Redemption

  There has been an outgoing case involving a man that was convicted of first degree murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He has maintained his innocence over the years. Then the states attorney in Baltimore claimed there was new evidence in the case, a hearing was held and he was released. The family whose child was murdered was never notified of this action. Their lawyer files a petition to the court, another hearing. A new states attorney takes office and reviews the case. Turns out their was never any "new" evidence at all. The current states attorney declaring that claim was misrepresented by the previous states attorney, Marilyn Mosby. She left office after being found guilty of perjury regarding her personal finances. 

 But Maryland has this law, for lack of a better term, that can release prisoners if they were convicted of that crime as a juvenile. This man was a juvenile when he murdered his then girlfriend. The law says he must have served at least twenty years to be eligible for that. That is what is on the news locally. There are witnesses saying what a fine upstanding man this guy has been while incarcerated. No problems in prison, a pillar of the community. Never has he shown a bit of remorse or regret for the murder of that girl. His supporters pointing to that as proof positive that he didn't do it. He has served his time and should be released as he is no danger to the community. He has been interviewed by a mental health professional that agrees with that. Hey, he only killed one person, when he was just a kid, he's a different person toady.

 Well, I see it differently. If he was willing to kill once, he would be willing to do it again. He has served twenty years in federal prison, that young lady has spent twenty years in the grave! She ain't getting out. He was given life and that is exactly what he should serve. It's great that he complies with the prison rules and regulations. It's great if he is genuinely trying to better himself, become a "different" man. None of that is going to bring that young lady back or do anything to ease the pain of her family for that loss. It isn't alright after twenty years. The evidence has been reviewed time and time again. He has had many days in court, lawyers defending him and entire groups offering their support for him. He still killed that girl, intentionally, deliberately and without remorse or regret. 

 Does redemption require a release from your sentence? No, it does not. He has shown himself to be a model prisoner. Apparently adjusting well to the confines of the prison and the daily routine. Redemption is between you and your God, not between you and the state. You can not redeem yourself from first degree murder in the eyes of the state. The sentence was handed down and must be executed. It's not like it was victimless crime! He has to pay for that with his life. In my view, mercifully enough, above ground. There is no adequate excuse for murdering another person; ever. Sometimes however, somebody needs killing. But that's a different topic for another day.   

                                                                                    

  

Buckle down

  Remember when we were told to "buckle down?" Is that something any of you remember or am I just that damn old? It's the advice I was given while in school when my performance wasn't as expected. It was pointed out that I was performing at a sub-par level. No gold star for me on the wall chart. Yes, there was an actual chart on the wall, your name listed and the results of your exam posted for the class to see. I recall gold, blue and red stars. ABC. Very simple, very basic , easy to understand. No star? You failed the test! 

 That came to mind this morning as I was listening to the news regarding the educational system in Baltimore. I listened as they spewed forth a list of statistics, trials and surveys. I heard about the 479,000 dollar salary the CEO of Baltimore city school earns. I listened as they all seemed baffled as to why the system was failing the students. I thought, wish I was there I would tell them to, buckle down! What they need to do is go back to the basics. If you want those students to "succeed" you have to focus on teaching, not all the extra-curricular stuff. You begin by holding the student accountable for their performance. That is best accomplished by actually giving them an honest grade. No excuses, you either passed or failed. If you do not teach those students the basics they will not succeed, simple as that. The simple truth being, some will pass and others will fail. 

 The biggest issue I see is this tying of funds to the performance of the students. Should be the tied to the performance of the teacher! That's right, and that is also for a simple reason, it is their job. This idea that there should be no standard testing is just ridiculous. Standards are required to measure progress. If you don't progress, you don't advance. I listened to the news as they explained the children can't read on grade level, or perform basic math problems. What has changed since I was in school? Accountability. If I couldn't read, do the math or anything else I wasn't promoted to the next grade. There were no big hearings, committees or interventional groups required. The proof was before me, I failed the test. But when that failure costs the one administering the test, the results may certainly be quite a bit different. It's the same as asking me, should I get a raise? 

 I hear figures of 18,000 dollars a year to educate each child. Where is all that money going? The schools are always complaining about outdated books, classrooms too small, and a lack of supplies. Well the thing is this, the basics haven't changed at all. Yes, history books need to be updated occasionally, once a decade should be just fine. As far as math goes, 1+1 still equals 2 and the function is the same. New math? No, just a different method of explaining the function, one that apparently isn't working nearly as well as when I was in school.

 Reading? Dick and Jane, along with their dog spot taught me how to read. Just a boy and girl playing with the dog, no adult themed stories about "assignments" or "gender identities" in any of that. After learning to read and comprehend the stories I could then think about that stuff. Yes, the purpose of reading was to understand the story, not simply be able to repeat what the words were. Emotions were evoked from understanding the story not because the teacher said this is what I should think or feel. The teachers' job was to teach me to read, not think. 

 I'm quite certain we have plenty of teachers that can do the job and do it well. What those teachers need is to be left to teach. The grades of their students should not be the sole measure of their performance. You can't expect every child to be successful. Yeah, there are some that are just not the crispest crackers in the box. Doesn't mean they can't be successful in life, have value and purpose, it means they aren't scholars. I've personally know a few that I wonder how they manage at all. Those same individuals were excellent at their job. I suspect that they were as aware of that as I was. Conversely I have known more than a few educated damn fools. Not a lick of common sense. 

 Now all of that left me with one thought, "America, we need to buckle down" Get rid of the distractions and focus on the basics. I realize that is upsetting to a whole lot of folks but it is necessary. To be successful you have to know and understand the basics. We could begin with, it takes money to make money. Yes, wealthy people are necessary for the economic growth of a nation. Or maybe we could teach that charity is a gift, not an entitlement. Yeah, you get what you earn for the most part. Or how about this gem, an employer will only pay you what you are worth to the business. Now there's a basic reality many need to learn. What you need to do is "buckle down" and make yourself valuable to your employer, not a liability. Just keep your nose to the grindstone. Back to the basics 

                                                                             

Creating camaraderie

 Camaraderie or hazing? Funny how things come to mind sometimes. I was scrolling my Facebook timeline and saw an advertisement from 1939. You know how they do as a sort of shocking thing to todays' sensibilities. Oh, we were all so ignorant in the past, so unaware of all the dangers. Just what could we have been thinking. This advertisement feature a man mining lead. Yes, mining lead, smiling proudly and hoping the lead he mined gets used in the paint you buy. This is the finest quality lead, the purest in the land. And yes, that advertisement did bring to mind an old seafaring tradition, either hazing or camaraderie, depending upon the decade you are talking about. In my time, it was just being part of the crew.

 So what does lead have to do with any of that. Well, back in the day lead, specifically white lead was used as a sealant and lubricate in piping systems and as a gasket sealer. It came in five pound cans as a paste. I remember well just reaching in and scooping out what I need to coat the pipe threads or whatever. Gloves? Why would I be wearing gloves. You can't get anything done with gloves on. There was no such thing as any latex glove strong enough to use while doing that sort of work, they were for surgeons that didn't really have to exert any pressure. Yeah, and masks, another surgeon thing. The only mask I wore was a gas mask. I was also reminded of just how well that lead based paint worked, especially on wooden surfaces. A little white lead, some turpentine, and something to add color thoroughly mixed made a great paint. 

 Now white lead played a role in establishing camaraderie in the various divisions of the engineering department aboard U.S. naval vessels. At least that is the way it was in the 1970's and early eighties. Bearing grease was also a part of this, depending upon a single factor. The color of your skin. I know, shocking isn't it? No, it wasn't, it was just part of the fun. You see being an engineer you just naturally were aware of the necessity of well greased and oiled machinery. It was an awareness that you developed. It became so keen that when a new recruit came to the department you could hear him squeak! That squeak needed to be addressed. The old salts would gather together and discuss this finally reaching an diagnosis and administering the cure.

 It usually went like this. A group would get together and ask each other, do you hear a squeaking noise? Where could that be coming from. All eyes would turn to you, and you just knew it was time to run. That was a part of the fun as you were chased up and down the ladders (stairs to you landlubbers) up to the main deck and then back below. Eventually you would be captured and the inspection began. Yes, your pants would be pulled down and the squeak detected! Now, depending upon your skin color, either grease or white lead would be liberally applied to the area. Axle grease being dark in color was used for lighter skin tones and white lead provided a good contrast on darker skin. In that way you could tell if the entire area had received the correct amount of lubrication. And this was called, being greased. 

  Was that hazing? No, I don't believe it was at all. It was simply a means to establish camaraderie, to become a member of the group. A rite of passage so to speak. It may happen once or twice during your enlistment/career. It didn't happen more than once on the same ship unless there were extenuating circumstances. Go ahead, run your mouth, complain, and create those circumstances. I never saw anyone get injured in any way during this little diversion from the daily routine. Oh, a few scrapes or bruises maybe, nothing to be concerned about. Their where other rituals and traditions practiced as well. It was all in good fun. Another concerned an anti-seize compound and metal bluing for those about to get married. I won't go into the details on that one, if you know, you know.

 I expect here in 2025 that none of that is going on anymore. I haven't talked with anyone that has served in the 21st century Navy but figure it isn't the same. I was still in the "don't ask, don't tell" era and was comfortable with that. It's not my business, and don't try to make it mine either! I'm thinking the shellback ceremony is quite a bit different and the blue nose one as well. I've heard rumors of hazing and how terrible all that is. Built character in my estimation. You did learn to stand up for yourself, and generally speaking that is what was being tested. It didn't have to involve any physical assault to defend yourself. You could either "join in " or be the outsider, your choice.

 I can't imagine what it must be like today. A PC Navy sounds a bit dull. When I joined the ad was, it's not just a job, it's an adventure! I have to admit they weren't lying, it was an adventure alright. The current slogan is " Forged by the Sea " aimed at attracting Gen z. It was first used in 2017 so is getting quite old now, although I admit I hadn't heard of it until I looked it up this morning. I read where it is supposed to "convey the idea that Navy sailors are toughened and shaped by their experience at sea." LOL, Yeah, it'll make you tough alright, as long as you don't get your feelings hurt or someone uses the wrong pronoun. 

 I wonder what they do to establish camaraderie these days. Paint their nails and go to Starbucks for Lattes? Yeah, well anchors aweigh my boys, anchors aweigh. Oh wait, that was changed back in 1997 to Anchors Aweigh Sailors, you know, to be inclusive. My thought is the "sailors" today are quite a bit different than when I sailed the seas. But I do wish them all, fair winds and a following sea. Haze and hazing where quite different back then. A haze may be seen on the horizon, that meant it was time to run. Comrades in arms creating camaraderie. The good old days. Lots of layers here if you think about it, it's deep water.

                                                                               

 

                                                                          

Biting the bullet

  Seeing a lot of complaints about Elon Musk and his request for "bullet points" regarding what a federal employee has actually accomplished in the last week. Seems to me that was called "evaluations" when I was in the work force. The only thing different was I didn't get to write them. I had to rely upon my "boss" to either say something favorable or not. I understand that Elon isn't the boss but the objective is to review the efficiency of the government. It's good to know what people are actually doing when they are getting paid, seems reasonable enough to me. I understand a failure to respond will get you terminated. I'm thinking that if you are actually at work you will respond. If you aren't, you might miss that memo. It pays to pay attention.

 I enjoyed a twenty year career with the United States Navy. Every three months, that's once a quarter, my performance was evaluated. I was evaluated on my appearance, yes had to look good, professional and all, on my attitude and my work performance. All of that was written by my "superior" who may have been my equal last week but received a promotion. There is no redress for any of that, you either sign your evaluations as written or not. It doesn't make a bit of difference if you refuse, you just get more bad evaluations for refusing. I always tried to make sure the one writing the evaluation knew what I was doing. Made sure he had something to write about. A great deal was riding on those evaluations. So I guess what I'm saying is, what's the big deal? Ask me what I did last week and I'll tell you an almost heroic and epic tale of dedication and sacrifice to my job. No problem, might take me all day to do that but hey, I'm getting paid by the hour. 

 Although there wasn't a formal process at my civilian occupations I'm quite certain I was being evaluated all the time. I tried to keep that in mind while going about the days work. It's good to let the boss know you're busy, even when he can't see you. I did remember an old adage, "keep moving, it's harder to hit a moving target" and so I did move often. Carrying those tools from place to place, focused on the destination, determined to accomplish the task. You don't really have to say a thing, just keep moving. If asked how long it would take to fix/repair something, that is what I did as a maintenance mechanic, I always over estimated that time. Could take an hour or more, then in 30 minutes report, I got it repaired. Makes you look really good at what you do. They were my "bullets." 

 Having been around government employees a great deal I have an understanding of that system. It is quite difficult to get yourself fired. I have seen it first hand. Government employees fill billets based on their rating system. You've heard of that like GS-4 or GS-9. The higher the number the higher the position and the pay. In order to get rid of an employee that just isn't performing well you promote them. They can't fill a GS-6 billet as a GS-7. So, they get transferred, somebody else's problem now, and you get a replacement. Efficient? 

 Good enough for government work! That sums that whole scenario up nicely. I'm not saying everyone that works for the government is that way but there are abuses, no doubt about that. Government and efficiency? Sure sounds like a oxymoron to me. I don't have any issue with an agency, official or not, taking a look at all of that. If you are doing your job, it shouldn't concern you at all. During my time in the Navy my concern was always who was writing that evaluation. You know sometimes there are people that just don't like you for one reason or another, I know hard to believe. At other times I was the one writing those evaluations about others, sometimes I barely knew who that person was. If only I could have written my own evaluations I most likely would have been a Fleet Admiral by the end of my first enlistment. And that is all he is asking. List five things you did last week. Shouldn't he that difficult a task. If it is, you're the problem, and you're outta here. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. 

                                                                              

Community

 I grew up in a small town in the 1960's. What I miss the most about that are the stores. They were mostly what we call Mom and Pop stores today, a quaint reminder of the past. I wasn't aware of it then, but that is exactly what made those shops so nice. Each one had its' own character. That character reflected the ownership. Over time you knew what store to go to for what you wanted. If you wanted lumber, go to the lumber yard. Need hardware, go to the hardware store. We had stores selling newspapers and magazines. The corner Deli really was on a corner. All the different little places to go. 

 We didn't have any big-box stores back then, at least not within 25 miles of where I lived. You have to understand a drive of 25 miles was a journey back then, most people didn't drive that far unless it was a vacation! We lived and worked within that radius and I knew some that had never left it. We did have the catalogues. Sears, JC Penny and Montgomery Ward leading the way. At some point Fingerhut showed up. They filled our needs that weren't readily available in the stores up town. The truth was, they provided items cheaper than what could be had in those Mom and Pop stores. Mom and Pop couldn't stock 10,000 pairs of jeans and so the cost was higher. 

 The town I grew up in was a tourist town. It still is. Many wealthier folks had their summer cottages where they stayed during the season. Others came and stayed in the hotels or campgrounds. There were store that catered to them filled with the more expensive items of clothing, jewelry and foods tourists would buy. They were on vacation after all and would splurge. After labor day they were mostly closed, shuttered for the long winter months. That has changed and it goes year round these days. I'm told there are no more Mom and Pop stores left. From what I hear just a few shops attempting to ride on a legacy and nostalgia. The "new" people shopping there in an attempt to appear "local." That happens everywhere.

 I live in a small town today. We have a drug store, that's what us old people call a pharmacy in case you are confused. We do have a convenience store but Mom and Pop are "Indians" just not the native kind. It doesn't have the same feel. The Walmart is about eight miles away and I frequent that. Of course I use Amazon for a good number of things just like I used Sears back in the day. The local garage is still a Mom and Pop operation and I use them whenever I can. That still makes me feel at home going there. It is an old wooden structure, added onto a few times over the years, and smells like grease, old tires and sweat. No air conditioned "bays" or fancy diagnostic machines around there. Also you had better not be in a hurry, he'll get to it when he can.

 I guess what I'm really missing is a community. We talk a lot about community these days, but we sure don't have one. Yes there are small groups of people that gather and consider that their community. But in that small town where I grew up we really where a community. We all knew each other, we would wave as we passed each other, ask about there Mom and Dad or brothers and sisters. We argued with each other over community things. People had a sense of their station. 

 Yes, that was a real thing and it wasn't a bad thing. It was something you learned to live with, or worked to change. That was your problem, no one else's.  "Ambition is your inner voice that tells you you can and should strive to go beyond your circumstances or station in life." ( Lloyd Blankfein ) Today it appears to me that most people have lost all their senses! So busy identifying with a "community" they have lost themselves. Then, that is all they have left to cling to, desperately, anguished and in despair. Real community is found with Mom and Pop, in that little shop on the corner. 

                                                                         

The rule of response

  I saw a post from the Yankees baseball managing general partner, Hal Steinbrenner. Not really sure what that position is but I assume a position of authority. Anyway, this post was a statement regarding the grooming standards for the team. I've been a Yankees fan my entire life. I'm not what you would call a fanatic however, more of a casual fan. I'm not informed on all things Yankees. I am not familiar with the grooming standards. This announcement was to inform the fans and the team that beards would now be allowed. As I said, I wasn't aware that beards were prohibited. But the message said that this had been a topic of discussion for several years now. It was time to relax the rules. My immediate response and reaction is, a relaxing of the standards is being reflected in our country today. Just take a look around you and it should be quite evident.

 Being a professional athlete you have an employer. Seems obvious enough to me, and as such you should have to follow the rules established by that employer. It just seems to me that the employees are driving the standards these days. It also seems to me the students are doing the same in our colleges and universities when the accountants aren't lowering the standards for fiscal reasons. No testing required, just pay the freight and take a ride on the degree express. You are guaranteed a degree whether you ever pass the test, we will lower that score accordingly. The result is now there are literally thousands of people with a degree that is basically worthless. Like a carpenter that can't cut a straight line, not employed. 

 You can say, it doesn't matter what I look like as long as I can play the game. That's true, your looks do not define your ability. Your looks do define the organization however. Why do you think all military units have uniforms? I can perform the same job without that uniform. Why does anyone wear a uniform? It is to identify yourself with an organization a unit or in some cases a nation or culture. Uniformity breeds unity. It is really as simple as that. You represent a group, and by extension, that groups ideals. That is why appearance is important. Clothes and grooming do make the man. That is what others see and what others tend to emulate when they admire that group or organization. Why do think there are people wearing military uniforms that never served a day in their life. They want to steal that identity. 

 Does it make a difference that the Yankees will now allow beards? Not on the surface of things it doesn't. I just see it as the "kids" are getting their way. The boss has relented to the complaining about that requirement. You were aware of the terms of employment when you signed that multi-million dollar contract. I've seen the same in the private sector with casual Friday and all of that. The military has definitely relaxed their standards as well. In my estimation our society in general has lowered the bar regarding acceptable behaviors. You see jokes about that on social media, it is a lack of manners. It's ironic how the ones advocating for all this are the same ones complaining about a lack of respect! Yeah, that is what you are advocating for by the removal of standards. You wanted it, you got. 

 So wear your pajamas to Walmart. Ignore all those around you and just get whatever it is you want. No need to be polite or extend any courtesy to anyone. Shopping at Walmart is your constitutional right! You demand to be treated with respect and will disrespect anyone that doesn't. You will sue and demand payment. You don't have to comply with anything, that's what living in a free country is all about. I can just do whatever I like, whenever I like, and the rules don't apply to me. The rules says so! Well the rules about your response, not about my choices that is. I will set the standard and you will comply with that. No one tells me what I can or can not do. I'm growing a beard!

                                                                                      

Changing the name

 What's in a name? Well there is an awful lot that could be said about that. This morning I was thinking about place names specifically. I suppose due to the renaming of the gulf of Mexico to the gulf of America. Just how aware are you of why a place was named what it is. Growing up I heard all the place names without giving any thought as to why. I lived off a tar and chip road named Springy Banks Rd. Never gave that a thought, never went looking for any springy banks. The dirt road I lived on didn't have a name that I was aware of. Later the post office informed my dad it was named hunting road. Nobody went hunting up that road, it was a dad end. 

 It's funny how names can come and go. The old folks had different names for the same places I knew growing up. You would hear them occasionally, places like Northwest or Squaw Cove. Freetown was another place I would hear the old folks mention, that was cedar street to me, at least the general location was. Today those names have made a bit of a comeback, except for Squaw Cove which I'm told is offensive. Like I said, I never gave that much of a thought, it was just the name of a place. Looking back I suppose a great deal of what was said was offensive; not then, but now. That also changes over the years. 

 Changing the name of a place doesn't change the place, or does it? Take that place Freetown as an example. To my grandparents Freetown was a place you didn't really want to be. It was what we would call low income housing today. It was an area for blacks and Indians that had been displaced. It was also where that "white" trash lived. You didn't want anyone to know you lived in Freetown. I'm told the opposite is true today, Freetown is a very nice area in which to live. I lived in the section of town called, below the bridge. That was the area of town where the blue collar workers lived, the businessmen from the old families lived upstreet, above the bridge. Yes, it was a status thing, very much so. I expect that remains true to a degree today. Uptown! It is all in the name.

 I am amused by those proclaiming they are offended by a name. I just grew up with the old saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." The name may incite a reaction from me that gets you hurt. The challenge always being to control that reaction. It isn't to make you change the name, just not use it around me. The name doesn't offend, your attitude does. I've been called many names over the years. Not once was I offended by a name. On a few occasions the one using that name may have been offended, or assaulted, depending upon your viewpoint. But the name of a mountain, river, lake, pancake syrup or body of water has no effect on me. I'll just go on calling it whatever. Remember when the Flintstones urged us all to have a GAY old time. Yeah, meant something different back then. The name changed. 

                                                                                     

Learning history

  This being black history month I thought to share my viewpoint of black history here in America. Now I realize I'm white, although I could identify anyway I feel according to some, and shouldn't be saying a thing just apologizing for what myself and my ancestors never participated in. That isn't any part of my history or that of my ancestors. By sharing my viewpoint I'm not attempting to say discrimination doesn't exist, or that millions haven't suffered from that history, I'm just sharing some realities.

 Slavery existed in the British Empire for well over 800 years. Yes, they were Black people, for the most part, although all races were indeed represented. The color of your skin has little to do with being used as a slave. All races/colors have been represented over the centuries and indeed, still are. It was British citizens that purchased slaves off the Portuguese ships in 1619. By 1776 less than 10% of all slaves were being held in the northern states. My family didn't arrive in the north until 1858. The United States gained independence in 1776 and in an 89 year time period abolished slavery altogether.

It is true that the issue of slavery was not addressed in the constitution. That would come later. What is true is that following the revolution many northern states passed laws abolishing slavery. By 1830 nearly all northern states had abolished slavery. The general belief among the politicians was that slavery itself would just gradually go away. For that reason many did not want to upset the proverbial applecart by changing the constitution to abolish slavery. The southern states were dependent upon that labor, and so opposed any change in that policy. Still, the northern folk resisted any expansion of slavery. All of that lead to the civil war. A war more concerned with economics than any human rights. Whereas slavery wasn't legal in many northern states, there were still abuses going on. No one wants to lose their cheap labor pool.

I was raised in the north, a Yankee. I'm a Yankee doodle dandy, a term from the revolutionary times to describe our fighting forces. Later, the rebels from the south, because the civil war was a war of rebellion, called us all Yankees. Their ancestors were all Yankees, but they ignored that part of history I guess. Whatever the case, it was supposed to be disparaging. Being raised in the north I heard about racism and discrimination in the south. My father even had pictures showing "colored" and "white" drinking fountains. I confess to never giving that much thought, wasn't happening where I lived. We all went to the same school, drank from the same fountains and everything else. As far as I could tell I wasn't a part of any of that and neither were my parents, grandparents or great grandparents going back to the revolution itself. It's sounds like an old cliche, but I really did have friends that were black. Just not many that shared the same interests as I did. You do tend to hang out with other people of like interests, color having little to do with that, especially as children. Discretion and discrimination are learned things.

I really can't grasp the whole "heritage" thing. My ancestors were Germans and Swedish folks, those that weren't English that is. As for myself, I'm an American. I am a Yankee doodle dandy in the truest sense of that word. I have and would fight again in defense of my country. A "doodle" is a country hick, you know us uneducated folks living in the country, and a "dandy" is a conceited jerk. Yeah, I resemble that remark if you are on the other side of me. I have names for folks like you as well. What I don't understand is the embracing of a culture that sold you into slavery. Just why would you want to celebrate that? Well, I've heard explanations that say, it wasn't my tribe. Ok, I can see that but you are identifying yourself as an African which covers an entire continent. It's like me saying I'm not an American, I'm from New York and we are a different tribe. Yeah, some would agree that we are, too.

Following the civil war all the slaves were freed. Yes, it took another 100 years before the civil rights act of 1964 was signed into law. That wasn't a period of slavery. Was there injustice? You bet there was, a lot of it. The general intent being to keep people subservient to those with wealth and power. It is always the intent of some in any society to do just that.

That was the reason for the Declaration of Independence! One of the 26 complaints listed in that document being: "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." In other words he ( King George III ) was treating the colonists unfairly, discriminating against them. Our own government refused to "assent" to laws until 1964. Why did it take so long? As I said, no one wants to lose there cheap labor. Today it is all about "migrants." Yes, even when people are brought here, or "migrate" here upon their own volition, that cheap labor pool will be protected tooth and nail. It isn't really about human rights, it is about economics. 

 The struggle today continues to be primarily an issue of economics. We hear the cries for reparations. Economic reparations, as I'm sorry that happened isn't really enough. Who is to blame for that? Do we blame the pusher or the user for addiction? The Portuguese purchased those people and sold them as a commodity to English settlers in 1619. Shouldn't the Portuguese be held accountable for that? Or, at least the British should be, they were after all, British subjects of the King. By 1776, when America gained her independence, slavery began being abolished almost immediately. In a period of just 89 years it was abolished altogether, brother had fought brother to accomplish that. In fact about 360,000 Yankees died fighting for that cause. About 260,000 rebels died attempting to keep that institution alive and well! There intent being to form a nation that would embrace that forever! 

 So, the way I see it, America has done more for the black people than anyone else involved in all of that history. It didn't happen overnight, that's the truth of the matter. Lincoln never promised to abolish slavery in any of his speeches. Lincoln believed, as many other did, that slavery would just end itself. Still, those with a financial interests grew very concerned with all of that. Then when new states and territories were going to be denied slave holding rights they decided they had to act to protect there interests! Brother fought brother and slavery was ended. Then the politicians arrived to rearrange the social structure of America. It took another hundred years to get past all those "interests"  and establish the civil rights act of 1964 and the following year the voting rights act. 

 The social structure of America has always been in a state of flux. It will always be so do to the nature of a Republic. A government of the people will have disagreements and deep divides. Government establishes the moral compass of the people. Whether we are talking about slavery or "DEI" we are talking about the moral core of the people. What is tolerated today, becomes the norm tomorrow. It's just that the "days" are measured in decades when talking about government. You know, it has only been nine generations since the revolution. Cool your jets, these things take time. 

                                                                 

 

a knuckle sandwich

 I have never set out to write a blog simply to attract readers. What I mean is, writing something for recognition. I have noticed over the years those blogs that gained the most attention. Google blogger does track that for you, calling them page views. You are also urged to monetize your blog, sell advertising space, you know, a side hustle. That's a big thing these days, what was called "moonlighting" back in the old days. I was guilty of that a time or two when I was working in the upholstery business. Couldn't afford the shop price; psst, don't say anything but I can give you a deal. Yeah, no harm no foul as far as I was concerned, they weren't going to use the shop anyway. As far as advertising on my blog, I did try that for a short time, earned 36 cents but never got that check. Well, I just got a laugh out of that, my ego wasn't damaged and I didn't feel marginalized. There were simply not enough readers to generate that side hustle income. It's a shame too, but I offered my blogs free to anyone that wanted to read them, not my problem if they don't. My thoughts and opinions remain just as valid. 

 Over the last few months I have taken to adding a picture to my blogs. I used to do that occasionally when I had something to share but now every time. I do post my blog to Pinterest and they require a picture to post. I have a few readers from that platform. It's rather strange though because I'm not selling anything and people are a bit confused by that. I have no other interaction with that platform and so I am really quite uninformed about just what it is all about. I began posting there as an experiment, it costs nothing, and thought I'd check it out. Still waiting for a "following" but I do get a few stragglers. Again, not making any money on that, no side hustle. 

 My blog is also available on WordPress, a web hosting site. Yes, I have my own .com. Bonacerbub.com will take you to my site. I have a few photographs on there and all of my blogs. I haven't figured out the whole "hosting" thing and how to fully use that platform. It is a rather remote site as I don't get many visitors on there. I'm not sure how anyone would find it accidently as the title is rather innocuous. Not much there to attract interest. I'm not sure why I even have that just think it is "cool" to have it I guess. I will figure out more to do with it at some point. I get frustrated with that stuff real quick though, really just need an sixth grader to teach me I guess. Not going to get rich and famous that way either. Well, no matter. 

 Occasionally I will get a comment or two. It doesn't happen often. I'm taking that as a good sign. In my experience people are far more likely to respond when they don't agree with you or become angry.  If you are looking for positive feedback social media isn't the place to go. I explained that a bit yesterday with this statement, "emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides" Yeah, people are quick to call you names, disparage you, troll your profile page for fodder they can use to insult you, but slow to offer any praise. 

 About the best you can hope for is a "like" or "love" emoji. Emoji's have been around for twenty five years now. Before that, nothing. Of course there was no social media until 1997, a world without Facebook. Imagine that? That is all Millennials can do in that regard, like me imagining a time before the telephone or television. My parents knew that and my grandparents remembered when most folks were still riding horses. We all grew up without looking for emoji's. I'm thinking that is a good thing. People were more likely to tell you how they felt back then. Mostly it was positive because saying something negative to you, to your face, came with consequences. It was an emoji come to life! 

                                                                           

                                                            You want a knuckle sandwich? 

                                                  

Independent thought

  It is something I have written often, "emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides" and I stand by that wholeheartedly. I'm quite certain I'm not the first person to make that observation and haven't gone in search of any famous quotes to support it. I'm not concerned with being "right" according to what others may have to say about that, I'm just speaking from personal experience. You get all charged up about something, either happy or angry and blaze your trail. Seldom does the trail end like you had hoped or expected it to. It does go hand in hand with another proverb I have heard, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. It is also paved with bad ones is my guess.

 We hear a lot about influencers these days. Just what is their purpose? They wish to stir our emotions, to make us act with an emotional response rather than a considered choice. The objective being to elicit a response from you, one that favors them in some fashion. That is the stock in trade of any politician. That is their most effective tool. It's for the children is a favorite. Whether we are fighting to secure the future for our children, to preserve their legacy, their culture, their very identity or meet some immediate need, for the children stirs that emotional response. The only thing a politician needs to know is what creates that emotional response in you. Is it your family or your money. Yes, those are the big two. Either one is almost a guarantee that you will respond in an emotional way. 

 It is conviction that motivates us to act. Once we are convinced, in our own mind, action must be taken. Conviction creates desire. Once the desire has been created all that is left to do is act upon that desire. Whether we actually need the product is no longer debated, you are convinced you do. Same with everything else in your life. Then you get buyers remorse. Happens to all of us. It is always a difficult thing to remove that conviction from our minds. There are times we will hold onto that for years, despite realizing the reality of that choice. Sometimes we call that being bitter or angry. We are really angry with ourselves for having been convinced in the first place. You have to set that emotion aside, not an easy thing to do.

  I am seeing a great deal of emotional responses to the issues of today. No matter your feelings about Trump, he is a master at generating an emotional response. It's my feeling a great deal of his talk is designed just for that purpose. Manipulation is what some would call it, Machiavellian is another term that could describe his persona. I just see him as a wealthy guy used to getting his own way. A bit of a bully because he can get away with that. He is convinced he can straighten out the "business" of government. And make no mistake about that, it is just business with him, success is measured in dollars and cents and in the ability to say, "told you so." That conviction created his desire to be the president. An emotional response, not a sound business judgement. Had he not done any of that his "business" would not be under attack on every front. It is the same thing with the famous, fame puts a target on your activities, good and bad.

  Today we are all expected to go "all in" on any political choices we make. You either have to love Trump or hate him. There is no middle ground with any of that. We are expected to "stand our ground" at all costs. If you are a democrat your only choice is to denounce Trump and anything he says or does, regardless. Never are you to admit that trump has accomplished anything positive. The same is being expected from those supporting Trump. The democrats are all evil, every single one of them. Everything the democrats have done or proposed must be reversed, nullified or somehow prevented from happening. There is no in-between with that either. 

 And the reason for all of that is a simple one: we are acting upon emotions alone! Common sense has been thrown out the window. One side being the authoritarian parents, while the other are busy being a friend to their children. Just listen to the news. The biggest topic is always how much people oppose Trump or support the Democrats. Popularity polls are taken daily and the results broadcast. Hey, if everyone says he is bad, I should believe that, if everyone says he is great, I should believe that. The name calling should be your first clue. It is the oldest tactic in the book, used on the playground. It creates an emotional response and forces others to either embrace or reject that emotion. The popular kid wins. Maybe he isn't the best kid for the job, but he is the most popular. 

 I have made another observation about all of that. The ones with the weakest convictions are usually the ones hollering the loudest. And the irony in that is exactly what I said in my opening statement; "emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides." Who is squealing the loudest today? What emotion is causing that reaction? My guess is, money. Yes, it is all about the money. Without the money I can't keep my "family" passive and they just might revolt against me. What if they really did become independent of government? 

                                                                                   

                                      "Everyone wants to be treated equally, until they are"

  

Served

  Not sure if this is national news but Justin Tucker, the place kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, is being accused of sexual assault. These charges come from massage parlors. The ladies saying that Tucker either exposed himself to them or brushed up against them. The first report involved eight women and now the number has grown to 16. The last alleged assault took place in 2016. You do have to wonder why it took so long. Justin Tucker has flatly stated the charges are completely false and he never did a thing that was inappropriate. I don't know much about him other than what I've seen on television. He's married, has children and does commercials for Royal Farms stores. Oh, he also sings opera on occasion and is a 100% legit opera singer. As for his personal life, I haven't a clue.

 The legal pundits are discussing this on the television. I'm sensing a bit of support for Tucker because of their explanation of the law. They are stressing that it is up to the massage parlor to prove those accusations. He has not been formally charged with anything as of this writing. Still, the court of public opinion is in session. One of the massage parlors involved in this has changed ownership since that time. I've joined in the jury pool regarding this situation. It's important to note that none of those accusing Tucker say he actually touched them in any way other than "brushing" up against them. They are saying he "exposed" himself to them, well, some of them anyway. Having never been to a massage parlor I can't say much but seems to me something like that might happen quite a bit. You do take your clothes off to get a massage don't you? 

 As I said, I've never been to a massage parlor and can only go by reputation. The reputation isn't a good one, at least from what I know. Now, I've seen on television that there are legit massage parlors with licensed "therapists" that are 100% professional, clinical even. I expect the Baltimore Ravens football team has a few of those on staff. So, it does make me ask why Tucker was going to those outside ones. I wonder what their reputation is? I haven't heard anything said about that, as of yet. Tucker did get married in 2015, his last encounter took place in march of 2016. Maybe Mrs. Tucker influenced that decision. I do think the legit ones are called "spas" and not parlors. But, like I said, I wouldn't know about that.

 My thinking is this, Tucker is nearing the end of his career and the money has been made. These accusers are aware of that, and figure now it is time to cash in. Tucker is now a married man, with children and a legacy to protect. At first it was just a single person, then others joined in with the "me too" stories. Just like that 16 women are now traumatized, marginalized and demanding justice. What they really want is cash. There has already been some talk of a settlement. Yes, the idea is being floated by the attorneys representing those massage therapists. No response from the Tucker camp as there have been no charges filed, although the NFL has committed to conducting a full investigation. If you are Justin Tucker what do you do?

 Here's the sad part in all of this. Tucker really has only two choices. Spend millions of dollars and possibly years of litigation or pay a settlement. If you pay, you are saying you are guilty, isn't that the thought? If you refuse, stand your ground, you possibly go broke! There are lawyers willing to litigate the case for years, as a sort of "side hustle" in the hope of a large reward, the accusers are paying nothing. That is an all too familiar scenario in todays world. What we used to call ambulance chasers has been elevated to a much higher level. For many attorneys that is their gateway to an annuity! Same concept only without having to purchase anything to obtain it, just do the work.

 As the saying goes, I don't have a skin in the game. I stand to gain or lose absolutely nothing. I'm just a casual observer in all of this. If you are a fan of the Ravens, place kickers, field goal makers, or opera singers perhaps you have a bias. I like Tucker as much as you can like anyone you don't know. He holds a lot of records for kicking a ball. I like his commercials on television, pretty funny stuff. I have heard his sing. A married man with small children I have never heard anything negative about him prior to this. Am I shocked? No, surprised perhaps, but we all have a past that may or may not contain some questionable behaviors. It appears to me these accusers are tempering their accusations in an attempt to gain some credibility. Well, he didn't really do anything others haven't done; but he is Justin Tucker. And that's my opinion on the case. Until I see credible evidence to the contrary, I'm going with that.

 I do find it sad that wealth and/or fame makes you a target for such as this. Your only defense is cash! You either hire a legal team to defend you or pay a settlement (out of court) to avoid that expense. You may succeed in clearing your name, although many will simply claim your innocence was purchased. If you pay the settlement you might as well be admitting guilt. You get to save your money but your reputation is forever stained. If it fails on legal grounds there is always the civil lawsuit that may follow. So yes, there is a price to be paid for being successful isn't there. Fortunately, I have avoided that pitfall!    

                                                                             

                                                                       

  

Summoned

 We gather stuff along the way. What I mean are those things we save from our past for any number of reasons. They may, or may not related to each other. Eclectic is the word that describes that. My wife just calls it clutter, or junk, most of the time. I do too. Then there are times when we purge. What we are doing is acknowledging an emotional release from those objects. The reason we saved them was based on emotion, what we may call nostalgia. Then we find ourselves willing to just let it go. I admit it something I struggle with. I didn't live during the depression and didn't grow up saving everything. I'm a boomer, so I'm told, and spoiled. That's what my parents said, and all their friends agreed with them. I grew up in a throw away society, except I don't like throwing anything away. I might want that one day.

 I was thinking about that once again when I ran across a piece of paper from years back. It's a summons! Yes, I was summoned to appear before the court. It wasn't a real court or a real summons though, just one from my time in the Navy. When you are on a ship and are going to cross the equator, as a pollywog, you are summoned to appear before the court. It's an old navy tradition and after crossing the line you become a shellback. That happened on February the 17th of 1991. Nearly 34 years ago. I remember the day well. But what do I do with that summons? It would mean nothing to anyone else, I've had it tucked away ever since I got it. It's just an old piece of paper. That made me think about all the others I have as well. Twenty years of citations, letters of appreciation, enlistment, reenlistments, awards, medals and ribbons. It's quite a pile of paper. And, I suspect, of little interest to anyone else. That sort of stuff is only of interest if you are famous in some fashion, then it becomes memorabilia. It can be sold, which does interest others. Funny how that works isn't it?

 I do have an attachment to all that stuff. I have a small portion of it on display throughout my house. A certificate suitable from framing here and there, a few photographs of ships, my honorable discharge and a letter from the president thanking me for my service, auto signed  by the official presidential auto-signing machinery. My family walk past that stuff all the time and it goes unnoticed. A lot of stuff like that in everyone's home is my guess. It's just the old familiar thing. 

 Just what do you do with all that stuff? I have a shadow box that was presented to me upon my retirement. It contains a list of all the duty stations where I served and all the ribbons and medals I was awarded. Twenty years in a box. I have another shadow box that contains the flag from my fathers coffin, a gift from a grateful nation, as the citation reads. I also have his medals from his time in WW2 and a few faded photographs, the faces and names lost to time but I still save them. I like to believe that dad is happy about that. No one wants their stuff thrown out.

 That is only the military stuff. I have a lot of other "memories" in boxes, on shelves and in the closet. What to do with them. The grandkids are in their twenties and not really interested in the stuff they did as a kid. Mostly they still find it embarrassing. They are old enough to have lost the pride in their accomplishment at that time. It is only years later that you do begin to appreciate the "things" that your parents or grandparents saved. Much of it will not survive long enough to gain respect and status. It is just stuff. Tomorrow it may become a treasured memory. So I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what is the treasure and what is the trash. It's an old adage for sure. The older you get the more you begin to understand the depth of those old adages.  

                                                                                 

In the name

  Changing the name doesn't change anything, it remains what it always was. That is just the growth of language. We apply a name to something to identify it. That is the sole purpose of that. If we had called a pear an apple, and an apple a pear, they wouldn't be any different. I occasionally say the ice box when I mean refrigerator. It is the same object. Yes, there is a difference between the two, but the function is the same. Same thing with the Gulf of Mexico, now renamed the Gulf of America. It hasn't changed a thing. No international boundaries were changed, nothing has changed at all. Prior to being the Gulf of Mexico it was called, Sea on the North, Gulf of Florida, Gulf of Cortes, Gulf of New Spain and the Florida sea. I expect there other names used as well that weren't recoded anywhere.

 So why was it renamed? The official line is to restore American pride. It was noted how the gulf plays a pivotal role in the economic well being of the nation. It is a vital body of water. That's a very honest answer and seems to anger quite a few people. Yes, it was renamed to assert dominance. The same reason is being stated, with minor modifications, to restore the names on landmarks and military installations. Names that were changed for a very different reason, appeasement. Yes, all of that was to appease the "woke" crowd and make them feel "empowered" because they got to wave their "Flags of Virtue." The same thinking as any national flag, it is a symbol of power. That is what flags are for, after all. Flags are carried into battle and waved for surrender. In the Hauge convention of 1899, delineating the "laws of war" a white flag means surrender or that you want to talk peacefully. Flags display your intentions. I'd suggest, so do names.

 Names project character. I realize in these modern times we are trying to do away with all that but that is just more virtue signaling. It is why actors change their names, musicians and other entertainers doing that as well. Marion Morrison isn't the same as John Wayne! When I was in school I was Benny, later I became Ben. Why was that? Well, Benny isn't the same as Ben, right? Johnny and John, sometimes called Jim. Charles and Chuck. You get the idea. It is the same when naming objects. It is claiming ownership of something, whether it is an idea or an object. I drive a Tesla! The name identifies the object, but speaks about the owner. The flag is raised. Also the reason a brand name is so very important in marketing. We say Kleenex when we mean tissue. Everyone knows what you are talking about, even though the object goes by many names. 

  All this naming is something I have given thought to in the past. I was named Austin Bennett Reichart, Jr. at birth. I have never used the name Austin except for official documents. Why? Because my father never used the name Austin. He was always Ben. Why? I haven't a clue about that, never asked him. I just grew up with the realization I was expected to become Ben. I started out as little Ben, progressed to Benny, then to Ben. I'm the same person that was named on July the 20th, 1953. The question being, if I had used Austin would I be the same today? 

 Yes, I expect I would. Changing the name doesn't really change the object, or the idea. It is simply a way to claim dominance. It all depends upon what venue you are operating in. If I were to write a scholarly tome Ben wouldn't be a great name on the spine of that book. A. B. Reichart Jr would seem more appropriate or Austin Reichart, PhD. Little Ben, Benny or Ben? Nah, that wouldn't assert anything. But by calling myself Ben I have raised the flag, my flag. I'm still under the same flag as I was in 1953.   So, what's in a name? Depends. We were the United Colonies in July of 1776. On September 9th, 1776 the second continental congress renamed us, The United States of America. For quite a while the Spanish called that land mass the Indies, believing it was as Columbus thought, the west Indies. But, the name was changed. Before that it was Pangaea. Some scientist made that name up. The theory being it was all one big land mass and broke into seven pieces. So the question really should be, what part of Pangaea do you live in? I live in Greensboro Maryland, but it used to be Bridgetown until someone changed the name.  

                                                                                

Everyday

  Woke up and had forgotten completely that it was Valentines day. I'm so old I remember when it was called St. Valentines day. I haven't heard that in awhile, but I'm told I'm a bit of a recluse and am not informed a great deal of the time. Seems strange living in the information age but being told it is mostly misinformation. That's what I hear when I share the information I have anyway. Apparently the only news networks I'm listening to are lying to me. Oh well. It's exhausting trying to check sources, references and finding the "truth." The truth being, I can find sources, references and experts to validate just about anything I want to validate. If all you need is a PhD to be credible I can certainly find a number of those folks to agree with me. 

  But anyway, it is St. Valentines day. A rather odd holiday all things considered. If you read the history of St. Valentine you'll understand what I mean. He got beheaded for performing marriages and reportedly restored a blind girls sight, then he wrote her a note saying, Love, your Valentine. No explanation how she learned to read overnight like that. But whatever the case was, St. Valentine is remembered, and is also the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy. Along the way Cupid showed up with his arrows. I do remember celebrating the day in elementary school. We exchanged valentine cards, the boys giving them to the girls and vice-versa, guessing that may have changed today. Cupcakes and Kool-Aid were popular although Hawaiian Punch was top shelf back then. No idea what they are doing today. 

  Valentines day has never been a big deal with the wife and I. We don't exchange cards or candy. No going out for a fancy dinner. I don't recall my kids making a big fuss about it either but I did have two boys so maybe that has something to do with that. I'm pretty sure we did stuff with the grandkids for Valentines day, like making cupcakes, hearts and that sort of thing. I don't know, Valentines day is just not a top shelf holiday. This year Christmas came and went and I barely noticed that! 

 Today is the day for roses, hearts and chocolates. Reports say about 27.5 billion dollars will be spent on valentines day. An average of $188.81 per person. Well I guess; but I can tell you for a fact I have never spent any where near that amount of Valentines day. I have bought roses and chocolates in the past, maybe thirty five or forty bucks, but it was as an investment, if you get my meaning. I fully subscribe to the "it's the thought that counts" train of thought regarding all of that. That may come from my elementary school days. We all had an envelope taped to front of our desks for others to place their valentines in. I discovered that lots of those girls didn't give me a thought, as I got no valentine. I didn't feel marginalized or left out, I simply thought, well I didn't give you a valentine either. This whole "love" thing isn't a group activity! 

  So, Happy Valentines Day to those that celebrate. I hope you got your card, flowers, candy or whatever. As for me I celebrate everyday that I have a loving wife that puts up with me. Can't ask for much more than that. From 1 Corinthians 13:"4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. " My wife does all of that and more, although she does seem to keep a record of wrongs and remind me of them often. No matter, I love her just the way she is. Happy Valentines Day.  

                                                                                     

Subtle changes

  I do notice the subtle changes over time. Perhaps that is where wisdom resides, you have to be paying attention. That is difficult over a long period of time as you can becomes disinterested, disgusted or downright detached. It's why some old people appear angry all the time. Changes hit those folks all at once, like a slap in the face. That seldom happens to me, as I am paying attention. Of course, I receive a great deal of criticism for that as I'm not supposed to notice. I'm expected to embrace the changes and feel empowered. Well, I'm not going to say I have gained any appreciable amount of wisdom or insight but I'm paying attention.

 Yesterday as I was watching some television programming the ever present PSA appeared. I'm so grateful for the government issuing these warnings and advice, keeping me informed and all. This particular PSA concerned the use of marijuana. Just recently Maryland decriminalized the use and possession of pot. Like many other states it is being taxed and licenses issued to those selling that product. This PSA was warning parents about their preteens and teens using this product. It was explained how using pot could possibly cause long term ill effects on a developing brain. It had previously been explained, by Vincent Schiraldi, secretary of juvenile services for the state of Maryland, that our brains aren't fully developed until we are 25. That's why you shouldn't hold youth accountable for their crimes, just provide services to them. This PSA was urging parents to monitor closely their child's use of marijuana. 

 Did you catch that subtle change? The message wasn't, don't allow your kids to smoke pot or take edibles, it was monitor their usage. Now I'm old enough to remember when the messaging was quite different. When the expectation was parents would prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol until they reached the age where they could legally purchase them. Those parents that allowed their children to use would be subjected to criminal penalties for that action. Today the message is, show them how to use it in moderation. As I said, the change is subtle, but it is there. Don't get angry, don't punish the children, just teach them how to set "boundaries" when using that product. It does also urge you to not drive while "buzzed" because "buzzed" driving is drunk driving. And we all know being drunk is far worse than being high, no PSA about teaching your children to drink alcohol! That's still a bad thing.

  This morning on the news they did a segment on Ozempic. You've heard of that new drug for weight loss haven't you? It is being heavily advertised and promoted. In some cases, assistance in acquiring that drug is available. Now it turns out that Ozempic may also be an effective treatment for "moderate alcohol use disorder." I'm guessing that is when you are only drunk some of the time, first I heard of that condition. Sounds like an amateur alcoholic. But I'm told by taking Ozempic you may be able to control that urge to drink, it has worked in studies. I wonder if they were obese people, getting drunk some of the time, and took that Ozempic. Then they didn't want to eat or drink. Well, a few million dollars of studies should provide the answer to that one. Maybe it was people with diabetes that quit drinking alcohol after that injection. Interesting to note is that Ozempic is even more expensive than Insulin. Another win for the pharmaceutical companies. 

 Skinny and sober is certainly a win-win. The miracle of medicine. Now to find a drug for "moderate marijuana use disorder." Apparently that has become an issue and parents need to guard their children from that. It was explained that the long term effects of pot could be severe. Yes, being a stoner is a real possibility. Interestingly there was no mention of the ill effects of inhaling that smoke. The implication was it isn't being smoked. So I guess the danger of lung cancer and other respiratory issues is being avoided altogether. 

 All we really need to be concerned with is the normal development of the brain, and no one has died from abnormal brain development, those people are usually the life of the party. It's all good as long as you stay "cool" man. And that is what your parents should be doing, teaching you how to remain cool. Just like in the old days when parents taught kids how to drink. The subtle change being, back in the day parents told their kids drinking was bad, they shouldn't do it. Those parents were subject to arrest and prosecution if they enabled that activity in any way. Today the PSA is, join the kids, show them how to be "cool." No worries about how they got that stuff, no worries about any of the legalities, just don't become a stoner, man. It's all good, dog.

                                                                            

Annoyed

  I had an individual leave a comment on one of my postings declaring that I was an angry person. I was amused by that as the person commenting isn't the person I was talking too. That happens all the time and I expect it always will. If there is a flaw to social media it is that you are, in reality, standing upon a soap box. You can't expect to have an interpersonal relationship on a public platform. The result is you will receive positive and negative comments. I have noticed the negative comments are far more frequent, in every case, not just mine.  I do not claim to have "my page" where others are not allowed to leave their comments. I smile when I hear that, that was my post and you shouldn't be on it! Look, if you don't want any comments, don't post anything. It's really quite a simple concept.

 I understand this person feels I'm angry because I wasn't in agreement with them. Hear that often these days. There is even a campaign whose stated cause is; stop the hate. Well, I don't hate anyone. There are a few I just don't like very much, I avoid them altogether, others I disagree with on many topics, but will discuss whatever with them until the name calling starts. There are still others that I just find annoying. Those folks just buzz around like flies, an annoyance. But even a fly can be amusing if you really watch them. And yes, there are times when I am annoyed and post sarcastic remarks. Sarcasm doesn't work well on social media. You really do need to include the "rest of the story." Yeah, I miss Paul Harvey. The truth is I miss a lot of stuff from the past, the price of getting old I suppose. I miss the days when most things were just taken at face value. Today people tend to want to analyze, justify and be empowered. In years past, we just did our "thing" and didn't require permission from anyone else. Take it or leave, your choice.

 I first noticed a bit of a shift when that tv show survivor began. It was a big hit. What is the premise of the show? To lie, cheat, steal and deceive the other "contestants" to win the big prize. What does that say about us. Personally I only watched a few episodes before I quit watching altogether. Reality tv? Yes, I guess it is reality, although back in my day we didn't openly admit to acting in that way. We certainly didn't give out prizes for it! At the very least a pretense of civility and fair play was presented. I do remember when cheating, lying and stealing were considered bad things, not attributes. Did it anger me? No, I found it annoying. Following that MMA, the octagon became popular. A blood sport. Contestants fighting in a cage, like trapped animals, while the crowd cheers them on. Reminded me of the Romans. As of 2023 twenty people have died in sanctioned mixed martial art matches. None in the largest organization however (UFC), just broken bones, dislocations, concussions, contusions and the like. A real civilized sport.

 I am an opinionated person. I'm well aware of that and have never been accused of being a wall flower. I speak my mind. I am also firm in my beliefs. If I said it, I meant it. Sure there are times I wish I hadn't, but that is the cost I pay. I will not just "go along" with the crowd. You can not create traditions by surrendering. Progress doesn't require the abandonment of the past! I'd suggest that progress is built upon the past. Don't we all agree? History is there to learn from it. Simply deciding the lesson is wrong because we don't like it isn't progress. You can't defeat discrimination by discriminating! It sure is annoying when others try to do that. 

 Some time back, on social media, I was called a troll. Haven't heard that in a while I'm guessing some other insult is being used, whatever the popular thing at the moment happens to be. My response was yes, I'm a troll, the truth troll. I will tell my truth, which in my opinion should be yours as well, whether it is the popular thing or not. I am not on social media to win friends or influence enemies. There are those on social media I have never known and others I have known all my life. I treat everyone equally. I have noticed that, for the most part, those that weren't my "friends" all those years ago, still aren't. Funny how that is. Must be something at the core, some force acting within us that makes us aware. Another observation of mine is, "emotions are great motivators, but seldom good guides." 

 The best guide is what is within yourself. Guess that is why we hear so much about influencers these days. The ones warning you about that are the ones wanting to influence you. Many haven't figured that out yet. I was warned about that as a child. Don't hang around with that guy, he's a bad influence. Or, just because everyone else was doing it doesn't mean you should. I was also taught another lesson. I couldn't put any words to that lesson until I heard this line in a John Wayne western: "a man ought to do what he thinks best." That sums it up nicely. If it makes you angry that doesn't mean I am. I'm just annoyed.