, and truth is always up to his own interpretation. In most every way Trump is a "total loser" as a human being -- to coin a phrase.

And so -- all of you, must continue without ceasing, to RESIST! 

Quantum Computing

Let me put a new "worrisome" idea into your Trump-addled brains! Quantum computing. If you can imagine a computing world in which computers can literally work at indefinable speeds, doubling and redoubling the amount of  "qubit" power it uses -- and still come to coherent answers, you begin to sense and understand the promise of quantum computing.

I only vaguely understand the "science" involved -- computer languages no longer consisting of  x's and o's but now x's and o's at the same time and in dizzying combinations. It's akin, in my brain at least, to the many applications that will occur as we get used to 4D technology over 3D. The concept of AI (artificial intelligence of course) now becomes an onrushing certainty. And many experts are worried that all this speech, movement, and applied physics within AI could put even the human brain at a disadvantage.

What could be the result? Perhaps a "factory" that could completely run by itself, self-autonomous and even self-aware. Humans would be forced to create relationships with self-aware robots or they might be forced to serve them (or try to destroy them). What else is possible? Living with robots as equals; perhaps adopting robot replacement parts to extend human life beyond the genome; perhaps learning and teaching humanity to our own creations as they teach robotic essence to us. If you can imagine it now -- changes wrought by quantum computing and even faster computing in the future, can make it happen.


Right now however, our job is to resist!!!

Trump is a Lying Crooked Businessman

Donald J. Trump has lied so often during his presidential campaign, and now while in office, that his words are meaningless in terms of truth. He has distorted, hyperbolized, made up things to suit the moment, covered up, obstructed, and pinioned the truth in a web of innuendo and self-righteous intrigue. He is a liar. He may be a psychopath at times. He may cause a nuclear war while pretending to be the leader of a great nation. He has no soul to show the American people -- because he has covered it up with lies.

The GOP "majority" in Congress who have gone along with him, and enabled him --- are complicit in his corruption. His family who have encouraged him, used him, and then backed off from him --- are complicit by their lack of moral standing. Like the neighbors and friends of mass murderers -- who stood by and did nothing -- Trump's family and "friends" are complicit in his crimes. History will judge them as it did the German people under Hitler, or the Russian oligarchs under Stalin, or the "blackshirts" under "Il Duce." They were and are all complicit. 

You and I are not yet complicit -- but we must continue to:

RESIST!

Ms. Cheyenne Hobbes in Georgia

I hope I have spelled her name correctly. She was a student in one of my classes at STC. She died in a one-car accident on a rural road in Effingham County. She was a young Mother; she was a vibrant, strong, opinionated young Southern woman; she wore cowboy boots and had a Georgia drawl as wide as a parking lot. But she was an excellent learner. And she did not deserve to die so young.

And her children certainly didn't deserve to lose their loving caretaker, their "tiger Mom," their inspiration. Cheyenne had come back to school to become a dental hygienist and make her own living.

She talked, in private and in public, of wanting to make her marriage work -- but relying on herself if she had to. She spoke with compassion and a burgeoning understanding of life and love. She always wanted the best for her children, even well beyond her own desires. She did not deserve to die so young, and so unexpectedly. And I mourn her loss, not for myself, but for her children.

And I continue to resist!

Crude, Prude, Lewd

The heading of this blog is Trump -- the consummate country club businessman. He cracks the off color jokes, he is prudish about his family (though sometimes not with his daughter during her modeling days), and always leering and sexual with anyone more beautiful than he is (which is nearly everyone). Trump is a pig -- who tries to pretend that he lives above the wallow -- when actually his brain is the wallow.

As a sexual deviant Trump is shy/sly -- especially because he can't force a "confidentiality clause" on the entire nation. We have seen this "pig" in action -- as a crass television celebrity; during radio interviews in NYC and elsewhere; and it the business community at large. Someday his payoffs and crooked behavior will surface and America will wonder why we, for god's sake, hired him to be our President. His behavior and lack of consistent normalcy is the reason we must all:

Resist!

Thankful

I am sincerely and profoundly thankful: that I am not dead; that America is still America in spite of "the Donald;" that my sister Linda is winning her war against cellulitis; that my family is still my family (foibles and all); that #metoo will not ruin ALL relationships and flirtations between men and women; that Churches in America cannot inflict their own peculiar and often hypocritical brands of morality on all of the rest of us; that God is still God wherever she/he lives; that children are still children and resist the constant temptations to slide down the path of "always dumb" as many of their parents have; that the world and life itself doesn't "care" about me -- which makes that "care" my responsibility and my hope; that love still exists.

I am always thankful -- and I continue to resist.

LaVar Ball: It Takes One to Know One

There is currently a "tabloid level" twitter war going on between two egotistical maniacs. One of them is  the Father of an NBA rookie phenom, and the other is the "idiot President" of these United States. Trump has been trading twitter remarks for the past three days, instead of doing his real job, trying to govern.

Not without President in the Trump era, these tiny twitter wars: with Rosie O'Donnell, Mr. Ball, the leader of North Korea, and anyone else who comes into Trump's "ego-hurt zone" -- are not only demeaning to the US of A, but shatter rules of morality, good taste, decorum, and even common sense.

Again and again Trump shows himself to be an egotistical autocrat -- sans sense, sans compassion, sans understand. Yes, we in America "own him;" and must do our best to survive him and his vast insipid remarks and whining. He is a bully-boy whose bully pulpit is long gone. He is a consummate moron, and possible a dangerous one. He is a fool

Resist him and his party too. 

Celebration ... in spite of ... Trump

Thank you -- that we are all still alive. Thank you -- that Trump has not yet caused a nuclear conflagration. Thank you -- that we are still love. Thank you that -- we are still free. Thank you -- that most of Trump's plans have been deflected, held up to scorn, or simply failed. Thank you -- for America's system of "checks and balances." Thank you for -- the judicial branch of government.

Thank you -- that Trump is mostly disappointed in his destructive path through the Presidency. Thank you that -- we can still stand tall as a nation and ...

Resist!

The Nub

Coming to the end in a career in  full-time teaching, I am now also coming down to the "nub" of why I do what I do. There is no clever, quick, or even simple answer -- one that can be turned into a meme, or a bumper sticker, or a viral moment.

The answer is much more complex. Someone teaches -- for themself, because it gives them fresh eyes, new viewpoints, new perspectives. One also teaches for  -- their students; because they are worth sharing with, because they "need to know" as much as the one sharing "needs to share;" because the whole process is a kind of " wholly holy genetic transfer" of information and process, but now borne by the 4th genetic dimension of time.

Why teach? To learn. Why learn? To live. Why live? Because it is right and correct to do so. Why is it right and correct? Because to do anything else is to die -- and death, though necessary ultimately is not a goal but a circumstance of life.  And so I will continue to teach, and learn, and live, and do so rightly and correctly -- to outlast death if I can.

And RESIST!!!

Donald J. Trump, our Philandering Cad

Ever the moral beacon on America -- Trump now declares that Sen. Al Franken should resign for being a nebbish comedian and forcing kisses on an actress during a USO tour rehearsal (an apparently staged-for-humor photograph further thickens the stew). About future losing Senatorial candidate Roy Moore, Donald says nothing. About his own personal philandering (concealed by hidden tax forms, confidentiality agreements, financial payoffs, etc.) he says absolutely nothing.

If we are going to "morally re-litigate" the Bill Clinton era, we need to "litigate" the Donald J. Trump era -- take away those monetary payoff's and show Trump for what he really is -- a morally repugnant former NYC playboy with no scruples, who continually and consistently lies -- and pretends to be Jesus Christ reborn.

Trump needs to be exposed for what he is: verbally challenged, stupid about most things, incapable of making a decent or honest moral decision, a loser, and a cad!

Resist Trumpism for what it is --- idiocracy!

The Money Making Machine ... Can Fail Too!

The Stock Market, Annuities, 401K's,  peer to peer lending, the Bond Market, CD's, Real Estate, Mutual Funds: they all can succeed wildly, or fail just as wildly. The making of money is a kind of
refined "crap shoot." You do your research about all the various factors in play: odds, products, competition, lawsuits, trends, the future, and a hundred other things. And then you invest.

Your "play" on AI or robot technology may make some money --- or it may go rapidly downhill before you can "break its fall." Either alternative is possible.

We, as investors, can only be vigilant, well-prepared, and as honest with ourselves as we can be. But the outcome, the ultimate outcome -- will always be a kind of "cosmic crap-shoot."

Allstate Insurance is Techno Impeded

The one insurance company that I would never, ever have an online account with is Allstate Insurance.

They have screwed up every phase on my relationship with them. They have given me bogus information about my account ("we have deducted your payment from your account" "hard to do say I -- I don't have an account you are privy to" "no, your payment has been made") -- a week later I get a cancellation notice; 6 months later (after paying my bill in person) I get a price increase because of
the bogus cancellation. Yikes -- no one takes notes, no one checks on how they are doing, no one corrects their mistakes.  And the consumer gets a price increase.  Don't work with Allstate unless you can deal with the agent personally. 

Resist.

Sex, Anxiety, Depression-------SEX is EVIL, or NOT

It's amazing to me the number of human beings affected by anxiety -- which often leads to depression (and bad choices) -- because of sex. I see it in the youngest of my students -- often no more than 14 or 16 years of age (the State of Georgia has a "dual enrollment process" for students in high school and college).

My youngest students (usually just turned 14) are certainly not socially adept, nor are they sexually sophisticated in any sense of that term. Most, if not all, are virgins. Most, if not all, talk and joke as if they are not virgins (especially the boys). Many of them, if they have had sexual "experiences" they are limited to masturbatory or fantasy sex or they have been molested or assaulted. Yes, girls are more "mature" than boys -- but both genders are inadequate to be fully sexual -- lacking knowledge, parental support, and willing and/or mature enough partners.

Older dual enrolled students (17 or 18) have usually had sex -- but learned little if anything from their experiences. Some of the girls, once sexualized, are ready for marriage or at least permanent relationships -- or so they think. The great bulk of those relationships will "tank" as the two grow in different directions -- and quickly so. Most divorces happen within the first two years of marriage -- and most partners in a divorce are under 21 years of age.  And so it goes.

As my students get older -- many of them are in the 2nd through 5th year after their divorce and they are now justified in their beliefs that: there is no hope for romance, that their children will never have a normal life due to insufficient support from them (of all types) particularly of money and emotional grounding, and...life is simply crappy. 

RESIST!

In the Early Morning...

My mind is clear -- before the sun has a chance to rise; before my very early breakfast is even half-digested, before my day has even started -- my mind is clear.

Later in the day my mind is "muddy" and my speech cannot keep up with my brain; and sometimes even my brain refuses to yield its secrets. In the teaching world -- this is the beginning of "burn out." In the world at large people would be worried about some syndrome or other: extreme fatigue, illness, even Alzheimer's. But it is "fatigue." I have felt this before, at times when sleep was not an option and rest was a rarity. 

Better times are coming.

Resist and resist again. Just like we did last summer. 

Who Is The Biggest Crook of All?

The current Attorney General of the United States, in order to hold onto his job, appears ready to do the bidding of his president and appoint a General Counsel to try and find something, anything, that might threaten the Dems and Hillary Clinton before the mid-term election(s). Why? Political positioning and political "gain" of course.

Benghazi is passe now of course, Whitewater is a land deal no one remembers -- so, what about the Clinton Foundation and its dealings on the international stage. Was the Foundation used to help countries and lobbyists get "close" to the Clinton Presidency (oops, the Obama Presidency). Such "tit for tat" use of Special Prosecutors only undercuts the whole process of transparency and fairness in the way that the government should operate. Let's just investigate everyone -- before they can investigate "us" (too late Mr. Sessions).

Playing games with our government, our system of checks and balances, and our patience as voters is beyond normal behavior. But, of course, it is very Trumpian and apocalyptic.

Resist and continue to resist; resist and continue to resist.  

Student Foibles

Directions, what direction?  A major project comes up short just because you didn't read, or didn't understand the directions? Could you have asked? Yes. Should you have asked? Yes.

Excuses may make you the student feel good but not so much for your Professor. He or She has to make a decision on your veracity -- and since more students like than tell the truth about such things -- the tide will roll against you. 

Project Forward

In my various classes we are now in the "final project stage." This usually involves students working together, collaborating on research, and presenting as a group on an interesting or unusual topic.

Lots of possibilities abound in this area. And lots of carryover into real life situations in the working world once school is done.

I like to think of life as a "project" -- constantly correcting, constantly and consistently perfecting and moving along until the process (and the life) is complete. 

Donald Trump, Dealmaker....NOT!

America's President has been bragging, mostly through the American and World Press, about his prowess as a "deal-maker." In his mind that means making American business "great again." He is now claiming that he expects to walk away from his Chinese "talks" with $250 B worth of contracts :  weapons for South Korea, weapons for the Philippines, and assurances from China.

There is the self-proclaimed "brilliant" Mr. Trump espousing more and more weapons in the world -- rather than even thinking about promoting and deal-making in more peaceful areas: food, consumer goods, technology, medical products, etc. etc. etc. 

Trump is more than just a plain fool; in the South we would say he is a "damn fool" because he certainly doesn't know just how foolish he really is. 

Resist!

Girl Friend Experience and The Deuce

It is not very often that I critique -- or even watch television these days, except for the continuing Trump saga on all the news channels.  But...

There are beginning to be a range of television shows that are attempting to give audiences what purports to be the "female experience side" about a lot of things.  Both "Girl Friend Experience" and "SMILF" are shows that dwell upon the female side of sexuality -- in GFE two stories are currently being "followed" that depict prostitutes who are in control of their incomes (earned through prostitution) while the rest of their lives are a mess: love, relationships (such as they are), human understanding (which in the show is shown as brutal rather than loving), and all other types of human experiences. Of course sex and nudity are a strong part of this show.

SMILF is a lighter though in its way more intense story about a young unmarried woman and her toddler/baby boy --- and her natural desires, human day-to-day worries, and everything else that can go wrong. Her baby's dad in in the picture, along with her Mom/babysitter, her Dad (out of it most of the time), and of course her cute young man. In each episode (the show has just started) the angst of being a single, young parent are viscerally present).

Now "The Deuce" is different -- it is more challenging in its scope: Times Square in the 1960's, the birth of the NYC porn industry, street bars/gamey prostitution, and a historical video document of a slice of recent history.

I would recommend all three shows -- de gustibus.

And continue to "resist, resist, resist!"

Winnowing

The process that creates balance is a "hard" one for many to accept. In Saudi Arabia there that process is taking place. The relatively "new' head of the Royal Family has jailed or detained a number of relatives and business men in his county -- to make them responsible for the extensive corruption that has existed for so long in that country. That corruption has derailed gains in human rights, women's rights, social injustice, and a host of other areas which were beginning to bring the "kingdom" into the modern era.

It is no longer 1800! The current "Prince" realizes this. Women and children do have rights beyond sharia law. This too is acknowledged. The land and the oil are not infinite. Leadership is aware of this and wants the "kingdom" to take a place in the first world, rather than slide backwards into the third world of nations.

America will also begin its winnowing process.  Those who have "sold their souls" to autocratic bluster will begin to feel the "pinch of righteous response." The elections will show this; the will of the American people will prove it. You can only "fool most of the people" for a small time, and then "balance" begins to take over.

Resist and continue to actively resist. 

The Liar's Creed

The political rhetorical technique known as "the big lie" has been around, probably since the onset of competitive politics itself. Lie, say it again even louder, LIE!  Say it often, say it with conviction, say it with passion. Eventually you yourself, and others will believe it.

Donald Trump's portrayal of "crooked Hillary" is at the very least ironic, at most outright lying -- as he attempts to distract from the phalanx of "good soldiers" falling around him. Indicted, accused, self-confessed, and complicit -- the whole Trump-picked squad smells of crookedness. And yet he mouths his mantra of "crooked Hillary" without proof, without sense, without any official support from anyone save his own cadre of dufus supporters. Dufus is as dufus does!

Resist anyway!

Speaking the Truth

We need to control the flow of drugs and guns in the United States of America. After every mass shooting the Republicans, under the thumb of the NRA, insist that "now is not the time" to talk about guns; or they use the old mantra "guns don't kill people, people do"; or they blame some other issue --- the Dem's, the press, mental illness, or whatever is nearby.

Drugs also need to be controlled --- even when legalized. Potencies of marijuana plants need to be kept within parameters; taxes need to be high on these medical and recreational drugs; society needs to be organized to deal with the drug usage problems we will inevitably have in the future. If we have a future.

Resist and resist again. 

Women

I have always, always been fascinated by women. Why? They are so different than what I am: they think differently, they react differently, they analyze differently. Again and again in my life I have tried to come to terms with my continued ignorance, to no avail.

Young women baffle me. Adult women befuddle me. Older women are an enigma to me. I am be the "odd factor" here, incapable of grasping the obvious about women. But I don't think so. I truly think that women are not only a different gender, but perhaps even a different species. The so called "ancient aliens" who cam to earth and built the pyramids, or created the "sky drawings on land," or carved the many geometric shapes like "crop circles" across the firmament -- well -- why may have been "alien men" -- and the women were the native species of earth. Or perhaps the reverse is true.

It doesn't really matter -- other than to say, we are not the same -- not even close.

Resist, and resist again. 

No Staff; Lots of Gaffes

Donald Trump insists that the only person his administration really needs on the payroll is himself; he is the "only one" who matters. Okay, let's take away those Cabinet positions (saves money), those advisers (who listens to them anyway), family members (?) -- mov'em back to NYC (before they get indicted), and let's trim down the entire staff.

Who needs a WH chef, when KFC is available 24 hrs. per day? Who needs a driver -- UBER is out there waiting. Security team --- bah, who needs 'em; everybody loves "the Donald" right? 

Donald J. Trump's arrogance is so complete -- he is a "god unto himself; and himself alone." The rest of us now know or finally concede that he is more than ...crazy.  It's 25th Amendment time!

Also. resist --- resist --- resist!

The Cut Cut Cut Act and Republican Stupidity

Big business, corporate executives, and fund managers all want their "share of the pie!" And what is that pie? Tax money coming to the US government from all of us.

Large entities are claiming, along with their Republican brethren, that somehow, some way, some where -- "trickle down economics" will work and help all of us. How that will happen -- since it has not happened the last two times it was used -- remains a mystery shrouded only in the typical greed expressed by big business. Hedge fund managers are licking their chops over a corporate tax cut of 40% or more. And then, of course, they will "plow back all that extra cash into new jobs, new industries, and general prosperity for all." Except, they won't.

The "laws of Wall Street" and the capitalist fervor that underpins them say that companies will serve themselves first. There will be pay raises -- for the upper echelon of executives, whom we know have been suffering mightily, during and after the various "bubbles" and the near catastrophe of 2008.

So, once again the rich are going to get richer -- and the poor and the rest of us (somewhere in the middle) are going to be "trickled down upon" once again. Don't let it pass Republican senators, Democrats, and all fair-minded government bureaucrats -- if there are any of you left!

Resist, continue to resist!

Donald J. Trump: Chauvinist, Provocateur, Autocrat, Solipsist

Belittling your enemies (and your friends) -- is not a sign of great intelligence or great leadership, or great "anything" for that matter. Putting your head in the sand about "terrorism" and blaming American lawmakers for allowing "terrorists" into the country --- is not being smart.

Changing the entire purpose and structure of America to "keep us safe" is not realistic, it is merely illusory. Calling out government officials of the same or of a different party -- because they don't agree with you -- is not thoughtful; it is ridiculous. And that is what a "tweeting Trump" is --- ridiculous. If we all laugh at him -- will he go away?

At least --- continue to resist, resist, resist!!! 

The Current Drama of America

Worse than a "reality television show" -- this is "actual" reality; and it ain't pretty. It depicts members of the Trump campaign being indicted for lining their pockets with Russian/Ukrainian money from the oligarchs, trying to facilitate contact with Russian "professors" who had "dirt on Hillary Clinton,"
and then grooming their own homes, businesses, and lives with unreported and untaxed monies. They will undoubtedly go to prison -- or they will "flip" on bigger fish, like the much-revered President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

Can we say "you're fired" yet to Trump? No, not quite yet. But we are getting there: perhaps an impeachment trial or an Article 25 situation awaits America in the future -- the not-too-distant future.

And we will all survive this process. Trump may lose the Presidency; the gutless sycophantic Republican majority will lose whatever character they have left, and the people of America will further lose their trust in their country. For shame; shame for all; shameless stupidity and arrogant greed is the game.

Resist, resist, resist!! 

Indict, Indict, Indict ...

Today is the first day of the end of the Trump "criminalooza!" Today is the day Mueller will begin the process of unraveling the machinations of Russian interference in our elections -- with collusion from the Trump campaign (and maybe the DNC as well).  Whoever is caught -- I hope they go to prison for a long time.

Our elections should be as "pure" as we can make them -- without interference of foreign powers certainly, but also without the fear of "billionaire buddies" stacking the deck(s). This should not be happening in America -- and we cannot make such illegal and course behavior essential to American political discourse. We need to stop it --- now.

Resist. Resist. Resist, again.

sengate CREATE

Am announcing the birth of an idea -- on this day Oct 28, 2017 "sengate CREATE" is born. Watch for more news in the future. 

Trump, the Ivy League Graduate

Trump thinks himself smart because he went to an Ivy League School (Penn). Let's publish his grades and see how smart he really was. 

We know Obama was an A student at Harvard (his professors blabbed). We know "W" was a C student at Yale -- but he "was" a cheerleader! We know that Trump's Dad gave a significant amount of money to Penn -- and Donald was then accepted. I wonder what kind of a student he was. 

Don't you? Did he bully his professors into giving him good grades? Did he use "ad hominem" attacks to belittle his school, classmates, professors? Was he the kind of ridiculous overblown bumpkin he now appears to be? Probably. Can't wait to read the books once Trump leaves office -- whenever that happens!

Resist!

#Me Too?

I believe that every grown woman in America could probably use the above hashtag, and tell a number of stories about how/where/when she was grabbed, groped, touched, kissed (without desiring it), harassed, used, abused, and on and one. But would all the stories and memories be true? When a person has an incident like all of these  -- are all of them accurate and real memories.

As a man I now realize that as a very young man I may have gone "too far" in pursuing a girl, held some people too close (who could not tell me they didn't want it), or just plain misunderstood certain signals and then had to be "rebuffed" to understand what was happening. I can honestly say now, however, that to my knowledge (memory, recollection, and conscience being what they are) I do not believe I have ever given unwarranted attention to a female (or a male for that matter). I have never gone too far. I have never not stopped when it became apparent that "NO" was the operative concept.

Are there women in my life who would disagree with this -- I don't think so, but maybe. I always had ironclad behavioral rules about students -- "don't ever touch, pursue, or trap in any way a woman while she is your student." I believe that is an "ethos" error -- a flaw in character, even though I have seen it happen many times. I also have rules about relationships -- "don't push any relationship if there is 'push-back'! Even now when I try to get a "relationship going" with someone -- if they show signs of "no thank you" -- no matter how small; I retreat and go in another direction.

So for all the women out there -- I apologize for all of us men who have "gone too far" or in some way hurt you. Both men and women need to establish the rules of their own encounters -- if it is a "tinder" date, so be it. If it is a "church supper" date -- so be it. If it is a chance encounter date -- play it by ear, but don't "push" if there is "push-back."

And continue to  RESIST! 

After the Fall

With apologies to Arthur Miller -- my "Fall" is a time frame that will point me towards the future. After my fall comes the winter of new discoveries and unusual events: play festivals, travel, writing, and general life maintenance. 

And there is a lot of each of the three to accomplish.  I need to reacquaint myself to friends, relatives, and the changing lives of those around me. I need to "notice" more, as my student Christian might say. I want to become more aware of lots of different things -- little things, big things, complex things. Proving I am not afraid to "learn" is going to be an important part of my future.

And then there is the challenge of doing, and the challenge of writing, and the challenge of challenging myself to do more, write more, be more! That 's what I will be doing, that plus:

Resisting!!!!!!

Resignation Day

Today, as I announce my leaving STC for new opportunities -- I reflect on all the wonderful students I have worked with here. They are/were/will be truly great at whatever they ultimately decide to do.

They were brilliant learners, and pretty good teachers as well. I learned much from them -- much that I will use when I sit down to write: blogs, stories, a novella or two, monographs, poems, and even plays. Those who are astute will recognize themselves in my writing -- and I hope I give them all "fair" character portraits, so that recognition is instantaneous and joyous. 

This has been a momentous year for me and my family -- my huge and burdensome house finally sold, my younger sister is steadfastly recovering from her near-fatal second brush with cellulitis, my own situation was helped by my summer "leave of absence" from teaching, and now I am finally moving on to other pastures (maybe greener, maybe not). But "movement is life" as the 4 D Einstein might say; "change" is inevitable and should be welcomed by all with a calm and gracious mentality;
 

Flakes, Corker, McCain... et al

Something still needs to be done -- in spite of a strong and progressive/republican speech by Jeff Flakes condemning Trump's ridiculous presidency, no strong actions are being taken even by the Republicans who hate Trump. They are therefore, all complicit, in whatever damages are done to the country and to our people.

John McCain is the only one of the three so far who has stood up to Trump with actual votes -- with resistance to Trump's tyrannical and stupid isolationism and moral torpor.  Bob Corker is still playing twitter games with Trump -- and press conference jibes on a near-daily basis. Talk is cheap --- do something! Do something to save the Republican Party! Do something to save American integrity!
Do something beyond just talking! Vote -- withhold your vote -- campaign against the almighty Trump ---- but for "gosh darn sake" DO SOMETHING!

For the rest of us -- continue to resist!  Now more than ever! 

Three Days Off the Grid

My school -- Savannah Technical College, has been without internet service since last Saturday. That's three days without internet, intranet, and contact with all archived notes, lesson plans, Powerpoint presentations, what have you. It was a ridiculous example of what America would be like without internet access -- back to the 1950's. 

Yikes.

Continue to resist: Trump!

Trump is Now the Tin Man

In "The Wizard of Oz" it is the Tin Man who needs a heart -- a source of compassion, love, and empathy. Trump has proven again one of his many human deficiencies -- he lacks a heart, too.

In his phone call(s) to the families of fallen soldiers killed by ambush in Niger, Trump once again showed how little "humanity" he really has. Stating that a fallen hero "knew what he was in for" does not ease the pain of death of a loved one, even if you also blandly state that fact  ("it probably doesn't make it any easier"). My God, your brain screams, have you no "soul" man?

Then Trump further denigrates the whole nature of his calls by pointing out (incorrectly) that other Presidents didn't call families -- but "HE" (Trump) calls AND sends letters (drafted by someone else) to the Gold Star Families. How arrogant; how self-seeking; how stupid -- can one man be!

This is why Americans and everyone in the world must continue to: resist!!!

Capitalist Outlier

Teaching Trump in the classroom is like trying to describe "chaos theory" to an English Professor.  I have been struggling for months trying to explain the radical, inhumane, undisciplined, and sometimes just moronic words and actions of our President, Donald J. Trump. Now I believe I have the key.

Trump came to politics from the business world -- but even there he is an "outlier." What is an outlier?  Someone who says and does shocking moves to scare and intimidate competitors and foes into thinking that such instability is normal, unpredictable, and likely to result in disaster at any moment.

As a "capitalist" Trump was not very good -- losing and winning vast sums of money on the basis of his own outrageous and often stupid gambles. The Taj Mahal project(s) in Atlantic City are a good example. Trump steps in at the last moment to "save a struggling" project -- in this case the proposed largest active gambling casino in the world. He takes over, adds to the project (with "signature branding Trump hotel(s)"), always using other peoples' capital -- and then fades out quickly when he discovers that once again, he has miscalculated. Lying and miscalculation (especially with other peoples' money) leads unfortunately to the protection of the bankruptcy laws -- and losses all around.

So as a businessman -- as a real estate developer -- that was the Trump motif. Now transfer that process to the world stage: relationships with countries, with industries larger than most countries, with leaders whose personalities are often as warped as Trump's -- and you find many chances for error -- and "bankruptcy" laws cannot protect anyone once the bombs are falling, once the stupid and harsh words have been said.

So Trump is a "loser" more often than not as a developer -- and equally a loser in human relationships (his family; comforting the families of fallen soldiers; his ridiculous hyper-patriotism via his worship of the flag/anthem/etc;) -- and we are stuck with him.

All we can reasonably do -- is "resist." 

Pro Forma

The title is a lovely Latin phrase -- which really indicates a lot of what goes on in college administrators' minds. We survive an assessment (say by SACS) and we instantly formulate a plan (usually involving everyone in the school who is willing) to answer, minimally; and improve, minimally, the state of the educational process at the school. Such is the case with the QEP at Savannah Technical College.

Reading the document I am stunned by the "low aims" of the instrument -- and the tremendous amount of energy that will be expended to complete it. It is yet another program to prove "we are worthy:  referring of course to Achieving the Dream, among others. The reason why technical colleges like ours languish in the ditches of advanced education -- is that nothing on a higher level is ever tried. A four-year campus that is purposeful and progressive, say a Georgia Tech, will describe a problem, formulate a plan (not for solving the problem simply), but getting to a larger solution that will be a platform for even greater growth in the future.

Why can't Savannah Tech be more like Georgia Tech? Weak minds -- NO; many faculty and some administrators are capable of big ideas. Too little money -- too often an excuse for small scale institutions like ours, and never a complete "raison d'etre". Then why? No will to be the best? Perhaps.
Only the will NOT to stand out? Probably.  I have great difficulty trying to fathom the quest for mediocrity.

Resist; everyone; continue to resist!

Trump ... a Hero in His own Mind

Trump's list of accomplishments (though nothing has actually been realized) grows and grows. His stature as a leader and President shrinks and shrinks. Why? Because he cannot really delegate -- he does not really watch what his "staff" is doing until they go too far (which is often) and upset too many people (also equally often).  What is the biggest offense?

The fact that he unilaterally stopped support of the Obama-era insurance support paybacks, and thereby threatened the health insurance of maybe 50 million Americans, to say nothing of the insurance exchanges and the insurance companies that participate. Yes, once again he has thrown an industry and a solution into chaos, and for no good reason. He says (lying, I might add) that these insurance payments only prop up the insurance companies profits and play no part in helping the insured. Is he crazy? Is he using once again, the "big lie" to bolster his position -- figuring no one will check his outrageous claims. There are so many outrageous fabrications to check in the Trump repertoire that checking them all may take a lifetime, or two. Or perhaps the historians "per" several years from now when this embarrassment of a President is out of office -- one way or another.

Don't fail us Moderate Republicans (the Kasich wing of the party); don't fail us Moderate Democrats (the Castro/Schumer wing of the party). We will continue to wait -- for your eventual success -- and we will --

Resist!!!

Because...

Because we are not at war yet with North Korea, because the blame for "tax relief," the ACA "fix," and numerous other policy changes have all been laid off on Congress, because the people of Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, etc. have not all died -- some people think D. Trump is doing a "great job."
How stupid can people be? Stupid enough to elect a charlatan.

Keep on resisting. 

Not With a Bang, But an Impeachment

Paraphrasing T.S. Eliot here in the title -- hopefully it will not be a prescient title. Trump has done more to destabilize institutions both in America and the world -- than any other human being in the past 50 years. He is perhaps unstable himself, loose tongued, and mostly ignorant when he tries to speak with authority (or on Twitter) -- and he manages to defy logic, supersede emotion, and reflect the character of a failing human being.

We have already had enough Trump -- and most everyone bemoans the fact that, if he survives politically and otherwise, we have years left to put up with him. Using pressure "bargaining" on other elements of government (rather than trying to work with them) -- puts everyone at war with everyone else --- all for the good of no one except cheering and ignorant supporters of Donald J.

We are left with no government trying to handle real problems in critical times and situations. We are leaderless, heartless, and rudderless. The country moves forward only because it used to have direction -- and that force overcomes static inertia. There are better ways to live than in this kind of turmoil.

Which is why I, and millions of others, must continue to "resist."

The Search for Sanity

Apparently White House aides are increasingly worried about Donald J. Trump, as are all of us. Trump is not happy at having so much criticism thrown at him, so he is lashing out with increasing virulence hoping to "scare his enemies" (primarily the press, his constituents, and the rest of the world) into his "camp of adulation." Trump is so far off the norm as to approach levels of psychopathy not seen in a leader of a major country since Pal Pot or Adolph Hitler.

Those are no mean comparisons: Pal Pot caused the death of millions, as did Adolph Hitler. Understand the history of the countries (Cambodia and Germany) and you will understand the history of contemporary America. We have a President who is not only egomaniacal, but also incredibly dangerous for all of us. It is not enough for us to "disapprove" of him, or "worry about him or us." We must consider the alternatives and document evidence for the application of the 25th Amendment. It is time to start that process.

And continue to resist!!

Political War Games

The American "system" of government is in turmoil. Due to two rambunctious and out-of-control elements: our President, and the media that cover him -- are the two complicit causes. Of course, in the "age of Trump" it all really starts with Trump.

He is the one who "stirs the pot"  (i.e. all athletes who kneel during the National Anthem should be fired; "why can't we use all those 'nukes' we have"?, fake news from the networks is ruining America!)  The problem with the media is that they print all this stuff about Trump -- and I'm pretty sure the "news media" have sources (and double sources) for all of it. If, and a mighty big IF; if we could only ignore Trump for maybe a year or so, the world might creep away from the edge of nuclear war and fantasyland solutions back to "common sense" or what we used to call "civilization."

That is why we must continue to resist!

Trump's IQ

So, Donald J. Trump really thinks that "he" is a smart guy? He is certainly single-minded -- honoring his "base base" with every manner of outrageous fulfilled promises made in haste, and in error, during the recent and soon-forgotten presidential campaign. Secretary of State Tillerson called Donald a "moron"; no, actually a "f_____g moron." Probably due to some disagreement between them over some minor policy matter -- like War with North Korea, or Global Warming, or somesuch.

Now we have a schoolyard challenge by Donald -- who is sure that he is smarter than Tillerson -- to an IQ contest. Let's keep it very simple -- remembering always that these guys are out-of-touch billionaire pseudo-conservative Republicans after all.

Resist the above nonsense and all the nonsense Donald shouts!

The World is Out There...

It is also within my head, and in my dreams, and in my slow experiences. I am in no hurry; I have no "bucket list" because I do realize my time is numbered. I demand nothing of life nowadays except the opportunity to contribute -- to learn -- and maybe to pass some of those experiences "on" to others in some way.

In the past I have been a teacher and a learner. I will continue to do both those things, but in new ways, in new and odd positions. I the near future I plan to be what Aristotle might call  an "experiencer" -- a "doer" -- a "taster." I cannot do everything; I new could. But I can do what I do with deep understanding, grace, and detailed observation.

I can be an Aristotle, a Jean-Paul Sartre, a Jacques Maritain! I know these men through their work; and perhaps people will someday know me through mine. 

Hurricane ... Again ... This Time Nate

Hopefully everyone will be safe and on high ground for this one -- which is "sneaking up" the gulf at high speed, in the shadow of three major previous events.  Biloxi, Pensacola, New Orleans -- watch out.

High surf, some surge (up bays in particular), some wind -- and general destruction (as always).  I will be sending good vibrations out to all of you. 

Resist always -- as best you can!

Women Who Are Lost

I am finding more and more American females who are "lost." What does that mean? It means they are mostly directionless, or they lack any kind of specific goals -- beyond the humdrum and everyday.

These women often don't have careers -- and the jobs they may have do not inspire them to be the best that they can be. Sometimes they settle into bureaucratic sameness and while away their years working the same job, for just about the same pay, forever.

It is so unlike the way most of the men I know think. Men of all ages -- even those who are "stuck" in some way, are geared towards improvement and change. They often don't succeed -- but they are usually game to give it a try.

I don't know when this syndrome starts -- but I see it every day in school --- in women as young as 23 or 24. By the time these women cycle out of their 20's -- they create the feeling in themselves that almost nothing is now possible. What a loss!  Women are what we need: in government, in the professions, in all fields from sportscasting to writing; from leadership to entrepreneurial pursuits.
Women need to extend their thinking -- and their hopes -- beyond the mundane. WE all need you -- NOW!

As always -- continue to resist; now more than ever!

Stuck With the ...Status Quo

Nothing will get done in any kind of "progressive" that is not approved of by our President (and his 33 % support in the ranks of the Republican Party). Why? The "moderate" and "independent" conservative Congressmen (and women of course) and Senators are terrified of an "election challenge" by the crazies on the right. The Democratic party has a similar "lockout" by the left wing progressives.

Until Donald Trump is impeached and there is no longer an arch-conservative standard-bearer who can do no wrong selected, we are stuck with Trump -- and gridlock -- and ridiculous tweets which shame and vilify American values -- and attitudes that are akin to racism, white supremacy, and white privilege -- and stupid comments of moronic quality laced with ignorance, and self-aggrandizement, and arrogance.

The biggest consequence of the last Presidential election was not the election of Donald J. Trump -- but the concomitant loss of Truth, Justice, and the American Way. Yes, we do need a "superman" (or superwoman) to clean up the political mess -- and get the country back on track towards the new American Century. Anybody interested? We desperately need a "hero" at this crucial time!

Until then, continue to "resist." 

The Place of Women

Obviously we need more women in government: on the Federal, State, and local levels. As Senators women the women have been shown to be the trailblazers in actually voting for their state's best interests, rather than following the herd instinct promulgated and often prescripted by party leaders.

Someday, with the right candidate, we may even have a woman as President -- that is, if women themselves can overcome their prejudices against women and vote for such a candidate.  It would be wonderful to get back to government that could actually "do something" rather than deriding everyone else for their own failures. The Opposition Party is not the enemy. As a certain newspaper cartoon figure used to say, and eloquently so: "we have met the enemy, and the enemy is 'us'."

Women appear to have more of a capacity for common sense, a particularly uncommon commodity in the current world. Common sense could actually get us to consensus -- and even rare commodity. Progress of any kind in Congress is at the most pathetic point in the history of Congress -- and that is saying quite a bit.  Don't blame anyone else -- don't pass off the comments with typical "attack back" politics -- "the enemy is YOU; all of you."

Continue your struggles -- readers -- and resist!

The World Has Changed

The NRA still insists we are safer if everyone has a gun. Some communities are arming their teachers. Gun laws have still not been updated to account for "automatic weapons" to be used for hunting, background checks, gadgets to turn regular rifles into fully-automatic ones, etc.

People are still dying every year by the busload -- at concerts, clubs, in street warfare, and in accidents. "Open carry" is being carried out in just about every venue. And our legislature is afraid to act -- thanks to the "gun lobby." Your Second Amendment rights somehow "trump" my right to life.

And speaking of "trump" -- a whole new atmosphere exists in our country. "Fake news" is anything that I don't agree with -- if the "I" is Donald J. Trump. It is okay, under Trump, to be uncivil, bullying, misogynistic, course, impolite, uncivilized, white supremacist, lying, fat, unconcerned with others, "slap-backish," racist, and petty. It is my new duty to hit back harder than I am hit -- no matter who or what my hitting back hurts. Kick people when they are down, but only if they criticize my tremendous successes. After all, everything I do is a success -- I can do no wrong; I am Trump.

Resist the fools -- and the foolish.   

Trump Now Attacks the Victims

Trump "tweeting" against the Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico indicates just what a "low life" he really is. Donald J. Trump has no compassion -- so I guess none should ever be given to him. When he finally "keels over in death -- however that happens" we should perhaps quietly just move away from the "rotting corpse" he was in life, and now will become in death.

Self-congratulations over the relief effort in Puerto Rico is just another way of "stroking his own........
ego." Trump is a horrible person -- on that most people would agree; but he is also mentally ill on so many levels, and ill-equipped to lead himself to the bathroom, much less our country in any capacity.

He needs to be impeached -- he needs to go away. WE need him to go away.

Continue to "resist" until that happens.

Women Becoming Invisible

A former female boss (DCE by name) once explained to me how and when women become invisible. At a certain age men no longer look at them as, and I will use my terminology here, "possible conquests." These women may still be extremely attractive, or cute, or simply holding it together -- it doesn't matter. They will still become "invisible" to most of the men out there.

They also curiously become "invisible" to other women -- as rivals, as competitors for "cutest in the room," etc. They are no longer a threat to marriages, existing relationships, or friendships. Women do wisely leave open the possibility to befriend these "invisible women" -- especially if they have a lot to offer.

I was reminded of all this by the incredible victory Saudi women have finally achieved in their own country -- the right to drive cars. It only took about 120 years since cars were first used to them to achieve this "honor" -- which should not be an "honor" but a "right." Men control women in Saudi Arabia, while women silently and surreptitiously suggest and cajole men.  It is the "battle of the sexes" only writ in a cultural language distinct from Western Civilization as a whole. 

In American -- even though women can become invisible -- they must exert their power: in politics as they do in economics. On Main Street as they do within the family. On Wall Street as they do on Main Street. We need women to speak up, to act up, to be integral in leadership, to play a much strong role in American culture. 

Resist always.

Trump and Business Growth

The American "business" community will grow richer while Trump is in office. Tax cuts, regulation trimming, and eased Federal pressure (from watchdog agencies like OSHA and EPA) -- will bring about a higher rate of corporate growth (big business) and a smaller rate of small business growth (your local stores). Why?

Corporations will milk every advantage out of increased profits and less "government scrutiny" and will ride above the fray of litigation from individuals or courts.  Small businesses however, more often have to answer to the individuals who patronize them --- and social media (Yelp, Zagat, and other 'rating groups') are in a position to literally destroy them unless they respond and improve. 

Capitalism writ "large" will still cut costs, and the public be damned. Capitalism writ "small" will be responsive to customers' needs and wants.  And the "tax breaks" will favor the very large corporations -- and not the small businesses.

There were promises during the campaign (mostly on the Republican side) to "reduce government debt" and stop ever rising "deficit" as a top priority. With this "growth plan" in place -- should that happen; and it is likely -- the deficit will soar and individual citizens will be baffled at the "conservative responses from the Republicans." It's all about the "Benjamin's" baby!

Continue to resist -- no matter what!

Condemn Trump's Words

Trump does not speak for me -- nor do his words espouse any kind of "litmus test" patriotism. I have a right to "protest" -- and every person in America has that same right.

For Trump to make "standing up for the flag"  (his flag apparently) some kind of test for citizenship is anathema to the way Americans have thought since the beginning of our country. Trump once again has failed to understand basic principles and has put his own misguided and moronic interpretations out there as the "only way Americans should act." His "litmus test" for Americanism shows just how shallow and misanthropically strategic he is -- towards his own base, towards his purported support for his own party,  for his unproven conservatism, and for his lacking humanity. 

The reason why Colin Kaepernick first knelt during the playing of our National Anthem -- was to protest racial injustice, and the incidents of misguided police "over-policing and profiling" of black citizens. He has a right to protest -- we all do. And I have a right to join with athletes like LeBron James and others in labeling Mr. Trump a "bum."

Continue to "resist."   

Sad People

There are many Americans, and many others in the world, who are trapped by their own insecurities. These are the people who have lost hope -- and /or are stuck in jobs or professions that have become mundane, at least to them. They are people for whom love is only a fantasy, and compassion is the enemy of their self-sufficiency. They don't contribute to causes, because they think it's a plot to get their money, or they are so self-absorbed they think they themselves are the real victims.

I know many such people. Sadly, most of them can't even acknowledge their own helplessness. They plan, rather feverishly, for a crack in their future that allows them to survive.

To all of them I say what "Zorba" would say: "Chew life!" Nikos Kazantzakis got it right in his novels, again and again espousing that life should be lived, not just survived.  The "art of living" includes taking chances on the future, on growth, on other people, on love., on life.  

To refuse to know someone else (see my July 7, 2017 posting) is to hasten your own death. My sister has a refrigerator slogan at her home -- "We plan; God laughs!" I don't really believe in the source of the sentiment but I certainly understand the intent of the meme. Whether it is God, or fate, or chance -- the future is unknowable and neither benign nor horrific.  We should never be afraid to broaden and stretch ourselves -- that was pre-eminent in my own artistic growth. I apply that dictum every day to my own life -- and I hope you will too. "Chew life!"

Continue to resist!!

A Moment of Discovery

"Discovery" happens when you finally realize that a person's self-appraisal is all a lie; when the world understands it has not solved a problem just by talking about it; when nature wields a mighty hand and destroys simple human constructs; when hope bubbles up out of a cauldron of misery; when self-reflection finally yields peace; when the world seems "good" again in spite of itself.

A good many of my problems personally, and most people's problems generally, can be alleviated if we can only find the time to be "mindful" and "aware" enough to think, feel, and act them through.
Thinking by itself is never enough to live a fully artistic life; nor is feeling sufficient to create happiness; and action must be there to complete the process. I don't mean to sound elusive or opaque -- but human beings are amalgams of feelings, present thinking, and activity.  We shortchange ourselves when we fail in any of these three areas.

The Greed of Corporate America

There is absolutely nothing wrong with capitalism as an economic system. It is not nor never was meant to be a "political system" and its application as such is moronic and short-sighted. It also has many man-made weaknesses as a social system

Corporate America, beholding to its shareholders and its own sense of self-righteousness, has been taking profits unfairly for at least a hundred years in the US. In the midst of a hurricane, where basic human supplies are in extremely short supply, some stores will charge $30 for a case of water (which normally sells for $5 or less). Gasoline, because it is in short supply, suddenly becomes more precious than gold. And even food, or what a depleted store has left of food, becomes as expensive as the "market will bear."

Capitalism must be controlled or it will bankrupt all of us. Insurance rates, costs of basic rebuilding materials, costs of human necessities, medical costs, pharmaceuticals --- cannot be allowed to run rampant because some business has a "right to make a profit." Airline costs during peak periods are yet another example -- just because it is a "national holiday weekend -- like Thanksgiving" doesn't mean you should charge 3 to 5 times the normal rate for a flight -- and get away with it.

A fair profit does not imply a "fare" as profit, if survival is at stake.

These corporate structures are inhumane and should not be supported.

Resist, resist, resist!

Idiocracy -- a New Theory of Civilization

We may be witnessing the rise of the "stupid," the uniformed, the tunnel-visioned, the callous, the self-concerned, the non-humane, the uncompassionate, the ridiculous, the theoretical outliers, and all their many compatriots. We have more "conspiracy theorists" than we have researchers; we fawn on those who give us quick and shallow definitions, unsubstantiated rumors as fact, and just plain lies as truth.

This not only exists in politics, and news reporting; but in the very fabric of family life, human relationships, and yes, our own thoughts. We have all been infected and are now addicted to the false narratives of social media. Someone's Facebook account now substitutes for the "real person" (if there is such a thing). People use Instagram as conversation, selfies as love-making, attitudes as children, the "forever present" their future. We are no longer completely sane.

We have begun down the road to "idiocracy" -- coined after the movie of the same name. That was comic science fiction; unfortunately it now may have become fact. All the "adults in the room" may be gone.

Continue to RESIST!!!

Back From the Storm

No pundit can describe the devastation and anguish caused by Hurricane Irma, back-to-back with Hurricane Harvey. So many people have lost their lives, and their livelihoods in this freakish time of storms. Some will claim that our "changing" weather patterns are not being caused by "global warming." They would be wrong.

Others will claim that all this bad weather is a "punishment from God (god)" for all our sexual sins.
They too would be ridiculously wrong.  

The most important thing that needs to happen now is not finger-pointing or ex post facto recriminations. Comfort; recover; compassion; love; support; listening; help; and respect: these are what are needed now -- from all of us, to all who need.

If I Die ....... During Hurricane Irma

Someone please "sue" the school I work for -- for not making a decision about cancelling classes until it was almost too late to get to safe ground.

The lack of control, understanding, and compassion towards students and faculty both suggests a level of unfitness that is imponderable.  When no one is "in charge" an institution drifts, and has no coherence -- no matter how much good will and gushing comes ex post facto.

The fact is we have a hurricane bearing down on us -- maybe -- because ultimately weather is not a perfect science; yet we choose to procrastinate and hope everything just turns out alright. Yikes.

The same indecision appears to be infiltrating the local school board's decision-making as well. Will CEMA / FEMA bite the bullet and actually recommend evacuation, or not?

Hurricane Irma

Are "hurricanes -- a plot to sell bottled water and hotel rooms?" Rush Limbaugh, noted right-wing broadcaster says that that  is true -- and is all orchestrated by the media -- yikes!

Conspiracy theories abound -- and most of them belie truth, and common sense, and any semblance of practicality. And so it is with commentators, bullies and ignorant pundits -- who lead their huge followings forever down the miasma of backwaters that are the political stance of the moment.

There are real problems in the world -- and they pack 185 mile per hour winds, and not pundit bluster.
These real problems destroy buildings, and wreck memories, and kill people -- they don't attack truth, nor virtue, nor intelligence itself. Limbaugh is not an outlier -- he is the clarion call of ignorance. He is an "alt-right" hero; he is a spokesperson for foolishness itself.

Resist such silliness!!!!

The Weather, The Climate, The Truth

We have a unique situation in the United States -- our political climate does not allow most Americans the opportunity to read, study and research "the truth" about climate (as in "weather")  change. Government reports are now routinely held "under wraps" if they disagree with the imagined truth of the Republican Conservative Party. Our President lists himself among these devotees of non-scientific posturing.

That means that Hurricane Harvey (according to current Texas law enacted recently) cannot be "linked to" any wording suggesting climate change caused by human activity. Not only does this law deny the scientific truth -- it flies in the face of universal observations and a world of verifiable research. Texas has had 3x500-year floods caused by extreme storms -- all in the past three years. The coastal plain from Port Charles to Corpus Christi has flooded each time, in spite of  frantic and desperate local efforts to forestall this process.

We are too arrogant or foolish to learn from countries like Holland and Italy -- as they created their own solutions to flooding in medieval Amsterdam and current-day Venice. Individual areas such as Miami, Florida and the Greater NYC area are studying what was done in Amsterdam and are just beginning to apply that thinking (and that technology0 -- to saving parts of the Florida coast.

America's biggest "holdbacks" are our leaders -- who debunk science rather than notice the waters rising around their ankles. Maybe we should have let Trump Tower NY take on water during Hurricane Sandy -- that might have brought the lessons of change "home" to our current leaders.

Trump Will Be Impeached

If the Republicans can ever get over their own "agenda selfishness" and assert their moral courage over issues within the Constitution of the United States -- they will impeach Donald J. Trump. Violation of the "emoluments clause" for starters; then the Russian collusion to "fix" the election; and then perhaps some new scandal that is only in the Mueller group's archives at the moment. Circumstantial evidence is never completely enough to charge a President -- but in this case the pattern of abuse is certainly there and fits in with Trump's pattern of disrespect for law and civility during the campaign.

Why did Trump choose to belittle and besmirch his Republican opponents during the 2016 campaign -- because he knew his own base found such bullying amusing and wonderfully disruptive. A certain element of the Trump base just wanted to "blow up" the status quo -- and see what happens. Another segment thought they had found a kindred racist, white supremacist colleague. Maybe, just maybe; both groups are right. Trump has certainly "blown up" the status quo!  He now regularly belittles and besmirches his own Republican legislative colleagues, and even his own appointed Cabinet members.
And American goes on, in spite of Trump.

If the Republicans don't finally impeach Trump -- then we will have three more years of this. If they do impeach him -- the situation may become even worse. Thanks to Trump -- the situation can only have a "bad outcome" for America.

Tests for Trump

Happening now: perhaps the most destructive (in dollars) storm in history hits Texas, and then Louisiana, and then hundreds of thousands of Americans are left to pick up the pieces, redo the houses, obtain new vehicles, and put their lives back together. Insurance companies help their customers but sadly inform them about coverage shortfalls. The government via FEMA (and Congress, and our tax dollars) step in to help -- but bureaucracy stifles quick recovery.

And just as with Hurricane Sandy -- thousands upon thousands of people mourn the lack of real application(s) in their own government programs. Yes, thousands will be helped. But many will be helped slowly, or perhaps not at all. And Trump will take credit -- but only for the successes; the failures will be left for others take responsibility for.

Meanwhile North Korea continues to cramp Trump's style -- and egg him on into doing something. And Trump's own cabinet members  distance themselves from his "even-handed" racially-suspect attitudes. How dare they resist the Trump moral structure!  How dare they claim that "transgender people ... are people too!"  How dare they!!

Americans "dare" because we can think for ourselves; because most of us have a moral compass ... a sense of right and wrong ... a sense of fairness and compassion.

It is up to you, gentle reader, to choose what YOU believe in; the path that you will follow.

As for me -- whether you care for my thoughts, or not -- I will continue to "resist!"

Trump as a Watchdog against the Wolves of Government/the Press/ Fake News/ Liberals

Donald J. Trump is a "performer" -- through his business career and through his relatively brief tv career:  he has shown a flair for the dramatic ("you're fired!"), a relentless reliance on being the outlier in any argument, a strong sense of victimology ("hit back harder than you have been hit"), and a total disregard for historical fact, tradition, and fair play. It is what he is: a mostly uneducated Wharton School of Business graduate with an exaggerated sense of his own knowledge and understanding.

Some will say the above is a useless "rant" and all that stands between us and our own victimization is Trump as a "truth teller." I don't believe that -- my "personal experience" (first person, up close, in the same courtroom) tells me that Trump is a "fake." He is a used car salesman "gone big" just like his Dad and Ray Cohn were.  Making equivocal statements to shore up his "base" of mostly base voters is not telling the truth -- it is "spinning" events to make himself look good (real fake news).

His techniques as an actor/politician are not as benign as Reagan's were. Trump is neither a statesman nor a visionary as Reagan was. Trump's agenda is an America without governance -- whose businesses (citizens) are then unrestricted to do as they please. He is a laissez faire capitalist -- and he doesn't know or care much about other important disciplines: the role of government, the role of people, the role of truth.

Ronald Reagan was almost our greatest President -- except for the Neo-Con predilection of his followers for war and power.  I met Ronald Reagan in 1985 when I received an arts award in the Rose Garden of the White House. At that point I saw Reagan's great confusion doing simple things (he was "handled all through the ceremony") and knew something was wrong with his health. I still remember turning to the man next to me among the award recipients and saying "I bet we won't be seeing him hosting the ceremonial dinner for us at Georgetown tonight." It turned out I was correct --- William Bennett took his place. But at least Ronald Reagan knew how to govern without malfeasance nor malevolence.

This Rose Garden  event took place two years before I met Mr. Trump personally and then two years later watched my business partner file lawsuits against him for  "corrupt business practices."

Trump is not a "watchdog" -- he is a wolf, a lone wolf -- who eventually will witness his own end by the many wolf packs out there, or by chewing his own tail off when he finally trapped by his own fabrications. His Presidency is a lost cause.


I urges "continued resistance."

Who Is Reading This Blog

Several people now have asked me why I write my blog(s) -- yep, this is only one of them. For me the reason is clear. This blog gives me an opportunity to "clear my mind" -- elucidate and clarify my own thinking -- and come to conclusions based on my own experiences. Now, my experience is not your experience -- and you may disagree with me. That's fine.

"Oh well, what the hell" -- as my Dad used to say in our family bar. I am not trying to proselytize my readers, or even persuade anyone. I am just speaking my mind based on what I know to be factual, from my own "direct" experience.

In the past year I have had a lot to say about our new President -- those thoughts are not made up, they are based on real experiences with the man: in New Jersey (his Taj Mahal efforts in the 1980's and 90's which continue to this day), in a courtroom (where my "business partner" sued Trump, his business partner -- as did so many many others, for breach of contract, etc.); and at campaign rallies during the election of 2016. Trump is a businessman -- and in own opinion, not a very good one.

Except for his golf courses, and his new push to earn money off our government and foreign policy; a significant number of his projects have resulted in failure. And lawsuits, lots of lawsuits. According to the files of "lexis nexis" some 3500 lawsuits are filed for and against Trump the individual, Trump Enterprises, Trump Entertainment Enterprises, and other Trump companies. About a third of those law suits date back only through his election as President.

The rest of the lawsuits both for and against Trump (suit, counter-suit) are about his business "deals."
And many of them detail the hardships he and his companies have dealt to others: workers, vendors, county/city governments, and others. Do the research yourself  -- I was there to see some of it.

And that's why I continue to "resist."

From Winning to Losing

President Trump may be the first American President to turn his campaign "win" into a presidential "loss." His speech in Phoenix last night was an unfortunate campaign rally speech set in a climate that should be trying to make progress governing the country.

By rehashing tired rhetoric about fake news, the NYT, the Washington Post, CNN, John McCain, the Republican Senate (and its leaders) -- Trump has, once again, undercut his own potential effectiveness as President (and World Leader). Many in the government are realistically worried about Trump's mental health and human stability. Is the Presidency a "game" for Trump? Something to "win" but then "not play anymore?

Who is the "loser" if Trump fails as President? We all are. He is, unfortunately, our current sitting President. Whether he is actually up to the job of being a President -- I am unsure. Would Hillary have been a better President? Who care? Life has passed her by on that count.

Recently I was challenged by someone I hope will be a "close friend" --- about Trump -- and my views in this blog. My views are what they are -- because I have participated in his campaign, and didn't like what I experienced. I have also "known" and "known about" Trump from his dealings building gaming casinos in New Jersey. I have seen Trump in action making speeches about all he was going to do to "bring jobs" to the Jersey shore. Ask those hundreds of individuals, vendors, small businessmen, jobbers, and employees what they think of Trump and Trump Enterprises now. I could tell you "true stories." But this is not the time, nor the place.

Continue to Resist!!!

For My Friend Hilary McIndoo

Don't be afraid -- I am an honorable man. Don't be afraid -- I am a gentle-man. Understand that I am a moral person who lives to include another person's morality within my one. Understand that I am a tactile, compassionate, and loving person -- in spite of my mind. Understand that I don't wish to control you (that would be impossible anyway) but only to "be with you."

I think I understand you about some things -- but not everything. I live by the rules of : tolerance, respect, doing as much good as I can, love, and sharing when I can.

"First, do no harm" is another "rule of life" that I live by. I have always been thus, even when you were a gentle sixteen and I was in my 20's.  I used to be a well-versed over-educated Catholic "boy" -- but now I am a Ko-Shinto Buddhist "man." What does that mean? All of the above without any ritual(s) or bureaucracy.

I follow "the way" of life  -- life as a journey towards ... whatever comes next. I believe in God; though I don't know what he/she is, what he/she looks like, how he/she is involved day-to-day with the universe.

In practical terms my "proposition" to you is just to relax -- and get to know me. If you have time, come and visit me (don't let money or lack thereof stand in your way). Be open and I will be too.

To pre-answer your possible questions: there is no "romantic interest" in my life right now. There has only been one since She's death in 2006, and that was a fluke (that saved my life), and led to all the other good things that have happened since. She is now (for some time)  married to a long-time boyfriend (yes, there is a story there -- and a good one -- and you need to hear it someday.)

As to you -- you are a beautiful person, a beautiful woman, a strong friend. I don't want to change you or push you into a groove of "wifey lifestyle thinking."

Remember I know your brain in many ways -- through your extraordinary scripts, through your contact with Ella, and through your work. I have seen you -- I have even seen you as the respectful and careful host. We have swapped some personal family tidbits. But each of us has more to share; of that I am sure.

As to the world at large and Trump in general: continue to resist until the nightmare of "him" is over!

Time to Go

Donald J. Trump should resign! He has been the most awkward, ignorant, and arrogant sitting President in the history of that office.

He has disgraced himself, American values, and our country as a whole time and time again in just six short months in office. He has brought forth his many opinions in a variety of executive orders, only to be rebuffed by his own party and the Congress as a whole. His "republican agenda" reeks of self-interest, capitalist amorality, and outright nepotistic "values" which he attempts to portray as common sense.

His family should urge him to leave office and go back to his money-grubbing business "empire." I believe if he does not resign, eventually he will be impeached -- but only if the stubborn republican establishment can find enough moral courage to do so. They too are complicit in his downward spiral.

Resist; resist; continue to resist!!!

Trump Should Not Be President

Threatening North Korea, off the cuff, is just one more reason why Trump should not be President.
He is NOT the grownup in the room; in any room. He is a fool with no filter.

He is an ignorant man, with only the most limited kind of knowledge about things. He responds on  impulse, without understanding either consequences or connections. He has no soul (of course) but odds are good that his brain is not working correctly as well. He needs to abdicate -- now.

Resist; resist; resist!

Trump has no Soul

Donald Trump lives by the "capitalist model." How can we save money:  (drop expensive medical care from the armed services -- no 'transitioning' while in government service); find ways to save a dime no matter who it hurts (Republican health care); renege on all campaign promises that cost money and don't aid commerce (support for medical research, AIDS support, single parents, the aged poor, Federal prisoners, etc).

He is a liar, a hypocrite, a bully, a bad human being. I am sure even his family recognizes that and tries to ameliorate his worst tendencies. When he does finally leave office: impeachment, pardoned of all crimes by himself while in office, disgraced as a human being/President for some extraordinary humanitarian mistake that he can't blame on someone else -- the world will then move on, and the hiccup of a new American Hitler will be over.

It seems too long already --- resist, resist, resist!!!

For Hilary

No, not the politician -- her name has two "l's!" Ms. Hilary is a former IAA student from a million years ago, whom I was finally able to meet in person again this trip to Florida.

In spite of the importance of this trip in terms of my interviews, grants, and the future of diabetic medicine -- more fun came from a couple of meals with my new friend Hilary. I won't use last names here (in case there are identity thieves out there) but suffice it to say -- she knows who she is, and now I know who she is, and that is the most important factor for me.

I hope to see her again sometime -- "god willing and the creek don't rise," or just plain "god willing."

There are too few chances for really close relationships in life.

Resist; resist; continue to resist!!!!

A View From the Road

Pensacola, Florida is an interesting place. It has the same mix of tourism, beach, redneck life, and supposed cultural heritage that characterizes most Southern cities. It takes pride in its Downtown -- and that history; though not much of it is "earth shaking" -- is interesting.

Florida is actually more than one state. It is Miami; it is Jacksonville; it is definitely Orlando; and it is also the Gulf Coast. All different places with different backgrounds and lifestyles -- for my money.

Resist!

Why Don't the Republicans Know How to Govern?

The People --- WE the People --- have to teach our politicians that they need to do what they say they will do, and not destroy the fabric of the country in the process. We are not "job holders first" and Americans second.

Nor are our Senators, our Congressmen (and -women), Governors, and local representative! We are Americans first, and even before that we are "humans" first. We owe allegiance to each other long before we need to honor any kind of "party oath" 0r "loyalty to a President -- oath." I am not nor could I ever be --- loyal to Donald J. Trump. I am loyal to the office of the Presidency of the United States, but I also understand that all "humans" are fallible (and in the case of Trump) are likely to cheat -- on everything: taxes, spouses, family values, American core values, and every other thing.

We must "resist."

Blogging About Putin/Trump

A curious and "troubling" thing happens when I write an opinion piece about Putin -- or Trump -- or both in the same posting. Hundreds of Russians "read" my blog post(s) for several days, making me a bit uncomfortable.

I have Russian friends in America, of course, but no "Russian friends" that I know of in Russia. Is there some kind of "order" to monitor all American blogs that mention Putin. Is there a vast army of Russians keeping track of American public opinion(s) on their leader, the political scene in America as a whole, and any impacts between the two countries. Are we somehow being "sized up" in relation to a closer relationship, or an intended "coup?" What is going on?

Am I a small piece of Russian monitoring?

By the way my Russian "readership" is no coincidence; it happens like clockwork and usually involves hundreds of separate Russian "readers" (monitors?) and usually continues for at least 2 days or more after my posting. I am "watching you" watch me.

Resist; resist; resist!!!