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!!!

Hopefully Meeting an Old Friend

As part of my continuing struggle to begin to engage in more social activities I am taking the opportunity to visit a friend and former student in Pensacola, FL. This will cap off a weekend in which I will be doing some final "interviews" for my weekend job in Florida.  I really want to "end my weekend job" on a positive note so I am filling in the gaps of missing reports/interviews/information/vocal files as best I can.

I am having to use "borrowed facilities" and a special access code to use encryption, thanks to my own home computer being "locked" and unavailable. Ah, life is just full of surprises, frustrations, and red herrings.  Am going to North Carolina this coming week to set some investments in place. Hopefully that will work out well.

Remember to "resist" Donald Trump and his layer of "blue sky" at all costs.  

The Difficulty of Pursuit

What do you do when the person you would like to be closer to -- doesn't really want to be "close" to anyone?  And this discussion is long before any carnal insinuations. Long before any desire rears its ugly/beautiful head. Long before any planning takes place.

And time, life's time, is very short. And while the afternoon whiles away the night approaches like a cold wind.

Putin and Trump

I am sorry to say that the American President, who shouldn't have become President, is sorely outmatched in the battle of egos, thought processes, strategies, intelligence quotients, and yes even ruthlessness --- versus the Russian President.  Both these men think of themselves as powerful and iconic leaders. But only one truly is.

I don't particularly like dictators -- but Putin at least has held his nation together, in spite of many moral, political, and human shortcomings. Trump has shown himself as a failure on many counts. As a human being he lacks: compassion, good sense, a sense of community, and nearly every other characteristic that has kept the US in world prominence for the past 70 years. Trump is a President who selfishly signals the decline of America in the world -- and that is perhaps a good thing for the world.

Noel

Seems crazy --- it's nowhere near Christmas time. Yet I feel in the Christmas spirit: as the heat builds, as the red birds fight for territory in the morning "fog," as the day winds up and then slowly, every more slowly, winds down.

I am in the "giving" mood because of many things; the least of which is the sale of my house. I am also in the regretting mood; the guilty mood; the unsatisfied; the troubled mode.

Why?

Life is -- and is not -- all we have. We have love; and friendship; and concern; and joy that comes from giving. We have "Noel."