what it means

 Not much to say this morning. I've left my thoughts and comments on current events and am apparently in the minority with the Rock/Smith thing. Guess I'm a dinosaur and a bit too masculine for some. That's okay. The Russians are invading Ukraine and there is much discussion about all of that. The President is calling for Putin to be removed from office, but not officially, those were only his personal feelings. A large container ship is stuck in the Chesapeake Bay, the captain having gone off course and ran it aground. Been working on getting it lose for over a week now. I hear the next thing they are going to try is removing some cargo, sounds like a plan. And Hunter Bidens' laptop has resurfaced, sorta, and is being debated. But that is politically motivated, that's the defense on that one. Which brings me to the whole Clarence Thomas thing. Apparently his wife sent some e-mails or tweets urging the Republicans to overturn the election results. For that, he should be impeached and recuse himself from any Supreme Court rulings regarding elections. The question there, and one I posted to social media is, is a spouse responsible for what the other spouse says or does? Is he responsible for what she did? I don't know about others, but my wife and I don't always agree on things. And that is between us, not between me and my employer. Are you responsible what your family members do? 

 In other legislation it is now a Federal Crime to lynch someone. That bit of legislation is being touted as long overdue, a milestone in justice, a triumph! Strange though, the first statute making murder a federal crime was written in 1790, although it doesn't mention lynching specifically. Personally I don't think the method employed to murder someone matters all that much, the person is still killed. Well, that's my summary anyway.

 The only other thing on my mind this morning is a television commercial. Yes, I do listen to them. Popeyes has a new one out. It begins by asking a question. How good does a chicken place have to be, to almost be number one in shrimp? I've listened to that several times to be certain. Yup, that's what they ask alright. So the pitch is, we are almost number one, which implies, they are number two. My question to them is, why would I go to Popeyes to get the second best shrimp? I would like to meet the advertising man that sold that one to them. How did that conversation go? Trust me, people will flock to your place to get the second best shrimp! Love that Chicken from Popeyes, the shrimp is second best.

 I'm being told to keep a weather eye out today, storms headed our way. I'm just glad it is a bit warmer, the last few days have been chilly, to say the least. It's time to start cutting the grass and cleaning up the yard from the winter. And I'll finish up this morning by plagiarizing a true icon of reporting, And that's the way it is. What he didn't say was, it is up you to figure out what it all means.         

fact, fiction and speculation

  I pursued my family tree for a number of years on and off. I began with Ancestry.Com and had a paid subscription for quite a length of time. I have grown satisfied, that is the word I would use, that I have made enough discoveries. I canceled my membership and haven't added anything in a while. There are still questions without answers. I am a bit frustrated with the Ancestry website with their permissions and all of that. You work and pay for years and then are denied certain features, especially downloads, without paying a premium price. I get it, they are in business. I also know there are plenty of free sites available and perhaps one day I will begin again on one of those. And that is the issue, beginning again. It took years to compile what I have and would take years to gather again. 

 The last few days a certain name from the past has been on my mind, Laura Rose Terry. She was sister to my great, great grandmother. I wrote a blog about her five years ago, but she has resurfaced. That is because of a photograph I have displayed. That photo, taken circa 1891, is perhaps the only photograph of her in existence. I feel like she is calling out to me, don't allow me to be forgotten. She was 16 years 5 months old when she passed away from typhoid fever. A beautiful obituary was in the local newspaper, quite touching and filled with angst. The photograph itself is what is called a cabinet card. I am concerned that it is fading away. I wonder if they can be restored, I'll have to look into that. 

 Beyond all of that I find myself once again wondering what to do with all this information. How to condense that into something of interest to others. Like a readers digest condensed book I want to tell the story, just do it briefly. The reason for that is to retain interest, that's why readers digest did it, is my thinking. I have some writings from a distant Uncle explaining his life a bit. It is written in the first person and interesting. But that Uncle, a great grand uncle in fact, was an interesting guy. He held a patent for a book binding machine and was quite a successful man. I can't find much of interest about myself to incorporate in a manuscript. I'm a pretty ordinary guy. In the condensed version of the story I'm thinking this character would barely make an appearance. Perhaps as the narrator? 

 What I'm thinking about is a synopsis. The synopsis of five generations. Well, five generations on American soil, descendants of immigrants, as are the majority of Americans. The story of integration and assimilation. Those born on American soil are Americans and always have been. Those people, like myself, can make no claim to a past nationality, only a heritage. I am not multi-national I'm all American. I was never instructed in the customs, traditions, or culture of any other nation. My maternal grandmother was born in Sweden and sent to America by her family. It wasn't her choice. She assimilated herself to the American way of life and rarely spoke of Sweden or any Swedish customs, cultural things, or traditions. She simply adapted to the environment. She had ten children, all of them gone now, my Mom being the last. I'm not certain I have a record of all the grandchildren and great grandchildren. The 1950 census is the latest one released and many were born after that date, myself included. My own interest came too late to get that first hand knowledge that is invaluable. Opportunity lost, but more correctly, opportunity squandered.

 It's a responsibility. I feel compelled to tell the story. Yet simple explanations can come as a shock to those unaware. It is better to be prepared. Are there are any deep dark secrets? No, I wouldn't say that, just the regular course of life and living associated with any family. There have been tragedies and triumphs. The closer you are to the story the "fuzzier" the telling of it tends to be. What I mean is perhaps the details aren't quite as clearly stated. 

 But then I think why? Why the compulsion to tell the tale? Perhaps it is just the need to pass on whatever information I know and share whatever observations I have made over the years. Fact, fiction and speculation. That is what composes all of our lives. It is only when we can reconcile all three that we find true peace of mind. Is that to be the purpose of my synopsis? Well, that's just speculation isn't it? The actual writing of it may turn out to be a fiction, or a fact. Might be a mixture of all three.       

Woke

 Now all the talk is about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. After profiting literally billions of dollars off movies featuring violence, it's an outrage. I'm guessing the idea here is to change the whole image of Hollywood where people that imagine themselves to be other people, characters, for a living, reality is never to be shown. Imagine if a white actor had slapped a black actor or vice-versa, what would the narrative be if that had happened? Guess we really dodged a bullet there. But I guess it's all Will Smiths' fault, he's just a toxic male figure. I can't say much, don't know much about him or Chris Rock for that matter. But I keep seeing the postings and hearing the news folks going on about this like someone had attacked the Pope or something. 

 I have left a few comments and observations on Facebook, no surprise to anyone that knows me, even in passing. I'm engaged. That's what I'm calling that. I'm engaged in the social discourse so vital to the preservation of humanity. I'm not a sociologist but I know about society. I write my comments and blogs but I'm not a journalist. For those reasons alone, I offer my opinions and observations. I even engage in a bit of philosophy, although I'm not a philosopher. I just speak philosophically. 

 My observation in this case is that the media and their pundits have gotten this all wrong. Will Smith slapping Chris Rock is not a display of toxic masculinity, it was not an assault, it certainly wasn't an altercation. What it was, consequence! Yes, that's how I view the whole thing. Chris Rock suffered the consequences for running his mouth at the expense of another. I don't care if he knew about her disease or not, all the more reason to keep your mouth shut about that in my opinion, same reason you don't assume a fat woman is pregnant, but he didn't and that was the result. Justified in my opinion. It should have been expected. 

 Set aside all the celebrity stuff, they are people like you and I, just rich and entitled. People that are used to being admired and given leeway for their celebrity. Entitlement? You better believe it. Does that entitlement exempt them from common sense and courtesy? I don't think so. At least it shouldn't. And I can tell you this much, when I was growing up, I was taught to not make fun of others, make jokes about their appearance, unless I was willing to accept the consequences of that impropriety. We had other names for that, but impropriety is what it is. And yes, you would get smacked for that, it was to be expected. Any apology came from the one that got smacked! I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry. And therein lies the whole problem today. No accountability, no real time consequence for inappropriate behaviors. 

 In this case Rock is being praised for his restraint? He should have restrained from making that comment! That's my take on it. I realize its' an old fashioned notion, this idea of immediate consequence, but it's what I grew up with. Justice was indeed swift. Well the truth is we weren't that concerned with justice, the concern was with consequence. Life is based on risk and reward. What needed to be understood, what you needed to learn was, sometimes the risk just isn't worth the reward. In this case, a cheap laugh. You needed to be ready and willing to back up your words with action, if necessary. The thing is people grew up with that awareness, if they weren't aware, a good smack got them "woke" up. Yeah, got your undivided attention real quick and you would see the error of your ways. Didn't take long to learn those lessons. 

 I'm not saying it is the perfect solution to every issue, violence is the last resort. Still, it is the threat that compels us to act right in most of the situations. That's why we have laws in the first place. Laws delineate what is acceptable behaviors and what is not. Break those laws and punishment is the consequence. Yes the consequences differ according to the perceived severity of the offense but it is that promise of punishment that serves to deter. Also why we see the rise in crime that we are witnessing today, a lack of immediate consequence. All this pleading, a plea deal, reducing that consequence. There are laws about name calling these days, laws about hate crimes, laws on slander, laws on using specific words or phrases. You can get blocked from social media platforms for saying certain "inappropriate" things, you can be charged in a court of law for saying or writing certain things. Making cheap jokes about someone else's wife carries no criminal penalty that I'm aware of, although some lawyer out there would probably take the case. But there doesn't need to be a law about that. That should be understood by everyone. It's wrong and be prepared to pay the price for your indiscretion! I can tell you this much, you do that to my wife, my children or anyone I love, and you will be woke! I'll wake you up. Then, once you are awake, I'll be expecting that apology. I may or may not accept that.  

jurisprudence

 Listening to the news as they discuss the whole transgender thing. The guy Lia Thomas, yes that's a guy, was the hot topic. But they also were talking with another guy that thinks he is really a woman despite his biology. Guess he doesn't trust the science. Towards the end of the piece, it was mentioned that 14 states have passed legislation about transgender people competing in sports. And then it was mentioned there are several bills in committee about that as well. It was then I thought, well we have the Bill of Rights. They were written and added to the Constitution in 1791, just three years after the constitution was ratified. James Monroe authored those in response to the anti-federalists pointing out what they saw as deficiencies in the constitution. It's interesting to note that the Bill of Rights, at least the original ten adopted, all bestow rights upon the people and limit the power of government. 

 In thinking about that I thought what we need now is a Bill of Common Sense. That bill would limit the government's decision regarding what only requires common sense to understand. We could start with defining that life begins at conception. Yes, growth begins once the seed is planted and fertilized! Works that way in nature, I know that despite the fact I'm not an agriculturist or botanist! Common sense. Then we could move on to genders. Females have two X chromosomes and males one X and one Y. I know that despite the fact I am not a Geneticist. I admit it isn't common sense but something I learned in school, still, common sense should prevail when defining what is a man and a woman or male and female, chromosomes don't lie or have feelings. Common sense should tell you that if the door is marked Ladies room, ladies are to go in there, not men. That's why we have a men's room. Of course, common sense should tell us a lot of things, but the government insists on warning labels just the same. Caution product will be hot after heating! Yeah, there was no warning label, I got burned and I'm suing you. I ate fifty cheeseburgers last month and gained ten pounds, why wasn't I warned? 

  I may start working on that Bill of Common sense. 1) your stupidity is not my liability. That sounds like a good start to me. That would take care of a lot the lawsuits being filed these days. In fact, that may be the only one necessary. We already have a fundamental premise in law that "ignorance of the law is no excuse" that expresses that idea. In Latin, "ignorantia juris non excusat" Ignorance of the law excuses not. "Stultitia non excusat", stupidity excuses not in Latin should be added. What would you add to the list?  

progress or progression?

  I grew up in the time of the Mom and Pop neighborhood stores. Heck, even the stores uptown where Mom and Pop outfits for the most part, just a bit richer. I didn't have any chain stores that I could ride my bicycle too. The closest thing I remember was the Sears Catalogue store. You went there to pick up your order and sometimes they had stuff there for sale. I guess it was stuff that others failed to pick up. But no Walmart, Woolworth, Kmart, or anything like that. The same family operated three businesses on main street. Yes, that is where I grew up and I loved it. It was all I knew, so nothing to miss. 

 Years later, after having lived in several states around this nation I settled down in Greensboro, Maryland. With a population of about 1800 it reminded me of "home" in a few ways. All the stores were Mom and Pop outfits here too. It's true that I can drive a short distance and get to all those big box chain outfits whenever I want but  a comfort to shop at the little Mom and Pop places. Of course that wasn't always the smartest financial move and as a result some of their business was drained off. I was here when the last hardware store closed its' doors. He couldn't compete with Lowes and Home Depot. A real shame. It was a fine, old fashioned hardware store with a wooden floor that creaked and groaned, paint spatters on the floor by the paint shaker, shelves stuffed with items, little bins of nuts and bolts. There was tuff hanging from the ceiling, dust covered, untouched for years but there if you needed it, like a bit of harness leather or a seal for your well pump. Yes and there was a real helpful hardware man to assist you if you wanted, called you by name and asked about your family. 

 We still have the pharmacy though, The Greensboro Pharmacy. That's the name and part of the Epic family of pharmacies. The pharmacy is now where the hardware store was. I've been here long enough to remember where it used to be, that building now a Bodega. Yes, that's right a bodega, I believe that is the best term to describe that establishment. I went in there once to check it out. The operators didn't speak very good English and eyed me suspiciously as they watched a soccer match on tv. I wouldn't say unfriendly, guarded is more like it. The appliance sales and repairs business is still going strong, they are celebrating fifty years. And yes, I have purchased appliances from them. Down on the corner of Main Street and Sunset Avenue, referred to as four corners in the old days, long before I was a resident here, was Greensboro's version of a 7-11. Gas, a few groceries and a grill. Now it has new ownership.

 It is that new ownership that inspired this writing. I went in there yesterday for the first time in a good while. In its' last days that store, Bodies Market was the official name, had become a haven for shall we say the underside of Greensboro. The owner paid his workers the minimum amount, the hours were long, and no benefits. As a result the help was always coming and going due to various life changes, if you get my drift. Seems like once they started selling lottery tickets and playing keno, it became somewhat of a hangout. Sub sandwiches and fried chicken were the staple of fast food in Greensboro and they provided that. But that has changed now, with new owners.

 The new owners are working behind the counter and have cleaned up, fixed up, and generally made the place more presentable. They have had new gas pumps installed, the old ones were in pretty bad shape, leftovers from the 1970's in style and function. The grill is still there, subs still available along with fried chicken but the emphasis is on liquor sales. The small grocery section is all but gone. It's a different feel together. I found myself looking for bars on the windows and a cashier in a cage. It isn't a chain store but it sure isn't Mom and Pop. Some call it progress, but what I'm seeing is a progression. And I don't like where it is going. I spoke briefly with an employee noting how I hadn't been aware of new ownership. He explained the owners didn't really want to advertise that as they felt it would be detrimental. That should tell you something right there. No grand opening, just a change in the night. 

 Well as Merle Haggard wrote, "everything does change except what you choose to recall" and there is no stopping that. Greensboro has a population of about 2500 now, was about 1800 when I first moved here. The old timers were speaking fondly of their memories growing up in what used to be. Now I find myself doing the same after having been here a mere twenty-five years or so. A generation. My son is the Mayor of Greensboro now, has been for a few years.! Yes a lot can change in a generation. It does make me wonder though, progress or progression. Things change.        

prognostication

  I ran across this quote from Aristotle. "Wit is educated insolence." My first thought was that's wisdom. Then I thought it's also what we call a wise guy these days, or a smart ass. The later makes no sense but it's what we say. I guess that's because cussing lends that sense of toughness to any statement. Even our most prominent of citizens have adopted that, something I often point out. I do feel like the country has lost all sense of decorum these days. Another topic I have written about on several occasion, what I call polite company. Yes, a virtue lacking in my opinion. A decline.

 It has been said of me, you have a quick wit. It has also been said, I'm insolent. As to being educated I wouldn't know about that. How to measure education? It isn't diplomas or certificates, it isn't solely experience, and it is certainly never final. For that reason I'm not sure you are ever educated, that sounds like you are done. I'm not done learning, but have learned some lessons I feel are irrefutable. It is when I state those facts that I am sometimes called insolent. It's the way I state those facts that make me witty, at times. I'd prefer to be considered wise, without the guy part. Thing is, that isn't something you get to decide at all, all of that is decided by others. You will be judged, by those telling you not to judge, according to the way that person perceives things. Mostly positive if you agree with them, negatively if you don't. That's the basic difference between wit and wisdom.

 We have entered a new domain in truth, wit, and wisdom these days. Surely this millennium is going down in history as the silliest. Just look around you and you can see the evidence of that everywhere. We have a nominee for the Supreme Court that says she can't define what a women is. That's how silly we have become, no matter how you view the question. It's silly to ask, silly to answer, and even sillier not to answer. We are passing legislation about hair styles! We are trying to change the climate of the planet by reducing cow flatulence. The assistant secretary of Health and Human services is a man that thinks he is a woman, dresses as a woman and is concerned about pronoun usage. Now if that isn't just silly I don't know what is! But, it is a historic first! That's the official line on all of that nonsense. As long as he/she is the first, that's progress. So the first person over the cliff is leading the way, a first. Okey Dokey then. 

 Einstein said, "reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one" and that's something to think about. I think reality is a bit different for each of us. There is no other way to describe these alternate facts I keep hearing. It also explains why you can write something, and then someone else tell you, but that's not what it says. I am concerned, well concerned is the wrong word, it isn't anything I do anything about, but I'm thinking this is the last millennium for mankind. This reality is going to collapse, replaced by an illusion. You can see some of that today if you're paying attention close enough.

 I'm reminded of an old adage I heard somewhere. It's hard to remember the objective is to drain the swamp when you are up to your ass in alligators. Sure are a lot of distractions in todays world. I don't think we will get the swamp drained after all, we will be swallowed up. If we don't blow ourselves up first!    

medals, memories and men

 On my bedroom wall are old memories and old medals. That was my thought the other day. In one corner I have my shadow box I received when retiring from the Navy, close by are my father's WW2 medals that I mounted. A couple of faded photographs accompany those. But there they are, nestled in the corner, a little dust on the frames, silent, their stories untold. I wonder what will become of them? I'm sure that one the grandkids will keep them, I don't believe they will be discarded, but the stories behind them will be lost. Something I have come to understand is only the "warrior" who earned those medals really knows the story. Others, when they see them, speculate about those medals. And, like the dead, they are treated with respect, nothing but kind words and thoughts. Almost a sense of grandeur.

 I have quite the collection of certificates, awards and commendations received over a twenty year career. The service is big on handing those things out. It's a way of saying thank you or good job. I have those stashed away somewhere, I'm not certain where at the moment. One day one of the kids or someone else will discover them and perhaps be interested in them. They are really no big deal to me, just papers collected for various things. If you don't know what they are, they may impress. I think sometimes that is their sole purpose. Something to show others. Those that weren't there. Like a good report to show Mom.  

 In working on my family tree I found many veterans. Starting in the revolutionary war and every conflict since, I have had ancestors fighting the battles. Well, the truth is, they were in the service at that time, as I said, speculation about their service is what people do afterward, when the story is lost. I had hoped to find a hero among all those men, I found none. As near as I can tell everyone in my family returned from the wars, no one wounded or disabled in glorious combat! Yes, I know everyone is a hero, everyone that served. Still, that isn't what I believe. I'm certainly no hero. My Dad flew in bombers over enemy territory, was attacked by fighter planes, but made it back to base safe and sound. A hero? In  my eyes certainly, but hardly heroic, as he said, just doing my job. 

 Dad had a scrapbook of his time in the Army Air Force. It was filled with pictures of airplanes and airmen. Airmen, that's what they are called. He seldom showed me that scrapbook, and talked about that time even less. That scrapbook has since been taken apart, the pictures of aircraft separated from the pictures of the airmen. I am responsible for that and have regrets about it today. But the aircraft pictures went to a good home, my sisters son is an Air Force man and I gave those pictures to him for safekeeping. The pictures of the airmen I kept for myself. The ones with Dad in them especially important to me. The ones with the other men, those unknown to me, I can't part with. I'm not certain what to do with them. I wish I could find their homes, but the chances are slim. 

 Memories, medals and old photographs. They serve as reminders to those that were there and a source of speculation to those that were not. It is important to remember that all of that took place when those men were young. Wars are fought by "boys" that become men. I was forty when I retired, "Father Time" is what I was called in my final years of service. It is even engraved on the plague in my shadow box. Forty, that was twenty eight years ago. I haven't given it much thought, not really, just in passing. Every ship I served on has since been retired as well. They became too old, their service life reached. But I have the "sea stories" and intimate knowledge of the medals, men and memories. The stories speculated are surely going to be far greater than what actually took place. Perhaps that is as it should be.            

movin' on

 Ever get the feeling it's time to pack up? What I mean is, time to downsize, get rid of some stuff and just generally get ready to move. But not because you have any plans to do so, it's not an anticipation, just a feeling. We all know there comes a time when the party is over, but we don't want to leave. The feeling being something might happen to change everything. You wouldn't want to miss that. Well, that's how I feel this morning. Time to pack up, be ready, not get ready. That's a subtle difference but a difference, nonetheless. One requires action in anticipation of an event and the other requires action in case there is an event. Circumstance and fate. That's the difference, I think. 

 Do you believe in fate? I do not. I believe your destiny is predetermined but not your fate. Fate is the result of the choices you make, coupled with circumstance. We all have a measure of control over all of that. Thing is knowing your destiny. I'm not certain you can know that at all. You can certainly make the choices, put yourself in situations and create circumstances, but I don't believe you can change your destiny. I wonder though, does destiny exert an influence on your choices? Does destiny create circumstance as well? When we get these feelings, intuition or whatever you want to call it, is that destiny nudging us forward? 

 This morning I do feel like I need to get ready. Ready for something. The feeling will pass as it always does. I think that maybe that is what all this talk about mental health is all about, dwelling too long on a feeling. You have to let those feelings go is my advice. Feelings are a call to action. Determining what action should be taken is the challenge, not the feeling itself. I was always told, either *hit or get off the pot. Sound advice I believe, and advice I've tried to adhere too. A rolling stone gathers no moss and all that. 

 You know I don't feel like the party is over, but it is definitely winding down. You may call it maturing, but some things just ain't as much fun as they used to be. I'm getting tired. Of course, I may catch a second wind at any time and maybe that is what I have to be ready for. Whatever the case, time to move on from here. 

Change and progress

 Was getting ready to leave the house yesterday and I ask the wife, you taking your phone with you? She says, no. My response was, kinda old fashioned aren't you and a bit reckless. Going out with out a phone? I assured her I had mine though. Do you remember when you didn't carry your calculator, camera, telephone and "machine" with you? You are old if you know what the "machine" is. If I ask you, did you check your machine and you know exactly what I mean. Hey I once carried a beeper! My work required that and provided it. I remember when the only text I had sent to me was a periodical. Wonder if the kids today know what that is? I asked the grandkids where a stationary store was, thought there might be one in the mall, but they were confused about that. They figured all stores were stationary! LOL You know I had a hard time finding stationary for letter writing. I guess there isn't much of a demand for that anymore. There must be quite the demand for pens though, Walmart has a whole aisle filled with them. Makes me wonder, what are people writing? 

 Well it just made me think about all the stuff we used to do in the past, that was new at the time. Did you know that sliced bread wasn't "invented" as a thing until 1928. That was just the year before my Mother was born. Dad was born in 1924 and Mom would tease him about being older than sliced bread, that's why I know that bit of trivia. I remember when twist tops became a thing on soda bottles and when Tang was the drink of the astronauts. Orange juice from a frozen concentrate and the introduction of the microwave oven. Those ovens were going to replace that old fashioned stove/oven that took forever to cook anything and made the kitchen so hot. Dinner in twenty minutes! We just zap it! Buck Rogers used to Zap things too. I remember seeing those "touch" lamps. Just touch the base of the lamp and it turns on. Now, we just touch the screen without a thought. But back then, it was like magic.

 When was the last time you rode in a car that had the shifter on the steering column? Did it have vent windows? Where was the dimmer switch for the headlights? Did it have an ashtray and cigar lighter? I've owned cars that had ashtrays in the rear door panels and ashtrays in the back of the front seat. Owned cars without power steering or power windows. Air conditioning? I don't think so. But I always had an am/fm radio. Had a Pontiac once with a "tuning bar" on the radio. Just hold the bar down and the radio would tune itself to the next station, sorta, you did have to stop it by lifting your finger off the bar. Dad had a Cadilac that automatically dimmed the headlights for oncoming traffic, or stop signs, or any sign that reflected the light back at you. I don't know of any cars with that technology today. I've used a bumper jack multiple times. Heck I remember pushing one car with another car and neither car suffering any damage from that at all. Yes it was better if you had a piece of wood for the front bumper on your pick up truck for such situations, but if the bumpers lined up, you were good to go. 

 Yes I remember leaving home without taking my phone with me, the cord wasn't long enough. That's a joke I tell the grandkids. I remember when a dime got you a local phone call or a coke from the machine at the garage. That was were the majority of those soda machines would be found. And I remember going to New York City as a kid and seeing a bill changer. Put a dollar bill in there and out came change. Then we went to the Automat. It was an amazing thing to behold. If you looked through the opening after getting your purchase you could see the people working in the back. The last Horn & Hardart automat closed its' doors in 1991. I don't know for certain but I expect that evil clown Ronald McDonald was behind the whole deal. I'm old enough to remember when McDonalds wasn't a very popular place to go. When they were just not much more than a roadside stand selling greasy burgers and fries to motorists. Over one million sold! I remember when a million was a lot in burgers and dollars. Today, not so much. Lots of changes and more to come. Are we making progress? Of that, I'm just not so certain sometimes. I love the smell of fresh baked bread, the warmth of the kitchen and home cooked meals. Talking on the phone was once an exciting thing to do. Remember hearing, it's for you? Kinda made you feel special didn't it? Yeah it did. 

     

 

health care

 There is a push to legalize Fentanyl test kits across the country. They are available in certain states at this time. There are those that want to distribute them for free to drug users on the streets. The narrative is one of empathy and understanding. These drug addicts should have the means to test their illegal substances, be assured of quality before purchasing or using those drugs. It is being presented as a "health care" issue. And that, that is where I have a problem with the story. Providing test kits to illegal drug users is not health care! Not using illegal drugs is health care! But that's what I hear, illegal drug use is the number one health care issue in America! 

 It isn't enough to distribute free needles, safe spaces to inject the drugs in with qualified clinicians to save you from overdose by providing free Narcan. Now we should provide test kits for quality control of the illegal drug market. Maybe just have testing centers for that instead with qualified scientists performing the tests. You know funded by the taxpayers. Hey, maybe tax the drug dealers for that, there's a thought.

 I don't see how handing out test kits is going to improve the health of anyone. In fact, wouldn't that make drug users feel a bit more secure, more confident. I can see an increase in sales as a result. And if we are going to worry about quality control of an illegal substance, why not just make that substance legal, and subject to all the testing and controls imparted on the drug manufacturers? Prevention? Is that what they think testing will accomplish? Well let's install an alcohol lock on every vehicle in the country to prevent drunk driving. Same concept. Hey people are going to drive anyway so we should make it safer. And with a car I can kill more than myself. Yeah, we ought to do that, improve the health care of the nation.

 There are about 130 deaths every day as a result of opioid abuse. It's a national health crisis! 2500 plus abortions every day is a choice! No health care issue there, in fact, according to the left abortions are health care! A procedure that ends in death, is health care! About 100 people are killed in automobile wrecks per day in the United States. shouldn't that be a health care Crisis? 

 We just experienced a health care crisis with a better than 99% chance of survival. We all know what steps were taken. Everything from social isolation to the fourth booster. We had to prevent the spread of that virus by any means necessary. We even issued free test kits to see if you had the virus. In that way you could seek treatment early, like testing your illegal street drugs early would do. You know, an ounce of prevention and all. Forewarned is forearmed. But it's important to remember the intent was to prevent the spread of that virus, not provide a safer way to contract it! Preventing the "use" was the goal, not enabling the use. Isn't that the purpose of the vaccine, all vaccines? To prevent the "use" of whatever outside contaminate is threatening your health. 

 Well its' been said I lack empathy and perhaps I do: whatever. I just don't believe providing free test kits to enable illegal drug purchases has anything to do with health care. To me it's just more of this nonsense of appeasement. Guys thinking they are girls and I'm supposed to acknowledge that. I do, they are mentally ill. As a white guy I am now supposed to feel responsible for what other white guys did over a hundred years ago. They aren't my ancestors, but, they were white so I'm responsible for that. You have ten children without any fathers taking responsibility and I'm supposed to support you. Your skill set qualifies you to be a burger flipper, but you should get paid as though you are a rocket scientist. Your health care is the free clinic, where, by the way, you can get those free test kits to keep you healthy while using illegal street drugs. Drugs you can somehow afford, but can't afford to pay for a health care plan! But I shouldn't judge you. No, you haven't done anything wrong, it's all because of some outward forces working against you. It's the man! 

 For all those reasons we should definitely provide free test kits in the interest of health care. We certainly need to do our best to keep those productive members of society engaged in the public discussion. We should empower and enable them! Free test kits for all! Just because the Constitution doesn't explicitly say you have a right to health care scholars agree that it is implied. Just because the Constitution doesn't explicitly say you should be able to buy illegal drugs in a safe manner doesn't mean you shouldn't have that right! That's why we have the Tenth amendment! Each state has the power to regulate that. Maryland is one state where you can legally purchase a fentanyl test kit, not free yet, but that's coming in further legislation.

 I don't know why the founding fathers didn't think about all of this. Why isn't my health care a matter of national concern? What were they thinking? That I should should just buy illegal street drugs will nilly, without proper testing? Why that could endanger me! The government is supposed to protect me from myself! In turn, I'll protect the government. Isn't that how it works? Well, you know we are only as strong as our weakest link. We need to do everything possible to strengthen those links, do quality control checks. Yes, free test kits are a necessity. It's a health issue for sure.  

ever notice that?

 “Today not only in philosophy but in politics, government, and individual morality, our generation sees solutions in terms of synthesis and not absolutes. When this happens, truth, as people have always thought of truth, has died.” ~ Francis Schaeffer

I ran across this quote, and I thought to myself, yeah that's right. I looked up who Francis Schaeffer was, I hadn't heard of him. Turns out he was quite the guy. Educated, a theologian, scholar, author, and founder of a church. A Presbyterian. Well, at least a subgroup of Presbyterian. He didn't agree with everything. So, as a result he created his own "synthesis" which I found rather ironic given that statement. But I get what he is saying. Truth is an absolute and has always been thought of in that manner. Individual truth is, and indeed must be, absolute in order to be effective. Truth lives in our souls, and it is truth that brings comfort, even when the truth is uncomfortable. The synthesis of truth occurs when we make exceptions to truth. When we adopt that synthesis as a solution it poisons the truth, eventually killing it.

But, I do think that individual truth is founded in belief more so than fact. If you believe it you can achieve it. That's a slogan I've heard most of my life. Martin Luther King expressed that same thought as a dream. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. It is belief that makes us try! If we never attempted what the facts say is impossible, we never will. Today we are substituting science for belief. That's why the slogan, trust the science. Trusting the science is a synthesis of believing. If you can prove it, I'll believe it. Same thing Thomas said to Jesus in the Bible. For the others all that was necessary was belief, belief as the truth.

I'm not sure what year he wrote that passage, but he died in 1984. His son and daughter carry on his church in Switzerland. Known as an Apologist he authored many books and papers in defense of Christianity. That's what apologists do after all. I find the name a bit misleading until it is explained. Sounds like someone making an apology but the opposite is true. An apologist defends the faith just as commanded by the Bible. Christians are to defend the Bible and Christianity, even unto death.

Back to what Schaffer said. What people have always thought of as truth, has died. I'd suggest to Dr. Schaffer, and he did hold a doctorate in theology, is that truth changes with each generation. It isn't only today that the synthesis of truth has taken place. The reason is simple enough, each generation doesn't believe everything the previous one has embraced. Individual truth is what we are talking about. Absolute truth is only known to God himself. That is the purpose of a God! And God was created in our own image. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Comes with a built in excuse as well. We aren't God. Our failure to recognize the truth is excusable. Is that why the apology? The explanation of truth.

Now as to whether all of this is good or bad, I can't say. It is what we call progress. Progress is when what was once forbidden, is now allowed. Well that's what it means to those that didn't want to comply with the lessons they were taught. To those holding on to the lessons of the past it is a regression. Schaffer called in a synthesis, a combining of belief in order to create a new truth. A truth that person will then embrace and defend. Will that person defend that truth absolutely? Depends on the person right, on the degree of what we call faith. How strong is your belief in your truth? That's what we are really talking about.

As to Christianity, and the teaching of the Bible, that too has been synthesized over the centuries. The most obvious being the establishment of the different denominations. Each one carries the same message, a basic truth, but presented and apologized for in a different manner. Each one believing theirs's is the truth. Same goes for all religions. Same goes for those that don't believe anything at all, that is their truth.

Perhaps the greatest irony in all of this is we won't know the answer until we die. It is my belief that the truth will be revealed in death. Call it judgement if you wish, or maybe it will be a simple, told you so. It isn't going to matter a great deal is my thinking. I don't believe there will be any gloating, any big sigh of relief, a celebration that I made it. No, I think I will just simply know the truth, all the answers. The why will not be important. The why will be self-explanatory. The why will be, because I told you so. The only thing important being, who you listened too!

Well, that's a bit of my philosophy anyway. Too bad I can't make a living off of that. Truth is it does get a bit tedious at times and I view philosophy as an amusement. something to think about. Yeah, I'm thinking that's what I'll hear, told you so. And with that statement comes forgiveness. People don't mind you being wrong when they say that. Ever notice that?

habits

  I have a table clock that came from my great grandfathers house. The exact story of how it came to be in his possession I can't say. A couple stories surround it. But whatever the story was I now own it and have had it repaired. It's an eight day movement. I wind that clock each Sunday morning, when I remember that is. I looked up at it this morning and realized it was time. That is what inspired this piece. Winding the clock has become somewhat of a habit. It's a simple thing but a necessary one. And that's the thought, in days gone past winding the clock was a necessity lest you lose track of time. What I'm thinking about is suppose you only have the one timepiece, you forget to wind it, you have now lost track of time. You won't know what time it is until someone else can tell you. A little thing perhaps and one we take for granted these days. We always know exactly what time it is. We practically live by the clock, by the hour. In the past we lived by the day.

 That lead me to think about what other simple things we did, as a necessity, in the past that we don't think much about today. We had to have firewood, for one. You had to chop it, split it, stack it, and bring it in the house. It was a necessity. My grandmother used coal and you had to ensure the coal scuttle was filled. Grandma had running water but there was a day when people didn't, had to bring in water. Today we have food in the refrigerator. Think about when you had to grow, hunt, or get your meals before the supermarkets were open 24/7. Yeah, was necessary to take care of that stuff. Those basic chores had to be done, every day. They were habits, of a fashion. The habit of staying alive!

 I think that did make us all a bit more focused on life. As a result we enjoyed the little things in life a great deal more than we do today. Today we are distracted by too many choices. Too much free time to do nothing, to build nothing, to love nothing. We are concerned mostly with what we can buy. The measure is, what can we buy. When you chopped down the tree to build your home, you appreciated that home! Same with all those thing you had to care of. The garden, the animals, the tools you used, whatever. The clothes you wore and the friendships created all mattered a great deal. In todays world, we can just buy most of that stuff, enough money will certainly buy you popularity, if not friendship.

 It seems like the more free time we get, the worse off we are. I'm thinking Grandma Bennett was right when she said, idle hands do the devils work. I'm certain she heard that from her parents and possibly grandparents. Grandma was certainly busy doing something useful all of the time. In looking back mostly she was doing what was necessary for her survival. Oh I expect she had idle times, doing something she wanted to do rather than what she had to do, it's just I never saw that. Still, she was certainly busy doing what was necessary and not giving that much thought, just doing. It was a habit. 

 That leads me to think what habits have we formed today? The habit of criticizing and complaining about what we can't afford? Sounds that way most of the time.  We simply count on the supply chain to provide our wants and needs. We are dependent. Dependent upon others for just about everything. Need warmth? Pay the electric bill or fill the gas or oil tank. You buy or rent housing. In fact, we have progressed so far that we are now destroying what once sustained us. Back in the day taking care of those resources was a habit, until we decided to use those resources for profits. Then we used the profits to simply buy the necessities. We had more "free" time. That's the goal isn't it? To be able to just do whatever you want without worry, without effort, without conscience. 

 Yes, I think Grandma was correct. Idle hands do indeed do the devils work. That work may take a hour, a day, a month, a year, or a millennia. It could just be all this progress is the work of the devil. How are we using our "free" time? Doesn't seem like we are doing much of benefit with it, just entertaining ourselves. What habits are we fostering in our children? That's what we should all be concerned with. A habit of dependence? Have our necessities become hobbies? Yes in many cases they have, as long as we can afford them.  

offended

  I often leave comments on Facebook postings. I do enjoy reading what others have to say, even when I don't agree with what is being said. I've always thought that's why people post things, to share and get a reaction. Yes, the sane people are hoping for a positive reaction while others are just attempting to incite. Now I've been accused of being contradictory at times and that's true, sometimes my response doesn't agree with what was posted. But I feel like it's' not a conversation, an exchange of ideas, if you just agree with everything. If you are looking for validation on social media, you will be disappointed. Well, your friends might provide that validation for you if they are close enough "friends" to know your personality. And I think that is the biggest roadblock on social media. Sarcasm doesn't work well, presenting facts to contradict others doesn't work well, and being brutally honest doesn't work well. All of those require the other person to understand your personality. Generally speaking, interpersonal contact requires personal contact. It is often the non-verbal signs that people "hear." 

 Just yesterday after leaving a comment I was told if I was "offended" I should just scroll on by. Okay, that's a valid response, good advice I suppose. Thing is, I wasn't "offended" I was merely leaving a comment, an alternative viewpoint. All this being offended is starting to offend me! Just because I don't agree doesn't mean I'm offended. What I heard that person saying was, if you don't agree with my post, don't say anything. Is that person's ego so fragile that any disagreement offends them? Yes, my feeling is that person was the one offended. I did apologize for offending them, although that wasn't my intent. Just offering some facts and an opinion based on those facts.

 It is something I have talked about in the past. Society in general has become more aggressive. I wonder if social media hasn't contributed to that. Habits are easily formed. It's a lot safer to be aggressive on social media than it is in person. I see that all the time with impolite remarks, name calling and on occasion, threats. But I wonder if some of that isn't being carried over into personal interactions, as a habit. It's what I would have typed in that block and out it comes! 

 I thought about that the first time I heard about "hate" crimes. I looked up the definition, the legal explanation of what a hate crime is. Basically, it speaks to motivation. A hate crime is committed by hate. So, we have now decided we can determine what your motivation is without you having to tell us. A crime is a crime does motivation really matter? Why have we decided the crime is worse if I hate you? Think about that for a minute. I'm thinking the sole purpose is to acknowledge your feelings. It's a form of agreement. Yes, that person may not like you and harbor some prejudice against you, that's why they committed an offense against you. You were "offended." The law will now acknowledge that offense. If I simply commit a crime that's not so bad, but if that crime offends you, well mandatory sentencing for that!

 Ever wonder why if I enjoy an activity that you also enjoy, and we engage in that activity together, we say we are passionate about it? Being passionate is a good thing right? It is, unless I disagree with you and am passionate about my belief. I'm not offended by your belief, I'm simply passionate about mine. But, you're offended. Happens all the time. Should I not share my passion? Apparently, for some, I should just scroll on by. Maybe I should but that's not my personality. I like to be engaged. That's what the experts call that, being engaged. Another thing that is good for you but not for me, depending. 

 Well, I'm not offended that you're offended. If you're offended, you should ask yourself why? What I mean is if someone offers a different set of facts or a different perspective you shouldn't be offended by that. As for me it just makes me curious. Why are you saying that, or is that true? Interesting even when I don't agree. I don't easily get offended. I just get done. That's when I just scroll on by. When I decide that you are not worth interacting with, I'm done. It shouldn't offend you however, unless you really think about that.   

educated

 There has been much discussion about the quality of education in America. We are falling behind the rest of the world in many key areas. The blame is placed on the school systems, on the curriculum being taught and financial incentives to graduate children. Very little blame is being placed on the parents. In fact, many parents are now suing the school system! That is the hot topic in the City of Baltimore these days as that city tries to deal with crime. Crime is correlated to education. The young adults and kids committing crimes are doing so because they lack a good education. That is the narrative being pushed forward. Yes, I agree, lack of education can lead to crime as a means to make money. But my thinking is this, if the children aren't monitored, made to attend school, and are allowed to just run amok, you can't really expect much else. I fail to understand how any parent could not be aware of their children's progress or lack of that, in school. It isn't that the school isn't there and available to get that education, you have to actually attend that school to learn.

 Getting an education is a direct result of accountability. When I was in school I was held to account by my parents and my teachers. That's what report cards and teacher conferences were all about. If I were failing, or in the opinion of my teacher not "applying" myself, that was reported to my parents, immediately. I was expected to show up at school and do my work! That's what it was called too, work! We learned to work independently and work with a group. You had to complete the task at hand or pay the price. Extra-curricular activities were just that, extra! You didn't get to participate in that stuff until your work was done. After all, you were not going to make a living doing that stuff. Teachers are not parents, teachers are educators. That is their job, to educate you. I didn't want to disappoint my teacher because I knew there would be consequences. That was the motivation to succeed. Don't attract attention is always good advice. The attention you get may not be the attention you want. That's always been my experience anyway.

 I don't know what needs to be done to change this course we are on, but it needs to be changed. I'm not blaming the school, the teachers or the system. I'm blaming the parents. It is the parents that have to instill that sense of responsibility in their children. It is the parents that need to monitor and indeed test their children when it comes to education. If you have teenagers that can't read, that's the parents fault! Barring any mental/medical reasons there is no excuse, none. Parents need to ensure their children are attending school, doing their work and progressing. When all of that is accomplished, if the child is still failing then it's time to question the teacher, the school and the system. It is the responsibility of the parent to raise their children!

 In my opinion we don't have a quality of education problem, we have a quality of life problem. Morality, ethics and accountability are not being taught. That's the reason many of these students are failing in school and failing in life. There are no real consequences, always second chances. The value of life is being measured in the value of the objects you own. It all begins with the parents/guardians. They set the example, the standard to be satisfied. It has been said it takes a village to raise a child and there is much truth in that. The thing about that is, the parents have to teach the children the rules of the village! They have to teach them to obey those rules or be subject to correction/punishment. That's what the village will do! It's not the fault of the villagers, it is your fault! But if you raise a village of idiots, well, that's what you get!  

control

  I read a short article about Six Flags amusement park. They will no longer accept cash, only cards. If you don't have a card they will load one for you at the main entrance. There was no specific reason given but you can assume it is to reduce any chance of theft or fraud. I don't have an issue with that, it's their business and I won't be going there anyway. But, I do see it as another move toward a cashless society and that does concern me. It concerns me for the same reason it was of concern to people in the early part of the twentieth century. People had deposited their cash in the banks for safe keeping but there was no FDIC to insure those funds. That didn't come along until 1933, after the stock market crashed and people had lost all their money. Checking accounts, saving accounts, and all accounts out of cash! And that was just too bad. If we go to a cashless system that could happen all over again, the loss of your money I mean. It wouldn't take a stock market crash either, just the click of a button. If the government wants to control your money, the government will control your money.

 I don't know the law that well but it does say this "bill" is legal tender for all debts public and private on our money doesn't it? I'll have to go look now, I'm not certain about that, I still remember getting silver certificates. I looked and they do say that. But I guess Six Flags doesn't have to accept that if they don't want to or they are skirting that by converting your cash to a card thereby "accepting" the legal tender. There's always some way around everything. Like I said though, their business.

  You could say the conversion has already begun. All my retirement funds are transmitted electronically. If the internet doesn't work, I don't get my money. Should anything disrupt that process most of us wouldn't get paid in fact. I can remember when I worked and received my pay, in cash, in an envelope on payday. Then when I was in the Navy we got a paycheck. On paydays the disbursing office was open for check cashing. We all stood in line and filled out a "chit" in the amount of money we wanted, up to the amount of the check. If you didn't want to take it all the balance would be carried over to the next payday. In that way you didn't have to store a bunch of excess cash in your locker! Yes, theft was a possibility. At some point the Navy did away with all that. They went to direct deposit. You were then required to have a checking or savings account. If you did not one would be opened for you and your funds deposited there. Every ship had an ATM machine. You would be given a card and a pin number. That card and pin would only work on that ship! Yeah, not very convenient at all. It was a wise sailor that opened an account with a major bank, you really had little choice. Of course those banks then began collecting "fees" so it was a win for them. I suspect it was quite the windfall if you consider every person in the service had to participate. I retired from the Navy in 1993 and have never seen a check or cash from an employer since. Nobody uses checks anymore. Well checks aren't very useful now that they can be verified like a debit card. No checks made of rubber anymore. Only us old timers would remember that trick. The money will be there before the check hits the bank, most of the time anyway. Post dated checks would work too if the cashier wasn't paying attention. 

 I can see us going back to the barter system in the future. We'll be meeting in back alleys exchanging goods. It is going to make it difficult for drug dealers and the like. Those cash only businesses will have to figure out another way. Uncle Sam will be monitoring closely what goes in or out of your account. We've already heard about changing "reporting" requirements. The majority of us didn't know about that requirement as it exists right now. Ten thousand or more must be reported to the feds. Also anytime your banker feels like there is anything suspicious going on. They are required by law to report any of that. Now they would like to change that to six hundred dollars! So, every time I fill up my gas tank! 

 Well its' nothing I really need to be overly concerned with given my financial standing. If I win the lottery or somehow come into a lot of money, I'm stashing the cash! I do believe in keeping some cold hard cash on hand for emergencies. Ever had your atm card break or get scratched? Then it doesn't work and you have to wait till Monday when the bank opens to get another one. Yes, I have checks just in case. If you write one now those young cashiers look at you like, wow Gramps, is that from Wells Fargo? People in line behind you are fidgeting and mumbling. Then the manager has to be called because that young person isn't sure what they even have. And what annoys me is when I hand the cashier cash they hold it up to the light to check it like a surgeon checking an x-ray! Hey if I was going to pass counterfeit money it ain't ones or fives! Remember when they used to swipe it with those pens? Now they just hold it up to the light! I haven't had it happen yet but what if I give them a real twenty that doesn't have that stripe in it? I remember when they didn't. Guess it would freak them kids out. Oh, and I guess those check cashing places are out of business now. I remember seeing them around usually associated with a liquor store or next to a Dollar General store. I think they charged 10% or more to cash them. Well I remember when a dime got you a phone call, local anyway. How long before we do away with change? A cashless society? It's coming, no doubt about that. Control the cash, control the people.   

just crazy

 Things just get crazier. I'm listening to those campaigning for office in the city of Baltimore. Now Baltimore is number two on the list for murders and violent crimes. Over three hundred shot dead every year in Baltimore for the last seven years straight. The current City States Attorney established policies where "low" crimes are not prosecuted. Meanwhile the crime rate has increased by 20% since that policy went into effect. Under federal indictment Marilyn Mosby intends to run for reelection. She says she is doing a wonderful job!

 Well, okay then. So, what is really crazy is one of the candidates running for office makes this statement. If elected, I will increase the police presence. But I'm not going to arrest people to put them in jail, that's not my intent. We will instead provide them the services they need! In that way they won't be committing crimes anymore. Yes, that's the plan. If they are selling drugs on the streets of Baltimore we will just give them money, problem solved. If they are buying drugs on the streets of Baltimore we will just give them drugs, problem solved. If they are using illegal guns we will give them legal guns, problem solved. Yes, the plan is to give them housing, money, education, and any other services they may need. If they have everything they won't have to commit crimes! You have to understand that is why these people are committing crimes, they need services.

 Okay, so what you are saying is you will prevent crime not by punishment, but by reward. If I just give you the candy you won't steal the candy. That's what I heard being proposed. We are going to be tough on crime, we will make arrests! We just won't punish you though, don't worry about going to jail, we will provide services instead. Now if you are just poor, struggling and not committing any crimes there isn't much we can do for you, not until you are arrested anyway. 

 Tough on crime, not on criminals. That's the new campaign slogan. In the city of Baltimore blacks are killing other blacks at an alarming rate. It's a matter of simple statistics. According to the FBI blacks are 55.9% of all known murder offenders while comprising 13.1 % of the population. That means Blacks are 8 times more likely to commit murder than anyone else. My question, one that I'm certain I will be attacked for, is that black culture? 

 In the cities it sure seems that way by an examination of the statistics. And in Baltimore city leadership is all black. The mayor, the city states attorney, the president of the city council and the police commissioner. The police department is understaffed by over four hundred officers. The biggest reason cited? Officers leaving because their hands are tied in apprehending criminals and the ones they do arrest are not punished. Not to mention being ambushed in their patrol cars and shot dead! The last one was a black female officer, shot by a black man. 

 Yes, I understand that people are poor. I get the whole lack of education and opportunity thing. I also understand that you can make more money, a lot more money, selling drugs than you can having a law degree. Yes and the skill set doesn't require a lot of effort to obtain. Now you want to add in reward? It's your fault, you broke the law, but its' not your fault you broke the law. You didn't have any other choice but to break the law. You shouldn't be penalized for that. You should be given services. 

 The services they need is the narrative. Drug rehabilitation? Can the court order you to rehabilitate? Counseling? I'll just have a trained counselor explain why you shouldn't shoot people. Education? We will send you to school so you can receive a good education. Does anyone really believe that will work? No, of course not, but it sure makes a great slogan. Tough on Crime, not on Criminals. It's like guns assaulting people. Just do away with the guns and nobody gets assaulted. Ghost guns are especially dangerous, you can't see them coming. Don't punish those carrying the gun, punish the gun. Yeah, that ought to work alright.   

moral turpitude

 Yesterday I heard that an auction house had sold the football that Tom Brady used when throwing his "last" touchdown. This undisclosed collector paid, well made the winning bid, at 518,628 thousand dollars. A real deal according to the head of the auction house who felt it would fetch a million dollars. Almost immediately after that sale Brady unretired. Now that ball isn't worth much at all, maybe a few hundred bucks as a novelty item. Caveat Emptor undisclosed collector.

 The online moral majority are saying the guy should get his money back. I'm saying, not so fast. First off, did Tom Brady profit from that? As far as I know and from what I read he did not. So, there was no misrepresentation on the part of Tom Brady other than changing his mind about playing another season, or maybe two. It isn't like you couldn't have predicted that he would. I'm thinking that is why the bidding went the way it did, some folks are willing to assume less risk. My wife disagrees and thinks the guy should get a refund. Her position is, Brady said he was retiring and that's why the ball sold. Yes, that's true I can't dispute that but, he didn't say he was retiring to increase the sale price of that ball or any other memorabilia as far as we know. If it is shown to be otherwise, I would have to change my mind. I think he has every right to change his mind.

 I just see this as playing a game of poker. You have to be willing to assume the risk and take the loss. Now, if Brady does come back, like he says, but just coached from the sideline never throwing another touchdown pass, that ball will still be the last. It's a possibility. He could get injured in training camp, get injured in the first game of the season. It's a chance. This collector assumed Brady would stay retired, that was his decision, his opinion and his money. Obviously, he had a half a million or so to gamble with so I'm guessing this didn't hurt him all that much. If it did, still his fault, call the gambling hotline for help. 

 I'm no big Tom Brady fan. I like to sound like I support him just to annoy the haters. His accomplishments can't go unnoticed, and he is a hall of famer for certain. He isn't the first player to retire and then change his mind. Personally, I would retire while on top, walk away the winner. I hate to see when players just play too long. I've always enjoyed pro-wrestling, yes it's fake. Still I always feel bad for those guys that continue way past their prime. In the case of Brady he certainly doesn't need the money and what records are there left to break? The better question for Brady to ask himself is, how likely am I to break those records. 

 As far as any collector trying to capitalize on his retirement, that's on them as far as I'm concerned. Like betting on a fight, your guy might get knocked out in the first round. The auction house made a profit, the undisclosed collector most likely will not. He gambled, he lost. Not Tom Bradys' fault in my opinion. Did Tom Brady guarantee the auction house or the buyer that he wouldn't play again? Did Tom Brady make a profit? Did Tom Brady deceive anyone at all? No, Tom Brady changed his mind for whatever reason. Could be ego? I'm just sayin'. Or are we just going to say, Brady is a liar! The guy should get his money back based on moral turpitude. In the immigration act of 1952 moral turpitude is grounds for denial of a visa, or entry into the United States. Did Brady commit moral turpitude?         

out of sight

 The county neighboring mine is Talbot, County, Maryland. On the lawn of the county courthouse there has stood a statue for almost one hundred years. Called "The Talbot Boys" it honored those that chose to fight for the Confederacy during the civil war. Maryland, being a border state had families split by allegiances to North and South. There are descendants of those "Talbot" boys living in the county still. But today, today that monument is being removed from its' pedestal and sent to a battlefield in Virginia. The last Confederate monument in the state of Maryland is being exiled! The Talbot Boys no longer welcome home, they have been disowned, sent back to the battlefield.

 The push to have the statue removed began shortly after the death of George Floyd. Community activists protested such an offensive reminder of the past. What that really had to do with the George Floyd situation I'm not certain. No matter how you view what happened to him it had nothing to do with the civil war and returning veterans. That's what the statue honored, veterans returning to their homes from a war. Surely it is only appropriate to honor our enemies, isn't that what a gracious victor does? Wouldn't that be "woke?" But no, at a cost of eighty thousand dollars this statue will be banned from the state of Maryland, banned from standing at the court house grounds, exiled to Virginia. 

 The narrative from those wanting it moved was, change. By removing that statue it will change something, but what that change is to be was never clear. Is it to punish those that want to remember what their brothers from the past did, that they chose a different side in the war? No statue for you! Or is the hope that by removing that statue it will remove history; therefore those offended by that history won't be offended, won't be prejudiced against those that share that history? Is that the real intent here? 

 Just who was offended by that statue? In my thinking only those that were told they should be. That monument stood there for over 75 years and without mention. It isn't like there were any ceremonies centered around that, no big celebrations. My suspicion is the majority of the people in the State of Maryland and in the County of Talbot, weren't even aware that thing was there at all. But then, just like that, people were offended. Well, I guess after today, once that monument leaves the state, those people can rest easy. It certainly won't be offensive in Virginia, on a battlefield of that war. 

 The Talbot Boys will now have to stand at the Cross Keys Battlefield forever. The battle of Cross Keys took place in June of 1862, Stonewall Jackson leading the campaign. It was a victory for the Confederate troops. Perhaps the Tabot Boys will take solace in that, even though they were thrown out of town! The question is, how long before we decide battlefields are offensive and serve as reminders of the past? Remember the days of segregated cemeteries? They existed for the same reason as this, out of sight, out of mind. You can't be offended by what you can't see. 

  

your choice

 Circumstance and opportunity. Are the two related? I'd have to say they certainly are. You may have more opportunity based on your circumstances. That being said does that mean you should be provided with something more based on your circumstance? Or conversely should you be penalized for your circumstance? Isn't that what establishing "equity" is really all about? That's the way I see it. Equity is an attempt to change circumstance. Opportunity exists regardless of circumstance if you are willing to reach for it. That is the beauty that is America. It's not a guarantee but opportunity! 

 It's a bit cliche to say, but equal opportunity does not mean equal results. I would say that applies with circumstance as well. You can start out under the best possible circumstance and end up in the gutter. Happens all the time and then many wonder why that happened. The truth is the individual didn't avail themselves of the opportunity as it was presented. The reasons for that are as many as you can imagine. Doesn't make them excuses or change the circumstance. It is an individual choice. And that is the heart of the matter. We don't get to choose circumstance or opportunity. We get to choose how we respond. 

 We are taught how to respond by the environment in which we are raised. That I believe wholeheartedly. What is often referred to as culture. That is what many will say to justify their choices. It's my culture. Yes there are cultural differences between people. The differences may be slight, but they exist, down to the neighborhood level in some instances. We have all heard of the other side of the tracks, that's a cultural difference. 

 Every culture can enjoy equal success. That success is based on the choice they make, the circumstance they find themselves under, and opportunity. But it is an individual choice! That's what needs to be understood. Cultures do not fail, people do. You can not place blame on culture for your choices! Never has that been more evident than in todays world. We are all exposed to every micronism of culture on a daily basis. We can choose from that what path we are willing to take. You can choose to adopt your "culture" and use that to explain your choices, or just make a choice based on your goal. That choice may run counter to your "culture" but that is a choice nonetheless. You can run with the pack or be a lone wolf. 

 You have to seize the opportunity to change your circumstance. I have certainly had many chances, many opportunities to change my circumstances. There have been some that I grasped, and some I just let go. You know the path not taken and all that. Each one was a choice on my part. Sure, I may have received strong encouragement to take a particular path, I may have received motivation to change my circumstance by previous choices I made, but each one was a choice. It really made little difference where I began, it was choice that led me forward. Well, sometimes I took a few steps back but that was a choice as well, unintended perhaps, but a choice. You know, under the circumstances: one I usually made, truth be told.

 Jefferson famously wrote, all men are created equal. What he was saying was, all men are created equal in the eyes of God. But that didn't mean all men shared equal status. Yes, it is an uncomfortable reality, one we don't want to admit, even to this day, but some people enjoy different circumstances and opportunities.

 In Jeffersons' time those people were called aristocrats. People that were educated and held high positions of power in a society. That was usually through hierarchy and inherited titles. Today we elect "aristocrats" but call them politicians. They may or may not be educated! But, they serve the same purpose as they always did. They are supposed to act for the betterment of the society. Neither group always acts in the best interest of the society. Aristocrats were expected to have the highest moral standards and display virtue. Honor was of upmost importance to an aristocrat. Politicians are expected to do the same. Of course one has to ask the question, is there honor among thieves?

 Circumstance and opportunity. Am I responsible for your circumstance? Are you responsible for mine? Does opportunity exist, or is it provided? I believe opportunity always exists if you choose to make it exist. It's easier if I am just given that, no doubt about it. Far easier to walk a cleared path than one that isn't. If you want to take the easy path simply go along with the program. If you don't want to do that, create your own path. If your destination is the same (equal in every respect) don't blame the ones that are already there for your struggle. 

 You do not get to choose your circumstance. That's true when you are born into this world. Your circumstance was decided by your parents choices. You can change your circumstance, by the choices you make. Keep making the same choices and generally speaking you will get the same result. Calling those choices by another name will not change the result nor create opportunity. Blaming others for your choices will also not change the outcome. It really is as simple as, it's your choice. And that is the beauty of America. 

 You get to choose the "aristocrats" or "politicians" whatever name you choose. Choose wisely, circumstances depend upon it. Your choices are, independence or dependence. You choose the circumstances for the next generation. In either scenario there will still be "aristocrats" and "politicians" that won't change. And there will still be those that are "ruled." And those people will always insist that they aren't being treated fairly. The reason? Well that's a "fill in the blank" type question. Really depends upon your circumstance doesn't it? 

a little something extra

 Everyone wants your money, but few want your memories. I'll begin by saying everyone will be disappointed when I'm gone, ya'll ain't gettin much. That was the thought that came to mind as I watched once again a dumpster being filled in the driveway. My sons neighbor was placed in a retirement home and his sons sold his home. As is often the case they had to clean it out, sort through his life. That house was filled with his memories, each scrap of paper, each picture, each memento. And we can't know what was of true importance to him beyond what he may have told. And so it becomes a question, what here is of value? I've seen where an auction house is called in to comb through what's left and place a value on objects. I've seen where 1-800-Got Junk was called too. Now how sad is that? 

 I understand that it has to be done, I get it. You can't keep everything as a shrine. There are the practicalities in life to be considered. Houses must be sold, property disposed of. Seeing this I wonder if I should start sorting through my junk. The thing is, I don't see a bunch of junk. I am still in the "I might need that" mode. It's not that I have an emotional attachment to that stuff, that's not it. I might need it someday, you never know what tomorrow will bring. I guess that is how you would perform such a task though, by deciding what I might need someday. If when sorting through that property I figure I don't see a future need for it, it's gone. 

 My "prizes" or "treasures" whatever you choose to call them are mostly pictures, objects I inherited from past generations, and things my kids and grandkids have given to me. If forced into a decision I can't really think of anything I have purchased that I would want saved. No, it's the things you can't buy that I'm attracted too. Yes, I'm quite sentimental when it comes to some things. I have a box where I store a number of those type things. I call that box my archives. I do have a number of things on "display" as well. Each one has a story that goes with it, a story that I remember. I even began writing a ledger listing these items and what they are. I started that in the hope that it would help in preserving them. The thought being if you know what it is, you will hold onto it. But, I haven't added anything to that ledger in quite a while. I may continue one day.

 I hear the commercials on television all the time. I should buy more life insurance, take care of everything beforehand. Final bills and final expenses and maybe a little something left over. The implication is, the little something left over is the most important part in all of that. I don't think I'm much different from most of us, I don't really want to plan for my death. Fact is, all I have to do is wait for it, no plan required, it'll happen all on its' own. But, I'm supposed to be concerned with those I leave behind. If I can leave them a little something, that should help with the memories. 

 I'm selfish though. I'm concerned with what will happen to my memories. That's the long and short of it. I can't help but wonder what will be discarded as junk. As I said I get it, you can't just keep everything as it was. That's why I started making a list of things I hope someone keeps. It's also why I stopped making that list too I suppose. It does seem a bit morbid to me when I really think about it beyond my own feelings. Would that place an obligation on whoever has to clean out my junk? Or would it serve more as a catalogue? You could say it is an inventory as well, an inventory of my memories, indexed and searchable? Guess I should put that on a flash drive, with pictures. That's a thought. 

 Now talking to a great grandchild, or beyond, though that might be something. We have the technology to do that. Some years back when video tapes (vcr) and (beta) were popular formats that was done. Remember that? People were doing video wills, stuff like that. I guess in the future our descendants will be watching us on Tik-Tok video or Facebook posts. I'm not certain how that works I think you can have all that deleted after you pass if you request it. Well, I guess someone else would have to do it, would be kinda hard for you to do it, I mean, after you're dead.   

 Would you be interested in listening to a distant ancestor talk about their lives? If so, what would you want to hear about? Life lessons? Or would you want it to be simple entertainment. Video ancestry? That's an interesting thought. It would be quite the challenge, I think. Thing is would it be saved or discarded as junk? What's this? I don't know, throw it out. 

contributing

  Making a contribution. It is something I was told about doing since I can remember. Usually, I was just told to pitch in and help. If you're going to put your feet under my table you need to help out around here. That was another familiar phrase in my house. I won't say I was overwhelmed with chores, there was no set list, no specific requirements, but I was expected to do what I could. It was also expected of me that Mom or Dad shouldn't have to ask or tell me what to do either. If you see it needs doing, do it! 

 I don't think any of that was a conscious parenting choice by my parents. They weren't sitting around having discussions about any of that. No, it was the way they were raised and figured that is how all kids should be raised. I heard all the stories from them about walking to school, uphill for miles, and the chores they had to do when they got back home. I heard about what they had to go without. I guess they didn't want me "spoiled" and so figured I should do the same. I can say, I wasn't spoiled. My siblings would more than likely have a different opinion. But whatever the case was, I was expected to pitch and make a contribution.

 When I got my first real job, I think it was as a garbage collector for the summer, my father thought I should pay room and board. Well, that was a bit of a sticking point with me. My argument was simple enough, if I didn't go to work didn't have a job, would I still get room and board? Dad agreed that I wouldn't be thrown out of the house, that isn't what he intended. So, I argued why should I give you money for what I'm already getting for free? The look on his face when I said that was something I'll always remember, it was shock! His face turned red, he began to sputter a bit, mumbling something unintelligible and Mom laughed. 

 I never did pay room and board. I wasn't "taxed" unjustly. That's the way I saw it anyway. I did make a contribution every week when I got paid. Dad loved a good steak and I bought him a few of those. I would buy other things too, something Mom needed, or something for the house. I just never gave Dad or Mom cash. Nothing more was ever said about that until many years later. After Dad passed away that became one of the family stories. You know the kind only other family members can fully appreciate. Like those inside jokes, there are inside stories as well. Only funny after years have passed.

 Over the years with various occupations I have always felt like I was making a contribution. I was doing what needed to be done without being forced to do so, or asked. It has been a continuation of what I was taught as a child. I always tried to meet the expectations of my employer, that was my job. I can say I never got fired. I never got disciplined either. You can take that for whatever it is worth. I only quit one job because I just hated it. No hard feelings boss but I'm outta here. I didn't feel like I could, no make that would, contribute much. I simply handed them back my apron and said, have a nice day.

 Now that I'm retired I do find myself wondering what contribution I am making now. I don't feel compelled to join anything, to volunteer for anything, nothing like that. I worked a long time to be able to retire and just do nothing. I say nothing but I mean doing what I want, when I want, and how I want to do it. And I can, as long as I get permission from the boss. But that is another discussion for another day. 

 I think some of this is just because it has been a long winter. I've got a bit of cabin fever. A few days ago the temperature reached 78 degrees, I noticed the daffodils in bloom and the spring onions shooting up everywhere. Soon enough there will be grass to cut, yard work to do. I cut my sons grass, that's a contribution. Whatever projects need doing I'm available. 

 Still, there are times when I do feel like I should be doing something more, making a contribution. Maybe I'm just not looking hard enough, I shouldn't have to be asked, or told what to do. Or maybe I don't need to do a thing. Maybe I don't even need to look! Maybe my job now is just to observe and offer expert advice. You know, Yogi Berra said, "you can see a lot by just watching" History does repeat itself and I'm been around long enough to start understanding the truth in that. Another observation from Yogi: "it's like deja vu all over again. Well I guess the lesson is, do what you can. If you see it needs doin', get it done. Sometimes though there just isn't anything you can do but walk past it. 

Doing nothing means unplugging from the compulsion to always keep ourselves busy, the habit of shielding ourselves from certain feelings, the tension of trying to manipulate our experience before we even fully acknowledge what that experience is. Votes: 1

Sharon Salzberg

the way it was

 I didn't watch, but saw advertised a new television show, domino masters. I just thought how are you going to make a show about that? I mean, I really don't want to watch someone setting up dominos, although it is fun to watch them fall. I have seen videos of that, thirty seconds or so. I am not intrigued enough to tune in to the show, however. What am I am going to see? How steady someone's hands are? I'll pass on that one. I'm thinking you would have to be pretty bored to watch that. Entertaining? Well. there is that other show the Masked Singer. Never watched a single episode of that either. Last night began season seven, or so it was advertised. I guess some people are watching. From what I know about it, celebrities, some questionable at best, wear a costume while singing, and you are supposed to guess who they are. I have yet to see any fascination with that. But whatever. Talk about the boob tube! It is living up to that moniker in my opinion. 

 I have wondered about the reality shows that aren't real in any way. Housewives of this or that? Yeah, real life alright. The earliest one I recall was survivor. A "game" where the objective is to lie, cheat, steal and basically stab your opponents in the back to "win" the prize! Very popular. Big Brother uses the same premise. Then there are the "dating" shows or "marriage" shows portraying that as a "game." The bachelor, bachelorette or whatever. Love Island? Haven't watched any of that nonsense either. All I can say about all of that is I believe the "moral" lesson in those shows is quite a bit different than the shows I watched growing up. 

 Now I have watched some other shows that I find amusing for their campiness. Shows about tracking big foot, swamp monsters, and that sort of thing. The paranormal investigations and hauntings. Even the people on those shows have a hard time not laughing about some that stuff. It's a distraction though and pretty funny at times. I liked Duck Dynasty just because it was so silly. Uncle Cy and the gang. The swamp people are fun to watch. Choot'em! I realize the whole thing is staged, like watching bass masters, fifty hours of film to get a five minute segment. But it's interesting in a strange sort of way.  Haven't seen any new episodes lately though. 

 I'm not saying people shouldn't watch all those shows if that is what they enjoy watching. I am wondering what they will come up with next. Playing with dominos? Really, that's a show. What about Jack Masters? I mean the game of jacks, not body building or confronting someone, as in all jacked up! Marble shooting competitions? I still have my boulder and cats eye! Jenga? 

 Well I do miss the good old shows that entertained you with clever jokes, skits and good clean humor. No back stabbing, lying, cheating or stealing as virtues. Back when the good guys always won out in the end. Of course that was back when we could laugh at each other without being offended. Back when we could say that some people just needed killing. Yup, back when people were held to account for their choices, and were rewarded for the good ones, and punished for the bad ones. Back when there was right and wrong! Back when the news told you the news and not what you are supposed to believe that news meant. Walter always said, that's the way it is, and that is the way it was.  

memories exchanged

  Read an article about an old chapel in my hometown. It was the chapel my mother attended as a child. Located first in an area called Freetown it was later moved to another location. Today it is being used as a gym, a place to exercise. There has been much talk of moving this chapel back to its' original location. That is being talked about in the interest of preserving history. A local man of national renown was eulogized in that chapel. I wasn't aware of that growing up, Mom never mentioned that. That, and Freetown as its' name implies, has a history as well. Let's just say Freetown was established as a sort of "reservation", a place for displaced people to go when their land was sold. At the time it was mostly native Americans, black folks and poor white people. Freetown was a sort of slum back in the early days. It has since risen to quite the prominent area in town. An area whose history is, shall we say, been edited a bit. 

 Anyway, after leaving a comment about that on the article, an old friend responded. I have known this man since childhood. I won't say we were close friends, best buddies or anything close to that. I will say we knew each other. He lived in a different part of town and we didn't socialize for that reason. It was just too far to ride a bicycle to go "play" with him. Still we share a common memory of a place in time. A place that is being lost to history. All places change, evolve over time, and those that witness it are often surprised by that. It sneaks up on us. I haven't lived in that place for over fifty years now. I think that maybe my memory of what it was is a bit better than those that stayed! That's simply because in my mind, nothing has changed. I'm always surprised by the littlest change. I hear they have a 7-11 now. More houses, more roads, and more people than ever. 

 I grew up in a section of town called soak hide. It was as the name says, a place that hides were soaked. The native American people used that area because it was a shallow area of brackish water. I was told that at one time a man unearthed many artifacts along the banks of soak hide. I never looked for, nor found a single thing. I just rode my bicycle up the center of that stream, the sand was hard packed there, for no reason other than you could. Soak Hide dreen. Dreen is an old English word meaning drain. You could follow that drain for quite a distance and I never did follow it all the way to its' beginning. The end went into Three Mile Harbor. Lots of memories down there.

 Well that article did spark a few more memories and the reminder from an old friend helped with that. I appreciate the chat and wish Facebook was used more in that fashion. Just an exchange of memories. Maybe that chapel will return home. I hope it does. My grandmother had ten children, all of them went to that chapel, some more than others I suspect. But I'm certain my grandmother prayed there when her three sons were off to war in 1941. They all returned home to her, and that little chapel.