Tradition, old and new

 In a break with tradition I did serve a boneless turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm happy to say it went fairly well, the deboning I mean, and it resembled a Turkey when completed. I was pleased after trussing that spineless bird up and watching it roast. It carved just as the video had shown and I must say, quite tasty. Of course I have a great deal left over which will be used for sandwiches and creamed turkey. No soup, no bones! That's fine with me I'm never been a big fan of turkey soup. I'm also happy with the clean up, Just wrap that leftover bird like a giant meatloaf. 

 My wife saw a video of what you can do with leftovers and so we tried that. You take a crescent roll, you know the kind in a can, and roll it out. It'll be shaped like a triangle. On the wide end of the triangle place turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, and if you like, cranberry sauce. Roll it all up and coat it with an egg wash. Bake for 15 minutes, smother with gravy and you are all set. They are delicious. We do enjoy trying stuff we see on Facebook that others post. I'd say our success rate is about 78.3%. Keep in mind that we are not finicky people when it comes to food. 

 Today I'm " on call " to help with the outdoor Christmas decorating. With my grandson off to college his Mom is left without a helper. Well that's not exactly true, my son is around but his enthusiasm for decorating is rather on the low end. For him it is on the " honey do " list, a chore he will try to avoid. I was volunteered, of course, and am happy to help. I've been involved in their outdoor décor on and off over the years. It's sorta a tradition. 

 Speaking of tradition here in Greensboro the town has always had lanterns on the telephone poles for holiday decorations. They were lighted plastic with faux stained glass windows. They have been there every year I have lived in Greensboro, thirty years or more I think, I've lost count. Well this year I look up and there are stars! What, where are the lanterns? What are these stars doings there? Has the town abandoned this tradition? I'll have to ask the Mayor about that. The Mayor, you may recall, is my son. Yes, the same one that doesn't enjoy decorating his own yard. He is also apparently fine with disregarding an old tradition in favor of something new! First the town got a second stop light and now this! I'm thinking I may have to move soon. Oh, and the Mayor also told me the Grinch is replacing Santa Claus in the Christmas parade. Can you believe that? 

 The last few years I have been putting up an artificial Christmas tree. I know I can't believe it myself. I've been using the excuse that my apartment is rather small, I have no little kids around, and it is safer and less costly. It's easy to decorate and the list goes on. Now I'm thinking I may have to get back to basics. If I'm going to write and rant about traditions lost I should certainly be practicing those traditions! Why it is just hypocritical if I don't! So I'm thinking a real tree this year. In the years I have had one it was always as large as I could reasonably fit. I'm thinking I could make one concession to tradition and just buy a small tree. I'm not certain how small a real pine will be available. I'll have to check. Maybe I can just get one in a flower pot. I could start a new tradition? How many years does it take to make a tradition? Would it count after two, three or a decade? We often speak of how old a tradition is, but we never say how young one is? If traditions are born wouldn't they have to be an infant at one time? Yes, I'd say so. So I'll give birth to a new tradition this year. A birth, a tradition, it is all fitting together now. 

I didn't mean it

 You know on the left hand side of your Facebook timeline that " memories " block you can check? Well I usually check on it first thing every morning to see what I was talking about last year and the years before. This morning I noticed I had posted, a couple of times over the years, this quip, " just because I write it down, don't take it literally. " I was just trying to be funny. I think I'm hilarious but others fail to see it, another of life's mysteries. But whatever, after reading that I couldn't help but think many people must have taken that seriously! I say that because what I write, plainly and clearly, isn't being understood. People aren't taking it literally.
 I'm thinking this isn't just becoming on problem on my social media page but in general. Something is written, it's clear and concise, yet when reported becomes something quite different. Yes, that's what it said, but that isn't what it means. Of course the truth is that has always been an issue. That's why we have attorneys. It's their job to tell you what things mean regardless of what is written down. And the problem only gets worse over time. When the author is no longer around to explain his or her thoughts the situation is exasperated. Just think of the Constitution as a prime example. That is probably the most interpreted and misinterpreted document around. Even the founding fathers added the bill of rights to clarify things! But ambiguity still exists in that document. Consider where it says, " shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required " Now if I'm swearing an oath or affirming my intentions just who or what am I doing that too? No religious test shall ever be applied. Just what does that mean? A religious test may incorporate receiving Holy Communion, or professing a particular belief or doctrine. The founding Fathers wanted to ensure the separation of church and state and this is a critical part of that. What is the intent of taking that oath or affirmation in the first place? It's a solemn promise to act according to your conscience. The character of the representative is to be judged by the voting public not by a religious test. That isn't what was written, but it is what was meant. It was also taken as fact that most men believed in God, thanked God for the blessings of Liberty and would act accordingly. The only difference would be the manner in which their religion was practiced. Catholics were frowned upon, protestants ruled the day, although there were many varieties of them. No religious test would ever be applied because no one could decide upon the answer! It was an acknowledgement of that " freedom of religion " so coveted by the founding fathers.
 Okay so now that I have wandered off on that topic I will return to my first thought. Just because I write it down, don't take it literally. I may or may not genuinely believe everything I write. My writings are more an exploration of my thoughts than anything else. I do Google things often in an attempt to be factually correct. Surprising how many times I find conflicting facts! It really does depend on the author in some cases. The older the history the more likely you are to find contradictions. The reason is obvious enough, later generations wanting to change the story to conform to the current set of sensibilities. Those sensibilities do change with every generation. That's why we ask, what's your take on that? We are asking what did you read, or hear, and what did it mean to you? It's like saying to someone, it's cold today and they respond with, it's not bad. Are they starting an argument or just relaying their " take " on the weather. How strongly you believe your own statement will determine the strength with which you defend that statement. That's how it works.
 You know when I was a kid my parents, teachers, friends and others made things perfectly clear to me. When they wanted me to grasp their intent they ended their declaration with, " I mean It . " Especially Mom, she said that a lot. I mean it! If that didn't work she might add, " what till your Father gets home! " Uh oh, that wasn't going to be a good thing. The meaning was crystal clear. Context people, context. My only defense then would be, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry, really, I didn't mean it. LOL    

from Pilgrims to Santa Claus

 Thanksgiving day is America. A day for family and friends to gather 'round the table. We are celebrating the harvest, that was the original intent. We were to give thanks for the harvest, the bounty of the land that would sustain us through the winter. And who were we giving thanks too? God, the Christian God primarily. It took a lot of prayers to remain in this new world, a lot of faith. The conditions were harsh to say the least. But it was an opportunity. There was land to be had, money to be made. Only 38 people out of 104 survived the first winter. Yes, it was a time to be Thankful.
 The holiday, like all others, has changed in meaning over the years. Now it's more of a prelude to black Friday than anything else. Even that is changing however as black Friday stretches' into a month or more. Cyber Monday has been added as well. Most of us still think about Pilgrims and Indians, the whole John Smith and Pocahontas story. Even that history has undergone changes being written and rewritten according to political sensibilities. The Turkey has become the star of the show although we are fairly certain no Turkey was served at that first feast. There are only two first hand accounts of that day that we know of. It's not important though. The intent is what matters. And the intent was to give thanks. To acknowledge God and thank God for his mercies, and whatever mercies the native Americans showed.
 Thanksgiving will always be the Macys' parade and a big dinner to me. Yes when I was young it was Pilgrims. I was taught we invited the Indians to dinner, that's true although only the Chief was invited but due to do the language barrier the whole tribe showed up. Well, at least a significant number of warriors did. Anyway, they stayed for a few days, eating, playing games and even having some war exercises. Mutual defense was important to the Pilgrims and the natives, there were enemies about. We only celebrate one day, a Thursday. The last Thursday in November was chosen by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 as the day. He got that date from George Washingtons' date. In 1789 George Washington had declared Thursday Nov 26, the last Thursday in November, a day of Thanksgiving to celebrate the forming of a new nation and the constitution. It remained as the last Thursday in November, regardless of the date, until 1939. It was during the great depression that retailers complained to FDR about that. In 1939 the last Thursday in November was going to be on the 30th. The complaint was, not enough shopping days between then and Christmas! FDR agreed and set the observance for November 23. This caused a lot of confusion and people complained. It was proven that the shopping hadn't really changed, the same amount took place. The next year 1940 FDR announces Thanksgiving will be on the second to last Thursday. People still weren't happy. So in 1941 Congress set the date as the last Thursday in November regardless of the actual date! So, yes Thanksgiving had been manipulated for commercial reasons. Really the same reason the Pilgrims came here in the first place. It could be a profitable enterprise.
  And that is how we wound up celebrating Thanksgiving the last Thursday in November. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Let us feast and tomorrow we shop! LOL. For me, as a child, Thanksgiving also meant the arrival of Santa Claus. At the end of that famous parade there he was in all his glory. I've often wondered about children in other parts of the country. When I was little we had television, black and white, two channels. Being on the eastern end of Long Island we received broadcasts from Connecticut. That's because those signals could easily travel across Long Island sound. So we did see the Macys' parade. Did children, say in the mid-west or south of us see that parade on television ? If not, when did they first see Santa? I mean everyone knows the real Santa was in the Macys'  parade. Yes, he went to New York City! That was expected, seemed reasonable enough. I mean, where else would he go? They even made a movie about that. The miracle of 42nd street, everyone knows that.

Something to cry about

 The first lady came to Baltimore to speak at a youth summit. The summit was to address the opioid epidemic. This summit was attended by middle and high school aged children. She was soundly booed! She gave her speech anyway and afterward even defended the students right to boo her. A lady of class and grace regardless of your feelings about her husband.
 What bothers me about this is that those children, and yes they are children, felt it appropriate to boo the first lady of the United States. I can't help but think, is this what we are teaching the children of today? A total lack of respect for first, an adult, secondly, an invited speaker, and third the First Lady of the United States of America! What the heck? How is that alright? What message is being sent to the children, what lesson learned? And I have to add I don't care who it is, what political party they are affiliated with, who their spouse is, or any of that. The first lady should be afforded the highest respect. What further bothers me is the main stream news reporting on this. No admonishment of the children's behavior at all. No, the news reports this event as though it was a good thing! I won't apologize for my feelings. I am disgusted!
 I know, I'm a boomer. I get called that almost on a daily basis these days. I guess it is supposed to be an insult or something. Just another way of calling me an old man. Yeah, I get it. Things is, I am a boomer, I am old, and I'm not ashamed of that at all. Those using that term are the millennials. I understand that many of them are having a hard time understanding reality, I don't have that problem.  So for that reason calling me a boomer, a factual description, doesn't mean much to me. All it really means is, if it weren't for the boomers there would be no millennials. Now there are some of these millennials that are also confused about gender and it would seem, reproduction. I'm not so certain they will reproduce anything! If they aren't killing their offspring as a " choice " they are attempting to change their gender or being neutral. Neutral won't get you anywhere. But whatever, that was the response I received when mentioning this lack of respect for the first lady. " Shut up, boomer. " Yeah, a real meaningful dialogue.
 I'm not going to say, in my day. My day ain't over yet! Yeah, I'm older now, get older every day and have been doing so every day for 67 years. I anticipate that will continue, until it doesn't. That's a reality. I will say I was taught how to behave in a civilized society. Being disrespectful to your elders wasn't cheered on the evening news! It's my belief teaching children to speak up is a good thing. Certainly they should make their feelings known. Things is, there is a time and place for that. Listening to a speaker isn't the time or place. This individual was invited to speak, the bare minimum is to sit in silence. That is what I was taught and that is what I believe. It's a courtesy, if not a show of respect. Certainly teaching our children to be courteous can't be a hindrance to their development.
 Well, I just saw that and couldn't help but comment. As I said I don't care who it is, they deserve some courtesy and respect. This was a speaker, not an entertainment event. You can boo an entertainer, it's an occupational hazard, although I personally wouldn't do that. I will just not go to there show, or buy whatever it is they are selling. I don't feel a need to insult them. My silence, my lack of reaction, should be all the clue they need. The action of those students, middle school and high school, ages 12 to 18, speaks volumes to me. Yes you are always going to have a few that " act out. " That's what they called it way back in the dark ages when I was in middle school. Those children were confronted on that behavior, not encouraged. But when you have the majority " acting out " drowning out the few that politely applauded the speaker, that does reflect upon our society. What is it showing? Well, this boomer would have gone " boom " if it was one of my kids I can tell you that much. Damn disrespectful brats! That's my feeling anyway, I hope that I made it clear. Someone needs to provide some clarity, you can't rely on the evening news or educators. It's something that needs to be taught one on one! We need to start parenting once again. You know, what happened to us " boomers " ? We got parented! It wasn't called that back then, but that is what it was. Boom! We were instructed, guided, and disciplined. What we did was our fault. The question was, " if your friends jumped off a bridge would you do that too? " The correct response was, no. Inwardly you realized you were stupid and had made a bad choice, it was your fault, no one else's. You learned how to respond correctly. You learned courtesy and respect. Both of those things seem to be missing these days. When I was young and those actions were missing, BOOM, I was reminded. Now, be quiet or I'll give you something to cry about.  

cool

 I was at Walmart and noticed they had record players for sale. The one I saw was a small self contained deal, looked like an attaché case. I've heard that vinyl records are making a comeback. I still have a few in my attic from years back. I can't see myself buying a player however, those records are just old memories now. I mean, it's cool to have them but I most likely wouldn't play them. But seeing that player in the store did remind me of my teenage days. most notably when  I was sixteen and seventeen. That's because I had a portable record player back then.

 Now when I was a teenager growing up on the eastern end of Long Island I didn't have a lot of shopping choices. The nearest department store of note was 25 miles to the west. Twenty five miles was a good drive back then. But there was a store in Riverhead, a big town by my standards, and thats where Billy Blakes was. Billy Blakes, in case you have never heard of it was a large department store. It was a lot like Walmart. Both stores started in 1962, Billy Blakes in New York and Walmart in Arkansas. I was, of course totally unaware of Walmart which didn't expand out of the southern states until the 1980's! I know it seems like Walmart has been around forever. Well, it has survived unlike Billy Blake. But Billy Blake sold a record player in a attaché case. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. 

 I purchased that player when I was sixteen. It played 45 and 331/3 records. It was stereo, of course, and the two speakers could be removed from the case and set on the table. It came with a regular power cord you could plug in, or it would operate on batteries. Now that was pretty cool. You just didn't have portable record players in those days, talk about your high tech. And I carried that thing with me for a while. I can remember having it in the car. Whoever was riding shotgun had to hold that player in their lap. Hey, it worked pretty good. No more waiting for your song to come on the radio. I had no tape player in my car and the radio was AM only. I had many a good road trip with that thing. I have absolutely no idea where it went after I joined the Navy. I expect it went to the dump at some point, just a piece of junk. Well, eight track players, cassette players and eventually cd's replaced all that. We've come a long way Baby! 

 I am amused that what I once thought of as high tech is now nostalgia. I do remember using a pay phone when it was a dime. I also remember just telling the operator the number because we didn't have dial telephone yet. Yeah, we've come a long way. I remember when the television and radio had to warm up before use. I remember getting my first CD player. Now that was something else. The first computer I ever used had a green screen with white characters. It was DOS and you had to type in the commands. I didn't know many, just a few I had been taught. High tech, you bet it was. How many remember DOS? Well, I saw the record player and it sure brought back a lot of good memories, memories of living on the cutting edge! It was " rad " man. 

Enough

 I think it is fair to say I'm not much of a joiner. That is to say I don't generally join in an activity unless it truly interests me. I'm not led into temptation easily, I'll just do that all on my own. I think it is also fair to say I'm not much of a follower. That isn't to say I don't have loyalties, I certainly do, just that I will not follow a person or a trend readily. I'm not one to joining your cult, I'll upset the whole system the first time I don't like it. And you are not getting my money! I don't have much to begin with and I'm not giving any away! So that leaves me somewhere in the middle. It's a place I often find myself. It can be uncomfortable at times. It becomes uncomfortable when I feel I like should be doing more. I see others doing this or that, they appear to enjoy it, and think what am I doing? The answer is often, not much. The question is , it that alright? 

 I think it is fair to say I've always done what needed doing. What I 'm talking about is, adulting. I've always done the things an adult needs to do. I haven't always acted like an adult, I haven't always excelled are being an adult, but I have always done, at the very least, the minimum requirements. I have provided. The extent of " provosions " we are able to stockpile is often how we measure success. Or should I say an excess of provisions. It is the quest for something more. It is distilled in us as children. I'd say it continues throughout our life. We are always looking for something more. I don't mean material things, although they are sometimes our primary concern, out of necessity. But the amount of material stuff that is necessary is dependent upon the individual. I certainly don't require as much stuff as others seem to need, and conversely some live with far less than I. Irrespective of all that we still want more. More of the intangible. 

 We are constantly told we should be doing more. We should be doing more for our fellow man. I can't help but think, it's the other man that keeps telling me this, know what I mean. For some eternal life is dependent upon that action. Indeed the church teaches us we are obligated to God for 10%. Tithing is a sign of obedience. The reality that I understand is those tithes go towards the administration costs, buildings, missions or whatever. There is a practical side to all that. That isn't to say we shouldn't be doing that, for me it is a form of " doing " more. We should be giving of ourselves. We do so for the benefit of others. Or is it done for the benefit of ourselves? That's where faith comes into the equation. A question of obedience. 

 At what point have we done enough? That is what I'm thinking about. When have I done enough for others and enough for myself? How will I know? Others will tell me there is never an end to that, at least doing for others that is. I get that. But I'm left wondering about myself. Is it alright to say, I've got enough. I've given enough. I don't want to join, I don't want to follow. If so why are we constantly prodded into believing we should be doing more? Perhaps more importantly, why do I get a feeling I should be doing more? Is that something I have been taught, or is it something inherent to the human spirit? 

 I guess what I'm asking is, how do we measure the intangible? I question just what the standard would be. You can't measure anything without a standard to compare it against. It's the same thing as understanding this simple phrase: You can't win if you have nothing to lose. The reason is obvious enough, if you have nothing to offer, you can't play the game. And what is this game? How do you win? Do I need to do more? I'm thinking it all depends upon convincing yourself. It's based in belief. Have you done enough? Enough for others or enough for yourself? That's the question you need to answer. It's multiple choice. I haven't filled in the circle just yet. Maybe the answer is, all of the above.   

listen to the music

 When I was a teenager listening to records, yes that what we called them in the old days, I listened to the music. I wasn't really aware of it at the time but the lyrics were in the background. That only became apparent to me yesterday after posting a flippant comment of a Facebook post. I posted. " I just stopped in to see what condition my condition was in. " I knew it as an old song lyric but didn't recall another word of the song besides, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah was used a lot in song lyrics back in the sixties. So I did what is fast becoming a habit, I googled it. Turns out it was Kenny Rogers and the first edition. Okay, I sorta remember that but google began to explain what the lyrics meant. They said it was a counterculture song about sniffing glue! OMG, Kenny Rogers was sniffing glue? I didn't know that. That's when I realized I wasn't listening. I seem to recall being in English class and the assignment was to explain the meaning of a song. I think someone did Lucy in the Sky with diamonds. I'm still not sure what the heck that is supposed to mean. Anyway, when I was a teenager, they were just songs. I remember one eyed purple people eater, Little Red Riding Hood, Whooly Bully, Get up, Get Down, Magic Carpet Ride, Patches and so many more. I certainly wasn't listening to only one genre. If it was on the radio, I listened. Buying the record was reserved only for the best ones. A 45 cost ninety five cents! I don't recall what I paid for albums, didn't buy many of those. 

 No, when I was a teenager I wasn't thinking about what the song meant. Maybe that's why I think so much about stuff today. Back then, I was just listening to the music and an occasional lyric would jump out at me. Usually just a few lines or so. Could be that is also why I wasn't much of a counter-culturist. I wasn't listening to that nonsense. Now some of the music I liked was a bit radical, at least to my parents it was, so I was thought of as a rebel. Like James Dean I didn't have a cause however. I just enjoyed the music. I did listen to a wide range of music. Everything from Hank Williams to James Brown. I still do to this day. Well I admit I don't listen to Punk rock or Rap. Not a fan of any of that. Fact is I'm waiting, someday maybe someone will get around to making good music once again. From what little I hear it ain't happening yet! 

 I did start listening to the lyrics later on in life. Mostly the lyrics to country songs as they speak directly. I do enjoy plain talk. All that cryptic stuff is distracting. Say what you mean, plainly. When George Jones sings he stopped lovin' her today, who know exactly what he's singin' about. I suppose that is why I gravitated toward what they call country music these days. Not only can you understand the lyrics, you can understand the lyrics, know what I mean? But now even that has become somewhat garbled with these " urban cowboys " for lack of a better term. I'm sorry you just can't rap a country song! I'm sorry, but a white dude in faded jeans and cowboy boots, no matter how many tattoos he or she has, aren't black artists! So, quit it, just quit. But I'm wandering off topic a bit, as usual.

 I've heard it said that music is the background to our lives. For me I would say it is more accurate to say the lyrics are. Like the majority of us I can recall lyrics, or at the very least portions of them, from sixty years ago. Those lyrics are there. Sometime the lyrics aren't in context because I wasn't listening to the message or didn't decipher the message the lyrists was trying to convey. Still the lyric is there and remains for some reason. I believe that. I have no explanation for that, but surely old song lyrics, like nursery rhymes, are imbedded in our mind and it must be for a reason. We do pick and chose from them however according to the occasion. Are we being silly or thoughtful? We will select a lyric to fit what we perceive the occasion to warrant. Sometimes they don't fit. For instance when I wrote, I just stopped in to see what condition my condition was in, I wasn't thinking about snorting glue! I just remembered that as a catchy lyric. Now I'm wondering what else I missed back then. Well judging by the way some of my contemporaries think and act I'm guessing it wasn't much of importance. Many seem to still be trying to figure it out, when all you really have to do is, enjoy the music. And now I'm thinking of, Dance to the Music, Sly and the family stone. Play the song and I can recall most of the lyrics. Without the music however, the lyrics are hazy. Purple Haze? I could go on and on.  

sleeping dogs

 Occasionally I'll begin to tell my wife a story, hesitate and say, I've written a blog about this. Her usual response is, you've written a blog about everything. Well, I've certainly covered a wide range of topics I won't dispute that fact. After nine years or so I am running a little short on material. I do make an effort to not repeat myself. Now I find myself repeating myself about not repeating myself. What's a man to do? But there are stories as yet unwritten. I won't say they aren't untold, I have shared them with my wife, friends and family but I haven't published them. As grandiose as it sounds when I post these blogs it is a publication. In theory it can be read by anyone. True it would be like finding a pamphlet in the worlds largest library but it could be found. For that very reason I haven't written those stories down. Those stories could be embarrassing to the individual or their relatives. I refrain out of a sense of propriety. Judging by some of the postings I read on social media propriety isn't as closely adhered to as it was in the past. The proprieties are not being observed. 

 These stories are about neighbors, family members and a few others in the community where I grew up. They are the stories that effected my life in some small way. That's why they are remembered and repeated, a rehashing of the tale, a new understanding perhaps. These incidents are the private little things that happen. I don't mind sharing some of my embarrassing stories, they are mine and I have a right. I also have stories I don't share and most likely never will, they are stories between me and my God. No one else needs to know. In my experience when you write a story and change the names to protect the individual, it usually fools no one. Also I feel a little bit like I would be betraying a trust to tell the tale, especially if that person is gone. They would have no opportunity to defend themselves. I was taught to never speak ill of the dead. Embarrassing that individual, even when they aren't here to be embarrassed, qualifies in my opinion. 

 I wonder though, does death release me of that obligation? What I mean is, can I record those stories, write them down for future generations, as long as I don't publish them? Would it be alright if those secrets were exposed after my passing? I couldn't be held accountable, that much is certain. But, the reason I don't publish them isn't for me, it isn't that I'm concerned for myself, I'm concerned for those that the story may effect. That's why we observe the proprieties. It is a form of respect. There are those that will argue the truth is the truth. Nothing wrong with telling the truth and no one should be ashamed of the truth. Well, I disagree. I could tell you some truths that I am indeed ashamed of. But I won't. 

 I believe I owe that much to the memory of those folks, and certainly to any still living. They are people that I like, generally speaking, and hold no malice against them. Even when I do I still hesitate to tell the tale. It is a bit ironic that some of the best tales are the ones you won't tell. Exercising restraint can be difficult. It's a temptation. As I mentioned earlier, it appears many are not exercising that restraint anymore, especially the main stream media. They will now broadcast everything and anything to gain viewers. Heck, they'll even make things up. I'm aware that most of the folks that read my blogs have some knowledge of me, my neighborhood, my town, and the characters in that town. I am conscious of that and so temper my writings. I wouldn't want to unwittingly expose past secrets. Or, as Mom would say, air dirty laundry! We all have different memories, a different set of facts we work with. There are things I know that you don't know, and vice versa. Those facts change things. Even when it happened fifty years ago or more, it can still have an impact today. Sleeping dogs are what they are commonly compared too. It's best to let them lie. Funny thing about sleeping dogs. Wake them up and they may bite you! They do seem to have a propensity to defend themselves before they even know who is attacking! People aren't much different than that, if you think about it.   

a Sunday drive

 How much of our time is uneventful. This is never so evident as when you write. It doesn't matter much if you are just writing a postcard or a biography. The vast majority of our time is expended just doing the mundane. The daily norm. I expect it is much the same whether you are extremely wealthy or living on the street, the routine. Routines can become boring and we seek an escape. Trying something new, going somewhere, doing something, anything to break up the monotony. But I think a great deal of that depends upon how much you enjoy your own company. Can you entertain yourself? 

 The answer to that last question is dependent upon one thing. Does your personal entertainment require an audience, a validation? What I mean is, how much of what you do is done solely to satisfy yourself? Those activities would include things like reading a book. For most of us reading a book is done for singular entertainment. We may enjoy telling others about the story, about what we read, but we read for ourselves. There are some that keep a diary, today we call them journals. That's an entertainment that isn't normally shared. 

 I was reminded of all that when watching the movie Gladiator. You know the part where he says, " are you entertained "  as he stares at the crowd. The irony being the crowd finds entertainment watching him kill others. A population demanding to be entertained. Not much has changed since those days with the exception we don't stage fights to the death. But we certainly stage enough entertainment for the masses. So much so the " entertainers " have gained as much influence as those by-gone gladiators. Entertain me enough and I will submit to you, give you leeway to do as you please. I will even glorify you. A recent example is that football player Garrett. He swings a helmet directly down and with considerable force towards an opponents head. The intent is clear! Yet there are those attempting to justify his actions by saying, it wasn't that bad. He was playing a sport and emotions get heated. Yes, but shouldn't we remember one thing? It's a game! Would that be okay on the playground at elementary school? I don't believe anyone would support that action. Is your entertainment that important to you? Important enough to sacrifice a life?

 But as frequently happens with me I have wandered off the topic I began with. I was talking about how most of our tine is uneventful. What we tend to remember are the events in our lives. Special occasions, happenings good and bad. But they are just moments when compared to the whole. That's why we are encouraged to enjoy the moment, each moment that we can. When you can entertain yourself with the mundane, you will have found the path to happiness. 

 Find a job doing the thing you love and you will never work a day in your life. We have all heard that said. I question how many people ever enjoy that luxury. My thinking is, the more industrialized we become, the less frequent that becomes. It is my thinking the more independent we are as individuals, the more self sufficient, the happier we are. I'm thinking that is exactly the independence our founding fathers had in mind when speaking of such. Not having ever been a farmer or a fisherman working his land or the sea, I have never known that independence. The closest I have come is when doing odd jobs for people. In that scenario I was an independent contractor. I was happy doing that work but it wasn't something to sustain me. The farmer and the fisherman are that way, the results rests primarily on their efforts. If they don't work, they don't eat. If they go to work but do not put forth effort, they get poor results. Yes, the remuneration is dependent upon them. They are independent! Whereas those of us employed are dependent upon the employer. We are not truly independent. 

 Do we really enjoy working for the benefit of others? You can enjoy your task, enjoy the occupation. I wouldn't dispute that. I enjoy working on machinery. I did so for many years. The majority of the time and the irony of it was the vast majority of the time I was simply maintaining that machinery. That's not very entertaining. I describe it as a fireman waiting for a fire. If you do a great job, if you have good luck, you prevent that fire. But your job, the thing you really love to do is put the fire out! I'm making the same of amount of money either way. I got paid the same whether I simply put grease into a bearing or rebuilt the entire machine. Which did I enjoy more? Rebuilding the entire machine. Why? Because I was entertained, I enjoyed that far more than the simple task. Therein lies the rub. Days and hours of the mundane and an occasional event. I remember when things broke, the rest of it not so much.

 Yes I would say the vast majority of our lives is filled with the mundane. Try writing about it sometime. Would you say your life thus far has been a novel or a short story? For me I'm thinking mine has been more of a note. Not much awful exciting has happened to me. I'm one of the lucky ones I suppose. No overwhelming trauma, no overwhelming adulation either. No, just the middle of the road, a Sunday drive. I've enjoyed selected attractions along the highway but am not dependent upon them either. 

 

thoughts

 The title of this blog is Random Thoughts and Memories. I chose that title for a reason. I chose it to express my intention to share my random thoughts and memories. Seems pretty self explanatory to me but now I feel it may need clarification. There are some that apparently believe I am married to those random thoughts I share. Whereas it is true I seldom dispute what I write, I get along with myself better than anyone else I know, I will occasionally have a different thought about the same topic. When that happens I write those thoughts down. There have been times when I was called out on that. Well I guess that's fair enough, I do enjoy reading any comments folks chose to leave. The only time I get annoyed is when others attempt to edit my memory. Yes, I've had that happen as well. It's rather amusing in retrospect. Not so amusing at first though and I admit to that.
 Now as anyone of you that have read more than two or three of my postings knows I'm liable to write about anything. Yes it really is just random. The news, politics, whatever is " trending " and other things stimulate these thoughts. I'm not surprised when others don't agree with me all the time. Talk to anyone long enough and you will find things you disagree on. That's even true with your wife! Hey guys, am I right? Yeah, even when I'm right I'm wrong sometimes. But anyway anything may start me thinking. This morning there was a short snippet on the news. A little boy was shown putting candy back into a treat or treat bowl on someone's porch. Perhaps you've seen the story. Briefly, he is trick or treating and goes on the porch where a pumpkin shaped bowl is sitting. He looks in and sees that it is empty. He takes his own candy and puts it back into the bowl obviously thinking about others. Like a lot of things these days it was caught on video, posted and went viral. Walmart is now rewarding the child with candy for his generous act. Like the majority of people seeing that I am impressed with this young mans' generosity. Then I think, I hope they don't spoil this young man with their praise and accolades. I hope they just let this act go by and not allow it to define him. There is far too much of that going around, in my opinion. You are free to disagree.
 I am amazed at times at how much import my words must have with some. There are those that will rant and rave about whatever I have written, even when what I wrote was just personal memories or my perceptions. At times you would think I was responsible for establishing the law of the land or something. Shakespeare wrote about the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and I've certainly experienced slings and arrows. They come from all directions at times. No matter though I have a shield, the shield of common sense.
 On the news this morning I keep hearing about a bombshell moment in the impeachment testimony. The narrative is, Ambassador Sondland testified that there was a quid pro qoa between the United States and Ukraine and everyone knew about it. But yet the bombshell moment reported on the news has a clip of Schiff saying, " was there a quid pro quo, the answer is yes " If Sondland said that why are you not showing a clip of him saying that? The answer has to be, because he didn't say that. Common sense strikes again. Schiff answered the question, providing the answer he was hoping to hear. Sure seems obvious enough to me that this hearing is nothing more than an attempt to get testimony that agrees with what the committee wants to hear. I see no interest in the truth, I see an interest in, we hate Donald Trump and need a reason to impeach him before he gets reelected. We will do that even if we have to provide the answers! But that's politics I suppose. Here's a bit of common sense. If I am going to give you millions of dollars I expect something in return. Yup, I do. If I give you a gift, any gift, I do expect a thank you. That's true even when I would testify that I expected nothing in return, your happiness is enough for me, and a thank you was unnecessary. And right after that testimony, under my breath, I'd be saying, ungrateful son of a gun. That's life, that's reality and that's common sense. It is also my thoughts, you may think differently. 

a belief

 If you google the meaning of Philosophy you will get several meanings. That is true with most words and we do need to define what definition we are talking about. In short, defining the defined definition! Is it any wonder disagreements begin? But I googled Philosophy and one definition reads, " a theory or attitude held by a person or organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior."
That is my understanding as well, at least the definition I had in mind when I began this blog.
 So that being established I begin with this thought, should we adopt a philosophy that agrees with our thoughts or should our thoughts adopt a philosophy? I believe we all create our own philosophy based solely on our life experience. That philosophy will certainly change over time as our life experience grows. Now the study of philosophy is the study of ideas. It concerns the discernment of reality. Philosophy is merely the study of ideas. In a sense one could say that philosophy and religion are one and the same. I can't see where anyone could hold opposing opinions on those two " thoughts. "  I say thoughts because neither can be proven or disproven.
 Philosophers came in all flavors, there are religious ones, atheists, agnostics, and everything in between. It is my feeling that all philosophers are attempting to do one thing, discover what they believe. Today we might call that, finding themselves. You could expand that to include attempting to understand others philosophies about reality but then you begin to border on psychology. Why people do the things they do. That's just a guess, in my opinion, an educated and informed guess by those trained in that discipline, but a guess nonetheless.
 It is that that brings me to question things. As I said the other day I have begun to take an interest in philosophy. Not so much as a course of study, but more of a "looking at myself " sort of thing. You can't teach philosophy, that's a misnomer. Philosophy is what you adopt by your own actions. Perhaps you can alter your behavior based on what is presented to you as an alternative, but you can't be taught philosophy. It is our thoughts that adopt a philosophy. Adopting a different philosophy, one contrary to our thoughts, is what causes problems. That's my take on it anyway. It is then we begin to strike out. The philosophy of truth is the only philosophy that is tenable. And what is truth but what we believe.
 That brings us back to where I began. Philosophy as a guiding principle. Truth , your truth, must be your guiding principle. Where you find that truth makes little difference, at least to you. When others insist you adopt their truth they are insisting you adopt their philosophy. Lacking their life experiences I don't believe that is possible. True many similarities in our lives exist, just not the way we process those experiences. What does exist for each of us is our perceived reality. The way I see it. And the way I see it I would rather be honest, open, and express my opinions than fit into anyone else's perceived reality.
 In the end, we only have to live with one person, ourselves. We are the one inescapable reality. What we decide or desire in that reality is what determines our happiness. Our expectations. One of those religious philosophers said, " True friendship ought never conceal the truth. " That was St. Jerome. Well he isn't known for being a philosopher, that isn't on his resume, but it is a philosophical statement, an astute observation. When our relationships become uncomfortable it is because of a philosophical conflict of some sort. Guiding principles are colliding. Nothing ruins a friendship faster than learning a previously unknown truth about someone. Remember truth comes from your perspective, not theirs. In the end we are all what others perceive us to be. I'm okay with that, I understand that. What is more important however, is what we perceive ourselves to be. A philosophy or a belief? Same thing. 

a legacy

 Just a few weeks ago I learned to debone a turkey. Some years ago my wife's sister had taught me to do that with a chicken. It never occurred to me that the skeletons of both are quite similar. But I saw this video on how to debone a turkey and reassemble it, sorta. Thinking that sure would make it easier to carve I bought a smaller turkey, about twelve pounds, and gave it a try. Needless to say it didn't work out quite the way the video portrayed it. Still, I did get it deboned and relatively speaking you could tell it used to be a turkey, although the effect I would up with resembled road kill. Nevertheless I roasted that bird and I have to say it was quite delicious and indeed, easy to carve it up. 

 We are hosting the Thanksgiving dinner this year. It will be a small gathering as family is spread about and not everyone can make it. I'm thinking of deboning the turkey. I wonder though should I break with tradition? We don't really know what was served at the first Thanksgiving as there is only one eye witness account of that event, a letter written by Edward Winslow. He said the harvest festival lasted three days. It was attended by about forty of the " pilgrims " and ninety or more Indians. There was feasting, games and military exercises. He also says it was a time for diplomatic relations. The Indians were in the area at the time of the harvest because they were harvesting their own crops. They told the Pilgrims they would be back in the spring to plant again. The United States began celebrating Thanksgiving on and off beginning in 1789. It wasn't until 1863 when President Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday in November Thanksgiving Day. Exactly when a Turkey became the main course is open for speculation. Some say it is the closest thing to a goose the Pilgrims could find, and goose is an English tradition. Others say how it is a bird that is found only in north America and it is delicious. Well no matter the reason, I don't think they were boned out. That may have started with the " Turdunkin " thing. There are no bones in one of those. 

 I am one for tradition, generally speaking. For many years I resisted having an artificial Christmas tree. I admit I have succumbed in the last few years to convenience and cost. I have justified the breaking of tradition and feel a tinge of guilt each year I do so. I am concerned about the loss. Traditions are maintained solely by repetition. Break the chain and you risk the loss. If I start deboning the turkey will the grandchildren follow suit? If they do and it becomes the norm, the new tradition, what will become of the iconic scene where Dad carves the Turkey. Slicing a boneless mass is quite different than carving a bird. I mean, you see what happened to the Christmas tree. It is being rationalized into the past. It may have started when the candles were removed from the tree and electric lights first added. Safety first! 

 I don't know, I'm still wavering on the boneless turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Certainly we will have a ham, cranberry sauce, although I'm the only one that eats that, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie and all the other staples. My wife has mentioned she may not do dressing! She says no one eats it, well I do, just a little. I guess I'm just nervous. I have to decide soon. A roasted turkey or turkey that has been roasted? It has the potential to be a tradition changing decision. That's a big responsibility. Now I'm thinking I don't want that to be my legacy. I'll have to consider this further. 

who said what?

 When you are an unknown person, one of little importance, your thoughts are often overlooked. That's why we have to add validity to our statements by quoting others more highly regarded than ourselves. Even when we know we arrived at that thought independently the credit goes to the one who said it first. I put it this way, " there is little you can say that someone hasn't said before. " I believe that to be a true statement. I often include quotes from famous people in my writings and ramblings as well. You have to willing to be associated with that person however, as others will certainly compare you. Sometimes that works in your favor and at others it runs contrary. A good example would be quoting anything that Hitler said. It is generally agreed that anything and everything he ever said or thought was evil. Quote him and you will associated with his thoughts. Quote anything from the Bible and that is indisputable. 

 Public perception of the individual is the defining factor. It doesn't always align with the true nature of the person being quoted however.  Reading the biographies of a number of " famous " people can be a real eye opener. They aren't always what we perceived them to be. A great deal of that has to do with past sensibilities. There was a day when a persons faults, foibles, or aberrations weren't publicized. In short, we only talked about the good side, the questionable was left to history. Only the most notorious were written about in a negative fashion. That was in the time of heroes and villains. You were one or the other, or nothing at all.

 In my advancing years I have taken an interest in philosophy. The truth is I've always been interested in philosophy I just didn't know it. It is am amusing thought though, I imagine telling my father I have decided to study philosophy. I can only imagine the reaction. Instead of joining the Navy I'm going to college to study philosophy. Well at that time many people were starting to talk about finding themselves. Yeah, the original hippies. Now I have discovered that Socrates already addressed that problem. He said, " to find yourself, think for yourself. " I concur with that philosophy wholeheartedly. He also said, " only the extremely intelligent or the extremely ignorant can resist change." Another observation I would have to agree with. Socrates is considered the first moral philosopher so I am not surprised I am drawn to his writings. I too am concerned with morals, especially as they relate to government. Government should not define those morals, just recognize them. It is my belief that there is no such thing as " situational morality. " I find that inconsistent with rational thought. 

 Another thing Socrates said that I find especially applicable today is, " the beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms. " I'd say the variety of " terms " bantered about these days is causing much confusion. If we, as a society, can not agree to the defining of terms how can we expect to establish understanding? It was an issue in Socrates time and is an issue today. A last quote from Socrates, " I cannot teach anyone anything, I can only make them think. " Exactly. It is my thought that far too many attend our schools, at every level, and learn to repeat the lesson presented to them. Too few however are inspired to think for themselves. That is the result of one thing, success is predicated upon providing the expected answers. If you wish to graduate, repeat the lesson. Ever hear of Saul Kripke? No, he isn't that character on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He is a contemporary philosopher. Don't hear much about philosophers these days. Socrates agreed to kill himself rather than recant his thoughts. That's a strong conviction. But he was thinking for himself and hoping to inspire others to do the same. 

 Now after this rather long dissertation I want to come to the point. If I said, " A system of morality which is based on relative emotional value is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true "  would that be noticed? Would it be published again as a significant observation. Would I be world renowned ? Most likely no, it would be dismissed. Thing is, Socrates said that. I didn't know that when I began talking about situational morality and isn't that in the same vein? Yet my words are obscure and most likely will be lost to history, probably by tomorrow. That's my point. Well like my old friend Socrates said, all I can do is make you think.  

  

what I remember

 There are times when we remember what we were told and times when we remember. I've found the older I get the more the two get confused. It begins with our earliest memories, we sorta remember certain things and that memory is reinforced by the stories told. Your older siblings, your parents and others telling those stories. Depending on the story, or the moral to that story, you begin to accept a different version. Normally we will accept the version that puts us in the best light. That's human nature. As the years go by there are fewer people to tell those revised stories and we are left with what we remember. In my experience I have become defensive of some of those old tales. That's the way it was! 

 Being a reflective sort, I love the old tales and stories, I naturally tend to embellish them. A good storyteller will draw you into the action. I make no claim to being a storyteller, as that is an art all in itself. We all know people that have a knack for that. I'm afraid I don't have that knack. I believe it is something you are born with, like the ability to really play an instrument. You know how most people can learn to play the guitar or piano but only a few can really play. They were born with that, think Eric Clapton or Ray Charles. You don't learn to play like that. But I'm wandering off from the topic. I was talking about what we remember, and what we were told, and how they are sometimes different things. When what we were told replaces what we remember, it may be a defense. That's my thinking. We have all made mistakes, done things we wish we could take back, and sometimes we just replace them. We replace them with an improved version, a different perspective or just plain spin. That's what we say today, spin, what used to be called tall tales. Just a smidgen of truth, a dab of fact and a lot of polish. 

 It can become uncomfortable when what we remember doesn't align with what we were told. It doesn't matter much if it's the truth or not. That's because our truth is what we believe. Even in the face of fact, in the face of reality, what we believe to be true is truth. It becomes an issue when you realize that everyone has to believe something. There has to be a standard in your life or your life isn't stable. You have to stand your ground! But we are told we should continue to grow. Growth is what? Change or a continuation? Growth is dependent upon what has come before. If you begin to question, to rewrite, to dismiss the past growth, you find yourself starting fresh. You will never finish if you just keep starting over. For that reason we need to have a standard, we need to cling to truth, our truth. 

 The denial of the past will not change the past. Whatever actions we take today will also not change the past. The past is simply that: past. The importance of the past is in what you remember, not what you have been told. Your truth is in what you remember. What others tell you are stories. They are stories because they are not told from a first person perspective. They are told from their perspective of truth. It is shocking at times how different the truth can be. I do tend to defend my truth, perhaps at times, beyond what is reasonable. I'm aware. Or is that " woke. " LOL According to the dictionary of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) woke means social awareness. Do I think I'm socially aware? Yes of course I do. I was told to " walk in their shoes " that was how you became aware. Thing is, I may walk in your shoes, but it is on a different path. I'm probably not going to see the same thing as you. The reason we argue about the past I suppose. Then we are left with what we were told. Is it the truth? Well now, that's another discussion. Whose truth is the truth? Should we change our truth to align with your truth? The question is, what's the standard of truth? For millions of people around the world truth lies in their religious beliefs. For those having no such belief, no standard, I have no idea what their truth is based on. Perhaps it is those truths that we hold to be " self evident. " Was that the founding fathers saying " we be woke? " They certainly understood the importance of keeping government separated from the church. Why? Because our churches, all churches not just Christian, Jew, Muslim. or whatever, teach their truth. Thing is that truth is different for each church. Oh the differences are sometimes subtle, very subtle, but they exist. Churches also adjust their beliefs over time not holding to a strict standard. We are seeing evidence of that today in the Catholic church especially. The church calls it reform. What is reform? It is intended to improve something. Can you improve upon the truth? Depends really, on what you have been told. For me, it is what I remember. 

school lunch

 Watched the " testimony " yesterday. I'm not even going there this morning. I haven't decided if that was supposed to be testimony or a tribute show. More time was certainly spent singing her praises than anything else. Now I'm not saying she doesn't deserve whatever accolades she was given, I don't know her, but after listening to that I wonder if she just walked across the ocean on her way home. But enough of that.
 A friend of mine on social media reminded me of my school days. More specifically of school lunches. When I went to elementary school Mom packed our lunches. I remember having a lunch box that was shaped like a traditional red barn. It had a matching thermos of course. Strange the things you can recall at times. In thinking about that lunch box I can even smell it. You know the smell? A mixture of old sandwiches and waxed paper. No matter how much or how often it was washed , the smell remains. My sandwiches were always wrapped in waxed paper. It was from that I learned how to wrap Christmas presents, it's the same technique. Sometimes I would use that same waxed paper to lubricate the slide on the playground. Remember that? Well, all that was a long time ago.
 At some point I did begin to buy those school lunches. I remember a few of them, welsh rarebit was my favorite. We didn't have pizza as a choice. I do remember the trays, they looked exactly like the ones tv dinners came in, only sturdier. One compartment always had a salad in it. There was one cafeteria monitor that insisted you eat that, it was like having your Mom there. I would stuff it in the empty milk carton when she wasn't looking. That milk was an extra, cost three cents. At least that is what I remember. Those trays resurfaced when I joined the navy. It is what our " chow " was served on, in line, just like elementary school. The motto on the wall read, " take all you want, but eat all you take. " At one time in my Navy career I even washed them. That room was called the scullery and that's what you did in there, wash the dishes. But I'm wandering around a bit.
 In middle school I was allowed to leave the school grounds during lunch. I seldom went to the cafeteria, in fact I barely remember the cafeteria in that school. I went downtown to eat lunch. There were several small restaurants that were ready for the lunch crowd. I suspect a great deal of their business depended on that. I usually went to " Speeds ". I guess that was the name of that place anyway. It was owned by a man named Speed King. At least that it was he was called. He drove the ambulance was my understanding, maybe that's why they called him speed. Sky King was on television then but I don't believe they were related. Anyway, my lunch normally consisted of French fries and a coke, a fountain coke. My last year of high school was in the new school. I don't recall the cafeteria in that school at all. I ate lunch in my car most of the time is my recollection of it. I believe we could still drive downtown if we wanted to, of that, I'm not certain.
 Well om the downside I did have to practice hiding under my desk in case of nuclear attack. It was the Russians. The Russians now just meddle in our elections and there is no hiding from that. Ukraine was just another part of Russia back then, a place they sent people they didn't like was the impression I had. A frozen wasteland. A lot has changed in the last fifty five years or so. Kids still take their lunches to school, in plastic bags but that might change to save the planet, maybe waxed paper will make a comeback. I hear breakfast is available in most schools these days. I know that pizza is on the menu at the high school here, several varieties in fact. The school doors are locked and you need to be buzzed in through the security area. I don't believe the students can leave the building without being signed out, they are basically locked in. I was free to come and go, only consequences for unauthorized absence retained me. I was responsible for me. Yeah, things have changed. Guns were in the parking lot and students were in the school. Students were free to leave the school and the guns stayed in the trucks. I wonder if any of this is related to waxed paper and smelly lunch boxes. Something to think about.
PS: did you know that to KOWTOW is the name for when you touch your forehead to the ground before a diety. That's where it comes from. Learned something new this morning.

round two

 Today is round two of the impeachment hearings. Yes, I'll be listening. I'm not sure what to expect after having watched the first day. All I heard that day was a bunch of hearsay testimony. The fact that both of those witnesses actually witnessed nothing at all, and are diplomats, wasn't lost on me. I'll see who the Democrats present today. Yesterday Nancy Pelosi began accusing  the president of bribery I can only assume someone on her staff was reading the constitution and found that listed as a high crime or misdemeanor. Yeah it says that in there, just not under the impeachment section. I know, I have a copy of the constitution on my desk and refer to it often. An amazing document written by some amazing individuals. It is also the most studied document in history! For over two hundred years the lawyers have been saying, it means this, while the layman have been saying, no, it says this, adopting a more literal translation. And here we are today arguing the President said this, ( the transcript ) but the Democrats insists he meant that. Specifically they are insisting they can read his mind and his intentions. They know what he meant! He doesn't know what he meant, only they do. His perceived intention is the high crime or misdemeanor, the basis for impeachment.

  Well at least it was until one of Nancy's staff decided to use bribery instead, that's mentioned in the same sentence as the President. So now we can argue whether quid pro quo and bribery are the same thing. Personally I fail to see any significant difference. You can say it in Latin or say in todays parlance, means the same thing. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Is asking for a favor bribery? You could say it was if you say your favor requires a favor.  Is it bribery even when the person doesn't know they are being bribed? Remember the testimony was the President of Ukraine didn't know that aid was being withheld. And the bottom line is, the aid was provided and no favors where given. So what was the bribe? I'll give you something you don't know you are not getting, in exchange for investigating corruption in your country? Read the transcript, where does Trump mention aid? Where does he say, you do this and I'll do that? 

 I'll listen again today and probably have the same reaction, not getting that time back. I'm retired I have time to listen and feel some obligation to do so. I will, after all, be voting in the next election cycle. I admit I haven't been paying a lot of attention to the stream of Democratic candidates, I'll wait until the field thins out some. I heard another joined in yesterday. He says he is different from all the others, yeah, we'll see. The DNC will take care of that the same way they took care of Bernie. Hillary got the nomination and Bernie got a new house. Oh, and he gets to run again, make some more money off it and then " drop " out. It's what Bernie does because Bernie doesn't really want to work, he just wants money. 

 I did here it is going to be some Ukrainian diplomat that testifies today. I understand she was the former ambassador to Ukraine. I also understand she was replaced by Trump. Is it possible that this woman has an axe to grind? I don't know but apparently the Democrats must, they are after all mind readers. Look all I'm saying is , call me to testify against the man that fired me and see what testimony I offer. I'm not going to tell you he was the best! In law I believe that is what is called a hostile witness. Of course I realize these hearings aren't legal proceedings that's why we can use hearsay, hostile witnesses and speculation as a basis for all of this. It also helps when the chairman gets to decide who testifies, who doesn't testify, who can ask questions, who can't ask questions and just dismiss anyone he likes. Oh and no one knows who this " whistleblower " is. Only one person knows is the mantra. Yeah right, only one person knows. We have to protect his safety. Hey no one is asking him to testify against the Clintons! Now that would be extremely dangerous but of course the " whistleblower " could commit suicide at any moment. I won't be a bit surprised if that happens at some point. Very difficult to cross-examine a dead person. I mean, they can vote for the Democrats, just not give direct testimony. Ah well, we'll see. 

what's the gain

 After having spent nearly six hours listening to the impeachment proceedings, six hours I can't get back, there is only one conclusion to be made, Until we can read minds no one can say what the intent of the President was. For hours I listened as professional diplomats, spoke diplomatically. Ambassador Hall was particularly diplomatic, emphasizing that diplomats serve at the pleasure of the president. Sounded more like he was concerned for his pension that anything else. The other gentleman, the one with the bow tie, just look annoyed. My sense was that he felt " put out " because he was being questioned! Looked like arrogance to me. The thing is, neither of those gentlemen make foreign policy, there job is solely to relay what the State Department policy is to a foreign power. Diplomats are messengers and little else.
 I waited, watched and listened for evidence. This inquiry is supposed to be gathering evidence, although the main stream media constantly says, the gathering of testimony. I can get anyone to testify about anything I want, but that doesn't necessarily make it evidence. Neither of those " witnesses " have ever met the President, never been in the oval office in fact. Neither one has ever heard President Trump say anything directly to them. Their entire testimony consisted of, someone told me that they heard someone else say. Oh, and I took notes, I even put parenthesis around " key " words. At one point Ambassador Hall says, it's unusual but not that unusual. Now that's diplomatic.    What was most telling as far as I'm concerned was these diplomats being the first witnesses called. Is that the best the Democrats have to offer? After having held interviews in the basement of the Whitehouse, this is the most damming evidence they can present? I was told by someone that somebody spoke to someone who said they heard? The sense I got was these diplomats were miffed that it wasn't business as usual with Ukraine. Ambassador Hall seemed to have a great affinity for the Ukraine, having spent years there. Yes, yes, I know he was a combat veteran, a war hero. Thing is, he is just a man like any other when it comes right down to it. In his testimony he stated, very diplomatically, that he had no opinion on whether the President had committed an impeachable offense. I do think these diplomats didn't like the applecart being upset. Yes, it made their jobs a little more difficult when they couldn't just say, our President will give you anything you want, no strings attached. We have already given your country 1.5 Billion dollars and we'll be glad to give you more, no problem.
 Did Trump want Biden and Burisma investigated? Yes, I don't think anyone will deny that. I don't think Trump would deny that. The question is, did he want that investigated for personal gain? I don't know, I'm not a mind reader. If I were asked should Biden and Burisma be investigated for possible corruption I would answer, yes. Would I gain anything? No, but corruption is obviously a big problem in the Ukraine. Did then vice  president Biden give Ukraine six hours to fire the prosecutor? Yes he did, he even bragged about doing so. Did his son then gain a position at Burisma? Yes, he did. Coincidence? Well I heard from a friend, that heard a conversation overheard on a cell phone that Hunter Biden was given this position as a way to funnel money to his Dad for a presidential campaign. Of course I have never spoken to Biden, never even met Biden but still, that's what I heard.
 So I'm still listening, waiting for the smoking gun. The Ukraine received the aid, in fact more aid than they have previously received. I heard the Diplomat state that a Ukrainian soldier had been shot and four wounded in one day. The implication being it was somehow Trumps fault because the money had been delayed. Here's a fact, nearly 4000 people were murdered in Chicago, Obamas adopted city, during his presidency. Is he responsible for that? How much aid did he send to that American city in an effort to save lives? Remember he is the one that sent blankets and instant meals to Ukraine to protect themselves against the big bad Russians.
 I don't pretend to be some expert on foreign affairs. I really don't know how all that works. I do know they are politicians and diplomats. I also know it isn't the wisest thing to trust either one of those groups without first having done some serious homework. It's my feeling the job of the President is to protect American interests first and foremost. Handing over taxpayer monies to a foreign nation should be predicated upon some conditions, we are a nation, not a charity! The Democrats keep insisting that Trump was trying to get Ukraine to investigate Biden for a political advantage in the 2020 election. My question is why? Trump isn't taking his salary, he's already the President, so what is the big gain? If he wins again what is the personal gain to him? If one were to just look at stats, he has accomplished a great deal as far as job growth and economic growth in the nation. Hate him if you must but facts are facts. So what is the personal gain for him? To simply say, I won reelection? No, I just can't see what the gain is. Another four years of being called names, made fun of, disrespected, family attacked, and giving your salary to a charity, that's the gain? Trump is all about business, all about making a buck. If the Obamas are any indication you can make far more money being an ex president than you can being in that office, even if it was for eight years! He and his wife have made millions. Bill and Hillary claimed there were broke when they left the white house, probably why she took the silverware, but have apparently made quite the comeback, shoot Bill made a cool half-million for one speech! Where was that, Russia. But Trump wants Biden investigated for personal gain. He should just quit, give a few speeches, write a couple books and buy a house at Marthas Vineyard, you know be neighbors of Obama. make it easier for the secret service to keep tabs on all of them. But, here we are, we'll see.
   

Termites

 My father was right. Sometimes it takes years to acknowledge stuff like that. When we are young we figure those old people are just being over dramatic. What do they know? At other times we inwardly accept the fact that they are right, but refuse to admit it. Then comes the great equalizer; time. You can't argue with time, you can't stop time and you sure as heck can't control it. It will just keep on coming. Time is inevitable. Finally you have to admit it, the truth is inevitable as well, whether you like it or not. Yeah, Dad was right.
 Now I'm not going to say he had some exclusive knowledge, some magic crystal, that allowed him to see the future. He did accurately tell me, and anyone else willing to listen, what was going to happen. He used an analogy to explain it all. Termites. He wasn't talking about the insects however but rather about the influx of people to our hometown. You see, I was born and raised in East Hampton, yes the Hamptons. Of course it wasn't called such back in my younger days, each Hampton was called by its' own name and other towns and hamlets were called by theirs. It was to these places the " termites " swarmed, at first in the warm summer months, and now taking up permanent residence. Yes it is those damn termites that have caused all the destruction my Dad predicted.
 It wasn't any news to him as that had begun before his time. In the early days those termites just came out to hunt and fish. People with money to spend on great " outdoor " adventures. The folks with disposable incomes that wanted to show others that they were still connected to the land, they were sportsmen. Macho men ? Yes there was a bit of that going on. Following the sportsmen where the artists. They flocked out to the eastern end of Long Island to be inspired by its' natural beauty. It was also a welcome relief from the heat, the hustle, and the decidedly unpleasant atmosphere in the New York City! These folks were motivated by their creativity, the starving artists. Well, except they weren't exactly starving, struggling perhaps, but not starving. Termites? Yes they were and still are, they come to partake of whatever is available. The wealthy just followed that crowd, the upper crust with their wealth and sophistication. They built there " summer cottages " on the ocean dunes and formed their exclusive colonies. All the while these termites kept eating away at the foundation.
 The process has continued and from what I can tell the process is nearly complete. The termites have just about destroyed it all. That the original structure has been destroyed is beyond question. It has become more playground than paradise. The playground is getting crowded though and soon it will collapse. Remember however I'm now one of those old people that doesn't know what he's talking about. You'll have to wait to see the validity of my prediction. But it's not really a prediction, it's a certainty. The termites will just keep eating away until there is nothing left. They have become such an infestation that the only way to get rid of them is to destroy the entire structure.
 Termites have been around for about 120 million years. They are social insects, living in colonies. Yes, they begin in early spring these colonies and last throughout the summer months. The live off of cellulose or paper. Paper as in money! Another interesting parallel to what my Father told me about " termites", . Now the worker termites, or soldiers as they are called, only survive a year or two. Then they die, worked right to death. The Queen termite however can survive for a decade or more! That's why the colony survives. The queen however can beget a queen so it never ends until the food source is completely gone. Dad always said, when they ( the termites ) have used everything up, when they grow tired of the wood, they'll leave. Yup, he's right. He was then, he is now. Termites. Invite them for dinner and they will never leave. They will eat you out of house and home! They won't even leave a few scraps.      

An American Apologist

 An apology. What is it? It is an admission of wrongdoing on my part. It is an attempt to relieve your anger or disappointment. The hope is you feel better. Can I apologize for what others have done? I'd say I could, but it means nothing. Then that apology just becomes a pious platitude. I'm telling you what others have done wrong. For that reason I question all this apologizing going on today. I see it and hear it everyday on the news. We are being told to apologize for what happened before our birth, before our parents birth, and even before our grandparents birth! In fact we should apologize for what happened hundreds of years ago. And what is the purpose of that apology? What is the intent? I really have no idea. Perhaps for some it makes them feel better, the one issuing the apology that is, I can't see it doing much for whomever is being apologized too. Well, unless that apology includes some monetary compensation or other benefit. Then it really isn't an apology, it's a bribe. Forgiveness for something I haven't done, given by someone that wasn't wronged. It's a strange concept. It is easily perpetuated however, just keep looking for injustice in the past and claim that injustice as your own. I was wronged, by proxy, in the past. Therefore I should receive, at a minimum, an apology today. But now, now an apology isn't enough. That's what I'm hearing anyway.
 I am responsible for my actions. I am not responsible for yours. I am not responsible for what my ancestors may or may not have done. Fact is, rarely do we know what our ancestors did. We only know what was recorded. Oh, I can know some facts about their lives, where they lived, their occupation, possibly their political affiliation. What I can't know is their personality, who they were. You know just because my ancestors were white Europeans doesn't mean they held slaves, it doesn't mean they slaughtered native Americans, it doesn't mean anything beyond they were white Europeans. How they felt about all those things I have no clue. My great great Grandfather fought for the union army. guess that means he was fighting to free the slaves. His own father had been an indentured servant, a European form of slavery. But the truth is that is just speculation on my part, I can't know his feelings. I also can't apologize for anything he may or may not have done. The best I can do is acknowledge his existence. If he did something wrong I had no control over that and therefore no responsibility. The only thing I am responsible for is perpetuating an unjust action or policy. That is my responsibility!
 I can not apologize for the actions of others. I will not apologize for that. I will acknowledge whatever wrongdoing others have committed in the past. I won't attempt to justify them, just acknowledge that they happened. I will apologize for anything I do whenever I feel I should do so. And when is that you ask? When I decide that what I did was wrong is the short answer. That is all I can apologize for! Now I can empathize with you, understand how you feel about whatever injustice has been committed, but I can't apologize for that. Empathy may dissolve into pity, I feel sorrow for you. Then in an attempt to ease my own sorrow I do something for you, a transference of emotion. I feel better having done something.
 We all know about Christian Apologists.They use reasoned arguments to defend the Christian faith. The name is a bit misleading, as they are not apologizing for anything. Well I'm thinking I am becoming an American Apologist. I find myself defending America and her philosophical, moral and ethical percepts on a daily basis. I am constantly hearing that I should be apologizing, which is ironic considering those who are insisting on that. They are usually the first ones to use America, the rights granted to them by our constitution, to justify their actions. So okay, I will apologize for America! I'm an American Apologist. I always will be.       

The greatest generation

 This post may be a bit lengthy compared to most that I write but it's a subject I feel strongly about. This being Veterans day I've decided to provide a little background information on the wars we have asked our veterans to serve in. It's a study of history that can provide some insight into things and how things change over time. The things I'm talking about are morals, ethics, and a sense of civil justice. Indeed the concept of being indebted to the nation by virtue of being born an American.
 In 1789 George Washington became the first President of the United States of America. In 1801 we fought the first barbary war. You could say that it was out very first war as the United States of America. Well, at least when we had a duly elected President. That was followed by Tecumseh's war and the German Coast uprising. Yes, they were wars and our troops served. Then came of the War of 1812, sometimes called the second revolutionary war. At least 27 other " wars " were fought by U.S. Troops prior to WW1.
 As most know these days World War 1 ended on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the reason it is celebrated on this day. That was to be the war to end all wars. That was the billing anyway. It was a mighty conflict involving many nations, yes, a world war. Germany was defeated and the treaty of Versailles signed. The terms were harsh and Germany suffered deeply. Some would say it is what precipitated World War Two. The United States joined the fray because German submarines had attacked our ships and, perhaps more importantly, were seeking an alliance with Mexico. Having an enemy at your border isn't a good thing! So our doughboys went to defeat the Huns! In essence defending our border before the enemy could get there. When the boys returned from, " over there " they were initially welcomed home with parades and celebrations. But the war dead were revered most of all. They were called, " the best men and the bravest."  War memorials were erected to honor the fallen, lest they be forgotten. This left some Veterans feeling a bit less than. They felt less important, less appreciated and less brave than those killed in action. To top it all off they only received a few weeks pay and returned home to prohibition. It also wasn't long before rumors of a second war loomed on the horizon. Imagine how those veterans felt. It was the Germans once again. There was comments about not getting the job done right the first time!
 Just a bit shy of 21 years after WW1 ended, WW2 began. Now we weren't in it at the beginning. In fact we tried to stay out of it. But then the Japanese attacked Pearl harbor and that was that. There was no doubt that we had to join the allied forces and defeat Germany and Japan. Remember, even the Russians were on our side then, having been attacked by the Germans. As you know we were victorious and a great celebration was held. The returning troops, called GI's , were welcomed home as conquering heroes. It was a different attitude altogether from the returning WW1 veterans. That isn't to say there weren't issues, there certainly were, but that the general consensus was they were all heroes. In 1998 American novelist Tom Brokaw wrote a book with the title, The Greatest Generation, and from that they received that name. It is said of them they fought  because, it was the right thing to do. It was their duty to God and country! Volunteers flooded the recruitment offices following that attack at Peral harbor. The greatest generation went to fight for America! It wasn't because they were ordered to do so, it wasn't the politicians decision to send them, they went voluntarily, eagerly even. It was the right thing to do.
 I think about all of that and wonder, did the greatest generation fight the last " glorious " war? What I mean is, are they the last generation of fighting men to return home to a hero's welcome having fought the good fight. There was no question then, or now, that it was a necessity. We had been attacked! We will defend our nation against all enemies foreign and domestic! It is the oath taken, then and now!
 Our involvement in Korea followed shortly on the heels on WW2. It was agreed by the allied powers, United States, China, Great Britain and the Soviet Union that Korea should become an independent nation. The peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union occupied the area north of the 38th parallel and the United States south of that. In 1958 the United States called for a United Nations vote on the formation of the unified Korean nation. The north refused to participate and in response the south established an anti-communist government. The north attacked the south, our men were deployed to help defend the south. The rest, as they say, is history. The returning GI's from that " conflict " , it was never declared a war, weren't as recognized as the WW2 veterans, although many of them had served in WW2. But in the American publics eye it wasn't a real war, it was our troops getting killed for some reason. Yes, it was " somebody did something " back in 1953.
 Koreas was followed by Vietnam and everyone today knows how those returning Veterans were treated. They certainly weren't treated as heroes! No, at first they were just vilified. That changed to a sort of pity, as it was believed all those exposed to that action were mentally changed. It has only been in the last ten years or so that those Veterans are regaining some honor. The memorial wasn't built until 1982, seven years after the wars end, and was built entirely with public funds. It was quite controversial at the time. Yes, people were protesting it! There have been numerous conflicts, actions, and involvements on the part of the United States in the years following Vietnam. As you know they continue to this very moment. And today what is said to those returning veterans? Thank You for your service. That's about it along with " discounts " on car insurance.
 My father was one of the greatest generation and so I harbor a certain bias toward them. They were great men and women. The reality is they did what needed doing, without complaint, without thought for themselves, but what was necessary for the nation as a whole. I think you could say many went for the glory. They were the volunteers, anxious to extract revenge for an unprovoked attacked. Justified indignation. I discovered long after my Fathers' passing that he had been drafted into service. That came as a surprise. He answered the call to duty without hesitation. He was a member of a bomber squadron flying missions over the Pacific. The mortality rate for Bomber crews in WW2 was 44.5%! In essence he had a 50/50 chance of returning. Ask him and we would tell you, I'm no hero just doing what needed doing.
 That being said I do think it is a bit of an injustice to think of them as the " greatest " generation. There greatness came from their willingness to serve, to go into battle for the nation. I believe Tom Brokaw in his book of that title was just paying tribute. It is an unfortunate title in a way. It's more myth than fact. If greatness is to be measured by the size of the parade you receive, by the accolades given and a publicly enduring gratitude, then yes, they were the greatest generation. It is my feeling that all our veterans, no matter the war, conflict, involvement or action are of the greatest generation. Those willing to serve, those willing to do what is right regardless of public sentiment, are great. I render a hearty hand salute to my fellow Veterans. Perhaps that title, if I may be so bold, should have been, the Greatest Americans.   

Quality time

 I have never been one of those people that desired a lot of material things. That is to say, I have never pursued such. To do that would require the pursuit of wealth and I've certainly never focused on that. I have always been too preoccupied with todays wants to worry about tomorrows needs. To some that is just foolishness and I have been called a fool. I'm not concerned with that as I realize we are all foolish in our own ways. Life is a risk. It is the thrill of the unexpected, we can't know what the day will bring. Having things doesn't make me happy, I've discovered remembering things and enjoying them all over again, makes me happy. That's why I have my favorite things. Each time I use it, eat it or wear it , I am reliving a memory. Only the quality things endure the test of time. Unknowingly I have been unwilling to spend time and effort to collect wealth, wealth that may help in the future,  having been more concerned with the day. 

 I have tried doing what needs to be done, taking the necessary action. I haven't always been right in those actions, sometimes taking a short cut. I guess my teachers were right all along. I was often extolled for not " applying " myself. What they meant was I should put more effort into the task. I just exerted the amount of effort I felt necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Driven? No, I'm here to share the ride. Occasionally I'll take the wheel. I wouldn't want to be driven, then I would be going where someone else wants me to go, at least that's the way I see it. I'll choose my own destination thank you, and you are welcome to come along. 

  In the last few years I began hearing quality time. It became a catch phrase of sorts. And what is the purpose of quality time? I'd say it was to build memories. Time is priceless as it is a limited commodity. Like a car without a gas gauge I could run out of gas at any time. I could worry about it, but it won't take me any farther. Memories however, memories never run out. That's quality time!         Build for quality, because quality endures. Fact is, it will outlast me. It is something I think I've always known, even when I didn't know it. Perhaps it was learned from listening to the old folks when I was a child. With the passing of their friends or family it may have been said, they were of the finest kind. That was a local colloquialism and one that touched me in some deeper way. This wasn't said about everyone, only a select few. It's a difficult thing to explain but those of the " finest " kind weren't always the most popular people but shared common qualities. They were quality people. I still remember those people. Exactly what those qualities were I didn't know, but I knew it wasn't wealth. No, those people had something more, more than just stuff. There memories endure. Indeed, I think of them often. 

 Perhaps it is as simple as a life well lived. Perhaps quality was the by-product and not the intent.  They were of the finest kind, something to aspire to. It wasn't something I could buy, it isn't something I could inherit, it's something I have to build. The key is in choosing the materials wisely. You have to work with what is at hand not what may be in the future. Do it today and remember it tomorrow. You know you shouldn't have to " live with your memories " they should be old friends, welcomed and enjoyed. The ones made of quality material last, the others, well, the others are unwelcomed guests. It's difficult to get them to leave and they always come back. Time doesn't end it's an endless loop. When it comes back around I hope it's of good quality. And that depends on what I do today.       

Units of ten

 As we close in on the end of another decade I am reminded. I enjoy checking my " memories on Facebook " every day. You know that little thing you can click on and it shows your posts for last year and all the way back. Mine goes to nine years, guess that's how long I have been using Facebook. But whatever the case there is I am reminded of things that have changed and things that have remained the same. This morning it showed that I had made a friend with a certain individual. A new friend. Strangely I think of this person as a new friend but have apparently known this individual for at least nine years! That's when I thought, that's almost a decade.
 Then I begin to think about decades. Was a time when a decade was my whole life, yes, I remember that. I remember entering my second decade as well. I retired from the Navy in my fourth. I worked several jobs in my fifth and retired once again in my sixth! If I really think about it a lot has happened in those six decades but they don't seem very long at all. My old friends are still around and surprisingly new friends have been around a while too! So I wonder how many years are new,  how many before you get old? Friends that is, I'm getting old but not quite there yet but have some friends that are. Will that happen in my next decade? I'm thinking that will depend upon my health and my attitude. Time sometimes appears as a revolving door, sometimes new, sometimes old and sometimes somewhere in between.
 When do we stop counting the years? What I'm thinking about is when do we start using decades, units of ten, instead of individual units? For me I think that began in my fifth decade. That is when I took notice. Now my wife says I had an issue with turning forty but I wasn't aware of that. Yeah so I got a different haircut, a different style, so what. Turning forty was no big deal. And now in my sixth decade I have to give it some thought when asked my age. Is it 65 or 66? Well it's sixty something. Years aren't that important any more. When I was a kid pennies made a difference, now it's dollars. Units of ten. So I'm counting decades. Next thing is centuries! We are all fortunate if we see one of those! My Mom is closing in on that milestone, having reached 90 this past September. A new decade for her has begun. I've noticed she has begun to count the years again, I expect when and if I reach ninety I'll be doing the same. One hundred is a large number. I was just seven when I entered the second grade but still have a remembrance of that experience. Mrs. Edwards was the teacher. Around the top of the classroom wall, like a border, where the numbers one through a hundred. I remember being told before the year was out I would be required to write every one of them in the proper order! Seemed like a daunting task at the time. And thinking back on that I am encouraged, I'm only a little past half way. 

More practice

 Fifty some years on and it seems like yesterday. Isn't that the strangest thing? What I'm thinking about is when I was sixteen years old. How much of that kid has remained with me? That is a frequent musing of mine. I don't believe many of my core values have changed all that much. I was thinking about that after have written yesterdays posting. My heritage, it seems, has come into contradiction with the current culture. I am one that embraces the past, past traditions, past sensibilities and past morality. It is sometimes a difficulty to fit them into the world today.  It is like being sixteen all over again, in a fashion.
 When I was sixteen  I wasn't much of a rebel as far as social convention went. Yes, I rebelled against the " rules " my parents established for my behavior. I had to be home at a certain time, I was expected to mind my manners, be polite and courteous to my elders, certain fashions weren't to be worn, my hair was to be cut, things like that. I certainly wasn't one of the " cool " kids and didn't want to be labeled a nerd, so I tried to be a semi-tough guy! Thinking back I suppose that is what I was thinking anyway. Really it was a forced independence, although I was totally unaware of that. It would have been easier to just be cool. I wasn't about to allow anyone to bully me either. I had older siblings for that! Being the youngest and the smallest I was often victimized. That was in a time  before survivors, no we just got even. No crying and complaining allowed. No one is going to help you, figure it out.
 I see few of the people I grew up with these days. I stay in touch with some, an occasional phone call or some interaction on Facebook. I never did have a large circle of friends, that comes from not being the cool kid. I have to say the ones I did hang out with were all of the finest quality! Yes, I'd say we all shared common values. I have clung to those values, pretty much unchanged, by this modern world. I am becoming increasingly aware of a change in the culture of America. The things I'm hearing do remind me of fifty years ago, I heard much the same back then from the cool kids. Anti-establishment is what they called it back then. The Hippies were going to change the establishment to a culture of peace and love. Communes without communists! I wasn't fooled then and remain that way. Today they are saying, " woke. " To be woke means you are aware of social injustice and the inherent inequities in society. The implication being you are working towards the removal of these things, in other words, be cool man.
 Not having been a member of that cool crowd I really don't know what happened with them. Occasionally I will meet or see someone in my age group, a baby boomer, that is still the cool kid. Sometimes described as, just an old hippie, they are often regarded as an amusement. I believe a part of that is because of their ever changing values. What I mean is, they are constantly changing in response to the culture. Fifty years ago we would have said, they're hip! When faced with some moral or ethical dilemma they just respond with , it's cool man, to each their own. The object is to not upset anyone, don't anger anyone, just, " be cool " dude.
 There are, of course, advantages to being a cool kid. Popularity is that defining characteristic. You may receive accolades and praise based solely on that. Your actual contribution may be considerably less than other, not so popular people. It's like being the popular boss in a way, everyone likes him but productivity suffers. The best way I heard that described was, you know your doing your job when you see your name of the bathroom wall: followed by a string of less than favorable adjectives! Yeah, I've seen my name there for not being " cool. " I didn't make an exception to the rule. That was the most common reason for that.
 Not breaking the rules. That is basically what I was taught. The rules were in place for the benefit of everyone. Sometimes the rules work in your favor, sometimes they don't. It was a lesson I learned early on. I also learned that everything isn't equal. In fact the only constant when it comes to living is that it will never be equal. An observation I have shared on several occasions is that everyone wants equality until they are treated equally. That's when the exceptions roll out. I still practice and believe the core values I was taught as a child. Yes, I rebelled during my teenage years, I modified and justified those values to suit my wants over the years. I'm human. I'm not perfect I'm still practicing. It's the practice that is most important. With the " cool kid " it's all about preaching. And the message must be contrary to the current culture. Different is better! But I have discovered  better is recycled every few generations or so. Sadly it is heritage and tradition that is lost. And that, that is what us " old folks " are looking for, what we miss. If only we had practiced more.