World is at Sixes and Sevens...

Capitalism has displaced morality in most peoples' minds. A tragic mistake. The "worth" of a potential immigrant is now measured by the US government in terms of future tax revenue. Profits are prized more then a better lifestyle. Money no longer leads to happiness, it is happiness itself. Humane treatment of human beings is secondary and of minor importance.

 The world begins to struggle thanks to climate change but according to Trump, there is no climate change. Why?  The truth of climate change becomes an obstacle to Trump's promises to "big coal" and profits for a handful of wealthy and equally crooked coal magnates who are Trump donors. Trump supports all "robber barons!"
If they support Trump, of course.

Human life? Families? American civic heritage?  American civilization itself? All are forfeit to Trump and his deliberate ignorance,  to favor his own incredible ego and ultimately his own bottom line. Trump is evil -- understand the truth and consequences of that statement.

It Is All About Trump

Vote today; last chance to start housecleaning on the government. Drain the "Trumpian swamp." 

Trump is ...

A liar, a provocateur, a bully, a grandstander, a fake,  a usurper, a small mind, an anti-intellectual,  a poseur, a serious problem, a bad husband, a cheat,, an inept father, an un-American president, a useless human being, a  sociopath, an autocrat, a white supremacist, a fascist, a "pig" towards women,  an egoist, a wouldbe autocrat,
a moron, a mentally unstable neurotic, a potential psychotic, and America's biggest problem until he  loses his office.

Vote -- Vote -"- Vote!               

Resist the Evil that is Trump

I grew up in Wisconsin...and I feel the need to apologize for Trump and the stupid responses given to his hateful remarks at a "rally" for hate last night in my home state. Trump is an imbecile, a dangerous one. He has incited violence against the media who rightly oppose him, the sane politicians and citizens who rightly resist him, all humans  who legitimate)y want him "out!"

Watching a madman like Trump tweet his own "victimhood" while he ridiculously incites hatred  against everyone and anyone who dares to criticize him or his ill informed policies is like having a seat at a Lewis Carroll tea party. Trump is mad; Trump is egomaniacal; Trump must be defeated along with his sycophants.

I voted early; please vote during this election. Vote Trump and the GOP out!

Trump Is Insane -- and his Followers Love That

He will say anything.  He will intone any lie that flits through his facile brain. He improvises policy "ad hoc." He demeans anyone he perceives as his enemy (that includes all women, Democrats, and immigrants).  He is a snake oil salesman, a liar, an overblown narcissist  who thinks only of himself!

He is not just "an ugly American"; he is the most ugly  American! Donald J. Trump is the political and cultural "nightmare of America." Begin thee process of getting rid of
him -- vote now!

Inscrutable Female -- Genius or Illusion

Flirtation, seduction, amorous conceit, desire, innocence, lust -- which is "real" and which is manipulation? Our literary and artistic history is full of examples. Most people's lives are equally packed with "romance" or  fakery. Are any of us adept at discerning the difference? And isn't that "discernment" a pivot point on which happiness turns?

Can a person be, ever be, really happy if his/her love is built on a lie? "Oh I never loved him but I was getting older, and I just had to have someone." Or " she/he was the first one who really kissed me."  "I wanted to feel what it was like; and it was all I ever knew." "It was really thrilling  at first...and Mom and Dad liked him/her, so, why not?" 

Do men and women ever tell the truth ... about love?  What Do you think?

Early Votiing -- the Beginning Of The End of Trump

Now is the time. In most places "early voting" in the mid-term elections has begun. Don't be deterred; don't ever forget! This is the chance we all have to undo the biggest mistake America has ever made.

We elected him; now we need to control him by controlling Congress, as a prelude to permanently retiring the disgusting and evil man from public influence, and public life. Prison for this lying man would be appropriate.

I voted on Monday in Savannah, Georgia. Vote early, or vote on time, but for America's sake, vote! All who are eligible -- vote! Millennials vote! Seniors vote! All women vote! All men who support women vote! Just vote!

Medicare, Insurance and the Lying GOP

Donald Trump is a bad liar. In a rally, or in an op-ed, in a simple on camera answer -- he lies, without compunction or regret. He lies about his programs, his plans, his past,
the country's future. He blames Hillary, the Democrats, Obama, China, the FBI, the media, even his own GOP-controlled Congress -- for any and all problems.

One of the huge issues in the mid-term elections is healthcare. Trump lies about ACA, pre-existing conditions, his party's platform and nearly everything else connected with healthcare. He lies to his "supporters" as well as everyone else. 

He

Flirtation, Manipulattion, Romance: under #MeToo

We may be witnessing the "end of flirtation as we know it" in October, 2018. Youngish people, caught up only in social media don't flirt, they overwhelm! Nude selfies, sexting, provocative statements -- are more of an outright attack or challenge rather than an enticement. We have sunk to the level of a dirty French post card as our first encounter with someone. Mailboxes are crowded with cock shots and vagina monologues.

All sense of romance is lost; all sense is lost. Now we try to manipulate each other from the outset. We betray each other's humanity, we kill any sense of mystery-- of the body, of sex, of fantasy, of love. " Come hither has come and gone!" 

Romance is preserved only in literature. And most of us no longer read. I fear for the future of love beyond objectification of the opposite (or the same) sex.

More Fake News From Trump

Every rally from every state supporting any-and-every GOP Trump-backer before the midterms is filled with Trump  hyperbole, misinterpretation, and outright lying. Can Trump's loyal "morons" even distinguish truth from lies?

 Do they really know anything about Obama or his programs, his successes, his real failures? Do they understand the differences between the Clinton Foundation  and the Trump (Hoax) Foundation? Do they really believe Trumpian claims of "winning" against the Chinese, the Russians, the climate changes, the "#MeToo" movement, or any other real or imagined foe? Do they understand that Trump is corrupt? A bad guy? A low-level mobster? A white supremacist? A dirty old man?  Listen to him at his"rallies"; then decide for yourself!

Is Trump the "leader" you can believe? Really?

Storms in Nature, and in Politics

Trump is at it again!  Mischaracterizing protest (versus Trump,  his GOP cronies,  and his ridiculous policies) as the Democratic "mob"! Always the implication is that only Trump is the "good guy," the hero, the "saviour." Trump has to be called out for what he is: a liar, a criminal, a corrupt and moronic figurehead, and the worst President America could possibly have.

If those who voted for him don't recognize the damage he has done to all our institutions -- they are blind. Remember -- everyone gets a second chance during the mid-term elections. Vote your conscience; vote for real values; throw out the bad guys; vote for truth. Oppose the idiot Trump and the enabling GOP!

Work, Continue to Oppose the GOP, Vote

While the Greedy Old Party contines with its egomaniacal victory lap about Kavanaugh, the "center left and center right moderates" must continue to work towards Truth. Mid-term elections await!

Vote Your Conscience

The Supreme Court is now packed with Conservatives!  We now need to remember and react and VOTE.

Convenient Lack of Conscience: Resist, Resist, Resist

We have resisted -- now we must purge! The elections must stop Trump -- the elections must purge the GOP, racism, Trump backers, women suppressors, and anti-American fascists  from elected office.

Now!

Senator Jeff Flakes, finally an honest Republican

Jeff Flakes struggled, but finally and timidly asked his Trumpian colleagues to allow an update by the FBI to Brett Kavannaugh's background check.  This will mean a week's delay in the floor vote for Kavannaugh's bid for Supreme Court Justice.

What caused this shift -- maybe it was a 5 minute confrontation in an elevator with a victim of sexual assault (22 years old) who cried to him  "that no one would listen to her; no one would believe her -- when she was attacked!" She did not let not let up; she would not let him look away from her truth.

Life is full of such moments -- it is the sad serendipity of our experiences. Thank god, karma, or life itself.

Women in Crisis

The crazy spectacle seen on television with the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday was worthy of an Adam Sandler film. Raunch, sex, lies, rank bluster, continuing obfuscation spread across decades -- the  worst of Trumpian politics. It also included "truth as fiction," "fiction as truth," conspiracy theories recirculated and enhanced by Trump's genius bar,  real crimes committed against a young woman 36 years ago, and  sadly, no outcome of truth triumphing.

"She" told her truth; "he" claimed victimhood and perpetuated his convenient sculpted insistent lie. And the woman involved was, apparently, victimized again

A drunken "boy" could not own up to his weaknesses and lies. And all this, courtesy of Trump's view of government by bluster/bullying. We need Trump to be removed from office to save us all. Perhaps we have all glimpsed the anti-Christ!

@MeToo

Women are finally speaking up for themselves; not for imagined "sleights" of language, but against "real abuse" in the workplace, or the classroom, or relations with the same or the opposite sex. I have had to ask intrusive questions of women in my role as theatre director -- sometimes asking if the performer could or would be willing to do certain things onstage as an integral part of a production. As an actor I have also been asked such questions and have acted in nude roles, gay roles, straight roles etc. Again, not at all unusual.

More recently I have been forced to ask "invasive questions" of problematic grant candidates (for scholarships and/or continuing grants) dealing with family, ethnicity, religion, and sexual situations. I have always warned candidates that such questions were necessary and could be refused if the candidate wished. In a thirty year career of giving or coordinating grants and scholarships I have never had a person refuse to talk about his/her life. One unfortunate person descried the questions after the fact, and then left the scholarship  "on the table" out of ignorance and pretended shame. The unusual family complications of this candidate caused her strange "and delusional" claims and behaviors.

Sometimes human beings are so far out of the mainstream that the cannot be counted on to use a grant well. This happens with scheming or ignorant students and even more often with cleverly manipulative professionals. I have always done my job as investigator with respect and within civilized parameters.

Trump Must Lose at the Mid-terms

Women must vote in November. They must remember, and vote. Vote their thinking; vote the reality of what they see in Trump.

Trump shows us what he is with nearly every tweet: disrespectful of women, the very symbol of the "old men's club, hurtful towards all who oppose him, totally self-absorbed, resistant to all scientific truth,  "evil" towards legal and illegal aliens who might someday vote against him, full of "hate" standing in for patriotism (and all other civilized virtues.)

Remember and vote out all the Trumpian toadies. They deserve to lose.

Trump's View of Life

I believe that Trump's view of the universe is remarkably simple and uncluttered. It includes only one human:  Trump!  Every other person is peripheral and expendable: Ivanka. Baron, Melania, Don Jr., anyone else. Trump recognizes others -- but they are all losers, unworthy of his attention. Yes, Trump is seriously flawed and mentally unbalanced.  Yes, Trump deserves pity rather than ostracism-- except for the horrible fact that we made him our President.

So now America and the world  are both in trouble.  The trouble is that  we have to answer to humanity, history,  and our own consciences. We have to answer  for the  sin that is Donald J. Trump!

Creepy Old Donald Trump

He thinks women are his playground, even his own daughter. He has perverse desires sexually: (the peeing prostitutes of Moscow), his viewing of backstage beauty contestants, his taped comments from Howard Stern , his known infidelity, his "use"  of "other women" to "satisfy" himself.  He has multiple wives, and multiple sins against them. His non--disclosure arrangements cannot remake reality. Trump is an unfaithful pervert; he is undisciplined, unfaithful, unrestrained, uncivilized jerk.

Donald Trump is an old man, who appears to be losing his "genius," if he ever had any. His career as a real estate mogul and liar appears to be dominated by the latter. His legendary deal-making skills are only legendary in his own mind. Trump is a practiced failure whose "touch" rots everything. America will be glad to be rid of him. It cannot come soon enough!

If you lie...

If you lie-- about Trump and his motives; you are as evil as he is. If you lie-- to yourself because your economic situation is better under Trump; you are as venal and selfish as he is. If you lie-- about Trump because he is your Dad, Husband, or business partner; you are complicit in all the chaos and pain he causes.

If you defend or attack: lies as truth, or wrong as right, or truth as lies, or dark as light, light as dark -- then you have joined the devil's side. You are a Trump supporter, an enabler of chaos, confusion, and not-so-clever subterfuge.

If you support Trump because you are afraid of black, brown, yellow or red people then you are a racist. If you back Trump because you hate Hilary Clinton , Elizabeth Warren, a Bill Clinton, and Stormy Daniels then you are a hypocrite and a misogynist.
If you proclaim your love for America but absolutely hate or fear immigrants -- then you may not be redeemable as a human being.

Violent Donald Trump

Donald Trump has been and is -- a bully. He now is telling his sycophantic supporters (Evangelical ministers, white supremacists, anyone who will listen) that if his party loses -- there will be violence. ANTIFA will rise up and undo all the "progressz" made in 2016. Donald Trump is threatening all of us and (wink, wink) giving his own "people" permission to "fight back, first." 

So, at the same time as he is playing the race/anarchy card, he is appealing to the lowest levels of racial and ethnic fear in everyone in America. Donald Trump is playing a dunbed-down Iago to both America's Othello  and her Desdemona. (Trump will not understand this reference.)

The above is just one more reason to RESIST and "vote out" Trump!

Scorecard for America

On the Bad Side
      Donald Trump
      Republicans complicit to Trump's plans to " tear down" just about everything
      Evangelical immoral hypocrites
      Trump's family:  wife, daughter, and others
      Trump's staff desperate to hold on to their pitiable positions
      Catholic right wingers
      Trump voters who refuse to see what is really happening
      White supremacists, racists, anti-gay people
      Uninvolved Americans who are "tired of all the fuss"
      Voters who still respect and would vote for Trump
   
On the Good Side
      Authentic human beings
      People with honest human values
      All those who oppose the devil, and Trump


     

God Is Alive: The Catholic Church is Dead

I left the Church several years ago; I now follow the value principles of Ko-Shinto Buddhism, some of which are interchangeable with Christian values. Why switch, and why announce it? The Catholic Church is corrupt -- it does not adhere to its own morality. It persecutes women, belittling and controlling them like any "good" medieval institution. It supports causes and people who do actual harm to life, love, and the best parts of humanity. These are people like Trump, hyper-capitalists, recidivist racists, zealots of all kinds.

I have moved from inspired altar boy to troubled doubter to ... finally, reluctant emigrant.  I gave seen the evil of predatory clergy, and warned others of its existence. I have seen the hypocrisy if Catholic zealotry and the prevarication of self-forgiving hierarchy. 

My morality is mine alone: it is not for everyone. It descries institutions in favor of individual souls. Mine is the heart of "homo viator" -- man the traveler, searching for truth!

Coming and Going

This upcoming week is an unusual one. I have friends leaving for Poland on thursday, more friends off to Italy on the weekend, and even I am planning a trip for Kentucky/Ohio/Wisconsin very soon after. A great American, John McCain, will be interred very soon. A lesser American, Donald Trump, will continue to embarrass himself and the nation by everything he does or doesn't do.

There is another mass shooting in the news, this time 4 dead and multiple injuries. And the Republicans in power will still do nothing but offer their worthless prayers to compensate for their cowardly lack of political and moral will.

Enemies of America take note: we are not all as worthless as Trump (and his cohort)., or the crass members of the NRA, or the morally bereft churchgoers who believe in Trump more than God! Don't mistake notoriety or celebrity-status for the real American values. We will fight all odds to protect our values, our beliefs, ourselves.

No Bail For Trump

Due to an internal regulation of the Justice Department Trump is not likely to be indicted, though he may eventually be impeached (perhaps after the midterm elections). But he is the "junior mob-boss" of the most corrupt American presidency of the modern era. Trump is "criminal-in-chief" of Trumpland!

Karma alone would condemn Trump. He is a bad and corrupt soul. But America is a country of laws, not necessarily of morality. So, in legal terms alone -- Trump deserves jail time. It would not cbange the evil person that he is, but it would end his ability to diminish and harm the rest of us. Let him proceed with his "deals," swapping cigarettes for extra Big Macs -- until he finds his way to Hell.

Long-term Elections in November, 2018

Crucial; these upcoming elections are crucial! This is the chance we all have to "take the house back," to slow the backward momentum of the Trump "changes;" and restore the movement to real American values. The venal self-serving autocracy known as Trumpland must be quashed.

We must remember and rectify all the errors that have been bulldozed into place: in BUD, in Education, in the  Justice department, in the FDA, the EPA,  and everwhere else. America cannot be the solipsistic duchy of Trumpland!  We sre much, much better than that.

Trump is a Criminal

Cohen says so; Manafort proves it; soon Mueller will expose it. Will the Evangelicals believe it; will they even care?  Have they lost all sense of morality?  Have they forgotten how to think?

All my friends and relatives who voted for Trump -- now is the time to regain your human  values and abandon the chimera that is Donald J. Trump!

If There Is A God...

Why do I doubt? Because the world is so confused, so confusing, so inclined towards evil and selfishness. Our leaders are not just flawed, but dedicated to their own evil selfishness (witness Trump!) People die, or are tortured, or stolen by other people who are without conscience or remorse,

If there is a God -- I hope He (or She) is paying attention. Punishment is required in response to evil. And not just at the end of time. Karma must be honored or hope is quashed for the rest of us. Trump must be "stopped" even if only by the weight and quality of those who RESIST him.

Humans Are Spiritual

Why do most people believe in an afterlife? Are they so in need of some kind of reward for their behavior? Does being kind, compassionate, or loving have positive value of its own?

Does a corrupt and heinous Catholic Church deserve our loyalty, or even our respect? I would say "no" to both. If we honestly believe in a God, or more specifically in "Jesus -- than how can we possibly follow this version of Catholcism? It is our moral duty to abandon and condemn this "evil" Church. This Church must change -- perhaps even deconstruct itself, to justify its very raison d'etre! 

Faith resides in the individual, not in the Church.

The Catholic Church

I am a former altar boy. I attended Catholic grade schools (2), a Jesuit high school, a Jesuit university, a Jesuit graduate school and a number of parishes throughout my youth. I married a convert to Catholicism (from her Baptist roots.) My own family had been Catholic going back for as long as we could trace -- perhaps 8 generations?

I am no longer a practicing Catholic. As an altar boy I and others steered the younger boys away from the predatory priests, and there were a few of them. There were "good" priests too, and good pastors who dutifully reported such behavior. And those bad priests were routinely transferred to another parish, a generally unsuspecting one.

I am now following Buddist tenets in my daily life, without believing in the mythology.

I still sometimes visit a Catholic church; I understand that I do believe in God -- but the specifics if Catholic doctrine seem strained and self-protective to me. Doctrine from all religions seem shallow to me; man-made explanations to fill in logical holes.
Religions practice "god'splaining" to exercise moral superiority and attempt to convince us all that they "have the truth" -- "that they are the truth!"

The truth is -- in us. In our humanity, in our kindness, in our compassion. We are responsible to be that truth throughout our lives. Our behaviors are our truth. Our highest instincts of "love" are our salvation. And our gift to the world after us.

Trapped by Smallmindedness

I have had a number of students who have come from an adjacent county called Effingham. Most of them suffer from the "closed world" syndrome. They cannot think outside the box, because they don't recognize that their hopes, dreams, and futures are all encapsuled inside the box. They are contained by restricting relatives and advisers, their own closed-off perspectives, and simple "fear." I have seen students refuse major scholarships out of fear. The blind should not be leading the blind.

Growth is achieved by risk, by projecting oneself into the future, by conquering one's fear not giving in to it. Some students go so far as to delude themselves, playing the victim to preserve their "innocent" fearful stupidity. Effingham County contains "tribes" full of such  "life-shirkers." You know who you are!  I can only feel sorry for your bad decisions.

Inciter-in-Chief

President Trump incites violence, then benignly proounces that he opposes it. As always, Trump is a liar and a hypocrite. His very nature is to sew chaos and spread hatred and mistrust. We are long past excusing Trump's behavior. He has displayed his penchant for actual evil again and again.

No amount of "Ivanka" or "Melania" softening will cover Trump's evil intent. He is what he is -- and we are stuck with him until time fades him away! Be strong all you normal people -- this Trump too shall pass.

Extinction Point

White people in America need to understand some basic facts. First, they are quickly and deservedly becoming extinct. What does that mean? It means that the number of "non-white" people is growing; through higher birth rates, much higher immigration numbers, and a higher rate of longevity growth among the adult populations.

The upshot is there is a growing number of white racists, fascists, and supremacists. And they are desperate to hold on to what was rather than embrace what is really happening. Many "whites" are demonizing non-white people in the same way Hitler tried to do to the Jews. Will the white population of America make the same mistake? 

Will Trump and his cronies try to inflict the same lies on Americans that Hitler did on the Jews (and others?) Is that process of dehumization already happening? The answer is clearly "yes!" The extinction point needs to happen.  All those people who define themselves as "exclusively white" need to self-eliminate!  We all must learn to become diverse. We are all, after all, mulatto!

Masochism ... or Madness

We all know the definition of "madness" --  doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting different results. Sexually we fall for the same lies, the same shapely body, the same perfect smile, the same perfect butt! Why are we so shallow, so gullible, so impossibly hopeful? We expect the same "bon vivant" to suddenly grow a conscience, or a character with moral "gravitas?" Madness!

And the masochism of putting ourselves through the same "ground hog day" process -- without even trying to extract some morsel of knowledge -- more madness, though of a different order of crass stupidity. Why are we so stupid? Why do we put aside our values to ingratiate our desires? We are flawed pieces of "meat!"

Why does a potential orgasm become the axis of our plans?  Why do we forgive extremely bad abuse towards us when we know it will just happen again?  Do we crave the "drama" of it all?  Are our minds so weak that our eyes cannot see the obvious? Are we hypocrites or just plain liars?

Can we see the truth, or do we refuse to acknowledge it? Are we "real" or are we "fake?"

Probing Russian Interest in this Blog

Ever so often I get a sudden surge of Russian readers of this blog. Since the number is typically 50-80 readers, sometimes over several days, I am "tickled" to make some possible guesses as to why this happens.

To wit: edgy ESL teacher somewhere in the hinterlands of Russia is using the blog as an exemplar of colloquial American English; cyberterrorists in the Russian government are trying to gauge the average American viewpoint on things; I (via the blog) am being recruited into Putin's fifth column; Putin really likes my writing style; Trump has Putin checking out his American critics.  Whatever is the real reason I challenge the readers to "respond" via the Comments section (unless you are worried about being tracked; I am capable...)!

Bluster, Bilge, and Blather

Trump is a criminal who happens to be President of the United States! I have extreme respect for America; but none for Trump. He has set all of us on edge by cheating, lying, bullying, and abusing us and the power of his office. He needs to be impeached, thrown out of office, and jailed.  He has filled his meager staff with amoral, sycophantic followers -- so dislodging his criminality will take time and effort.

We need to start NOW: Manafort, Flynn, Cohen, Trump, Trump Jr., and all who are complicit: Ivanka, DeVoss, Jared, and all the "crooks of the cabinet." Handcuff them all! We must support the media and the truth-tellers! Expunge the actively evil fake conservatives, supremacists, and wouldbe oligarchs! Get rid of Trump!

In Praise of Women

Tiger-like, soft but not too soft, smart, giving, willing to listen, struggling to understand "men," and still able to apply love and compassion. Women!  They bear burdens that men can't understand, or simply ignore. They are anxious about life, choices, outcomes, civility, kindness, and all elements of happiness.

They are not perfect, as smart as they are. They can be fooled by novelty, bluster, "mansplaining," the desire to achieve something better, and the assured need for growth and change. They can be distracted and led astray by lies spoken to solve one concern, while saddling all of us with moral vagrancy. Moral turpitude is everywhere nowadays but can be avoided, and must be exposed. Women have the moral fiber to accomplish this daunting task. 

Women are also sensual and sexual gatekeepers in current society. They must be. Why? Because men, as as rule, are unwilling or incapable to reject evil at first offer.
Women must say "no" when necessary, and "yes" most of the time. Sex is not evil; the misuse or abuse or ignorance of sex is the root of evil. Sex is intimate communication and must not be forsaken. Just "do it!"

An Election a Tornado, and What Is To Come...

Tuesday last we had a "runoff" election for School Board Chairman here in Savannah and I am proud to say a very good man won. Both candidates in this non-partisan contest could have won, and both were excellent. The winner was Joe Buck, a retired Armstrong administrator and former school board chair -- proud that he is in my rotary in Savannah as well.

On Friday (yesterday) a tornado struck: damaged a local public grade school
( Marshpoint Elementary), brought down hundreds of large trees on Whitmarsh Island, blocked and flooded roads on Outland Island, and continued overage of rain for this year.

On early Friday morning our rotary served breakfast for all the teachers and administrators of Haven Elementary and brought many books for their library too.
Public schools start next Thursday in Savannah.

What is to come is the Fall National Election Season. Remember all we have endured from Trump and his ridiculous cabinet -- and VOTE! Take back your country, your rights, and civilization for all of us. You know what you have to do! Do it!

Karma

I have a personal request to make. I have a friend who has lost a close relative -- a dear sister in Colorado. I wish for her: peace.

Mel Mrochinski

Does Anyone Care?

Trump is unfaithful to his wife. Trump flouts the  Constitution of the United States of America in many, many ways. Trump harms all our international relations, even with much-admired Russia. Trump has ruined our closest relations geographically with tariffs (supported by fake and inaccurate trade numbers). Trump has claimed he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his totally self-serving "deal" with North Korea, that is really a no-deal deal.

Trump has modeled the worst kind of bullying behavior for his moronic followers. Trump has tried to turn outright corruption into his rendition of "winning." Trump has really shifted the world itself, towards evil. Trump has been a "bad father" and a "worse husband."

Trump is the current version of Stalin-Mussolini-Hitler in the modern world. Trump may bring the countries of the earth to a new world war. Trump is unfetteujred Capitalism; he has morphed into an amoral autocrat. Would you, could you, honestly vote for this man -- or any of his sycophants?

Sex in the Age of Trump

How have things changed? Have they changed? In the era of #metoo and the rise of honest "feminism" we still have "perverts" watching Russian prostitutes peeing on each other, just for fun. And these perverts sanctimoniously occupy the highest political positions in the United States, supported by religious groups that used to believe in the 10 Commandments but have abandoned them for poll ratings.

SCOTUS happily considers supporting America's new dictator in whims and innovative new directions (separatism, isolation, racism, fascism, white supremacism, chauvinism, control of women, restriction of voting rights, and authoritarian control of everything.) Sometimes it just seems as if common sense is "dead" -- along with basic morality!

Collusion, Obstruction, Obfuscation, Treason

Trump is a curse for America. Because a group of impatient older white people (Tea Party Movement) along with an immoral group of zealots (Evangelicals), and a polyglot mass of disgruntled suburbanites (flyover anti-immigrant types, moronic millenials seeking any kind of change, and celebrity-worshipping trumpians), along with greedy Conservative Republicans -- we have a stupid un-American as President.

This President considers himself a  "stable genius!" He has no part of either of those concepts. Instead he is a self-made fascist wouldbe dictator! "Only he can solve our problems!" Or so he tells everyone. He is really the "Milles Glorioso" of medieval theatre. The braggart who knows nothing, tries to do everything (the wrong way of course), and messes up all he touches.

Putin: a Force for Evil

Fighting democracies, free elections, and freedoms for his own people (both economic and personal) -- Putin continues to be a malevolent force in the world. Trump appears to be too stupid to see that truth, or he is as evil as he is and is complicit as a "Manchurian candidate-president" of the United States.

Americans first need to take back the Constitution and its very soul from Trumpian megalomania. Then we need to elect people who can be servants of the people not just self-serving takers. We need honest people who know the differences between truth and lies -- and who choose truth. We need to throw out the crooked autocrats and keep the real compassionate humans in power. We need to return to normalcy, and get beyond the self-serving denizens of "Trumpomania!"

Trump Sump

Vile lies, followed by more lies, followed by lame justifications! Policies, honored traditions, constitutional rights -- all compromised or simply ridiculed as weaknesses. Trump gives out "poop on a shingle" and the Republicans eat it up.

They may momentarily RESIST but they forget and capitulate for "imagined votes" from the moron swamp that is "trumpomania." How long can America last as it is embarrassed to death?  How long?

So Much...

So damn much to talk about!  Trump betraying his country by allying with Putin rather than his own country over Russian "collusion" and "interference" in the 2016 election. That's pre-eminent obviously.

But in my life I also had a short (but crucial) trip to Easton tyo visit my friends Polly and Dick at their annual [30 years annual]  Bastille Day party. It was great fun-- great food and drink -- and wonderful conversation with lots of friends, past and new. Thanks to the wonderful couple, Dick and Polly, for opening their home and gardens at Club Del to all of us.  It was also great to see Ben (of Boston; go Red Sox!), Polly's younger sister, Mich, Vicky, and many others. Two 12 ounce beers did me in (VT IPA) so I was back to motel in Allentown (or near there) way too soon!  Fortunately many of the festive participants are at my age or older so an early end for those of us who had to travel -- was inevitable.

The last issue of note was the incredible kindness of my 50-year grade school graduating class from the now-disappearing St. John Kanty Parish. Our Moms raised us right! Thanks to all of them. And you especially Carlene; I hope we get to know each other better!

BASTILLE DAY!

Most of my friends and relatives will not understand why I might celebrate this historic day. In today's world it is symbolic well beyond French history.

It celebrates community and striving towards happiness; it gives us hope; it allows us to share our plans for  the future; it brings opportunities to relive our lively memories and to surpass them tomorrow; it makes us "sing" with patriotism and the highest of human ideals. BASTILLE DAY  is felt in the heart and the stomach.

Wine, cheese, roasted lamb, conversation, renewal!

Living With Delusion

The Evangelicals are deluding themselves about Trump.  Many young people delude themselves about family, future, and their own prospects for success. Some fewer people establish their own lies or delusions about themselves to excuse their own fears and inactivity.

Unfortunately the "South," as I have experienced it, is a hotbed of this lack of self esteem. Looking for reasons to fail, young people in the South squander their lives in pursuit of "bankrupt values": restoration of the past, fighting or refighting the uncivil Civil war, holding onto values (family, religious, personal) that even they don't truly believe in. And so they live out lives of day-to-day hypocrisy. Pharisees all!

They become the wasted talents of the current generation. 

Brett Kavanaugh

This is a better choice for SCOTUS than the pundits might think for the following reasons::  he is Jesuit-trained (an honest thinker), he is a family man with two daughters and is unlikely to be anti-gay, he is "of Washington" and is definitely not s racist, he is not anti-imigration, he will align with the moral positions of the Jesuits
(including incidentally our current Jesuit pope), he will surprise Trump by his adherence to American civil traditions and the " rule of law." Trump is, fortunately, a very stupid man ruled only by his short-sighted ego and desire for survival.

Putin Versus Trump

Americans believe that Putin has some incriminating "evidence" against our failed President. They expect that evidence to be indicated by the Mueller probe of Donald Trump's election campaign and his first 500 days in office. Americans as a group recognize what a minimal human being Trump is.

We suspect that in his pre-presidential dealings with Putin (and his asssociated olligarchs) Trump did things that would now threaten his regime in America.
These things may have been sexual (times with peeing prostitutes), or financial
(undisclosed deals for hotels, merchandising the "Trump" brand, or what-have--you).

He may also have colluded to try and "fix" the 2016 election, which may actually have been realized. No matter what ensues -- Americans know that Putin can easily manipulate Trump  -- but can he keep the truth from the American people?  I hope not.

God Is Alive -- Religion is Dead

Evangelicals are no longer an honest religion; Catholics have reduced all of morality to: "thou shalt not abort; everything else is okay!" Trump and Sessions quote the Bible even though they completely misinterpret what they use. Basic honesty among Trump's cabinet is non-existent. Lining their pockets and undoing what our normal Presidents (Obama, W. Bush, Clinton, and even Reagan) have done are their only goals. They have no ethics; their "values" are not values but improvisations. Our entire government has been subverted by Trump's inane and  insane campaign promises. When will the Trump nightmare be over?

Fighting Hypocrisy

There are many "religious people" in America who support immoral positions: incarcerating children because Trump claims they are threatening us; forgiving illegal and immoral activities of their leaders (Trump at al abusing women, wives, and their own children); violating standards of civility and coarsening  society with lies, half-truths, subversion of honesty, loyalty, patriotism, and basic human values.

These same religious types subvert sexuality, love, compassion, sensuality and normal life by purporting to have "moral high ground" on all these human activities. Religion has put itself at odds with reality. Boys and girls are taught that sexual activity is just wrong -- the "original sin" in fact.  The South is filled with these religious zealot-hypocrites.

The "new Puritanism" is infecting more and more human minds in the U.S.  It mocks and indicts all of the persecuted peoples who fled to America to find tolerance: Amish, Salzburgers, Shakers, Jews, Muslims --- and instead brought their worst prejudices with them. Hypocrisy flourishes among the arrogant zealots -- and it harms us all.

Evangelical Hypocrisy

America's flight from religion not only seems justified but necessary. Religion has given up its morality for expediency.

Immigrants are: "rapists, murderers, criminals,  ..."  "and are taking our jobs, our wealth, ...; so says Donald Trump. Prevarication, lies, hyperbole, mischaracterizations; and then evanngelicals and right-wing catholics bow and scrape and nod in quiet agreement. To a lie.

If "the salt loses its strength , what shall it be salted with?"  Religion has lost its strength when it refuses to be moral. What use is religion when it feeds on lies?
What use?

Vote Against the Despot

Vote against Trump and all the candidates  he endorses. And all the "poodles" (thank you George Will). And all the racists, homophobes, white supremacists, who are Trumpian. And all those who denigrate and oppose the "rule of law." And all those who have sublimated their morality for love of Trump (evangelicals, right-wing catholics, etc). And those who have somehow lost their way.

And all those who would torture children. And oppose equal rights for women, gay people, or anyone different from themselves. And all or the mental "blackshirts" who follow the "joke" who is our despot. Vote your conscience; not your wallet. Vote against Trump!

Shaking Things Up

"Lies are actually your truth as opposed to mine!"  The "big lie" in politics has now become constant, in a scurrilous attempt to drown out truth, and frustrate our ability to discern it. Trump, the man with  no ethics or morality, has done this to American discourse.

Trump needs to be impeached, for the sake of our American system. Trump is the embodiment of all things evil in every human.

Think  for yourself; research it yourself; you will see what I have discovered. Trump is a moron but a glib one. He doesn't solve problems; he creates them, blames them on everyone else, and then pretends to solve them with words of compassion (meant for his sycophantic followers).

We need to remove Trump from any position of power.

Brain-dead Base of Donald Trump

Look at what your President is doing. Taking innocent children from their equally innocent parents. Setting up internment camps to "keep families together" after a "womp, womp" public outcry; honoring the idiocy of his "base supporters" (in every way "base") by continually lying to them. And they still "believe" in him. Why?

Are their 401k's doing better? Has "the donald" fulfilled their blood-lust? Do they really want to return to some mythical past -- with Trump punching their tickets?

Are they that misinformed, or that selfish, or simply willfully and indomitably stupid? May they rot in Hell!

A Bone To Pick ... With God

 Why did you kill my sister Linda?  Why did you kill my beautiful wife Sheila? Why do you kill anyone? Is it amusement for you? Does it give you something you don't already have? Why then?

What's the reason?  Or do you not participate? Do you just allow us to die? Why then?

Why do humans die? It is the same as asking the opposite question -- why do we live?
What's the secret, and why is it hidden from us? Why, why, why?

Owning Trump

We caused him. He belongs to us. We created him. He is the "rogue" flower of what was once "the American Dream."  He is the racist, the chauvinist, the homophobe in every American. He is a pig, a fat old man, a "man-splaining" asshole -- but he is the product of us. He is the hidden "white supremacist" that resides in every white American. He reeks "white privilege."

He is a sad excuse for a businessman; he corrupts morality by ignoring it. He is a chameleon, by accident,; an improvisor by temperament; a human being by mistake.

He is not my President -- he belongs to all of us. He is our responsibility. We need to get rid of him, hopefully legally, and then try to forget he ever existed. He is our Hitler.

A Thief Unpunished

I witnessed a crime today -- and couldn't do anything. Frustration! A skinny youngish man ripped something away from a woman's stacked luggage at a bus stop -- I was in my car at a stoplight nearby watching it all.  The man suddenly sprinted away on Abercorn street towards the river. The woman was well-dressed, in high heels, with stacks of her belongings around her looking helpless -- and unable to pursue.

So I did. Slowly. In my car.

The man became aware of my "pursuit" almost immediately and kept sprinting. The outside temperature was about 85 degrees and humid -- early summer in Savannah!
I was still in my bright yellow tee shirt that I run in on really hot days. He kept running, stopping briefly at corners because of the traffic. He looked me straight in the eyes several times as  I periodically caught up with him. I  looked back and smiled. My instinct was to take his picture, but I realized my phone was at home being charged. So just kept following -- slowly. Yes, I thought about possibilities: "he might have a gun," "he might attack the car," so I mentally prepared myself for any such possibility. I am a seventy-year-old guy  so I wasn't about to jump from the car and tackle him. He saw me and I think realized that.

So I kept following -- and he kept running. One time I caught up and he was hunched over, hands on hips -- sweating profusely. I pulled up and smiled.

He suddenly veered off to his left and kept running this time up an "alley" (called a "lane" in Savannah). I rounded the turns of the square I had entered and took a left
I came up right behind him after about a block and again looked him straight in the face. He wasn't running very fast now. He grimaced and took off again.

After about two blocks he ran up between two government buildings and attempted  to lose me. I persisted -- crossing Martin Luther King Blvd at the corner (while he was crossing mid--block behind me).

I thought I knew where he could be going. I saw him run into the Urban Crisis Center complex. I realized my pursuit was now over -- except in my memory, and his aching
body.

Callous Disregard

Trump is evil. Trump is scheming. Trump has created a distraction, with "callous disregard" for the children of potentia) immigrants who are now caught in a quasi-legal tug-of-war at the Southern border of the US. Trump is repeatedly blaring his lack of responsibility while blaming the Democrats, the "moot" and unenforced law that has been in place for 12 or more years under three previous presidents.

This is so mean, so cruel, so callous that it can only be described as immoral. Remember this time -- don't let it become another instance where Trump tries to play the hero, once again rescuing America from danger. Trump manufactures crises which he then claims to solve. We cannot allow this charlatan, this liar, this immoral horror to reap gain from the very pain he so willingly enjoys causing.

Trump is "evil," we must defeat him. All of us are responsible for this.

Failure to Love

I have met anumber of people in the past two years with the same sad illness -- "fear of love."  I guess that fear has always been around, but now it has become the norm. "Why kiss when you can just smile, and walk away?" "Why go out of your way when you are likely to be disappointed anyway?"  "Why give love and affection when you can just as easily hoard it for yourself?"

Solipsism is the "new" relationship choice. My way -- IS -- the highway. The only way.  I am my only solace, my only refuge, my only hope!

Trump has shown us the "living hell" of "SELF -- ALONE!"

What I Know -- Father's Day Edition

That I love my daughter Tosha. That Trump is still bad for America. That my extended Mrochinski- et al family is the best gift I was ever given. That in spite of Sheila's unfair and untimely death  more than a decade ago I am still somewhat glad to be alive. My sister Linda's more recent untimely death confirmed everything I know about Death  -- it is always unfair, untimely, and undeserved.

Death is not the proper end of life; it is instead a "mistake" made by the "creator." 

My students over time have told me things both right and wrong. Some have lied to me; some have told lies about me. Many have succeeded spectacularly; some have disappointed many, including themselves. Life is ... a conundrum. Just as many students are.

Though I try to be consistent, positive, and "good" I am sure I have made mistakes. I am equally sure I have not made mistakes to ever "hurt" any other human being with deliberation or evil intentions.

Zoloft and Abilify

People need relief from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, simple fear. And so they attempt to find some kind of chemical help. But there is always, always, a price to be paid. Having now seen several young people "using" this particular combination of anti-psychotic drugs I am ready to make some observations.

These drugs are addictive -- in the worst sense. They give the user the illusion of normal focused behavior. But the highs and lows of cyclic activity remain -- only cloaked in a cloud of calm and confusion. The confusion comes from a seeming lack of control. A lack of recognition of typical behaviors. An anger at having one's decisions not seem like one's own.

Many people who use Z and A will use them for the rest of their lives. They will experience some diminished cognitive skills along with a dulled sense of joy. And they may not even be able to perceive any of these effects. This is only good for the drug companies, the therapists quantifying results for their ads, and the families of the users -- who only want "better" behaviors. It all depends on how one defines "better."

Things To Do

If there are still thoughtful and intelligent people out there (who may be reading this) -- pay attention to this list. And feel free to add to it.

Stop Trump. He has proven what he is and what he represents,

Restore your own thinking about basic values: human life, all life, respect for nature - spirituality - beliefs in God, goodness, tolerance, compassion. RESIST all hatred, bullying, belittling, arrogance -- that attempts to define or control others.

Be authentic to your highest understanding of yourself.

Fight against repression that circumvents the previous precepts.

Live in "kindness."

Failed Friendships

Why do they fail? Lying will kill friendships. So too will hiding behind half-truths. Posturing or posing to impress will lead to larger lies. And failure.

On the opposite side unreasonable expectations can stifle growth of friendships.  Friendship also cannot exist in confusion, or artificial connections. Mysterious "gaps" in information hamper the growth of trust and understanding.

I have been involved in friendships that have ended so quickly and violently, to say nothing of unexpectedly, that I will never decipher the reasons. I can only he sure of one thing -- lack of honesty was at the core of the failure.

Fools for Love

For love of babies many extreme religious types would execute abortion doctors; for fear of their own fragile morality some people will not admit they are gay; for fear of learning something new many would insist on remaining ignorant; for fear of living in lies some few of us would crusade for our entire lives.

Morality is not perfectly fixed for all situations, nor is it mutable for all occasions. Truth is always true, whether we accept it or not.  Truth is not our plaything; it is our pathway. Whether God exists or not, truth does -- and it provides our final judgment.

He Who Would Be ... God

Liberty University (film and drama program) are putting finishing touches on a film tentatively called: The Trump Prophecy. The implication of this horrid and scandalous film are that this "man" Donald Trump will bring healing, truth, and righteousness back to America. Yes, the evangelical elite have decided that Trump -- the abuser, the pervert, the liar, the phony dealmaker, the racist,, the misogynist., the un-American crooked businessman; somehow suits their own ridiculously one-issued agenda. Trump is the man they trust and --worship. All hail to their Tin God!

Now Trump, the "god" in question, has undercut our best allies on trade, defamed our Canadian partner as weak, refuses to "live up to the G-7 trade terms," and now is in place to negotiate away the rest of our peace with his autocratic solipsism. This is no "god" Evangelicals -- this is a flawed idol, a plastic -- "god" of his own imagination. Hail Trump --the "god of nothing and no-one!"

Depression

There was a time, about a dozen years ago, when my chronic and nearly uncontrolled sadness was driving me towards the logic of suicide. My wife Sheila had died the year before and I could make no sense of it. There was no sense; no plan; no divine or hyper-human reasoning to it. There never is when "death" is involved.

My friends and relatives could only utter little homilies. No one I knew talked at a true enough level. Except for my former student Tina -- she was true, and didn't overtalk the moment. She saved my life -- and then several years later, threw me away again (for a former lover, now her huband).

Depression has always been a familiar element in my lifestyle. I don't know why. It is not debilitating -- though it does become a nuisance. It keeps me more of an observer than a participant.

Now in my later years it is more an old friend then

Sex, Death, Loss, Grief

More people are afraid of "sex" in America than at any time in history. Foreplay has become violent: (50 Shades...); flirtation is now harassment or even assault (#ME TOO); "love" is suspect (all affection is assumed to be erotic); power and control have taken over for friendship and trust!  Why? Who is to blame? Probably all of us to some degree. "Our better Angels" have been sublimated by our basest instincts.

The linchpin to this massive degradation has been the arrival of Donald Trump. His lifestyle, his dishonesty, his lying, his worst "business instincts," his total lack of any moral compass --- have impacted society, tested our own mettle, and challenged us all to be more not less human. Is Trump the "anti-Christ?" Decide for yourself!

Invincible Ignorance

Why do some of us take such pride in our own stupidity? Some people insist that scholarships are only for the needy, not the gifted. That women are not sexual, but only victims. That older relatives always know best. That all men are predators. That women can only be victims. That religion supersedes morality. That Christianity is the true religion.

I have now met a swath of people who are invincibly ignorant. They are not idiots, but they choose to be shallow and uninformed. Why? There is an arrogance to unyielding dumbness. That arrogance is the product of lazy and fearful solipsism.

If I really don't know something -- nothing can ever change me. Stupidity is then it's own reward, it's own endpoint.

How Trump Lies

Make something up, no matter how extreme. Send your ridiculous theory to Fox News via a tweet. Then "quote"  the theory adding "many people are saying." Then
issue a statement descrying the very lie you made "hoping it is not true but..."

Then tweet that "something needs to be done about ..." that same lie. Then insist that the "evil Democrats are responsible for all of it."

Flack of Flacks

Rudy, America's mayor, is the worst kind of Flack --- the lying kind. His current position is Prevaricator--in-chief. He lies for Trump.

He is not the only one, of course. Just the biggest current name. Include others such as Paul Ryan, all of Fox news, conservative apologists of all shapes and sizes, crazed and compromised Evangelicals, right-wing Catholics, white non--supremacists, and many many corrupt non-thinkers in America.

No longer a leader of anyone, Rudy is now a follower of a No-one, Donald Trump.

Hyper-secure is Wasting Time

Because I have been traveling so much the past two months, thanks mostly to my sister Linda's unfortunate passing, my Google accounts have been accessed in many unusual places and in many near-impossible situations (borrowed computers and tablets, several different phones, and numerous stressed situations -- [ how can you forget your password just because you are weeping in the middle of a funeral? ].

Google --- we consumers, your loyal customers, need a simple failsafe recovery mode. Not a 5 step process --- but a one-word recovery, such as "rosebud" was for Citizen Kane!

Do it now -- Google -- do it now!

Sex and the American Mind

America is a Puritanical country. Thank you England, for sending us you most sensually-inhibited people -- the Puritans, to begin our country in the 17th century in Massachusetts. The Colonial History of the US also brought the French and the Spanish empires into conflict with what amounts to  by then established populations of religious refugees from across the world.

What that really means is that even in "sun country" areas of the US the body shape is hidden, skin is covered, and sexual practices were tightly controlled. Pornography is some people's only access to sensual living -- hardly a smart way to be. The intimacy and balance that comes with living a sexual life complementing every other aspect of life: family, fellowship, friendship, mores, education, knowledge, compassion, love, concern, etc. is lost!

One could argue that the soul of America shifted during the "sexual revolution" in the 20th Century but you would be mostly wrong. Why? The old Lutheran, Calvinist, Catholic, and even biblical religious traditions continue to descry sexuality as sinful, and desire as morally wrong. Amazing!

Thousands of years after man's appearance in the "thinking world" and Americans are still confused about what sexuality is all about. We are still afraid of it. We still punish it. We still brandish "hell" as the ultimate payment for being sexual, for being "loving."

So even as you summer "sun worshipers" ply the beaches, lakes, and streams of America consider that seeing so much skin in America makes you teeter on the edge of total immorality.  So say the aged prophets of sin. And they are everywhere around us.

Struggles with Incest and Rape

I believe I have been "in touch" with two victims of rape/incest in my life (though there have probably been more). One I am completely sure was a victim of incest -- since she told me all about it (she was 50 years old when she talked to me about it -- it had happened in her childhood). I knew the young woman at 50 when she literally "saved my life" from the grief pit I was feeling over the horrible loss of my wife nearly 12 years ago.

During that time I want from caretaker to widower in a matter of 15 months -- that time was horrific, and at the same time enlightening about life, death, and meaning.

After the passing of my wife a note was put on our business's internet site about her death -- and I got one significant and compassionate response (from this former student from 35 years ago). She saved my life by comforting me with emails, notes, then phone calls and finally visits. What she failed to mention is that she was already in a "binding relationship" with another former alcoholic/fellow church member, live in weekend lover, etc. By the time I found out I had been made into the "other man" I was doomed to me crushed emotionally. This wonderful person was a victim of incest with a family member for years as a child -- then a student of mine at Interlochen when a teenager, then finally a lover when she was middle-aged.  It was all predictable if I had known the template of an unsupported incest survivor: guilt, self-loathing, addiction (alcohol, drugs, etc), recovery, co-dependency, unreliable moral structure, lack of ordinary human mores, and finally sticking with whatever allowed them to become "sober and functioning" (in her case AA, primitive Christianity, a co-dependent boyfriend/fiancee/then husband) -- all of this was predictable and played itself out in my experiences with her. I won't mention being trapped by her lies, her confusion, and her cruelties.

More recently I discovered a much younger student: who had been chosen by my foundation for educational support (an undergraduate fellowship). She is brilliant, seemingly creative, quiet and unassuming -- basically a nice person.  But she is also morally ambivalent, maintaining a "victim mentality" with all friends and even me, who tried to allow her to grow from her own horrible experiences. Without really knowing for sure I inferred she was abused by her parents -- Mother and Father -- perhaps not physically, but certainly socially, psychologically, and in ordinary physical terms. I believe that this young woman had been raped -- by whom I don't know, except that it was probably from a family member. or someone from her "church." This incurred several hospitalizations for "acting out" behaviors, a life of "christian therapy," adoption by her own aunts (who have their own problems with reality), and a repressed, sublimated, and depressed lifestyle.

Incest must be dealt with -- at best by the individual victimized -- but not in an amateur way. Cognitive behavioral therapy with a competent and disinterested therapist (not a friendly christian "friend of the family" kind of child therapist)is a must. A supportive but "knowing family" or community would be a "godsend." Unfortunately in this case, and I fear in most cases, this is not the
outcome. Most of such victims -- like my young friend -- are doomed to play out the predictable outcome(s) -- and statistically, they are not pretty. We have many examples from the "real world" to serve as stark exemplars.

Trump -- Please Let This Pain End Soon

Miles Glorioso -- the comedia dell'arte figure that is so seemingly stupid, arrogant, and a bullying braggart to boot --well, he is the current President of the United State. He wants to take credit for everything that happens in America or the world that seemingly could turn out right.

Trump takes no responsibility for himself or his appointees when they turn out to be crooks, incompetent, or just so far off the norm as to be un-American.  He also apologizes for none of his own excesses and blames previous administrations for all failings in policy or execution. The world is apparently incompetent or grossly inadequate; only Trump can solve all our problems, says Trump.

How Do Humans Become Adult Humans

In a life spent as a "teacher" and "mentor" I have tried always to be honest with myself, up-front with others, centered on the growth of my students, and mindful of the fragility of personality as children grow up. I have seen "humans" who are apparently "grown up" and centered at age 12, and adults as old as 30 who in every moral and psychological aspect -- are still children.

One example in particular stands out in my memory. This was a young person in a community theatre production of "The Runner Stumbles" up in Michigan, very near the location/setting for the play. The production was important because of the controversy over authorship of the play -- the wife of the supposed author lived in the area where the play was being produced. Because the play was being produced so close to where the play was set (though a hundred years later) the supposed author was invited to the premiere. And then the truth of authorship controversy surfaced -- and all hell broke loose in the community, the press, and the rumor chain.

My example however was a young woman in the 20's who was in the cast. I happened to be cast as the clerical lead -- the priest who sinned. This young woman did everything possible to get close to me: in the dressing room, in the common bathroom was all had to use backstage, and at gatherings the cast had after rehearsals and performances at the local watering hole. I finally foolishly gave in to the seduction and it really was a seduction-- but not feeling quite right about the whole situation. Finally it dawned on me -- that this young woman was still reliving early high school years and her "expressed desire" for me was a transference from a former  "drama teacher" in her rural high school.

During a snowstorm/water hole gathering Kim (let's call her Kim) wanted to "stay over"in Traverse City.  She then pitched an improbable set of lies, betraying why she needed to set up a "phone chain" of lies about her whereabouts to "fool her parents into thinking she was staying with a girlfriend" overnight because of the danger in driving in snowy/slick weather. She believed they believed that she was not having sex or doing anything else "wrong." I sent her home in that snowstorm understanding that she really could stay with her girlfriend from high school who lived several blocks from me in Traverse City. And I learned from this experience -- even though she thought I was a "creepy dope" for not "screwing her" that night -- that women who are not mature enough to handle their own sexuality are not mature enough to use it.  

Are Women Inferior ... to Men?

The simple answer is absolutely not. The more complex answer is that cultural conditioning, ethnic stupidity, and male fear of being outdone have created the historically undeniable impression that gender differences imply gender dominance and submission.

The significant problem in the world is that most women either believe the "male dominance theory" or in a snarky way try to resist it by using indirect approaches to get around it. The result is that the "glass ceiling"  remains firmly arched over our heads, and that no woman has yet been elected to the Presidency in the United States. Various religions also add their weight to this fable of female inferiority: Christianity has its "handmaiden" theory of female gender, Islam still applies the "chattel" theory on both women and children, and most other major religions deny females the right to minister to the people at large in any true clerical sense.

So did God create two genders so that one can "lord it over" the other? (chauvinism in language itself) Are humans really just animals with souls who also  have complementary purposes and connections with each other. Is sexual and sensual attraction natural, or sinful? Are we "born in sin" because we are human, and only have value when we are saved? What is the purpose of "organized religion" anyway? Was religion given by God (god?) or invented by men -- as Kazantzakis suggested in "The Odyssey: a Modern Sequel?"

Human beings need to stop being afraid -- of each other -- and the "unseen god"; and live their lives positively and hopefully. Perhaps then there can be a return to the "Garden" so wished for by so many.

Who is King?

Trump wants to be a 'king'? Jesus is King? Many women want a king, or at least a prince. What does it mean to be a king?

A king is a ruler, but a benign one. A king is not above anyone else; he is equal to everyone he serves. A king is a leader. A king knows how to listen and use good advice, no matter where it comes from. A king does not "rule" -- a king leads, because he has made himself knowledgeable about the situation, has made a choice, and has followed through it. A king is a male but is not gender arrogant.

What is a "queen"? Is 'she' lesser than a king? No. A queen does all the same things as a king, only often in different situations. Has "god" or someone appointed a king to be superior to a queen?
No. A queen is a king -- using different modes of leadership and command. Those modes are not lesser than those of a king, only different from...   Can a "king" be a good "queen"? Yes. Can a "queen" be a good "king"? Yes.

Can a "mother" be a good "father"? Yes. Can a "father" be a good "mother"? Yes? Terms are inconsequential and ridiculous. Functions are crucial. Eliminate your "male" or "female" bias!

When Women Fail -- Why?

Fear. Being controlled by others: family, boyfriends, peer pressure, insecurities, society, their own lack of drive. FEAR!

Men? Are men at the root of women who fail, or are women their own worst enemy in this case? What do you think?

Give your views in the comments section.

Feminism

I have always been a strong pro-women male. Why? Women have superior ways of thinking from most men: they work well with groups, they mostly allow for multiple approaches to problems, they work very hard, they are respectful of others, they are charming in doing all of the above. Of course, there are exceptions to these categories of women; there are exceptions to all observational rules.

Being a feminist lifetime -- I can honestly say I have never tried to "take advantage" in any way of anyone, including women. Does that make me some kind of hypocrite, or an unrepentant "user" who can't see his "user-ness" in himself? No, I don't think so.

I made some extraordinary vows during my life -- and I have lived by them. Love, tolerance of differences, continual attempts to understand others, openness, respect -- there are "vows" relating to each of these topic firmly and permanently etched in my mores and behavior. And these vows begin in early cognitive childhood for me. How did they happen? In other blogs I will detail what I can remember from those dim recesses of time.

Closed Minds

White Supremacists have closed minds! Black Supremacists have closed minds! As do KKK members, right-wing conservatives, left-wing socialists, and many other fringe and one-issued groups.

I would also include Christians who think they are the "chosen people," Muslims who think the same,
and some Orthodox Jews, and Capitalist war mongers, and a variety of other self-serving milieus.

The saddest group for me -- of all the groups previously mentioned in this and all my blogs -- are certain groups of men and women who deny life's verities. Women who deny sexuality itself because of some made-up excuse (religion, morality, personal embarrassment, too much joy, and so on) so they can condemn the rest of the world who act normally. If you question the previous comment -- I could give you concrete living examples of such people -- they are the Shaker movement of the 21st century. There are men who also deny significant parts of life -- including, though I have not met any of these men, basic humanity. Perhaps hyper-ego's fit into this group, such as Donald Trump.

Men often become the conscienceless losers wandering the planet. What such men have in common with each other is -- they all appreciate Fox News. No, seriously they only appreciate words and media that support their hyper-selfish lifestyles.

I learned long ago from the Jesuits that an "intellectual is a person who can maintain an open mind."
I think it is a quote from G.K. Chesterton, and it is "apt" in this situation. In such a case -- please God, if there is a God, allow me to keep my mind "open."

A Not-Final Tribute to my Sister Linda

She was a good honest person. She was a woman who made friends from all strata of life -- because she was honest with them, and compassionate towards them. She loved life, people, animals, children, beauty, and a million other categories.

She was skilled in calligraphy, cake baking/decorating, package wrapping, administrating the work of others in associations ranging from theaters, formal groups, churches, organizations, historical societies and others. She was a certified hypnotist. She was a baptized Catholic who really understood the weaknesses of that Church; she was spiritual, existential, and most-of-all smart.

She was a proud graduate of St. Mary's High School in Milwaukee; and Cardinal Stritch College.
She had additional course work from colleges in Milwaukee and elsewhere. She completed correspondence courses of various types; she was a learner throughout her life. She was a seasoned accountant. In her education she tried to "better" herself so she could be independent and never a burden to anyone. In spite of never having very much she never really asked for help from her family -- which I believe would have been freely given, if her money troubles were known.

As the Executor of her Estate I know for a fact how hard and how long she struggled. All the while she lived a strong a positive life. She was companion too and supporter of my Mom Della for many, many years -- while the rest of her siblings were really only sometime visitors. Linda was a "mensch" in every positive sense of that term.

If she made mistakes -- and I know she did -- she always tried to recover from them, and right whatever wrong she had done. I always admired her a truly good and honest person.

I believed in all her talents because I continually saw them in practice. I believed she still had a future so she became my co-founder in a large working foundation I am starting.

The world of her friends will miss her unique personality, her loving support, her ingenious talents.

Linda's Funeral

Today was Linda's "funeral."  It gave a chance to family members and anyone and everyone who knew her to get up in front of the mourners and talk about Linda: what she was like, how she interacted with them, what she did for them, etc.  This "service" was as much spiritual as it was material and a good example of a celebration of life that was real, honest, and full of life.

Mel started the ceremony, followed by Ted Junior and then Arlene -- all did well. Next up there were nuns from St. Francis of Assisi (the founders of St. Mary's Academy and the Marian Center), fellow workers from the Spiritual Life Church (where Linda worked, volunteered, and had lots of friends).
Finally Jan Melloch spoke and verified dynamically the friendship between Linda and her.

We had some relatives from up in Northern Wisconsin (the Kursczewski's: Kenneth and frau) and close friends and clients of Linda from the Marian Center days. All this happened while Milwaukee (and all of Wisconsin really ) was getting snow measuring 8-25 inches with 50-60 miles per hour winds. As I write this the snow continues, even though Linda doesn't (as a live human being).

It was a perfect day -- except for the snow, the wind, the cold, etc. I shared "final meal" on Linda's behalf at the Final Approach, one of our favorite places to go when I would come to town. Farewell Linda, for now!!!

Women who manipulate...

There is a special place in hell for women (or men) who spend their lives trying to scheme and manipulate situations and other people. I have come across too many of them in my working and
personal life. None of them are my friends any longer.

I know why people do such things, of course. Some would call it "strategizing;" others would say it's just the way the world works (everybody lies); and some wouldn't even call it lying. But it is lying.
And whatever the motive, it is wrong. Not just morally wrong; but humanly wrong. After a while the liar cannot even tell the difference between a lie and the truth.

And after a longer time -- there is no difference to a liar.

Among the liars I have dealt with recently: an entire family (of a certain ethnic group, of a closed off section of Georgia, etc); liars of all ages.

Women Who Hide

The death of my sister and the work of my foundation ... have both shown me something about women in America, women of all ages. Young women in their twenties are "afraid of life" or they are just the opposite sexually liberated but mentally cloudy. Middle aged women "hide" in traditional situations: the spinster, the mom, the childless married woman. Older women (and I will be discreet in terms of numbers because "older" can actually refer to any age, depending on the state of mind) are tied to their family tradition, or their memories of an earlier happier time (rose-colored glasses syndrome), or the depression of ongoing life ("help me Jesus").

So women are hiding -- not all but I would say "most" of the women in my acquaintance. What of it?
What difference does it make? Who cares, as you might say?

The world cares -- civilization needs their active input more than it needs an army of menials, a sea of serfs, a gaggle of distracted cluckers. The reason we have Trump's and Putin's and Harvey Weinsteins's is that women are not "present" to life now, and to the future.

The Endgame of Donald Trump

The "laws of America" are closing in on the Donald. So long a crooked pseudo-businessman in the NYC area, and then by brand extension,the world -- Trump's crooked, inhumane, worldly, shallow and sometime "stupid" ways of working  have begun to "chew on his wide behind." Yes, karma is a wonderful thing.

Now Trump is trapped in a situation in which he can't just declare bankruptcy and then move on to the next venture. There is a reckoning to pay in spite of what my elder brother-in-law might say.
Trump will lose the presidency; Trump will (and already has) lose control of the Republican party; Trump may even spend time in jail. He will certainly suffer for his sins -- even reaching a level of embarrassment that might penetrate his simplistic arrogance. Power does insulate Trump; but it does not excuse him. Nor does his obvious ignorance.

Seeing everything in the guise of Trump's brand (which tried to be "elegant" and turned out to be "slimy"); or Trump's inexperience in government -- no longer make things right. Trump is a 'leper" among believers in democracy; a pariah among believers in simple decency; a devil among people who actually believe in truth, even relative truth.

I Know Famous People

Some friends of mine, Dick and Polly, used to use the phrase "I know famous people" -- to indicate the name-dropping shallow people who are around us.  They express grief when they don't really feel anything; they always "lead' with an "I" every time they speak; their expressions are meaningless, nonsensical, or just plain prevaricating.

Donald Trump speaks like that. Almost sociopathic in its intense falseness. He also uses the "people say" as his famous people to bolster whatever "blind lie" he is going to express. "People say," most experts think," or even "everyone knows." Donald Trump is a practiced by rudely obvious liar.
As "all of us" know! (Hah).

Private Message for C. H-H.

Positive / Negative

You are confused about all kinds of things / On the one side you have "family heritage preaching" and your own insecurities; on the other side you had a righteous scholarship offer.

You "disremember" things to support your family's sense of your "victimization." / Your family victimized you when you were young(er) and vulnerable; now your extended family does the same in new ways.

Your future as a student is somewhat diminished unless you make decisions for yourself. / Your powerful and controlling "in loco parentis" group feels you have to prove yourself.

You rightly want to "prove" yourself to your aunts and others. / Apparently you will go to any lengths to protect the family you have left -- even embellishing the truth and creating a "new history" with lies of omission.

You created a sense of self-righteous indignation over "invasive questions" asked of you about religion, family, and self. / You were told beforehand the questions could be embarrassing and would certainly be invasive: and that you didn't necessarily have to answer any of them.

You claim to be an innocent "young girl" put upon by "yet another" male figure. / No one can do this to you: you are neither a young girl, nor are you put upon by anyone except your family and your past experiences.

Past history haunts you (and confuses you). / But your "new present" scares and depresses.

You need to grow up and face up to your life, your condition, your treatment and likely outcomes. / No one can do that for you; your must do it for yourself.

You often think you are "not free" and that seriously depresses you, or makes you anxious. /  You are set up with medication, "therapy," and "in loco parentis" support to exacerbate that condition.

In spite of undercutting and condemning those who offered you opportunities; you are still respected
and "loved" (in the widest sense) by them. / You are not a "young girl"; no one has currently victimized you; and your life is yours to "create."

The World is What It Is

Trump is trumpeting how "attorney client privilege is dead" --- in his case, it should be. Those people among us who use such "privileges" to evade the law need to be exposed, and punished if they have broken laws that the rest of us obey.

Trump is the President, but he is certainly not "above the law" nor can he use his sacred post to work above and around the law. If he is a criminal, he should be impeached (or indicted) and punished just like anyone else.

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free!'   Good words: too bad our President doesn't read more. Fox News is neither freedom, nor truth.

Sex is...

Not a sin, no matter what the Lutherans say. Fun and healthy. Connected to compassion, love, and health is the most important of ways. More than an endorphin "high." A right of all humans.
Not predatory -- but does include flirtation/response, joy/desire, touch/reaction.

Sex needs to be understood by children (as soon as they are able) and not as a "good touch/bad touch" fallacy.  Children are never to be abused, or used, or confused by sex or its accoutrements.

Children need to have a healthy balanced view of sex -- and its connections to love among those who are ready for eros.

Talking about sex among and between "adults" is not a moral failing; it is necessary. America "does" sex and the education about sex worse than any other nation in any other time period.

The Purpose of Death

Everything dies. Everyone dies: humans, machines, migrating birds, beliefs, families, doubts -- everything. We perhaps will never learn the purpose, even if we have faith in a "higher power" -- as I do.

There are no doubt physical and mechanical laws governing this. Or perhaps reasons in faith beyond our ken. The only thing we can be sure of is that everything does die, in its own time, in its own way.
Mankind didn't cause death; mankind is not responsible for it. Perhaps the higher power is the cause of death?

It is an age old question discussed by every religious tome and in every college dorm. And it is a verity.

Mentor

As a mentor, whether it is within a business or a classroom or as a "life coach," it is always important to announce your "steps" (in an interview for example) clearly, forthrightly, and without prevarication.

I have always done that -- in all my "interviewing" in various jobs as a grants investigator, as a background checker, and as a teacher.  Sometimes employees or interviewees are so "taken" or "excited" that they fail to hear correctly. When I announce that I have to ask invasive questions -- I would always give my reasoning. That is the "honor code" of a teacher, a life coach, a mentor, and a friend.

I have only had one example in my entire life as a teacher, leader, mentor and friend (52 years of service) of someone who so confusedly misconstrued my motives that they "warned me never to do it again."  People are always entitled to their opinions, even when they are wrong. The example was very, very recent -- and it involves basic self-delusion on the part of the individual being interviewed. I believe there is nothing I could have done differently, and nothing I should have done differently, and nothing that I would have done differently. I swear on my life that this is the "truth" as I see it.

If there is disagreement -- the two people involved should both "walk away" -- which I did and urged the interviewee to do as well.  I wish this person "good luck" always.

No Quarter by Death for Linda

My younger sister died two days ago, on April 5, 2018.  She did not deserve to die; no one does. And yet human beings die -- unsolicited, undeservedly, without grace or quarter. Why?

Why are we here? Christians say "to redeem our corrupt souls!" Why are we corrupt? Because we are human? Because of the "sin" committed by the first two humans. Sorry, I just can't fathom that. It makes no sense -- even with the eyes of faith and belief. So Linda died for no reason except her body fell apart. Mechanical, not vengeful!

Linda did not deserve to die. No one does. Why did God, if there is one, do this to humankind.  Why does anyone still believe in an all-powerful but vengeful God? Why? Why? Why?

The Hard Life of Women

As we all watch the "rise" of women throughout the world -- we need to reflect: "why has it taken so long?" Then we need to take "action!"

Who has held the "chains of repression" so tightly -- via societal norms, religion, local mores, and family prejudices to keep women "in check" for so long? Who is to blame? All of us -- men and women -- are to blame. We have all held women back.

The "weaker sex," too emotional, too unschooled, "the Bible says...", "according to 'sharia law,' my Mom told me, my Aunts say "you just don't do things like that" and on and on. We have created the great inequality when really there is only differences, wonderful differences, that make the whole system work.

Why don't we have women Presidents in our history: in government, in business, in societies, in associations, in sports, in everything? Why are women placed as second class regardless of the situation.

Prejudice, ignorance, chauvinism, religious bigotry, Biblical and Koran misinterpretation (along with those of others sects),  fake standards of comparison, ridiculous old tales that presume without proof, ad infinitum and ad nauseam.

And continue to Resist, the devil that is Donald!

The Passing of MICHAELA -- the Rise of SYDNEY

Life brings changing circumstances and intriguing questions. What happened to Michaela ? Tall, slim, smiling: the best new waitress at Perkins and my pony-tailed server on a number of my trips through the region. Has she indeed just changed names and morphed into Sydney: tall, slim, ditto ditto ditto -- even down to the pony-tail?

What happens to those memories that have become legends or even rich fantasies in our brains? Are they still alive in some other continuum?  Are they still waiting for our arrival? Are they a part of our future? Our "could-be" future? Our heaven?

I hope so! 

RESIST Trump, as always.

Dumbstruck

Some of the things I  see happening around me are just astounding. Greed and self-soaping dominate in every level of news, politics, personal relationships, and even family life. Communication has been stymied or controlled for selfish personal reasons by supposedly "good Christian people" on a national and a personal level.

Grow up America! Let your "children" go! Let people make their own decisions. Don't demand, for example, that people should be allowed to have any gun they choose; because some moronic politician [who has no values or moral code] tells you he is against abortion. Don't stop or try to control the way your kids think, just because they don't espouse what you believe. Let Christian be a Christian, not a closed-off clone of you!


And everyone...continue to resist.

Incredible Change

Look around. The world has changed. The NRA is on the run. Even the sociopathic Trump is feeling the heat.  Another mass shooting; but this time an international movement, led by heroic students from Parkland high school in Florida, is making the argument. The Republican disinformation machine, that tries to turn victims into "crisis actors" hired by the FBI no less, is shown for the salacious crap-load it really is.

Thank you God--for sending all of us relief from evil. We must continue to RESIST!

Trump Can Fool Some of the People All of the Time

Hearkening to the famous set of lines about "fooling people" -- Trump has once again shown the way. He once said he could "shoot someone in the middle of the street in NY (or anywhere) and still get away with it" -- because he is "loved" so much.

The State of the Union was not so much that -- as a State of the Trump Brain. He thinks he has succeeded everywhere so as he "blows his own horn" in tweets or in speeches -- his loyal sycophants idolize and praise him. If the nation actually survives Trump -- historians will have their say and Trump will fall into his rightful place in our history: regressive, anti-science, truth-denying, obfuscatory, and sociopathic.

Asking everyone to join his view is his only understanding of "healing the divisions" in our country. He must honestly think that the world and its leaders are as ill-informed and stupidly miasmic as he is.

And that is why we must continue to RESIST!

Please God ... stop Trump!

Today is the day of Trump's massive claim of intelligence, success, intolerance, and ego-stroking known formerly as "the State of the Union" address. We know that Trump will claim complete success for all aspects of change, growth, and monetary success (as he always does) and deny responsibility for all failure, wrongdoing, and uncharitable bad taste (as he always does).

In both cases of course he is lying -- to varying degrees.

His personality, sociopathic behavior, and bad morals do not allow him to do other. He is worse than a flawed human being; he is a deliberately self-made flawed human being. History will record what a fool he is. Mankind will regret the votes of all Americans that were wasted on him for President, as an anomalous error of "extinction" proportions.

For all of the rest of us -- we must RESIST!

Love is...

Lots of songs, lots of poems, lots of epitaphs -- begin with those words.

But for me -- and people like me: love is touch, love is comfort, love is a "warm heating pad" contained within your conversations, love is understanding, love is "reaching out," love is trying to always do good for the other, love is the softest "kiss" you can give, love is a ready and capable arm around your beloved, love is life on smooth energizers, love is looking straight into another's eyes without blinking.

Love is an essential, love is the warmest kind of friendship, love is support, love is ... life itself.

Kiss the sky every day, breathe in the wonderful sweet smells of nature, give yourself every opportunity to love--- and be loved.

And, in the Trump "universe," continue to resist.  

The Long Good-Bye

These are the last few moments that I have access to my Savannah Tech office. I have "done the rounds" and said  "good-bye" to all my closest friends here -- no tears, just joy. Many of them asked if they could go with me -- which bespeaks the state of morale here.

Leaving STC  is easy -- but not for those left behind.  For them the "greener grass" on the other side of the fence always beckons. As it should. Right now this is a "deprived place" to work -- low salaries, good students, very little hope of upward mobility, or positive change --- especially for the faculty and low-level administration.

Given the budget cuts, hiring freezes, and general stupidity in the State Legislature of Georgia (too many Republicans! too many Trumpians!) -- prospects for the future of Georgia education, on this level at least, are slim to none.

So, RESIST while you can, as you should!!!

Final Crisis in America

This piece does not concern Donald Trump: his impeachment, his removal from office via the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, his indictment, his resignation, his disgrace, his hospitalization for mental problems, his bankruptcy, his moral repugnance.  It does however concern each of us -- all of us: Americans, world citizens, peoples of all nations, all human beings!

We are the creators of our own future. We in America made a mistake in electing Trump as President; we must now "get past him." We must not only survive him, but also put aside all our own overt and covert attempts to "use him" to achieve our own selfish agendas. Yes, we have a "tax cut/restructuring;" yes, it will aid the rich and the corporations most of all; yes, we have allowed a selfish set of actions to override our "good common sense."

But what now? Now we must survive -- we must get back to a sense of holistic "balance." We must regain and re-establish our morals and mores. This is not the "end times." This is not the "omega of America"; is it the "alpha time." It is the time to love, help, support, and triumph over greed.  Be a Warren Buffet instead of a Paul Ryan; be a Bill and Melinda Gates instead of a Donald and Ivanka Trump. Be a humanist instead of a capitalist!

And continue to "RESIST."

Sex and Love

Together, in the same relationship, sex and love are beautiful and humanly perfect. Or as perfect as humans can get. Ecstasy is as close to physical perfection as a human being can get.

I will not talk about Divinity, spiritual perfection, God, Angels or Saints in this regard. I have no "direct" experience of any of them except through "faith" -- which is true of most of us. Sex is in my level of experience -- and is the reason I believe that "sex is not a sin" -- in nearly all cases. Sex as power is a sin; sex with the unwilling is a sin; sex across species is probably a sin; sex without purpose is also probably a sin. Sex for pleasure is not a sin; nor is sex for enjoyment; sex without the intention of procreation is also not a sin.

Religions generally are afraid of sex -- they (the religions) label sex as "the original sin" equating it with Adam/Eve and the Forbidden Fruit in the Garden of Eden. So God punished mankind for eating an apple? (More likely a peach or mango?) Why? Because God is vengeful -- or doesn't understand his own creation -- or has some kind of "hang-up" about sex? I don't think so; and neither do you.

If  the "original sin" is something as small as sex -- then God is not God, but is a human fiction created by men to limit human behavior. Religion as a belief system, as a moral structure, can be a wonderful aid to mankind. But as a limiting power, as a parameter of what is human; religion itself is driven by the worst constraints within humanity, and is thus, immoral (or at least amoral).

So, continue to resist -- the stupid, the unthinking, the denizens of repression and inhumanity.

Exposing Donald Trump

Literally hundreds of blogs, columns, postings, and podcasts have already exposed the "real Donald Trump" for what he is, a man unfit to be President of the United States. That is my opinion, as one who has seen Donald Trump lie openly in a courtroom; and deceive millions more in all media.

Donald Trump is my President, unfortunately. I can honestly say I did not vote for him, though some friends and relatives of mine did. Nonetheless, I am ashamed of him. Every day he embarrasses us by his petty over-sensitive "hubris." Every day he besmirches the office and the power of the Executive Branch by his over-reaching use of statements, opinions, directives, and intentions. He is certainly living up to his campaign promises -- though I think none of us expected him to be as crass, stupid, and autocratic as he openly appeared during the campaign. 

Trump fooled us all then. But he can't fool anyone now. He is a schoolyard bully -- a feeble excuse for a leader; a ridiculous non-example for our children. Though he is not the "anti-Christ" he may be the least interesting man in the world. He is a Wharton "bumpkin" with neither social nor political savvy. He is a L-O-S-E-R!

I am not lying when I say I "pray" for the end of the "real Donald Trump" era. 

Resist!!

The New Era of Trumpdumb

Trump claims that "deregulation" is the key to prosperity; that the "only thing holding back 'winning' is the government's interference with corporations (via taxes, control of toxins, control of human rights in the workplace, health regulations for consumers, etc.). His notion that all will be well if the corporations will be in charge of everything and "deals" will mean prosperity for all --are outright lies, and at the very least "naive and superficial" solutions to world level problems: destruction of the earth through pollution, extinction of species due to uncontrolled use of resources, putting hardships on the poor and the non-corporate types via paying for the messes that will follow. 

Trump's claims are so moronic and one-sided (including his condemnation of Obama policies as well as those of all former Presidents) that they are a nightmare of ego and solipsistic hubris. Trump is not so much insane as he is non-sane. When crises come, and they will; Trump will continue to blame others, the Democrats, the "deep state," the Liberals -- and he will pass into history as the man that sanity forgot.