What Did We Learn this Week - 10/16/21?

Well I'm a bit behind schedule this week. My internet service has been down for a bit. This morning I and many other New Yorkers in the Finger Lakes were awakened by a Tornado Warning instructing everyone to take shelter immediately. It was at that point that I realized I really don't have any central rooms other than a hallway and I'm tethered to a heavy oxygen concentrator that would probably wrap plastic tubing around my neck as we (the machine and I) flew out across Seneca Lake. That said, I got myself disoriented for a bit but everything is back to normal if there is such a thing in 2021. So, down to business. What did we learn this week?

We learned Steve Bannon has no respect for Congress or the rule of law. We also learned that Democrats in Congress can't get out of their own way when it comes to communicating and acting on holding people accountable. They talked for two weeks about how tough and swift they would be and now we find out that tough and swift isn't really something they know how to be.

We learned some related things about the Democrats. Their base is far ahead of their leadership on many issues. After months and months of time to put a plan together, it turns out there is no real plan on getting voting rights passed. Voting rights, the most basic rights of a democracy will have a test vote next week. This while states are passing more and more restrictive laws on voting. Perhaps they will learn that when marchers in a parade or demonstration overtake the leaders, new leaders appear. More and more it looks like that time has come.

We learned that the Moderna and J&J vaccines will be approved for a booster shot within the next week or so.

We learned about the supply chain this week, something we probably should have known about for some time. We also learned that ports in California will start operating 24/7. Interesting because many people thought they were alreadyoperating 24/7 for years. Some are saying Christmas and the holidays will be ruined but let's be clear, Christmas will be fine. Perhaps a little less materialistic. Wonderful!

We also learned that the tractors that pull those trailers full of goods that we're all dying for, get about 6 to 7 miles per gallon of diesel fuel, that we had a truck driver shortage before the pandemic, that DMV office closings caused problems related to new drivers getting CDL licenses. Too bad all of those railroad tracks were pulled up and removed.

We learned that the media just can't get enough of Donald Trump. They know it and he knows it. He doesn't need Twitter or Facebook. He just says something outrageous and every news outlet has a story on it. Free advertising and promotion and then they'll act shocked and outraged when he does so well in some poll somewhere.

We learned that Jeff Bezos and William Schatner are two peas in a pod. Two marketers who pretend for the cameras. Their sincerity and emotions are pretty phony if you ask me. It looked to me like weightlessness didn't seem to kick in for Shatner. I just wish that a guy who can afford all of these space shots could pay his fair share of taxes.

We learned, not just this week but over time,  that the conservative GOP that exists today is unbridled and power hungry. The people who make it up are interested in controlling abortions, creating voting barriers, gerrymandering. controlling academics and banning books. These are all part of goals that have been worked on and planned over a long period of time. What we see happening in Texas is an example of white power and the desire to control what happens when people of color take the majority. This game plan is exactly what we saw in South Africa. We should not turn our heads or avert our eyes to any of this. We should speak out wherever and whenever we can.

What Did We Learn The Week of 10/9/21?

There's always a lot to lear and here's some of what we learned this week.

We learned that a new study estimates that 140,000 children have experienced the death of a primary caregiver due to Covid or other causes in excess of what occurs in a typical year.

We learned that Elon Musk will move his Tesla headquarters from California to Texas.

We learned that Louis DeJoy is still in charge of the Postal Service and that he is successfully slowing down the mail.

We learned that Joe Biden will not support the use of Executive Privilege for former President Trump's documents related to the events of January 6th.

We learned that Steve Bannon will defy a subpoena  related to Jan. 6th planning, following directions from Donald Trump.

 
We learned that Trump directly asked the Justice Department nine times to undermine the election results.

We learned that the US Mint will recognize the achievements of poet Maya Angelou; astronaut Sally Ride; actress Anna May Wong; suffragist and politician Nina Otero-Warren; and Wilma Mankiller, the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation on new quarters to be issued in 2022 through 2025.

We Learned that Pope Francis found an ally in anti-poverty crusader Rev. Dr. William Barber at a conference on ending poverty held in Rome this past week. "Systemic poverty is not the cumulative result of individual failures. People in power have made choices and written those choices into tax policy, war policy, and government budgets," Rev. Dr. Barber said at the conference. Please listen Joe Manchin and many others.

We learned a lot about Facebook this past Sunday when a former Facebook data scientist went on "60 Minutes" to accuse the company of defrauding its advertising customers and deliberately engineering social division and ethnic strife. Then on Monday, the entire Facebook product family went offline for six hours: Instagram, WhatsApp and of course Facebook itself. Later on in the week, the same whistleblower testified before Congress about Facebook's algorithms and how they influence all of us but children specifically.

We learned that Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitri A. Muratov of Russia were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression something necessary for ongoing peace throughout the world.

We learned that Mitch McConnell blinks on the debt ceiling but that Manchin, Sinima, Schumer and Biden just can't stop themselves from messing up Biden's Build Back Better agenda. Their failure will most likely result in failures in the midterms.

We Learned that children as young as eight may have Covid vaccine availability by the end of October.

What Did We Learn -The Week of 10/2/21?

So what did we learn this past week, around the world and from sea to shining sea? Here are a few things.

We learned the grim fact that 700,000 people have died of Covid-19 in the US. Imagine, 700,000 lives that we most likely didn't have to lose. And we're on track to continue losing lives as many refuse to get vaccinated.

We learned that a jury found R. Kelly guilty on all counts of his sex trafficking case in New York. He faces 100 years in prison.

We learned that Joe Manchin doesn't trust poor people, or at least people who are poorer than him, which includes a lot of us. He hates entitlements. Thinks they make people lazy and soft. He wants to see things means tested. We also learned he's one of the most entitled people in his home state of West Virginia where his constituents struggle with poverty, hunger, medical care, broadband, drug use, and jobs. 

We learned that what the media has been calling Joe Manchin's 'houseboat' on the Potomac is actually a $700,000 yacht (although he paid $200,000 for it, it is insured and valued at $700,000). Oh yes, he hates entitlements.

We learned that vaccine mandates seem to work. Yes some people quit their jobs in various places but as they learned, that's their choice. Employers, healthcare facilities and consumers will all be better off knowing that people providing services are safe.

We learned that California will require vaccines for all eligible children.

We learned that more subpoenas went out related to the Jan. 6th insurrection. This time to people involved in the organizing and planning of the 'Stop the Steal' event.

We learned that progressives in Congress have figured out how to hold strong on issues that are important to them and their constituents.

We learned that no one seems to know what Republicans are in favor of - not the right to vote, not paying our debts, not creating jobs, etc.

We learned that more and more Republicans are switching their name calling of Democrats from socialists to Marxists because they've worn out the socialist critique. Nazis and Marxists are the new attacks.

We learned through a hack of the Oathkeepers data base that over 200 law enforcement officials, currently employed or retired, have links to the organization and involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

We learned that conservatorships like any other law or system can be abused and that Brittany Spears' father is no longer in control of her conservatorship.

We learned that we should all give our heating systems a test drive before temperatures dive quickly.

What Did We Learn - The Week of 9/25/21?

So what did we learn this past week, around the world and from sea to shining sea? Here are a few things.

We learned that it's true. Democrats do have a hard time governing. They may be great at organizing, recruiting candidates, campaigning and policy debates but when it comes to bringing it all together and getting things done, it's harder than it looks in that big tent.

We learned as a result of the above, Joe Biden's entire agenda is in real trouble.

We learned a lot about Haitians. Thousands were crossing the boarder from Mexico into Texas. Most had been away from Haiti itself  for 10, 5, 3 years as they searched for a new and better life in various parts of South America. They traveled thousands of miles to seek asylum in the United States. Brave people.

We learned that there are still those in our government who can and will be brutal and inhumane to other human beings, this time riding on horses and using reins to scare and terrorize people of color who need nothing more than help and hope as they were bringing food and supplies to their families.

We learned that Donald Trump lost the election again in Arizona after people spent millions of dollars and months trying to prove otherwise. He wants to repeat finding out about his loss  in a number of other states and in the end he just builds mistrust in the democratic process of voting.

We learned that Joe Biden won't shield the former President from investigation by the Select Committee investigating Jan. 6. and all of his activities leading up to the events of Jan. 6 will be open to some scrutiny.

We learned that a number of Trump's aides received subpoenas to testify at the Select Committee on events before and during the Jan. 6th. insurrection.

We learned that two more people died in the overcrowded and deplorable jails that serve NYC. 

We learned that NY Gov. Kathy Hochul is sticking to her plan to make sure that all health care workers in New York State get vaccinated or start the process by Sept. 27 or face dismissal.

We learned that China intensified a crackdown on cryptocurrencies with a blanket ban on all crypto transactions and mining, hitting bitcoin and other major coins and pressuring crypto and blockchain related stocks.

We learned that some private landowners and local governments are utilizing goats to help reduce the threat of wildfires in the west.

We learned that Beto O'Rourke is seriously considering running for Governor in Texas.

We learned about the difference in being white, blonde and missing and being a person of color and missing in America.

We learned that Facebook continues to be a place where misinformation and disinformation is able to thrive.

What Did We Learn? - The Week of 9/18/21

So what did we learn this past week, around the world and from sea to shining sea? Here are a few things.

We learned that always remembering the events of 9/11/0, the victims, the city, the other sites, the heroes, the families, the value of unity and pulling together as a nation and as the world are all critically important for our collective soul. These are things that should be remembered forever. We saw it in faces and celebrations of silence.

We learned that all of those respectful remembrances are different than belligerent chants of USA, USA or We're Number One!

We learned that Gavin Newsom survived a recall election and that people are beginning to think about perhaps having losers of such elections pick up the cost.

We learned that militarism and its relationship to money is very, very real. Witness France's anger over a $60 million nuclear submarine deal that was broken between them and Australia and brokered instead with the United States and Great Britain. No one is hiding it anymore. It's all about the money. Not even a discussion about more nuclear reactors, more nuclear weapons, more aggressive action against advisories.

We learned some awful things about Kabul. A drone strike that had been touted as a perfect attack on bombers and attackers actually was an attack on a civilian vehicle killing innocent adults and children. We learned that countries can and should admit to these mistakes. We know however, that many other deaths of civilians have been caused by drone strikes over the years. We know that Daniel Hale received 45 months in federal prison for reporting on the methods and many other attacks.

We learned that everyone, finally, seems to be concerned about the dreadful and inhumane conditions at the Rikers Island prison in NYC. Some prisoners have been in that facility for over a year without even getting a hearing in court. Others have languished for much longer fo minor offenses. Now we'll see who does what.

We learned that people will continue to fight with each other over things that should never require fighting. Things that were once easily accepted as common sense, looking out for one another and basic public health standards. People attacking each other physically over things like wearing a mask or showing proof of vaccination.

We learned that Joe Manchin continues to look out for Joe Manchin and that neither Democrats or Republicans really know how to govern. Voting rights, infrastructure, the economy be damned when it comes to these folks we sent to Washington.

We learned that Donald Trump vocally supports the people who attacked the Capitol and that he wasted more of our tax dollars by providing limousine service and extended protection to millionaires in his administration along with his adult children. We also learned that he still hasn't been held accountable for any of his actions.

We learned that Norm McDonald passed way too soon but left us with lots of good humor and laughs.

Bezos Flight and Fancy

I was drawn to the launch of Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin like millions of others. My guess is that it has something to do with the excitement of watching the human quest to do more or to be first. But my interest was quickly turned to scorn, pity and some real disgust as I realized the depth of the inequality and arrogance of rich, privileged, white men represented by Bezos. He hasn't been very visible in my world until yesterday. I had never seen an interview or any in depth coverage of him as an individual. My sense was that he was a bit reclusive other than sending some x-rated selfies to a new woman friend.

But all that changed yesterday. He exposed himself very clearly as the new age colonialist of our solar system and perhaps all of space. It began with the visual of a grown man attempting to be a down home boy with his old cowboy hat versus a helmet for a space flight. I should have known at that point that we were all in for a not so pleasant ride.

Commentators began talking about the public, private partnership that had led to this day. How a private company (not just one by the way) was creating all of this new technology for the government (actually for the highest bidder). Of course all of this came with some government support, contracts, etc. Wait, hold on! Jeff Bezos, the wealthiest man in the world, is getting government support and contracts? Let that sink in for awhile. Another great partnership that your government has gotten you into. The wealthiest man in the world, the man who pays little to no taxes is getting taxpayer support for his projects into space. Hmm..

Up, up and away, but not for long. A return to earth and a capsule surrounded by more wealthy people wearing more cowboy hats in adulation of their friend, benefactor, shaking bottles of champagne in the heat of Texas at 8:30 in the morning. None of this seems right at the moment.

When Bezos speaks, he speaks about space colonization. He describes the world he envisions for everyone else, where all industry is moved to other planets to save this one. Earth will just be for living. Industry and work will be elsewhere. He compares this vision to his creation and development of Amazon. Everything starts small. Today is just the beginning. He sees nothing wrong with the fact that no one else has had anything to say about what he's proposing. He's thought it out, he's figured it out for all of us and he promises there are absolutely no other planets like this one in our entire solar system, so there.

As any good patriarch does, he thanks all of his Amazon customers and employees, who he acknowledges actually paid for his few minutes in space. It all ends with him handing out $200 Million in Courage and Civility awards that he must hope, help cover and forgive a multitude of sins and omissions.

All of this is in the best and truest of the capitalist traditions and it would be unpatriotic to think anything ill of it. Yet at the end of the day, the poor continue to be poor, the homeless continue to be homeless, workers continue to be exploited for profit by a few, and the endless wars continue. Our planet is dying and suffers from the abuse we all continue to put her through. Mother Earth, wars, hunger and poverty aren't just part of a game played by wealthy, privileged, white men. They represent billions of people who need community, who need help and support. Jeff Bezos, no matter what he thinks, doesn't have all the answers.

Donald Trump's Legacy - An End to Democracy

At this point I believe that democracy as we knew it in the US, ended in 2020. Many will find it hard to accept. Others will say that it hardly existed in the first place. But Donald Trump's legacy is that he and his Republican partners have in fact brought an end to democracy in the US and the same end to democracy is now spreading internationally.

It was easier than anyone thought. No blatant coup, no nuclear arsenal let loose, no troops deployed. It proved to be simple really. Lies, lies and more lies told over and over again and pushed through a disinformation campaign using the media and high tech companies to communicate the message.

Initially there were Republicans who were as horrified as anyone else at the gross untruths and methodologies but once people in that party's leadership realized the potential for their power-base everything changed and it changed dramatically. People may not have come on board until a few months into 2021 but the big lie had been seeded right after the 2020 election.

Yes, the big lie ended it all. It makes some feel good to continue to refer to it as a lie but in fact none of that matters since the lie has become enough of a truth for enough of the people. Yes, what killed democracy was the accusation of fraud in the general election. The allegation of widespread fraud, real or imagined is now an accepted tactic to be used in every election with a recognition that the allegation itself is enough to sink the results. Even if a winner is declared and certified, the people who declare and certify are determined to be part of the fraud. And just so it's clear, this tactic can and will be used by any party who loses an election.

Add to all of this legislative efforts to suppress and reduce voting rights which makes voting itself more difficult and more controllable. It becomes pretty clear that democracy doesn't have a chance in this environment.

None of this means that democracy can't come back. It can but people need to realize that it will be a fight like no other. It will require commitment and belief. It will require cooperation and negotiation. It will require radical confrontation with powerful people. Sadly, it will most likely lead to some level of violence by one side or the other and possibly both. Institutions of government as we know them, the House, the Senate, the Courts will all most likely undergo major changes. It will take brave people to stand up and speak truth to power.

I have no idea how any of it will end but I do know that this is Donald Trump's legacy and he has lots of partners.

Andrew Cuomo - Stay or Go?

I am no real fan of Andrew Cuomo. In the years that I worked in the nonprofit sector in NYS, I saw how he operated. He would create highly complicated systems to replace structures that already existed and may have required some minor tweaking. He would demand public support for his initiatives without opportunities to review and discuss. Many times he would ignore the needs of vulnerable people and the people who supported them. And yes, he was mean spirited, aggressive and vindictive. New York tough as he would say.

Over the past month, allegations have been made about his treatment of women. Some may sound more plausible than others but all should be investigated and taken seriously. Having said that, I think the calls for his immediate resignation or impeachment are premature and not in the best interest of justice or best practice. Due process is important for everyone. The women making the allegations and the Governor all deserve due process and I think the NYS Attorney General is capable of making sure that occurs.

The reality is that Andrew Cuomo has few friends. His tough guy persona, his take no enemies approach, have left him very vulnerable. His lousy relationship with the press, his lack of public accountability certainly don't serve him well in this crisis. But his likability shouldn't really be the issue here. A timely but patient, impartial review of facts should be the path to follow.

Is it possible to keep politics out of all of this? Probably not but we should try. The last thing we need is the hypocrisy of politicians and some members of the press who wouldn't or haven't spoken out about other powerful men and their abusive actions towards women over the past four or five years. Pretend outrage doesn't serve anyone well. Acting as though Democrats are the only people touching women inappropriately is ridiculous at this point in our political history.

So, although I don't agree with him on everything, Andrew Cuomo has done some positive things in his tenure as Governor. He has led well during a number of difficult times. He is flawed like the rest of us but does deserve a process rather than a lynching.

Ineffectiveness and Hypocrisy of Congress

Here we are, in the middle of a pandemic, with a change in power and massive needs of our populace. Businesses are hurting, people are struggling and parents are just trying to cope. On top of all of that, a mob of thousands attempted to use force to change a democratic election. You would think that such times and issues would be a call to action, quick and deliberate action, by our elected officials in Congress. 

No - we have quickly settled into the ineffectiveness and hypocrisy that Congress and other levels of government are known for. Both major political parties are to blame. Finger pointing and obstruction, self serving back patting and showmanship, all of these things are on full display in this "new" Congress.

Imagine, a new President, legitimately elected by the majority of voters, has to struggle to get a Cabinet appointed. What are the objections and concerns? After four years of someone bashing everyone on a daily basis on Twitter, the concern now by Republicans and Joe Manchin is "mean tweets" by a nominee for a Cabinet post. Hypocrites. Or, the people who confirmed someone as unqualified as Betsy DeVos are now super concerned about competency in specific fields.

Both parties seem to have two speeds when it comes to getting anything done - slow and slower. First things first for them - three or four days of work every week and vacations and breaks before and after vacations. Very efficient. Then there's the committee structure or "lets gum up the works asap". Yes, there are public hearings where Senators and House Members play to cameras, make speeches instead of asking meaningful questions and where they always go over a silly five minute per speaker rule. Every once in awhile a Chairperson comes up with a radical idea to give everyone eight minutes. True hearings would allow trained and competent legal staff from each side the ability to ask the needed questions.

The Democrats have a one vote majority with the Vice President voting, except they don't really because Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema are pretty much always a question on important issues. So, they can't get rid of the filibuster, can't get some nominees approved and have to tip toe around lots of issues. 

Covid relief should have been passed already. The John Lewis Voting Rights Amendment Act has been hanging out there and should have been passed already, along with The For the People Act, first introduced and passed in the House in 2019 to expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws to reduce the influence of money in politics, limit partisan gerrymandering, etc. But no, they sit in the Senate waiting, waiting while states like Georgia pass new Jim Crow laws preventing people of color from voting. Thirty five states or more now have voter suppression laws pending or being drafted while the Senate waits. Yes, there are over 200 laws to suppress votes currently in state legislatures.

People want to argue about bipartisanship. These are the same people who pushed through judicial appointments and traded them for many of the 500,000 Covid deaths that have occurred  The same people who held up all sorts of legislation and voted over and over again to do away with the Affordable Healthcare Act. Interesting that now bipartisanship is so, so very important. The county's support for change should be the measure of bipartisanship, not the whims of old white men who mostly have been in office too long.

Attacks on Andrew Cuomo are the latest example of hypocrisy, both on his part and on the part of the people attacking him. Everyone has known for years what his management and personal style are like. He is a bully who holds grudges and pays people back for any lack of loyalty. Again, these are known facts. People have kowtowed to him forever. Now suddenly, everyone is appalled at his style of governing? Pretty disingenuous to me. He's the latest though to fill the vacuum left by the last bully in chief.

In the end, pressure has to be put on Congress and government on all levels to move more deliberately and swiftly. The inability of government officials to act in the interest of people is an embarrassment to everyone.

The Republic May Not Survive

Can a Republic survive with such a weakened two party system? I'm not sure that it can. In America, the GOP has gone into a total downward spiral and it doesn't look like it can recover. The silence of GOP Senators, the closing of their eyes and ears in reaction to an attempt to hold Donald Trump accountable is amazing. What's on display is the selfishness of GOP elected officials. Their only concern is what personal impact any of this has on them. Will they be reelected? How will they be viewed? Were they quoted accurately in any reports about the insurrection. They are not loyal to any democratic values or at least they don't seem to be. They do not seem to be committed to any sense of justice. All of these things are what makes me think the Republic may not be able to survive. It also makes me realize that the Republican party has left a lot of people and it will suffer. But so will all of us.

Watching the Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump also points out how dark things really are in terms of people's beliefs. People who may look normal when you meet them on the street or in the coffee shop. We have to think about what made people believe absolute and clear lies about the 2020 election? What has caused people to hate so much? Why were people prepared to assassinate elected officials on January 6th? How could people who cloak themselves as patriots, feel that they had or have a right to overthrow a government? There is no question that these people believed the lies they were fed and they were totally loyal to Donald Trump but why so dark, so destructive?

I have no answers. I just know that we're in a very bad place. A demagogue and autocrat may have helped  get us here but our troubles go much deeper. People of goodwill need to work at and find solutions.

The Lies of The Insurrection & Other Lies

I, like so many of you, have been struggling with the visions and the reality of the violent insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021. We will be reviewing and analyzing the event and its participants for months and perhaps years to come. It was disheartening because of the violence, venom and hatred that was so much a part of it. The destruction, seeing people ram rodding their way into the Capitol. I've tried hard throughout my life to espouse a nonviolent life. I have struggled with being true to those beliefs now and then in both thoughts and deeds. Seeing the actions of the rioters and insurrectionists at the Capitol was one of those times when I questioned my beliefs for a few moments.

As we look at the videos of the rioters it's also easy to question the actions or inactions of the Capitol Police. There was one vision though, looking out from one of the doorways of the Capitol building into a sea of people moving toward the entrance that made me empathize with some of those officers. What were you to do with little back up? What could you do? But again, those are questions that will be asked in the coming days by lots of people.

At this point I'm more concerned with trying to understand the insurrectionists. I'm trying to understand why they were so ready to do violence and harm not just to property but also to fellow citizens including police officers and duly elected representatives. Where does their hate and mistrust come from? How is such a cult formed when there is clear evidence that their beliefs about a valid and overwhelming election are easy to prove as false? If their radicalization comes mainly from an individual repeating a lie over and over and over again, then we do have to take the lier and his enablers much more seriously.

The other thing that strikes me are the people who believe these rioters were part of or lead by Antifa. Yes, some continue to believe this even with fresh evidence from videos and the arrests. It's stunningly clear to me that white supremacists were a major part of this insurrection. It's becoming clearer that there were members of police departments from other jurisdictions. People with military backgrounds are shown to have participated. A gallows was built and brought along and screams of hanging Mike Pence were shouted in and outside of the building. This was not some boogeyman from the left, this was right wing white supremacy in all of its glory. The sad truth is that people, including the President used the term "patriots" as a code word for violent behavior and overthrowing the government. Red Caps have now become symbols of a riot, an insurrection and a murder. 

All of this is crazy behavior that has little to do with arguments about First Amendment or Free Speech rights. The fact that over a hundred Representatives in Congress and a dozen or so Senators supported the lies about the election (in some cases their own) and encouraged people to come and attack them and their workplace is beyond bizarre. There may be serious consequences for these people relative to their unethical behavior. We shall see.

We will learn more shortly about conspirators and co-conspirators, connections to people in high places and cooperation, planned or not. All of this will challenge us and our values. Values like "all men are created equal", truth, community, democracy, personal responsibility and reconciliation. But we need to be prepared for some shocking revelations and most likely additional attacks on people and institutions. All of it will be able to be traced back to one common thing - lies, lies and more lies.

Plenty of Blame for Insurrection

It's always easy to blame others for what's going on. It's also easy to say we're shocked at what happened. I'm speaking of course about the insurrection that took place in the Capitol building of the US on January 6, 2021.

But let's be clear. This insurrection started when Donald Trump rode down the escalator at Trump Tower in NYC as he announced his run for President in 2015. Yes, that was before QAnon even existed. We knew who he was then. Trump's campaign sucked in the Main Street Media. First they laughed at him but they followed him and gave him continuous airtime. The media fed on his showmanship. They were at and covered all of his rallies. Free campaign coverage throughout his campaign. Now they're shocked at the evolution of his revolution. Fox has exploded in popularity and NewsMax is a new media leader of the right and QAnon is a major terrorist organization.

After Trump's election, more and more people began to see the danger of his autocratic regime. Policies and appointments made clear the direction of where things were going. As people in his administration helped to identify the hot buttons of hate and discrimination and saw the support that was out there for these concepts, there were others who began to see the danger. In the end though it was easier to become an enabler.

Journalists with their eyes more clearly opened began to see the hatred and danger. They began reporting on the separation policies of mothers and children in cages, the racist policies and the right wing demagogue living now in the White House. 

Their warnings and the warnings of others who saw the danger fell on deaf ears. Sadly there was something else happening. Trump's language and grievances unleashed others who felt the same way. If some were blinded, Charlottesville should have opened their eyes.

But all along the way there have been those dangerous enablers. They were made up of people taking advantage either to make a name for themselves or to have their own policy beliefs implemented. We all saw people being manipulated. We all saw and heard the repetition of the lies. We saw his family members  and hangers on taking on the role of spokespeople and interpreters. 

The bottom line is that it's easy to blame the violent mob and rioters. But we have to look at each other and in that process we have to look at the police and their policing. We have to look at the Senate and their failure during impeachment. The House of Representatives has become a place where conspiracy theorists stand and spout lies.

The worst part of what's happening is that the insurrection continues in Congress and in the White House. We better understand that.

What's Happened To Us?

America has always been presented as the best, the brightest, the most generous, the most democratic country in the world. Americans have presented themselves and their country in this way as they've traveled or as they sat home living their lives among their families and friends and in a wide variety of communities - large cities, rural communities, small villages and hamlets.

But then Donald Trump came along and impacted not just America but the entire world. Sadly, he represents something much bigger and longstanding - selfishness, hatred, bigotry, bullying, power and superiority are all part of it. His greatest and most relentless harm though is in his repetition of lies that feed on people's mistrust and sometimes hatred for their own government. Honestly, most people have this mistrust of government or management built into their DNA. Like anything else, some of it is deserved and healthy. It's a mixed bag when it comes to anti government promoters. There have been great and important anarchists over the centuries as well as dangerous and crazy ones. Conspiracy theorists haven't helped. But those who have wanted to exploit this mistrust have had a field day.

Certainly none of us like to be pushed around by government, told what to do or what to believe. We like to think we have that independent streak that built America in the first place. On the other hand, a concern for the common good and for people in trouble pulls at us from another direction. Some say it's religious beliefs, others say it's just a basic quality of humanity. There are values at work here - basic values of dignity, fairness, equality, compassion, empathy and more.

But here we are in 2020 and something has gone seriously wrong after four years of constant spewing of alternate realities. We let one man feed our anger and frustration, our fear of each other. We've stood by and watched over 300,000 of our fellow citizens die. Somewhere we became numb to the magnitude of that number. But it gets worse. We've allowed some to feed on the fear and hate of brothers and sisters of color. It has been a long time coming. Institutions meant to protect us all - police and courts have discriminated and hurt and, in too many cases, killed people in our name. Over the past few months we have watched executions ramp up as a Presidential term ends. We have seen even somewhat progressive states and governors continue to house large numbers of prisoners in close quarters during a pandemic and not even think about where these souls will fall on a priority list for vaccinations.

In many cases the pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in people. There are certainly heroes in public health, clinics and hospitals but then look at the anti maskers and party goers who seem to enjoy putting others at risk as they celebrate their independence. There are other selfish people like corporate leaders taking money meant for small businesses, churches and synagogues fighting legal battles to act irresponsibly with the lives they are purporting to serve. Businesses refusing to follow restrictions. Politicians celebrating their independence from facts and science.

Yes, we all need to look at each other and talk to each other about what we've become during the past four years. Why have we failed each other so badly? Why did we become so callous about the deaths of so many people? Why didn't we all rise up sooner and louder and more effectively? Most importantly, we have to ask will we let it happen again? 

When All Is Said And Done

There are many reasons not to vote for for Donald Trump but let's be honest, some of them or perhaps others could also apply to Joe Biden. There are policy differences and liberal, progressive, moderate and conservative goals that millions of Americans can discuss, argue and fight about. There are people on both sides that when you look at them your blood may begin to boil and real hatred starts to rise from the tips of your toes to the top of your head. That's the political reality that all of us are sharing right now.

Here though are some of what I believe are the disruptive, hateful and in a few cases, criminal policies of Donald Trump and his administration that in my mind just can't be tolerated. My own belief is that they violate basic principles and values of the country I live in. It begins with a personal policy that dehumanizes and makes fun of marginalized people. Personally I find this beyond reprehensible. But that's really just the beginning. Our country has moved to a policy of locking up people crossing our boarder. Poor people, women, children and families have been separated and put in cages and detention for seeking asylum. In the most immoral and unethical situations, children have been separated from their parents. In 500 plus cases, our government has been unable to find the parents of the children who have been separated. This isn't about immigration policy. This is about separating families and it will have negative consequences for everyone for many years to come. Remember, this policy was implemented to deter and punish people seeking asylum.

Using language and social media platforms that encourage violence and disruption against those who disagree with you is never helpful. Misleading people and telling outright lies isn't something anyone should strive for. Bullying tactics shouldn't be celebrated. None of this is normal behavior.

Worst of all though are the deaths of close to 230,000 people in the United States due to the Covid-19 virus. Many say that a large portion of these deaths could and should have been prevented. Some would say there has been criminality in these deaths through negligence and intent. Families and healthcare workers have suffered through this process. All of us have had our lives upended with no end in sight.

But here's the bottom line. When all is said and done, whether we agree or disagree on Donald Trump's policies, can any of us honestly say that four more years of living like this is something we should look forward to? When all is said and done, couldn't we all use a break from an environment of arguing and worrying on a daily basis? If we can't agree on policy, let's just agree on the mental health of our country. That to me might be the simplest reason to vote Donald Trump out of office.

Mitch McConnell's Shameful Behavior

It is absolutely amazing that Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, can find a way to fast track the appointment of a Supreme Court Justice but can't find the time or wherewithal to pass a much needed Covid-19 relief package. That's right, he and it would seem most of the GOP Senators, are fine with rushing the Supreme Court appointment while some 20 million people are unemployed, countless small businesses are waiting for much needed help and millions of people worry about mortgages and rent. 

How is it possible that a man and his party are so tone deaf to the needs of fellow citizens? Power and control of the courts seem to be the answer. Obviously there are people in this country who have wanted and worked for this control of the courts for a very long time. Who knew that it would be at the expense of fellow citizens to this extent.

Rushing this appointment will have many long term percussions. The Senate and the Court will suffer long term consequences. The Senate has always been a place where processes and debates have been slowed to make sure some bipartisan solutions can be reached. The Court has been viewed as a place where the law vs politics has been the preference. But now as millions of Americans are suffering economic difficulties and millions of others stay home in fear of their health and lives, we see the worst of political gamesmanship.

Mitch McConnell is a multimillionaire who seems to care little about everyday folks. He has accumulated power and wields it over a nation. I doubt that he recognizes how much anger his actions and inactions have generated toward him and his party. We shall see if he pays the price. 

This Is Not A Drill

Yes, we are in serious trouble and no, this is not a drill. 

In case you haven't been paying attention we have a leader who is an authoritarian, antidemocratic and a demagogue. His belief is that if he doesn't win the upcoming election, it is rigged. His latest moves are to threaten that he will ignore the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power if he doesn't win reelection on Nov. 3. No matter what you think about voting, elections, candidates or process, the peaceful transfer of power is what separates democracies from dictatorships. 

The President of the United States says his power and authority are "total". They are not. He has made it clear that he will do anything to keep this fictional power and authority. He touts how well he has managed a health crises that has killed over 200,000 Americans.  In the middle of a highly contagious pandemic he invites his own supporters into arenas where no masks or social distancing are required. Yes, he is putting people's lives in danger by not following guidelines from his own administration. Recently he has threatened to override a decision by the Food and Drug Administration relative to the release of a vaccine for Covid-19 building more distrust in national health policy. He has ordered and used force against his own people. He praises violence against journalists. He has called for "able-bodied" pole watchers. He will create and use enemy lists to punish citizens and opponents. He will pack the courts to make sure he remains in power and that his policies will continue for years. He will not act in the best interests of his country. He has confused people about mail in ballots and instilled fear in people about the institution of voting.

What do we do? Certainly people need to vote. People need to think about how and where they vote. This year more than ever, every voter needs to find out and understand what the local rules are relative to mail in voting as well as in person voting. We need to talk to each other and support each other as voters, families, friends and neighbors because this Presidency and election have put people at odds. The tension, fatigue and exhaustion is being felt by everyone. We're facing things like western forest fires, hurricanes, a pandemic, unemployment and educational struggles. People are stressed and looking for some type of answers and relief.

When fascist leaders appear on the world stage they are sometimes ignored. At other times they are challenged both internally and externally. People will put up with a lot it seems, but at a certain point, people of conscience begin to speak up and act. Conscience is an interesting thing. We all have it. We all struggle with it at some point in our lives. Sometimes we are able to ignore it or tamp it down. There are other times when it screams out at us and demands action. War, violence, injustice, dishonesty, hurtful actions to minorities and damage to the common good are the types of things that make a conscience stand up and act. For many people the criteria for conscientious witness has been met.

There may be more difficult things that people need to be prepared to do. Massive civil disobedience may be required. People like to talk supportively about peaceful protests but let's be clear, civil disobedience and mass arrests may be a necessary response to the actions of a dictator. If it comes to that, these protests will not be pretty. Noncooperation as a response to authoritarianism has a long and valued history in resistance movements around the world as well as in this country. Study up.

He Knew That It Was Deadly & Airborne.......

We are witnessing crimes against our own citizens. Call it what you will - negligent homicide, crimes against humanity, stupidity - the fact is that most likely 100,000 people in the United States have died unnecessarily. They were doctors, nurses, first responders, people of color, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. They were people of means as well as middle-class, the poor and homeless. They all died of Covid 19 during a time when the President of the United States knew that this virus was deadly and airborne, a virus that all of us could be breathing and passing on to one another. What a tragedy, and what a waste of human life this has all been and sadly it continues.

It has to be said. Donald Trump is a fascist and an authoritarian. Do not be fooled. He is not pro life. He has caused these deaths through inaction and for his own selfish purposes - his re-election and the protection of his power. He has continued to downplay this virus right up to the present moment. He mocks the use of masks. He has controlled messaging from scientists.

It's asked many times what people would have done during Hitler's time, when atrocities were being committed on a daily basis against Jews and others? People have always been quick to point fingers against those who stood in silence or worse yet, those who supported those actions. Well our time has come. We can stand by, lower our heads and ignore the facts. We can cheer him on as many have, or we can stand up to this horrific administration and its leader. We can speak out. We can stand up to his power. We can help remove him from office.

As with anyone in power like this, there are many around him who bare responsibility. They knew from both intelligence reports as well as from medical information and projections exactly what was going on and what was happening. They were there from the beginning of this crises and remain today. They should be ashamed and should also be held accountable.

His excuse is that he wanted to avoid panic. This is just not believable from a man who tries to instill hatred and panic on an almost daily basis as he talks about caravans, the second amendment, dangers in the streets and in the suburbs, law and order, and racism. He has separated families and put children in cages. He has incited hatred in his followers. The only panic he was concerned about was in the stock market and the economy.

Justice demands that Donald Trump is removed from office and that he and his administration are held accountable for causing so much death and hardship for tens of thousands of Americans. These injustices can't be allowed to stand.

Return to Schools Decision Is Heartbreaking

Watching and listening to all of the discussions taking place about children returning to school in the middle of a health pandemic is truly heartbreaking. Parents, kids, teachers, administrators and communities are all struggling with the decisions they have to make. Sadly there is no national leadership or direction to this critically important issue other than Donald Trump saying "schools have to open". Of course everyone is in agreement on schools needing to reopen but the critical issues are when and how to do it safely for all of us. I really fear that we are heading for chaos and danger for everyone if things continue to go as they seem to be going right now - every district trying to plan on their own, with little assistance from the state and federal governments.

There really doesn't seem to be recognition that without the correct planning and protocols in place, community spread will be the result of these reopenings. Why is it that we all seem to be in the mindset that school has to take place from September through June. It's a nonsensical, made up calendar that can and should be changed based on the threats that school districts and children face. People have talked about lengthened or shortened academic years forever. Lots of things should be possible relative to annual calendars but there is nothing that says schools have to open in September. 

The worst thing is that everything we are all facing was predictable - the confusion, the anger, the threat itself, the economics, the spread. Yes, everything we're facing was predictable over the past 3 or 4 months. All of that time could have been spent on a national response or it could have been spent on a true shutdown to get the Covid 19 virus under control. But instead, we've argued among ourselves about mask wearing, parties, bars reopening, if children are immune, etc., etc. Yes, we've wasted time, critical time and now a false calendar deadline puts pressure on all of us. 

The answer still exists - take the necessary time to get this virus under control as other countries have done. Yes, it's going to take us longer now but that's because we didn't do it right the first time. We all just have to bite the bullet and realize that a national shutdown based on positivity data is a necessary response at this point and that will take national leadership. If the President won't do this on his own, then elected officials in a nonpartisan way along with public health officials throughout the country have to stand up to him and make it happen.

Look no further than your children and grandchildren to see that it has to be done. Yes it's heartbreaking. Every decision being made or worse, not made, is heartbreaking. But all of us could certainly stand down for two or three weeks, stay home and wear masks.

"Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation" John R. Lewis

Everyone should read the last words published by John Lewis. You can read them here. They are powerful words for all of us but especially for the young people involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. John Lewis is speaking clearly to a younger generation, offering them a hand  to rise up onto his shoulders. He understood the need and passion for change better than most. He understood the costs and the pain. That's why he offered his support and wisdom. He's warning us that it won't be easy. It never has been. But he's offering leadership and support that is so lacking from others.

Don't be afraid to speak up and speak out. Don't be afraid of the consequences. Depend on each other. Build bridges within movements, not walls. When you see injustice, don't let it stand, do something about it.

Let's all remember what a radical he was. He wasn't always loved. He certainly wasn't loved when he sat down in the well of the House of Representatives and led other Congresspeople in a sit in there. Also always remember that he was radical in his nonviolent resistance throughout his life. He knew and understood nonviolence. He understood its political power and its ability to force his antagonists to face their own hatred and anger. 

We owe John Lewis a great deal but he already knew that and he accepted what we gave back to him humbly. The real challenge now though is to read those words he wrote and not just today but many times as battles ahead are faced. Finally, let's celebrate the leader that he was with the wisdom to reach out to the young people who are in the streets today and tomorrow. 

The Night We Became The States of America

It was June 1, 2020 a little before 7pm. A large group of peaceful protesters were cleared from the streets surrounding the White House in Washington, DC. They were pushed quickly and violently from the area by Military Police, the Federal Park Police and the US Secret Service. Loud smoke bombs, rubber bullets, shields, tear gas and mounted horses were used in the attack on Americans in their own land at their own Capitol. It was eerily familiar to people who had marched in places like Selma to see these sights.

At the same time Donald Trump spoke from a podium in the Rose Garden. There he read a statement filled with words that will go down in history, reminding people that they had elected a pretty crazy person who didn't understand the Constitution that he took an oath to uphold. His statement was both sad and shocking. He referred to himself as the law and order President and yet mentioned nothing of George Floyd's illegal death in Minneapolis . He said he was defending peaceful protesters as he was having them removed from the streets around the White House. He threatened to send Federal troops and the military into individual States. He spoke of domination, similar to the ways some police across the country dominate citizens.

After that, this man who had been mocked about his being taken to a bunker in the White House, walked over to St. John's Church as if he wanted to show off his bravery and manhood. He took the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who was dressed in fatigues, with him. It was for a photo op with a Bible at a place of worship. It ended up being an expression of impotence and incompetence. A faked attempt at messaging.

Having said that, it was also a visual announcement to our country that we had formerly become, under Donald Trump, the States of America. We are no longer united in any way. The reality show President has taken us to this place. Yes, he has taken us to the worst reality show Presidency that anyone could ever imagine. No, sadly we are divided. We have soldiers and police following orders that in their hearts, they may know are questionable. There are Cabinet members and White House staff and Senators and Congresspeople who don't know what to do next. Governors have been threatened to follow Trump's orders or be damned.

All of this should sadden the entire country and the world. It seems the United States is gone. Its remnants are a mess. Donald Trump created his carnage and his swamp. Institutions have been torn down. Competent people have been removed from critical jobs and functions. All of this has happened in the middle of a pandemic that has killed over 100,000 Americans.

So here we are the States of America, looking for answers, struggling for solutions and we all watched it happen formally on June 1, 2020. I fear it is not over.