I'm covered

  I guess I'm watching too much television these days. When I feel a familiarity with Flo, Jonathan and Jake from State farm, I'd say that was true. And although I don't know his name the guy telling me my car will break down at any minute is also a familiar voice. You can risk it but your car will break down, it'll be your worst nightmare. Each one of these are selling insurance. The premise of the sale is that it's inevitable, you will die and your car will break down. Well at least with Jake you will only be in an accident and can get affordable rates. The general will do that as well. I don't feel bad about knowing all of that though, you know it too, admit it. Yes the advertising is working isn't it, you know who they are. 

 Maybe it is just my age and the shows I watch but the advertisements are targeting us "mature" citizens or seniors whichever term you prefer. Call this number now to see if you qualify for more benefits! Even Jimmy "JJ" Walker is in on the act. And you know who he is too. It's "Dyn-O-Mite." Beaver Cleaver is using Revitive, now Medicare approved. You are going to need those benefits to pay for all the medications you need to live an active life! And when you die, and that could happen any second, don't leave all your bills behind for your children, you need final expenses insurance! Well that may be but I figure it this way, the last thing I pay for is my final expense, I won't be paying after that. Yes death and taxes are a sure thing, and I will stop paying taxes when I am dead, even though I might be voting. Yeah I've made arrangements to pay for my disposal but nothing beyond that. Maybe they are hoping you just don't know but unless someone else co-signed the note, no one else is responsible to pay your debts. Those debts die with me! And yes those companies all have insurance for that eventuality as well. Insurance companies are insured against loss. It's an amazing circle really. 

 The plan is working though, we are getting to be on a first name basis with those folks. It's basic human psychology. When you feel like you know them you are more likely to trust them. Hey, we are all friends here, I wouldn't sell you a product you don't need. That old fashioned professional attitude gets people asking too many questions, just take my word for it. Jonathan will hook you up with the 9.95 plan. That's cheap enough and no medical questions! Doesn't matter to us if you have one foot in the grave or not, we aren't going to pay you a thing for the next two years anyway. And Jake is like a good neighbor, he'll be there. Flo and her posse are pretty amusing always clowning around. They will just bundle it all together for you, one big package. They aren't insuring your car repairs just yet but I'm expecting that at any time. Of course you could buy Home Shield and never have to pay for repairs again. Oh wait, that's the car guy giving you the peace of mind to drive your car, Home Shield protects your appliances, heating, air conditioning and other stuff. 

  If you are now worried about how you are going to pay for all this insurance so you don't have to pay for everything there is a solution for that too. A reverse mortgage! Yes, you can use the equity in your house to pay for all of that stuff and not have to make a mortgage payment. You earned that. And you get to maintain the house, pay all the property taxes and live there as long as you like. Heck you can even sell that house if you want to. The bank is going to pay you. Tom Selleck assures you it all legit, on the up and up. He isn't doing those commercials for the money, not at all, he just wants to be sure you are taken care of. Now a reverse mortgage isn't for everyone, only those that actually own a house and have sufficient equity in that house can qualify but don't let that concern you. Got your house paid for after thirty years? Or do you have the payments down to a reasonable level? Don't worry, the bank will give you the money now, pay them back whenever, we're all friends here. 

  I almost forgot about Limu Emu and Doug. Liberty mutual will take care of you. I do miss the man from Farmers Insurance though, they knew a thing or two because they had seen a thing or two. I haven't seen those commercials lately though. They were fun. But the salesman was a bit too professional I don't know his name. I better call Jonathan he'll give me a free gift, just for calling. In that way I can get the security I need at a price I can afford. And in todays world it is all about guarantees, safety and security. We should all get what we want, when we want it, at the price we want to pay! Barring that, we should it for free! Now I better call that medicare hotline, lines are open 24/7 and no obligation to buy. Can I get an additional 127 dollars added to my social security check? Better check that zip code.      

Newtown and Main

  I grew up in what was a small rural town on Long Island. Well, that is what it was most of the time, between Memorial day and Labor that changed somewhat. The population increased significantly and became crowded. But that was the tourist dollars arriving for the summer, the dollars that would help get the natives through the winter months. My home wasn't in town, in fact it was about three miles to town. I say town but town is the village. You see in New York State we have cities, towns, villages and hamlets. That isn't true in every state, the nomenclature differs. I was surprised to learn that in Louisiana they don't have counties, they have parishes. My home wasn't in any of those places, my home was at the edge of Northwest Woods. Other than the corner Deli, a garage (service station) and a couple of bars. the businesses where uptown. Well, you didn't have to go all the way uptown, there were stores in an area known as the Hook. The Hook was just below the railroad bridge. That bridge was the dividing line between those that lived uptown (the upstreeters we called them) and the rest of the town. Uptown was defined by two streets, Newtown and Main. That is where all the action was for a teenager. 

 After joining the Navy and leaving that I did live in other places, like Louisiana. I lived in Slidell, a big city as far as I was concerned. There were stores and businesses everywhere not just on two streets. Norwich Ct. and Norfolk, Va. were the same way. Eventually I settled here in Greensboro, Md. We have two main streets. Main Street and Sunset Avenue. Those streets are the heart of Greensboro. Sadly the heyday of the town has long since passed. Where those streets intersect was once called Four Corners by the natives and by all accounts quite the hub of activity on a Friday night. I have only read about that and listened to the old timers recollections of their youth. Today there are few businesses left on main and just two on Sunset. The funeral home and a real estate appraisal service. There is nothing happening at four corners on a Friday night anymore, or any night for that matter. 

 When I was growing up I used to think about what it would be like to live in town. Having everything right there had to be nice. That's where the playground was, the big one with swings, a slide, a wall for playing handball, tennis courts, basketball court and at one point a jungle gym. Yes, it was quite the recreational center. And you had the record store, the toy store, the sporting goods store and the candy shop. There were restaurants, you could get fries and a coke for a dollar. And all that was right outside your door! But then those upstreeters where a bit different than the rest of us, probably from living with all that luxury, spoiled I guess. Kids from below the bridge were foreigners uptown and viewed with suspicion. Still two of my closest friends lived uptown so there was a contradiction. Now I'm the one living in town. Of course no one comes to Sunset and Main looking for adventure. The most activity taking place around here are Funerals. 

 I guess what I'm seeing and thinking about is the death of small town America. We have all heard that before, there have been documentaries about it, a concept relegated to nostalgia. The only "small" town America left are those created by tourists. They have become like amusement parks in a fashion. A place to go to be amused. Shopping is usually the main attraction, whether for those farm fresh vegetables or the fashions only found in those quaint little boutiques. The Bed and Breakfast will provide you with the rustic way of living and perhaps you can ride on a tractor! You and about fifty others can go fishing on the same boat. Just come on down, have a great time, spend your money and leave. When enough tourists decide to hang around longer, malls, shopping centers, theaters and fancy restaurants will appear, not in town though, somewhere outside of that. 

 Well for me Newtown and Main will always be uptown in my thoughts. It was a magical place when I was a child. At Christmas the streets were lined with lighted trees and the toy store window was brightly lighted, bursting with all sorts of toys. The candy store was amazing. There was so much activity with folks coming and going. I could go in the front door of the 5&10 and go out the back. In the back door of Marley's, who I thought may have been related to Jacob Marley from the Scrooge story, and out the front. Could do that most of the way down Main street. My Aunt worked on Main and she would give me money to but those fries and a coke or a milk shake at the Marmador, a soda fountain just like in the movies. I had a cousin that looked a lot like Fonzi in his dress and hair style, long before there was Fonzi. We went uptown, never downtown. Downtown was in the city. And yes I was warned about those Uptown girls. That was part of the allure. 

  Two street towns are a thing of the past I suppose. You would think that Main Street is the most popular name but it isn't. Second street is the most frequently found name, it occurs about 10,866 times in the United States according to the census bureau. First street is second to that with 9,898. Main street? 7,644 main streets in America. I believe my main street, the one of my youth, is the only Main Street in America that can boast having two windmills on it! Main Street Greensboro, Md. has none. It does have a stop light though. And main street does have the Pharmacy. A real old fashioned type of drug store. That's what I call it and always will. Only thing missing in that drugstore is a soda fountain. I do enjoy going there. It has the wooden floor that you would expect and that small town charm. It's about all that is left of Four Corners I guess. It was on Sunset when I first moved here, the drug store was the hardware store. When the hardware store closed, can't compete with Lowes and Home Depot you know, the drug store moved in there. The old drug store building is now a Bodega, I believe that is the proper term, a sign of the times. Not sure how they stay in business as seldom do I see anyone come and go from that store. No one says Four Corners anymore. But Greensboro is reaching that nostalgic phase in development. The attempt is to somehow profit from that, to create an attraction. That's the struggle every small town in America faces. I was fortunate to live in one, experience all of that, even if only during the winter months. Newtown and Main. 

 The picture below is the corner of Newtown and Main sometimes in the 1950's. Uptown baby. 

what remains

  July is almost past, hard to believe isn't it? I am looking forward to the fall, my favorite time of year. I like the falling leaves, the crisp cool air in the morning and warm afternoons. I get the feeling that I am just finishing up. Do you know that feeling? A task has been started and now you are almost done. Just a few things to tidy up, put in order and the job is done. That's the feeling of fall. You have to be settled before the cold harsh winter arrives. I expect those that live in more moderate climates wouldn't have the same experience. I have lived for brief periods in the south and can say it wasn't the same thing for me anyway. I did miss the winter. 

  I know I'm rushing things a bit, we do have the entire month of August to get through. There will be plenty of hot weather yet. Still, July is almost over. In a way July marks the beginning and end of the year. Not your year perhaps, but definitely mine. I was born on July 20th, that's the start of my year. I've made sixty eight so far. I've had lots of life events take place in the month of August over the years, dates to be remembered. That began when I left for Navy boot camp on August the 19th, 1971. A date that will forever be remembered as a date that changed my entire life course. A decision made. 

  When I think of winter I think of Christmas. I don't think about winter a whole lot though, probably the reason I don't think about Christmas a lot either. I'm not one to start shopping and planning for that very far in advance. But I was thinking about that this morning when I looked at the date. Yeah, these days the day and date are displayed in the lower right hand corner of my computer screen and that's how I keep track. Having a calendar isn't as important as it used to be in the old days. I have one hanging in the hallway, I think. I guess businesses still give them away don't they? Or has that become something of the past? I do know some years back now, the character of the calendars changed. Yeah, they became far more "correct" for lack of a better term. But my mind wanders a bit with that thought. So, I'm thinking about Christmas and how I won't have any little children to buy for this year. Not that the grandkids were little last year but with Morgan and Shyann, my youngest granddaughters both in college this year, it seems different. Christmas magic? Well, not so much anymore as they know all the magicians tricks. 

  It seems to me that this year will be more about the passing of tradition, than the exchanging of gifts. That's what Christmas means to me. I do enjoy celebrating the traditions I learned from my parents and some that I have created over the years. Christmas is all about remembrance. In the dead of winter, bound to the indoors for the most part, it is a time for reading books and contemplation. Families gather round to celebrate with each other. The gifts are just a distraction for the most part. It isn't about what we want anymore, but more about what we have. I am thinking about all of that. What gifts do you give? I don't think those gifts will be found in the store or online. I'm thinking at this stage in my life the wrapping paper has all been cleaned up, all the new clothes worn, the toys have played with. The excitement is over. What remains? Sentiment for the most part. Sentiment and sediment are closely related. Both are what remains, what stayed behind. Traditions and memories. 

  In the meantime there is still grass to cut, air conditioning to enjoy and fresh fruit and vegetables. August is a busy time. The back to school supplies are lining the shelves, back packs piled high. It's unsettled though what with this Covid stuff. I keep hearing on the news there is a shortage of people to drive the bus. Stand by for the second wave, stay by to go into lockdown! Lots to keep us occupied. Rushing toward the new normal. Really, that is adjusting to change, something man has been doing since the beginning of time. Yeah, it's normal. Traditions are intended to stabilize things, that's the reason they are a comfort. 

misplaced

  It's nothing new, just something that moves to the front of my mind every now and again. I was reminded once again when I saw a meme on Facebook. This meme featured a female American soldier, in fatigues, assault rifle, and an attack dog. In her right hand she is holding an American flag with that blue line running across it. We all know what that means, the thin blue line. Ah, it's quite the patriotic picture isn't it? It's meant to inspire, bring pride in our nation, the restoration of law and order! But I see something else, I see misplaced patriotism. The flag is never to be altered for any reason! Adding a blue line is defacing and disrespecting that flag. I can appreciate the sentiment but it is wrong. You can't on one hand say you love and respect the flag while defacing it in the other. That is a prime example of hypocrisy. I can't help but point that out.

  I expect that comes from the way I was raised. When I was a child I was taught to treat the flag with respect at all times. It was never to touch the ground was the primary rule! It was to be saluted whenever the National Anthem was being played and saluted when it passed by in a parade. Well, those in uniform and veterans saluted, I just put my hand over my heart, not having earned the privilege of saluting. I recall the outcry when the hippies started wearing the flag as clothing and burning that flag! Wasn't anyone saying, it's their right, until it went to court. Well it has been to the Supreme court several times, the first time in 1907 when a beer company began printing an American Flag on their label. That was struck down as disrespectful and they were ordered to stop. But in 1989 by a vote of 5-4 the right to burn the flag, or otherwise use it in any fashion whatsoever was upheld. The first amendment was cited as the authority. I dissent, and agree with the other justices who wrote, the flag is not simply an idea, or another point of view, competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas. I haven't changed my opinion and never will.

     President Woodrow Wilson, 1917

This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation. It has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence above the hosts that execute those choices, whether in peace or in war. And yet, though silent, it speaks to us — speaks to us of the past, or the men and women who went before us, and of the records they wrote upon it.

  I can't help but question this ruling by the Supreme court. Why is it alright to disrespect the flag but certain words or phrases are punishable by law. They call that hate speech! Are not words simply ideas, another point of view? Why is that protected yet the flag allowed to be mutilated, burned, and exploited to sell every product under the sun. As Wilson wrote, "it has no other character than that which we give it from generation to generation." Another famous man once said, " I hope one day my children will be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin." The quote may not be exact, call it paraphrasing. But. that man was speaking of character and it is up to each generation to define that character. Is this the character we have chosen? A character based not in right and wrong but in our wants? A character that can choose to disrespect and disregard the past and all those that came before us? A character that chooses self over sacrifice? A character that chooses pretentiousness over humility? That's not in my character and I will not endorse or otherwise acknowledge the legitimacy of any such ruling or thought.   

One

  So the NFL has announced they will play the "Black National Anthem" before every game.  I admit I had to look that up, this Black National Anthem, as I was unaware of any black nation. The United States of America already has a National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner written by Francis Scott Key. Turns out though this Black National Anthem is a poem, set to music, that some black folks have taken to calling the Black National Anthem. I've never heard of that before other than a few vague references, but then again I'm not black. So I looked it up and it was written by James W Johnson and later set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, to celebrate Abraham Lincolns' birthday. A fitting tribute. 

 With that in mind I would quote Lincoln himself, " a house divided against itself can not stand." Is not that house the United States of America? I certainly believe that is what he was referring to. A separate anthem is certainly divisive wouldn't you say? I can't see it any other way, it would be akin to me insisting you say my prayers in your church! I have to question the reason for doing so. Are we trying to say there is a black nation and another nation? Or are we trying to say there is a black nation and a white nation? If that's the case what about all the other races that hold citizenship in this great country? Shouldn't we then be playing their national anthems before every game as well? It only seems equitable. And who is standing and kneeling when? What is the protocol? 

 I would quote another President, Theodore Roosevelt. "If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." Those are true words and we should all listen carefully to them. Teddy also pointed out another truth, "to educate a man in the mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society." I've seen an awful lot of that going on lately. That's taking place with the rewriting of history. It's also the objective behind this critical race theory we are all hearing so much about. Is playing this Black National Anthem validation of that theory? It sure looks like virtue signaling at the highest level to me! Roosevelt, in talking about immigrants, said we have no room for hyphenated Americans in this nation. He insisted on loyalty to the American people and I concur with him on both points. One nation, one national anthem. 

  Look all I'm saying here is we have but one nation. That nation is made up of every race on the planet! This nation has a National Anthem. I would also point out that the final line in that Black National Anthem says to be "true to our Native land." To be an American you need to be true to America! I would also point out another basic fact if science is to be believed, 2000 generations ago all humans emigrated off the African continent and spread throughout Eurasia. So that means we are all Africans. The bottom line though is really simple, we are all Americans. Our National Anthem knows no color. There is no "black" nation. There is but one nation. I do wonder though, how many black people support this? They comprise about 14% of the total population. I wonder what is the significance to them? But you can't ask that, in that way, can you? Sounds racist referring to a group as "them." It's almost like you are saying they are different than you or something. I see fellow Americans. I'm disappointed when they prove otherwise. Just sayin'  

Hesitator

 This morning I was listening to the news and the panic surrounding Variant D. This variant is more deadly, more easily transmissible, and is spreading faster every day! The news is the vaccine may or may not protect you from this variant. That really depends on the intent of the story at the moment. Which psychological tact is being employed. There are two being employed. one is be afraid , be very afraid and the other is there is some hope, if you follow directions precisely. In the first scenario, we are all doomed because not everyone is following the directions precisely. In the second one, you can change it all, by following directions precisely.

 Now I realize I am not a scientist or a Doctor so I shouldn't have any opinion. Still I can't help but have questions. Yes, I know, I should should just accept the word of the the experts without question, but I'm just curious by nature. Every year I have been urged to get the seasonal flu vaccine, and in the last few years due to my advanced age, the pneumonia one as well. I have gotten neither and haven't had the flu or pneumonia. Okay, so I'm just lucky to have escaped all of that. I remain thankful to whatever power controls all of that. I have my own opinion on that as well but it isn't scientific so I won't mention it. 

 But I do know several folks that have gotten their inoculations, that's what we used to call all of that, but that is in a broader sense. Of course the push is to get this vaccine, which isn't really a vaccine at all, but we will call it a vaccine anyway. That's because us non-scientists, non-medical people couldn't possibly understand the difference, don't question that. Those folks still got the flu however. Thing is, it was a different strain, not a variant. Every year the CDC and the WHO get together and take there best guess on what vaccine should be administered. They are correct about half the time, in their best years anyway, some years far less. But it is never a variant, it's always a different strain. Variants are different than strains. That's what those groups would have the general public believe anyway. Variants are far more deadly! 

 That leads me to question; why is this a variant and not a different strain? Why is this being broadcast in that way? Never before did I hear the news folks or Doctors for that matter, saying there is a variant to this years seasonal flu, the vaccine is ineffective against that. No I heard, well, you caught a different strain of the flu, it's not a failure of the vaccine. You still need to get that vaccine every year, just in case the vaccine is effective against the strain we think will be around. It's our best guess, we're professionals. take our word for it. But if it were a variant, well now, that's a horse of a different color isn't it! We need to develop another vaccine, that isn't really a vaccine, to combat this strain that isn't a strain, it's a variant. Makes me question, maybe we should develop a vaccine instead of what we are using. 

 What are we using? Well it isn't a true vaccine as it contains no active virus at all, instead it is designed to use messenger RNA. That's pretty scientific and I admit to not being able to fully explain it. Still having a high school education and being able to read and comprehend what I'm reading does help. This "vaccine" is designed to modify your DNA, sorta. It's purpose is to artificially have your body create a defense against a virus. First time that's been tried in human beings so it's a bit sketchy but don't let that bother you. Maybe that's why we have a variant, not a different strain, I couldn't say, but I can question.   Yes I'm hesitant. That's what the government is calling me. I call it being cautious. I am hesitant to trust the government I'll admit to that. That's especially true when the government keeps changing their "guidelines" every few weeks. Wear a mask, don't wear a mask, six feet, ten feet, one shot, three shots, boosters and variants! Let's just say I don't have a great deal of confidence in their guesswork. And I am hesitant to allow the government to use me for experimentation purposes. After all, this "vaccine" is an experiment never tried on human beings before. Maybe I'll just wait for the Variant Vaccine. You know the one they are developing why they to try to figure out whether this vaccine, that isn't a vaccine, is working. But I'm hesitant to participate, I'm not an anti-vaxxer. I'm a hesitator!    

sounds like a plan

  In listening to the evening news I heard a brief mention of a new program the FBI is planning to launch. This plan is to fight hate. Yes, the plan is to criminalize hate, well as long as you are hating the wrong group that is. Those groups tearing down statues, renaming sports teams and demanding pronouns be excluded aren't hating anything, that's not hate. No, they aren't hating, that's progress. But the FBI is launching a new effort to be preemptive, to weed out those that may harbor ill feelings towards others, especially liberals. The New York Times published a 32 page article detailing how this can de done. The centerpiece of the strategy is a link to send tweets to the DNI. The DNI is the director of national intelligence. The purpose being to report "homegrown" domestic terrorism. And who better to do that than the children. Children see what their parents and siblings are up to and are being encouraged to report that activity. Yes, it is becoming a policy of this administration to investigate these reports, President Biden has asked for an additional one hundred million dollars just for that purpose. The hope is to have a method just like Cuba and China to receive these reports from family members. You do have to teach the children early on that snitching on your parents, siblings, friends and classmates is the patriotic thing to do. Hey worked for Hitler didn't it? 

 The FBI has sent out tweets encouraging just that with a link to an article on how to recognize that. The tweet contains a link to a handbook on how to identify domestic terrorism and identify possible plans. It details things to report, like Dad bought a gun or told a racist joke at the dinner table! Both actions are equally as dangerous and should be reported immediately. Don't take any action yourself, don't let on, the FBI will investigate. Are your parents anti-vaxxers? That could be a sign as well. What news shows are they watching? Have they joined any new groups lately or voiced support for things like the second amendment? Could be a breeding ground for insurrectionists! But the FBI has a plan to combat hate, to remove that emotion from the hearts of true Americans. No longer will we wait until something happens, now we will analyze the data and preemptively stop the hate! Like Barney Fife would say, just nip it! We will nip it in the bud before it can blossom into hate. Just like your parents said, don't even think about it!

 There is no doubt that this program is aimed at conservatives. Although not intentional the plan is quite transparent to anyone paying attention and having an understanding of history. At its' core it is a tool to instill fear in the people. If you have to hide your thoughts, your beliefs from the government you are being oppressed. When that government institutes programs to spy on its' citizens that instills fear. And there is no doubt that the conservative views are the ones being targeted. Especially white domestic terrorism! Yes, Jan the sixth is the banner the left is waving that is supposed to support that. Never mind all the other riots, looting, and domestic unrest in the country, never mind that people are killing each other at a record pace in almost every major American city. 

 No, the real problem are those pesky white conservatives! You know the real problem with conservatives? They hate socialism and communism. Yes, that's the problem alright, along with the desire to keep the Constitution unchanged and enforced. Why those damn conservative people expect everyone to be accountable for their actions! They don't understand that the government should control your life, its the only way, you can't do that on your own. Damn conservatives believing in themselves, can't have that. And that's not to mention their moral and ethical values. Imagine thinking there is right and wrong and that you will be held accountable for that? There is no law except the law of the land! Science is the answer. Place your trust in science! And report any suspicious activity to the DNI. Do so especially if that person doesn't agree with you. Just report them! The FBI will root out the haters! The FBI will also determine if they are hating. Yeah, sounds like a plan doesn't it?  

  

things to do

  I'm beginning to think it is time to settle down. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? It's what I've heard most of my life. But now I'm questioning just what that means? I've gotten married, had children, a couple of careers, grandkids and retired. I've lived here in Greensboro for about twenty eight years now, is that settled down? Strange, it doesn't feel that way. I feel like I have more to do, something to accomplish that requires my attention. Problem being I can't seem to get focused. The reason for that is I can't see what I'm looking at! Maybe the reason for that is that I've always pretty much done what I was expected to do, what others saw me doing. All of that was part of my raising. Of course I've always felt I could have done a little better if I had applied myself, like my elementary school teachers always said. Fact is I heard that in high school too, not living up to your potential is what they used to call that. Quit clowning around. Well I've always liked a good time. Call it a character flaw. My motto is, it'll be alright. Today they just call that the "new normal." It's basically the same attitude. 

 I do feel unsettled though and can't quite decide what it is. Maybe it has something to do with all the papers I have around. I have file folders full of notes, scribblings, genealogy, and all manner of stuff. None of it is organized, it's just a mess. You can't call it a collection, unless a pile of unrelated stuff is a collection, but that isn't the way I think of a collection. Or could it be the attic full of tools I have. All kinds of tools for various trades. Mostly they just set in the attic collecting dust these days. They go unused and grow more outdated every day. More collections? No, just stuff gathered over the years. 

 Settling your affairs. That's something I have heard about, mostly in the movies though, when the person knows they are dying. I'm not concerned with settling my affairs, I haven't had any of those! If I did I wouldn't tell anyone. Despite what the television commercials attempting to sell you life insurance says, no one is responsible for your debts but you and anyone that co-signed the note. I'm not losing any sleep worrying about my final expenses. I won't be around to file any disputes should that insurance company decide not to pay so why worry about that? No I don't have any affairs to settle. 

 Still I feel like I should settle down as soon as I figure out what that means. Is settling down really just letting go? Is it just holding onto the things that mean the most to you? Not necessarily material possessions but moments and memories. Is settling down accepting the past? We all like to believe tomorrow will be better, we have all heard that. The question there is, better than what? Better than yesterday? If yesterday was so bad why do we always talk about the good old days? Most of us would love to go back in time, experience it all again. I don't know, it's just something on my mind this morning this thought of settling down. I expect this will pass. Recent events have left me feeling a little unsettled I suppose. By recent, I mean the last few years. Maybe the last decade. Maybe I just need to apply myself. Turn that potential into kinetic energy. Well I better go to the store and buy some Ensure and fiber bars first. I'll think about settling down some more later on, right now I have things to do and places to go.    

Time

  Here it is Friday once again. I know it is cliché but time sure flies. I blinked and here it is Friday where did the week go? At a time when I am less active than I used to be, the days are going faster. That doesn't seem to make sense. Now that I think about when trash day is, two days ahead of time, and I have a Drs. appt two weeks away, I'm feeling rushed. Thirty years ago wasn't that long ago but last week was! Do you know that feeling? I guess my Mother was right when she tried telling me about this time warp thing. Time is going faster. 

  We are three weeks into July already. Not surprised to see the back to school supplies in the Walmart I admit to that, but I noticed the absence of all the plants lined up outside the store. It will be mums and pumpkins soon enough I suppose. I have to say I'm surprised Biden is still in office, I figured they would have replaced him by now. But then again I suppose they needs someone to say stuff like, non-vaccinated people are causing a pandemic! He must be following his orders well. Well, mid-term elections aren't really too far off, changes will be made. That is the driving force behind this "infrastructure" bill. That's what all the non-infrastructure monies in the proposal is all about. Another stimulus check is out of the question, too obvious, but certain perks can be included in other legislation. It's also the reason for Pelosi and her Capital Insurrection investigation. It's about punishment not justice. 

  I have wandered off topic a bit as I am wont to do. In just a few weeks all the grandkids will be of to college. I have gotten used to Mark being in college, this being his third year, but Morgan will be beginning. Like most kids she wants to stay on campus and take advantage of that whole experience. Salisbury University isn't  that far from here but still, I know how it goes. Outta sight, outta mind. We won't be seeing her often, holidays and such. 

  I'm also thinking that perhaps time seems faster because of the reminders. Those reminders come in many forms but none leave an impression more than the passing of others. Recently, as you may know I lost my Mother. The other day I hear of the passing of a gentleman I knew a few years back. Another man I know has been relegated to a nursing facility, he fell at home. He isn't expected to return to his home again. All of those reminders of time. The more we say I remember, the more time has gone by. Time leaves us memories and it sure seems like I'm collecting those at an incredible rate. I don't know, I just woke up this morning, always a good thing, and thought, Friday already? It's the last day of the week right? Start a new week tomorrow or is that Monday? If that is so, what is the weekend? I mean if it isn't the beginning or the end those two days are in the middle. The weekend seem longer now, but the weeks shorter. Maybe it's because we aren't looking forward as much as we are looking back. Is that what aging is? Well, time to go. Thing is, I won't know where until I get there. It's a paradox.   

Understanding

  Is it racism or paranoia? That's a question I find myself asking these days. I am one to speak to others when passing them in the aisles at the supermarket or in the parking lot. Whenever another person enters my space is another way of saying that. I've read that each of us has a bubble of personal space and will feel discomfort when others enter that space. It's true and it deals with trust. How much do I trust you. Self defense experts will tell you do not allow others within an arms length of you. That's expert advice and valid. It applies in any situation where you feel threatened. It's the assessment of threats that drive our fears. Is it racist to fear those that project an image of a thug? Is it racist to assume those folks are aggressive and will try to hurt you in some fashion. What about those scary biker dudes? Doesn't matter what color they are does it, although generally speaking we think of them as white guys, white guys gone bad! Do you speak to them? I acknowledge their presence, a casual greeting. That's what I do with everyone that enters within a certain distance of myself. I've never really thought a great deal about it or tried to determine just what that distance is, a foot or two I guess. Pan handlers, homeless people, beggars, and those wishing to "sell" you something I try to avoid. I'm not afraid they are going to hurt me, I just don't want to deal with all that.

  Being a person that greets others on a regular basis I will say that most respond accordingly. Some folks act surprised. I have noticed that is more common with the younger folks. But, in all fairness I was always a little suspicious when I was young when an old person spoke to me. I would always answer politely, being a bit wary. That was during a time when any old person might correct your behavior publicly and you were expected to just stand there and take it. We were taught that was called, respecting your elders. Not so sure that is the message these days, what with all this talk of empowerment. Now we have a kid lecturing world leaders on climate change and how they should deal with that! In my day that would have been thought as cute, or they would say that child is precocious. Neither one being a good thing in that context. But I'm just saying it seems like friendly greetings among strangers is becoming an unusual occurrence rather than the norm. Never mind the fascination others have with their phones that disconnect them from their surroundings. If I am engaged in talking with you and my phone rings I don't answer it. I'll wait until I am done talking with you. I'm not expecting any communication that can't wait a few minutes or politely excuse myself from the conversation. Fact is, I think it is rude to just answer the phone or text and leave the other person just standing there. At times it even makes me mad! You want to talk to me or somebody else? 

  Something else I have written about and mention often is the choice of language today. I believe we have adopted a more aggressive manner of speech these says. That is evident when you really think about what words and phrases are being universally accepted as common speech. I hear it on the television, radio and in public all the time. Cussing, cursing, swearing, whatever you want to call it, they are words that supposedly emphasize your sincerity. You are so sincere you are willing to fight! Isn't that the message really being conveyed by that? Words spoken in anger. That is where those exclamations originate from. Now, we hear those words all the time and the message is getting blurred, perhaps misinterpreted, but taken as aggressive and intimidating speech nonetheless. You really do need to know the other person to make that determination. Perhaps that is also why fewer people speak to each other these days. 

  I began by asking a question, is it racism or paranoia? That question was of course in relation to race. Are the races able to talk with one another? I recall a time when I thought we were having an honest conversation about all of that. The conversation was about moving forward. But today that conversation has shifted to one of placing blame. That is what I'm hearing anyway. I don't hear anyone attempting to deny the wrongs and injustice of the past, that isn't what is happening. But, there is a reluctance to accept responsibility for that past. I am in the group that is reluctant to do that simply because I had nothing to do with the past. I am not aware of everything my ancestors may or may not have done. I just don't know. I do know I had no influence, no input, no dealings with any of that. I am not responsible for things beyond my control, things like history. As far as I know no one in my family ever owned another person. Doesn't matter if they did though, I'm not responsible for that. I do know you can't have much of a conversation when one side is just blaming the other side for every injustice ever committed. It really makes no difference what the conversation is about when it comes to that. If the bread tastes bad, but you didn't bake it, are you responsible for that? 

 It is that reasoning that creates an atmosphere of paranoia. I'm afraid you are going to bring that conversation up. I don't want to talk about that. It isn't that I am denying it happened, it isn't that I don't accept the truth of it all, but I see no point in discussing something I can't change. Let's talk about what we can do, together, to make the situation better. It's not going to work if one side has to assume the blame. What is the conversation today? Does anyone really want to talk about it? No, everyone is too busy being conciliatory or being the victim. A good number of people are just saying nothing at all. All the legal barriers have been removed. What's left? Convincing the other person they are wrong? Convincing the other person they should just agree with you? Convincing the other person that you are entitled to special consideration and treatment? What is left? An understanding is what is required in this situation. We need to reach an understanding. Empathy is not compensatory or conciliatory. Empathy is understanding. This, I feel is worth repeating; Empathy is not compensatory or conciliatory! Empathy is understanding.  

senseless

  More senseless violence in the city of Baltimore. A sixty four year old man, shot and killed attempting to recover his stolen scooter. The Mayor and others blaming gun violence for that tragedy. As if the gun was the criminal! But what goes unspoken is that it is believed the suspects were black, the man attempting to recover his property was black. The blacks are shooting each other at a fantastic rate, yet the guns get blamed and the police. Critical Race theory is being pushed by the left. Wake up people, blacks are killing each other! When have you heard of any program, campaign or anything else to address that? Other than a neighborhood watch here and there, crickets. Mustn't talk about that. It's all the fault of the white folks! Because the blacks live in poor neighborhoods, don't get the same education as whites, and suffer from generational trauma, it's not their fault! They have no other option than to shoot each other. But why isn't that being talked about? Why? 

  We hear about celebrating cultural diversity. It's black history month, the black community, and heritage. Well, is all this violence a part of that heritage? Is violence a part of black culture? Certainly one could say that man is a violent creature, we do have a tendency to fight a lot. Violence has been evident in every society. Still, I don't recall a time in history when the same "community" was involved in killing each other. Oh we had the witch hunts and one European group attacking other European groups and the Norsemen, all of that violent history. We have had white vigilantes invading black neighborhoods and committing unbelievable acts of cruelty and discriminatory practices. The blacks have risen up in protest against white oppressors. But, now blacks in the same neighborhoods, the same streets and neighborhoods are busily engaged in killing each other. Why?  Why isn't anyone talking about that? 

  Instead I hear defund the Police. The Police are discriminating against the black population, even the black Policemen and ladies. I hear the cries of, we need tougher gun laws. I hear we need to throw millions of dollars at the issues. If we paid reparations for what happened in the past this will change the attitude today, all will be forgiven. Hey for a few bucks we will forget all about slavery and Jim Crowe. If we all were given money we will stop killing each other. Give us a home in the suburbs, a new car and a monthly stipend and this will stop. And none of that is ever said out loud, not directly because to do so means you are a bigot! To even suggest that the fault may indeed lie in black culture is just discriminatory and racist! Blacks are killing other blacks at twice the rate they are killing whites. And yes whites are killing blacks too. 

  Thing is, and I know this is controversial, what image is the black community projecting? Is it one of hard working, family oriented, socially conscious folks? No, the image is quite different isn't it? Who is the spokesperson for the black community as a whole? Reverend Al Sharpton? What is his message? Oprah Winfrey? What has she done to help the black community? All I ever hear is about Snoop Dog and what rapper has been shot lately! I see black athletes taking a knee because they are making millions of dollars and feel entitled to make a statement. What has any one of those people done to make things better? All they do is stir up more hate, more division, more animosity. Look all I'm saying is this, don't create this image and then complain about what people see! Are all black people violent criminals, thugs, and hate white people? Of course not but that is the image being projected isn't it? But that is the complaint, the white folks are stereotyping the black community. Meanwhile in the black community itself they are busy killing each other. Yet, I don't hear anything about that, just that it is the guns fault and injustices that occurred one hundred and fifty years ago. Makes me question, is the Uncle Tom mentality alive and well today? Is that the real issue here? Being a victim is always easier than being a victor. Uncle Tom means being like the white folks don't it? And we are Black, we can't be white. But then, like I was writing about the other day, we are talking about character not color. What are the characteristics that make a person black, white, Asian, or anything else? Content of Character. The content of your character does not define your race or ethnicity.   

cause to celebrate?

  I wasn't going to write about my birthday, that's what I kept telling myself, but here I am. I can't escape the thought that this is my first birthday without my mother. I remember getting a card from her last year, I got one every year, and not saving it. Now, you would think I might be a person to save such things with all the sentimental stuff I write and talk about, but I do not. Last year I remember thinking though, well Mom is 91 this year maybe I should save this one, it could be the last. Then, just as quickly I discarded that thought as morbid and the card was thrown away. I have to say I don't regret that decision today, I just remember it. 

  That lead me to this thought, at this stage in life, birthdays are more about reflection that anything else. When we are children we are anxious for the next year to come, to be older. Being older represents freedom to a child. Each passing year you are a bit closer to, what? Being an adult? Then at some point you arrive and the birthdays just keep on coming. For me, it is just another day, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I wouldn't say it is something I consciously do, this looking forward, but I'm certain that it will come. I do spend a great deal of time in the past, I'm aware of that. Some would say that is a bad thing but I don't think so. I rather like it there. Fact is, everything good that has happened to me, happened in the past. The hope is that I can say that tomorrow, the day after that, and every other day. I do try to live every day, for the day. Some are better than others.

  Life is all about expectations. On your birthday you will be asked, what do you want for your birthday? Was a day when I could provide an itemized list! Today however the answer is, not a thing. I didn't do anything to deserve gifts for this occasion other than to be alive. My Mother did all the work, she is the one that should be celebrated. No, I had absolutely nothing to do with this day being what it is. Still the tradition is that we celebrate our birth by receiving gifts from others. It's our special day. Seems rather self centered when you think about it in that fashion. I was given life on this day and now others should give me gifts to celebrate that. Interesting tradition. 

  I can't say when it happened, but it happened. I do not expect anything from anyone for my birthday. Well, okay, that's not exactly true I do have some expectations. I expect those that know me to remember me. What I mean is, even if it is only the month, that's close enough. Now it's not something I am counting on, but expected, know what I mean? If I am forgotten it isn't really a disappointment it is more a reality. I know I have certainly forgotten birthdays over the years. It was never an intentional thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it isn't that important. My birthday has become just another day on the calendar to me. At times it is embarrassing and who would have ever that that would be so. Nothing much one can say except, thank you. It another birthday an accomplishment? No, I'd say it was a gift. I'm here as long as I 'm supposed to me, no longer. That's the thing about life, you can't overstay your time. The luckiest of us will not overstay our welcome! And a great deal of life is centered around luck. 

  A cause for celebration? It's wonderful to think that you are that cause, no denying that. It would be a lie to say otherwise. Modesty and humility are virtues that were expressed strongly in my youth. That was part of my "common core" education. Even in the midst of celebration one is supposed to exercise those traits. It's what is expected as well. No one wants to celebrate a braggart. It's a lesson that takes years to fully comprehend. It's something I struggle with and I'm aware of that. I prefer to think of myself as confident, secure in my person, and independent, others may have a different opinion. I'm here for a reason, I believe that wholeheartedly. I'll be here until that reason no longer exists. I don't need to know that reason, if I did I might prematurely believe the reason has been fulfilled. Or, worse yet, give up believing I have no purpose at all. In these modern times we have taken to having a "celebration of life" instead of a funeral. It is an idea I admit to having an issue with initially. Someone's death doesn't seem like a cause for celebration. But now I'm looking at that in a different light. I'm thinking the sentiment being expressed is empathy, for surely the deceased should be celebrating that they have accomplished their task here on earth. Isn't that the concept of heaven? A reward. Still I feel sorrow for the loss to myself. 

  Well I have certainly wandered around the subject of having a birthday haven't I? For something I wasn't going to write about I have managed to run on about it. It's just that the thought this is my first birthday without my Mom is on my mind. I've always felt that was her purpose, to be my Mom. Funny how we think like that isn't it? Well the truth is, she was my Mom her whole life. Yeah, she did other stuff too, but I was her baby boy, the last of her children. Guess her job was done. 

Content

  It's a rather uncomfortable subject, race. Hard to talk about simply because we all have a different perspective. I can not know what it is like to grow up black in America, I'm white. Black people don't know what it's like growing up white in America because they are black. Contrary to what most people will say you can't empathize with that. All you can do is agree with their point of view, at least tacitly and offer your assistance. Well because you know they need help right? That's the thinking if you are white. If you're black the thinking is, the white folks are holding me back. At least that is the built in excuse for any failure. Is that the reality? Funny thing about that is even when black folks "make it" they are successful, they did that "in spite of." That somehow makes their achievements somehow superior to all others. It is never equal too, it is always just a little better, well because. 

  One of the great leaders in civil rights was undoubtedly Martin Luther King Jr. His was a message of non-violence, acceptance and equality. Perhaps his most famous quote is judging his children by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin. Yet today, the color of their skin is at the forefront of every message. If you're black, you're being discriminated against in some fashion. The two things are inseparable, joined at birth, like Siamese twins. One can not live without the other! The white folks need to be less white. The content of their character is being judged by the color of their skin. The very thing that is supposed to be eliminated. So, the question I have is this, how do we judge the content of character, what is the standard being applied? Does wealth play a role in that? Are wealthy people somehow superior in character to all others? I sure hear a lot about income inequality being a contributor. 

  If only black people lived in rich neighborhoods and went to better schools. That would surely form the content of their character. There is something to be said for that, we do tend to adapt to our environments don't we? Even white people do that and there are poor white people too, we ain't all rich. In fact there are far more poor white people in America than there are black people. There are about 19 million white folks in poverty and about 7.8 million black people. Yes, it's true the percentage rate of poverty is higher in the black communities when taken in context, but facts remain, a lot more poor white people than black people. Has that anything to do with color or character? It's my feeling it has to do with environment. Isn't that the concept behind socialism? If everyone has to share, everyone has the same. Communism takes that concept to the next level, you can't own personal property, only the government can, everyone gets the same! Well, except for the ruling class, they are exempt. It has nothing to do with color or character.

  It seems to me the music of a generation foretells what that generation will embrace. I'm certainly no student of music in America on a sociological scale but have been around awhile. I'm old enough to remember when Elvis was thought to be the devils spawn! Why his behavior was outrageous, sinful! He couldn't be shown below the waist on national television! Rock and Roll music! That lead to what? Revolution, revolts, protesting, and a general upheaval in American society. When those rock and roll freaks got into politics things changed. Free love, long haired freaky people, and anti-American sentiment. That music did influence the youth. Then we had disco, what was that all about? Party down, boogie nights and drug use. Heck by then even the cowboys were smoking dope! Generations changing things up. All that inspired the white boys and some of the black folks too, although Soul music was the predominant music in the black communities. At that time they did enjoy broad appeal, everyone was listening. It certainly had its' influence, I think for the better. We are the world! In 1985 forty five of the biggest recording stars in America all came together in support of Africa. Millions were raised. It was a healing of sorts from the social unrest of the sixties and seventies. Too bad it didn't last. 

  Now this part I can't write about with any degree of authority or certainty because I just don't know. I also don't know anyone that would know and give me an honest answer. All I know is what little I hear in the negative sense about this, hip-hop, rap, gangster stuff that the young black people are supposed to be listening to. Just how accurate that is I can't say, is it a stereotype? Probably on some level it is but kids tend to listen to what is popular, hence the term popular music. They also tend to be influenced by the lyrics to those songs. I watch the news and hear about all the shootings, beatings, looting, robbery and hate going on and can't but wonder where that is coming from. Is that the contribution to character causing the unrest today? I'd say it is a possibility. History seems to support that notion. In 1968 Otis Redding was singing, Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay, Marvin Gaye was singing I heard it through the Grapevine, Aretha Franklin sang Think and Chain of Fools, the Box Tops sang Cry like a Baby. Wasn't anything too radical about any of those songs, those influences. 

  Well, I'm no sociologist that's for certain but it's worth thinking about. Is character developed by what we are taught, possibly through the songs we listen to and the books we read? How do we judge character? I don't think Martin Luther King Jr. thought character and the color of your skin were one and the same, quite the opposite. He was talking about not judging people by the color of their skin! Seems obvious enough to me. I can say this with certainty and conviction, I have known, and still do know, people of great character with all different colors of skin. I've always called them my friends, not black friends, white friends, Asian friends or anything else, just friends.

  Yeah I've known some characters in my life and judged them according to their content. I do judge others by the content of their character when I get the chance to know that character. It was the way I was raised. Judge people on what they do, not so much on what they say. Actions do speak the loudest. Things are seldom as they first appear. Content of character requires conviction. That's what King was talking about. Doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Judging others by what they do, not what they say, or what they look like. It requires a bit of trust. Fonzi had great character although that isn't what he wanted others to believe. Are these rappers actually contributing to social awareness and  in support of unity? I read a small piece online where the author insists that is what their intent is. Another article explains that Rap is all about the black man feeling oppressed and how violence is the only answer to that oppression. I expect like all music it means different things to different people. Just seems like there is a correlation between that music and what is happening in the streets. Is it shaping character? Guess it depends upon the content doesn't it? 

Normal

  Next up, Labor day. Isn't that something? Just like that. Not that Labor day is a big deal anymore. It was, at least when I was young it was. It marked the end of the summer season and a return to normalcy. Well, we haven't been normal in quite a while when it comes to that these days. But I'm thinking about back in the 1960's when I was growing up in East Hampton, before it was the "Hamptons" and the "termites" as my father called those city folks, infestation lasted year round. White sales usually followed as well, you know because no one wanted to wear white after labor day. Today I'm being told to be less white! All things change over time I suppose, except me, I haven't changed all that much. At least that is what I tell myself when looking in the mirror. I admit to showing some signs of the passing of the seasons, to be honest about it I'd have to say it's late summer now, I'm hoping I don't fall! Oh alright, it is way down in the fall but not quite the winter of my days. 

  I'm thinking what with all this Covid stuff it does seem like a lot of holidays have just been skipped over. Things certainly haven't been the same. It's starting to come back, a return to normal, but I know it will never be the same. There will be those wearing masks from now on. Now that masks have become a symbol of virtue that is. Or is it a symbol of fear? Well you decide. I won't be wearing any masks unless the law mandates them. I expect that at some point there will be that infringement on our privacy. Proof of vaccination will be required or services denied. Probably won't need an ID to vote but will need your certified, notarized, government issued vaccine record! I was at Riverfest, a community function sponsored by the town, a sort of block party you could say. Yes, there were people there wearing a mask. But it is Greensboro, Maryland, conservative country and the majority of the folks here exercise common sense. Fear doesn't rule the day around here.

  I'm hoping that this Labor day will mark a return once again, like it did in my youth. We had a parade, celebrated the end of summer and prepared to go back to school. Living in New York, the state, not the City, school didn't begin until after Labor day. That has become a subject of debate here in Maryland these days. Should school begin after Labor day? Currently the school year in Caroline County will begin Aug 30, before labor day. I don't believe it is much a point of contention in Caroline County as in others. Mostly an agricultural county not many are concerned about this interfering in family vacations and such. That is usually the concern of those working in the cities, the white collar crowd that doesn't like to be inconvenienced with their summer planning. It wasn't a concern with my family growing up, we just waited until the termites went back to wherever they came from. After the summer was over, all the profits that could be made had been collected, it was time to be rid of them! Yeah, things quieted down and life went back to normal. 

  I dislike all this talk about the new normal. In the first place there really isn't much new about any of this. Politics, money and class have always been issues in society. We go through various stages, round and round in a never ending cycle. If you recall, the 1960's was quite a tumultuous time what with the war protestors and civil rights activists. Not all that different than what we are seeing today. just taken to a different level. The civil rights act of 1965 concerned what? Voting rights and what are we debating today? Voting rights. Discrimination is the issue, right? What's different this time? Now we are trying to write laws that discriminate against the ones accused of discrimination! How are we going to do that? By not writing laws that apply equally to everyone. We will institute the "honor" system. Well all I have to say about that is. there is no honor among thieves! Nothing new about that. 

  As far as normalcy goes, that ship has sailed. It began when we rejected the natural order of things and insisted that was normal. That was a choice. It could be argued all that began in earnest in 1973 when the Supreme Court decided that killing babies was a choice! Is that normal? Really is it normal for a society to decide that if you don't want a baby you can just kill that baby! That's normal? I don't think so. And now we have men insisting they are women, women thinking they are men, and courts agreeing with that! Normal? Our government is offering bribes to the citizens to comply with their requests. Get the jab! Stimulus checks to follow. Bribery as an accepted practice. business as usual? The lobbyists have been playing that game forever, nothing new about that. The new normal? No, it ain't new and it ain't normal! 

radicals

  Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, Jay all radicals. Hated by many and vilified. Bunch of radicals with these crazy ideas. Imagine a land where religious values are vital, yet the government endorses none. It was said that some of those folks were deists. They rejected the idea of divine revelation and were using reason, common sense and logic to explain the universe. Sure they believed a supreme being created it all, but believing that man could figure that out all by himself is just silly. These same people also thought that men could rule themselves! Everyone knows you need a King to rule the people. There has to be a ruling class, educated and wiser than the commoners. No, common people can't be trusted to rule! Just who is supposed to defend them, protect the people from outside forces? If not for the King and his army, who then? A bunch of peasants with pitchforks defying an Empire! Those people are just crazy. Bunch of whiners.

  That is what was said of the founding fathers. It isn't what we were taught though. The reason is easy enough to understand, the radicals won the debate. Well, the truth is the radicals won the war. A republic was established. The King and his men tried to take it all back once and they failed yet again. Driven from our shores the treaty of Ghent was ratified in January of 1815. Independence was retained. The nation continued forward and ever more radical ideas were proposed and indeed ratified into law. The 13th and 14th amendment were certainly radical ideas to many. The Republicans fully supported both while the Democrats were adamantly opposed. A war ensued before the amendments could be passed! The radicals had won once again! All men are created equal and as such are entitled to equal rights under the law. They can vote, hold property, and live anywhere they choose. It wasn't until 1965, a hundred years after the civil war that the Democratic party affirmed those rights with the civil rights act. That act has been amended five times since that vote. 

  What are the radicals wanting today? Ensuring the integrity of the ballot. Imagine that, a bunch of radicals insisting that proof of identity be required to cast your ballot. How radical an idea is that! Why it is discriminatory! Of course it is only discriminatory to certain demographics. Requiring white Europeans to show a valid idea is perfectly acceptable, indeed reasonable. In truth our Republic has been requiring that since its' inception, what was once called your "bonafides." Birth certificates became a thing in the early part of the 1900's. Identification has been required in banking circles much earlier than that, you can be sure of that. Yes, when it comes to safeguarding things of value, ID is mandatory. The vote should be no different yet is considered a radical idea? And what party is insisting that is discriminatory? Why the very party that took one hundred years to agree that that same demographic had a right to vote in the first place. Ideology? Yup, sure seems obvious enough to me.

  And so here we are today, the Federalists making a resurgence. Yes, Monroe, Jefferson and the others where Federalists. They fully supported the ratification of the Constitution. A constitution that clearly states, all men are created equal. Took a bunch of radicals to put that to paper! Of course, prior to that many had signed a document that was akin to a death sentence. Bunch of radicals! These radical Republicans today wanting to support the principles as outlined in the Constitution. Imagine that? They want a fair and honest election, without any caveats. That the law apply equally to everyone. WTH. After the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments that we are all aware of,  was the 11th? What did it concern? It was an amendment, championed by the Federalists, that protected states rights to govern themselves without the Federal government overriding their authority. It is a limiting of federal power. Each state has the right to enact its' own voting laws. The federal government does not have the authority to override that. And that is the debate, the legal struggle we are engaged in at this time. The federalists wanting a radical idea, equality, and the Democrats looking for loopholes. Independence vs Dependence.   

trust me

  It's a constant struggle. It's my feeling there has to be a right way. Occasionally I call that right way standards for lack of another term. Agreement may also be an appropriate word for what I'm thinking about. Religious instruction is the primary method of establishing a standard. That is what is sought with that, an agreement, a common understanding of what is right and wrong. Government seeks the same thing through legislation. The various forms approach that differently but it is the goal of them all. The Communists simply dictate whatever they like to the people who are forced to obey. The Socialists attempt to create the illusion that you have a choice while dictating to the people, and Democracies rule through debate. Whichever party gains controls establishes policies. Our government is a Republic which seeks to have the people as the central power, with representatives doing the will of the people. The issue with a Republic is having moral and religious people elected to represent the people. The corruption comes from the people, not the government. 

  John Adams famously stated, "our constitution is made only for a moral and religious people and is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." James Madison wrote, "we must have sufficient virtue among men for self governance" and continued with, "otherwise nothing less than despotism can restrain them from destroying and devouring one another." The reason for that? Madison pointed out that "government is a reflection of human nature." He was saying people are the government. That being the case we require a religious and moral population to govern ourselves adequately. We require the best society has to offer.

  How do we acquire these people? They come from the general population, educated in our school system. It is that system that is at the root of it all. What is being taught in the schools today? The virtues that Madison and Adams were thinking about have certainly been eliminated from the curriculum. In 1962 prayer was removed from schools. What was the message being sent? Saying the Pledge has become somewhat of an optional thing, sporadically practiced. I'd suggest that was the beginning of  erosion as far as religion and virtuous behavior is concerned. Government, think legislation, has replaced the people. And government uses one primary tool to control the people. That tool is, fear. Yes, fear will get people to surrender their rights and their liberty in exchange for even momentary security. English settlers came to Jamestown in 1607 ruled by the King. They complied with the King until such time as their fear of reprisal didn't exceed their desire for freedom. Freedom, it should be understood was closely linked to profits. The people wishing to control their own lives and affairs unencumbered by the King. Still they knew a government was a necessity, you just can't have everybody doing whatever they want either. A virtuous and religious people however should be able to govern themselves. 

 What do we hear today? Socialism is the answer. Some call it Democratic Socialism or invent other names, our current press secretary refuses to even use that word, socialism, instead replacing authoritarian in its' place. Cuba has an authoritarian government! No, it has a communist government. What's the difference between communism and socialism? Really just one thing, in socialism you can own personal property. well sorta, until the government wants it. Where do you think these people proposing this shift to socialism heard all this stuff? They were taught that in school. Young minds are impressionable. Young minds also inherently seek security. They may be reckless in that pursuit but that is what they want. Fear is a powerful motivator. If you are being told that you can not succeed in society, for whatever reason, that is a fear. Isn't that the very reason each generation attempts to change the rules? Yes, each generation wants to "win." That is the reason for the removal of virtue and morality. It's a license to "cheat" the system. No different at its' core than you making the correct decision, despite any harm or cost to yourself. In short, doing the right thing. Doing so when no one is looking, doing so without recognition or reward, is virtue. Religious belief provides that final reward, the reward for doing right. Yes, it is an intangible thing. 

 I see a lot of people afraid in todays world. No wonder either, a great deal of that fear is justified. The lawless are being rewarded and allowed to roam freely about. We are being told we are responsible for whatever the past generations did and should pay for that. We are being told the climate is changing and will kill us all. The rich people are dominating us and we will all be enslaved if we don't act now. We should establish charity, a religious premise, by force if necessary! If you are not acting in a virtuous manner the government will simply seize your assets and redistribute them! Government will establish virtue! You know, just like the King did back in the day. 

  Be afraid, be very afraid. That is the message being sent out today with every news cast. Remember, people will surrender their freedom, their virtue, their religion and anything else to obtain even the briefest moment of security. Fear is the ultimate tool. Most especially is the fear of the unknown. Consider a premise as simple as Judeo/Christian belief. If you do wrong, if you fail in judgment, what is the consequence? You go to hell! That's the fear isn't it? Yes, it certainly is but today you don't hear that much. Today all you hear is that you will be forgiven, no worries. That lessens the fear, changes the rules somewhat, no need to be such a stickler for the rules. It's even better when you remove that fear altogether. Just remove the possibility. Remove religion from the narrative. Virtue, well that's subjective isn't it? Yup, subject to the whims of those in power. Be afraid, be very afraid and just do as you are told. It'll be alright, trust me, I promise.       

time is relative

 My birthday is in a few days. I'll be 68. There was a time when I thought that was old, but it's not. At least that is what I'm telling myself this morning. It's all relative you know. Of course I am having a hard time remembering any relatives that are older than I am! By far, the majority of those folks are, shall we shall, indisposed. I don't want to think of them as disposed. Age itself is all relative. When you are five , someone seven is old, by the time you reach fifty the gap has to be twenty years or so before you think of that person as older. Ever notice that? When you are young, others are old, when you are old yourself, others are older than you but not old! Well, unless they are really old and infirm, then you may call them old people, until then however, they are just older. Know what I mean? 

 In recent years, since I have been on Facebook, I have enjoyed giving out birthday greetings to others. Many of those folks I knew in years past but was unaware of their birthdays. I've been surprised at times. Some are older, some are younger than I expected. I'm still a bit confused about one thing though, how my classmates got so old when I did not. It just doesn't seem fair somehow. It is hard to believe that it has been fifty years since we all graduated from high school. Doesn't really seem that long ago. Birthday parties weren't much of a thing with my family growing up. Mom always made a cake and we had ice cream, that was usually about it. Just the family. My sister gave me a birthday party when I was sixteen, the only real birthday party I've ever had. That would have been 1969, fifty two years ago.

 I've noticed on Facebook some folks ask others to donate to a charity for their birthday. I've been getting notifications from Facebook regarding that, asking me to do just that. I won't do that for a simple reason, it just seems presumptuous. To me, I would be assuming that others intended to give me a gift. By asking them to donate to my favorite charity I am making that assumption, am I not? Now I wouldn't know who did or didn't, but I would know if anyone did. I don't know, it just seems like I would be leveraging my birthday, and my friendships for gain. Even though I personally would not benefit from that donation, my charity would, it would bother me. You don't have to give me anything to make my birthday happy. I don't know, it's just one of those things with me. 

 I have reached that age where I don't want a fuss made over my birthday. I think most of us feel that way at some point. Now, reaching a hundred is a milestone to be celebrated. My Mom will be gone for two months now, just three days from today. She lived for 92 years. Yes, she was old but I felt like I was catching up. She was twenty four years older than me. In speaking with her she didn't want a fuss made over her birthday either. Although she was in relatively good health, no major issues, still doing her counted cross stitching, knitting, and other crafts almost to the very end, she was very much aware the end was close. She eluded to that eventuality often, I expect it preyed upon her mind. I think much like when we are young we anticipate our next birthday, she anticipated that. It is something we really don't want to think about. I don't think much about getting a year older, it is just something that will happen, I hope! 

 Age is somewhat like money. At first it is something you want. You look forward to getting some, the more the better. Fact is you can't seem to get enough. After some time the quest for money fades somewhat, it isn't as exciting or important. Yes, you still need it, you still want it, and more is better but getting it doesn't occupy all your time. For some of us the desire for more money will never cease, we will always want more. For others they get so much money they just stop counting altogether. And then there are the rest of us. We like having money but we would just as soon not think about it. You feel that you have enough, more would be better but you can live with what you have. And that is where the similarity ends. Too much age and you ain't living! Too much money? I wouldn't know anything about that. All I know is you can't take it with you. Maybe you should just leave it all to the charity of your choice. Might save the family fighting over it.  

another theory

  Critical Race Theory is all in the news these days. This "theory" is being taught in our schools. Many are rejecting this theory and are opposed to teaching this at all. In my thinking the problem lies not in the teaching of a theory, but in the attempt to replace all other theories. What other theories are being taught? I'm not certain about that as you don't hear anything about any of that. Capitalism will be the common response from those embracing this new theory of race. It's the same complaints heard from the beginning of civilized man. Some folks have more than others! It's not fair. In order to justify taking what others have earned, you need an excuse. Critical Race theory is just another example, another manifestation of that excuse. 

 So just what is this theory? Well in short it is the teaching of Karl Marx. It is Marxism for the new century. It's beginning were in 1848 when Marx published his communist manifesto. It underwent a few modifications over time being adapted to the times. The central theme, or theory, is class warfare. The workers versus the capitalist's. Marx advocated for the overthrow of the capitalist's, seizing their wealth and property. They could do this by securing the means of production. Everyone gets the same! And that method has been tried, repeatedly, and has always failed. The theory has proven itself to be seriously flawed, it just won't work! The biggest flaw in this theory is that Marxism, communism and socialism, all require a dictatorship to exist. That is for a very basic reason, people will not voluntarily surrender their wealth, their property or their freedom. That dictatorship will only grow as  time passes and lead to  collapse. The people will reach a point where, enough is enough. That's what will happen! It isn't what could, would, or might happen, it will happen! History is the proof of that. 

 The big lie in Marxism and all the others is that everyone is equal. Equality is the watchword used to fuel revolutions. That is true no matter the government that is being formed following the revolution. Equality just sounds right doesn't it? It's what is fair. That's the mindset of man and has always been the mindset of man. You are not going to change that. The people have learned however, at least here in America we have, and have known since our own revolution, that equality isn't about property or wealth. Equality is having an equal chance, a level playing field. Equality is a system in which anyone can succeed. Equality isn't a guarantee that you will succeed, just that you can. 

 So now we have this Critical Race Theory. Critical Race theory simply replaces the word equality with equity. They sound alike don't they? Many people confuse the two. They are not the same thing. Equity is the investment one has in a company or property of some kind. Equity is an investment in a broad sense. Equity can also mean justice, by natural law or right, being treated equally. Critical Race Theory seeks to redistribute "equity" in the name of equality. It's the same thing as what Karl Marx was writing about! Take property, wealth, and freedom by revolution! Take from the rich and give to the poor. Critical Race Theory simply replaces the word "class" with "race." That's all it really is. The theory being, race is what is causing the inequities. That's the excuse this time. Last time it was just the rich guys have everything. 

 It is something I have said repeatedly and will continue to repeat, "everyone wants to be treated equally, until they are." It is at that point excuses for shortcomings need to be found. I am standing on equal ground yet I am not as successful. I will dismiss the idea that it is my fault and find someone else to blame. That is the nature of man. Facts don't matter at that point, only perceptions. Somehow and in some way, it just isn't fair. I should be just a little bit more equal than you! 

 Well, I'm going out on a limb here but I have a theory of my own as regard to race. If you raise your children, whatever race they happen to be, to believe that they are somehow never equal, they won't be. And that is what I'm hearing today. No matter how much education they receive, no matter how much legislation is passed, no matter how many programs are implemented, failure will always be because of race. That's the real lesson behind this critical race theory. The theory that one race is inherently inferior to the other and can not compete on a level playing field. Isn't that the real excuse these Critical Race Theorists are proclaiming? It's not fair because I am a different race. Ignore all the facts to the contrary, ignore all those great individuals in the past, they "made it" despite their race right, and place the blame on race. Marx called it class, today, they call it race. Same thing. What it is, is socialism. A theory proven wrong time and time again. Call it by any name you like, it will not work.  

sometimes

  To be part of something larger. Isn't that what we are told? We are all a part of something larger. And why should that be so? Is it a desire or a need? They are different things you know. Perhaps the very thing that separates people. You have those that are joiners, willing participants and volunteers, and those that are not. The real question is, what is the something larger? That has always been a ethereal thing to me. You can't define it exactly, it has no substance, it is just something larger than yourself. Something larger is always something better isn't it? That is the general feeling I get anyway. The thing is, you can't control the something larger, and it may not be a good thing. For that reason some of us remain reserved, more cautious in our approach. But I'm thinking that attitude is changing. Today more folks are being urged to be the something larger. That's what all this virtue signaling is all about. Virtue signaling, a new term for for an old action, hypocrisy. 

 To be comfortable with the idea of being a part of something larger you have to accept your lower station. That is the struggle the majority of us face. We all want to be a bit more important, feel a bit more vital to the day. No one wants to think of themselves as disposable, as not that important. So some will join in with whatever movement or cause comes along, believing themselves to be a part of something larger. The question is still unanswered though, what is the something larger? The truth there is that, the something larger, is a bit different for each of us. It can be anything from being the class president to being a part of the entire universe. The something larger is a place we wish to be. Once you have reached that place you are a piece of something larger, if you accept that. Self importance is another way of thinking about that. 

 How important are you in the big scheme of things? For 99.9% of us, not that important. The really important ones are remembered across centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans whose influence is still felt to this day. Jesus Christ, whether the son of God or just a man is perhaps the most influential man in history! Christianity is the largest religion in the world. Islam comes in at number two but is worth noting that it was founded on the principles of Jesus as well. But that is another discussion, for another day. The Jewish people have survived the longest but it is said that Jesus was a Jew. No matter the prophet, preacher or God, the concept is something larger than ourselves, something beyond this world. We all want to be a part of that, even those that deny its' very existence. Their self importance will not allow them to believe otherwise.

 I think it is all dependent upon your  sense of urgency. We are here but a short time in the big picture. Some believe we will be here more than once. Do each of us have a purpose? That is another question many struggle with. We all want to believe that we are here for a purpose don't we? We all want to believe that we are necessary. Is it necessary for us to know that purpose to fulfill that purpose? If you believe a higher power is in control the answer has to be, no. That is what we call belief. Trust, belief and faith all travel hand in hand, you can't have one without the others. It's a trilogy, just like the Holy Trinity. How urgently do you feel the need to fulfill your purpose? Truth is, you have no control over that. Our departure is just like our arrival. we really don't have a say in that, something larger than ourselves controls all that. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.      

being serious

 Living life with conviction. I got a phone call from a very old friend yesterday. The conversation picked up were we had left off maybe six months ago. That's the way it is with really close friends, they are never far away. As we chatted about the good old days and some of the adventures and misadventures we had shared we agreed, neither of us ever really embraced responsibility. Now, we both could handle responsibility and have both held positions of responsibility, and done well with it, but we would just as soon not. Enjoying the day was always a bit more of the focus rather than being responsible. Yes, we had a habit of clowning around, quite a bit. It wasn't that we weren't serious about our jobs and responsibilities, it was just that we didn't always present a professional demeanor. We both found it difficult to fully commit, to be convinced, that what we were doing was a vital part of living. Bad stuff happens to everyone, no need to get all excited. No need to be so serious. It'll be alright was a sort of mantra with us. And you know what, it always was. 

 That being said it is also true that we both seldom change our minds about something once we have made the decision. You could say, second guessing. No, we usually just stick with the first best guess. It's true that hasn't always worked out, but I can speak for myself when I say, I haven't experienced any major trauma or drama with that method. I suppose you could say that was conviction, or being stubborn, depending on your point of view. Seems to me the folks with false convictions are the ones that suffer the most. They are always dealing with some crisis or another. They get saved, saved again and still they fail. They were convinced about something, then they change their minds. Those folks think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. They climb over that fence. Doesn't take long to discover why the grass is so green though, it's been fertilized! Fertilizer is a good thing until you step in it! Happens to those folks all the time. And the thing is, it is usually on that second or third step. 

 True enjoyment comes in bringing joy to others. If you work hard all your life, exercise responsibility, stay concerned, keep your nose to the grindstone, will that bring joy to others? They may enjoy the fruits of your labors, that is true, but they probably won't think of you as a fun person. You are not entertaining. Clowns are entertaining. Of course some people are afraid of clowns too. That fear comes from them not knowing what to expect from that clown. A clown just might do anything for a laugh. In that regard, I could be somewhat of a clown, I do enjoy making others smile or laugh. I once got a permanent wave on a bet, it was hilarious. Another time, with the grandkids, we were at Walmart. While checking out one of them asks me, what time is it? I said loudly, It's Hammer Time, and started dancing. LOL, I thought the kids would die of embarrassment. And that is the fear of clowns really, isn't it? The unknown and unexpected. 

 That too is what life is all about, the unknown and the unexpected. I prefer to face it with a smile and a laugh. I could have spent these last fifty years in serious endeavors, saving for the future, cementing a legacy. I could have amassed a fortune perhaps, but to what end. As I said, true enjoyment comes from bringing joy to others. Still. I want to be here to enjoy it, see my point? If I spend all my time being Mr. responsibility, Mister serious, what fun is that? Today far too many people are concerned with living forever. That seems to be the big thing these days. Wear your helmets, pads, get your vaccines, eat healthy, get regular checkups, safety, safety, safety. Me I concern myself with living today, tomorrow will come, I can't be certain I will be there though. I am counting on it however. I remain convinced I will be. Not sure if I will know the difference either. Do you wake up to discover, I'm dead? Well crap, I was planning on going fishing today. 

 When I came into this world few were aware of my arrival. I expect only a few will be aware of my departure as well. So far fate has just shown me the part of bit player. I was here and there a bit. I have entered and left the room a few times. That was the result of my Naval career. Always moving about. Always an outsider. Even after more than thirty years in Greensboro, and my son being the Mayor, I'm still an outsider. That's just the way it works and I accept that. I'll just keep on smiling, and preaching too. Fact is, I'm a rather serious clown. Only the other clowns know that however. I'm convinced of that.