Joy to the World

There appears to be some manner of controversy surrounding the proper labeling of the holiday season.

While we do our best to spread good cheer among our circle of friends and family during this special time of year, let's also keep in mind that we we are not an intrinsically Christian nation but rather a happy conglomeration of cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. For us Christians, the season is a celebration of the birth of one of world's great prophets...Jesus of Nazareth; God made manifest in the world. To our Islamic-American, Jewish-American, and other  brothers and sisters residing in this land of plenty, this is also a season of celebration, each joyously participating in their own unique manner.

So in the spirit of inclusiveness, I wish my Christian brethren a very Merry Christmas and to the vast array of others rejoicing in this time of love, reconciliation, and redemption...a very Happy Holiday.

I just checked and have it on very good authority that JC would want it this way!

The Legacy of Fred Rogers

Recently, while watching the documentary 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' I was reminded of Fred Rogers' revolutionary impact on our culture and the lasting legacy of peace, kindness, understanding, and love he has bestowed upon a society not always accepting or entirely cognizant of his message or the impact of his life's work.

For nearly five decades, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood invited America's children (and open minded adults) into a world where their feelings and needs were regarded as valid, necessary, and essential to a sense of self still in the process of development. Implicit in his message throughout the years was the belief that all children (young and old) have an essential integrity and are to be regarded with equal respect. He consistently delivered this underlying theme with a caring gentleness of spirit that permeated the confines of the 'neighborhood' while providing a safe and predictable structure in which the world of the child was deeply understood, validated, and honored.

In so doing, Fred Rogers posited an alternative mode of being and a challenge to a prevailing male archetype. In a culture infused with conflict where violence (especially among the male population) is variously accepted, promoted, celebrated, taught, valued, and otherwise revered, his peaceful, kind, and loving presence stood in stark contrast with the surrounding ethos of the society in which he was operating and attempting to change with each visitation into his special world. Not surprisingly, his efforts, while universally praised by early childhood development experts, were met with resistance by segments of the larger society who felt his affirmation of 'just the way you are' was a repudiation of the concept contained in 'earning your way' and consequently yielded a generation of entitled citizens expecting recognition for their 'special uniqueness' instead of earning their way in the real world of competitive striving. Accordingly, he became the object of ridicule, scorn, and mean spirited defamation probably in direct proportion to the extent to which he simultaneously was challenging the prevailing paradigm of acceptable male behavior and societal norms.

In the meantime, the children and whomever chose to accept the wisdom of his implicit teaching continued to benefit by the persistent example of this gentle revolutionary. Thank you, Fred Rogers for inspiring us to see the world through the eyes of a child, reconnect with our abiding innocence, and help forge the path of the peaceful warrior toward a better tomorrow.

An Embarrassment of Riches

I'm sure that the following sentiment is highly subversive but I'm really experiencing difficulty mustering any enthusiasm for the 9 million dollar, winner take all golf match between Tiger Woods and Phil Michelson to be held on Friday in Las Vegas. The prospect of two gazillionaires playing golf for additional millions, being sponsored by the bazillionaire Capital One Bank, and underwritten by the mega-bazillionaire AT&T while over 5 million working families in the U.S. continue to languish in poverty this Thanksgiving somehow fails to inspire interest in watching this spectacle at the citadel of materialism.

Jim Acosta and Press Freedom

It was beyond ironic to hear Trump lecture reporters earlier today on the subject of 'decorum' when commenting further on the removal of Jim Acosta's White House press pass and on a judge's order to reinstate same.
Confrontational journalism involves walking a fine line between showing respect for the subject at hand and one's responsibility to ask the tough questions of those in public positions of power. Indeed, respectful confrontation with those in power is an essential aspect of serious and responsible journalism. We need more; not less of it to uncover the truth behind the omnipresent obfuscation we are all experiencing in these confused and troubled times. I think that Acosta has kept himself on the correct side of an acceptable line and that his unpopularity with the Current Occupant does not therefore render him wrong, inappropriate, or otherwise worthy of sanction or any other form of public rebuke from the one person who has consistently disrespected just about everyone within his poisonous orbit.
The freedom of the fourth estate to provide a check on the powerful and an unfettered delivery of information to the people who employ them is an indispensable aspect
of a full functioning democracy. Long live independent journalism!

Election Day

For the past two years, I have been writing about the emerging majority of citizens who are proving an alternative voice to the established leadership of both mainstream political parties. Today a coalition of young first time voters, women, African-American, Hispanic-American, college educated white Americans, and other previously under represented groups will perform the sacred duty of democratic citizenship by voting in record numbers. The authenticity of progressive candidates such Beto O'Rourke in Texas, Stacy Abrams in Georgia, Andrew Gillum in Florida, and scores of other down-ticket hopefuls throughout the country has resonated across ideological lines and engendered a level of enthusiasm for real change in our political life while offering an emphatic repudiation of the current administration. As Leonard Cohen poetically predicted in song: 'democracy is coming to the USA'.

My America

Please join me as we visit a not atypical day spent in San Francisco....

Yesterday, while attempting to hoist into the back of the Subaru a 150lbs. box containing an appliance set for return to the dealer, two strangers (City workers from a job site across the street) came over offering assistance and promptly lifted the 'bad boy' safely into the vehicle and then said that they were happy to help me upstairs with the new box after I made the exchange...one guy was Hispanic; the other was African-American. I gave thanks with handshakes and a farewell wave.

While at the dealership, I was guided through the appliance exchange process by a delightful Asian-American woman (Alex) who took special care while assuming personal responsibility to ensure that the exchange was conducted seamlessly to my satisfaction. We said goodbye with a hug of appreciation.

Back in the neighborhood, I was greeted at my favorite coffeehouse by three of my favorite counter staff: Crystal who is Asian-American; Claudia, from Barcelona; and Nissian who is from Mongolia. Laughter and good natured banter accompanied the delivery of my latte and croissant as we shared our day's experience.

The next stop was the local Safeway where I was soon engaged in a lively discussion about the latest Warrior victory with the produce guy Dave (African-American) and store manager Randy (Asian-American) as we stood in a circle completely absorbed in conversation and oblivious to the world around us.

This is the America I know...where the concept of 'the other' does not exist; where we gather in friendship, with mutual interest, in assistance to each other, with laughter and goodwill, with an open and fearless heart, and finally with an unspoken awareness that we are united in this very precious moment by our common, shared, and glorious humanity.

The Need To Finally Renounce Saudi Arabia

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent call for a cease fire in Yemen is as late arriving as it is likely disingenuous. The world has been asking for accountability for our support of the criminal assault on the Yemeni civilian population conducted by Saudi Arabia for nearly four years. Providing munitions, tactical support, and clandestine special operations on behalf of the Saudi war effort has rendered us complicit in the ongoing war crime of deliberately targeting civilians while also aiding in the blockade of the Port of Hodeidah, which has halted the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people and materially contributed to widespread disease and famine throughout the country.

Together with the revelations related to the likely Saudi murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the continuing bombardment of one of the poorest countries on the face of the globe, we finally have been brought to the precipice of some sort of reckoning with regard to our role in allying with perhaps the most brutal and undemocratic regime in the world. I think George W Bush said it best: 'when one gives aid and comfort to those engaged in terrorism, he then becomes a terrorist'. In a rare statement by a mainstream journalist, MSNBC's Chris Hayes suggested yesterday that it is now long overdue for the United States to actively disengage from our association with Saudi Arabia and its war in Yemen. In so doing, perhaps we might begin to rebuild our international standing in a world that increasingly no longer looks to us for moral leadership.

Let Them Vote!

In addition to the more overt attempts at voter suppression in places like Georgia and Kansas at the hands of a pair of unscrupulous state secretaries (Kent and Kobach), there exist another alarming factor that is likely to inhibit the vote on December 6.
Footage of early voting at polling places throughout the country has revealed absurdly long lines of voters waiting for hours to cast their ballots. A top priority of any election policy maker in a well functioning democracy should be to ensure the ease with which voters can access their polling sites and to facilitate a smooth and efficient process.
Voting is a sacred privilege that should be protected, preserved, and made easy for citizens to exercise; not a burdensome drudgery intentionally rendered more difficult by those who seek not to enhance the vote but rather discourage it.

McConnell, Irony, and An Unlikely Republican Role Model

Mitch McConnell said that he was surprised that the recent massive tax cuts have not 'paid for themselves'. Really?!...a major source of revenue is eliminated, spending is increased by 3-5% and you're surprised that a larger deficit has ensued?! Looks like the old 'trickle down' argument/perfidy has failed once again. Real conservatives would be well advised to refer to the last administration to balance the budget for guidance...you know the 'Democrat' who out 'Republicaned' the Republicans in the nineties with welfare 'reform', fiscal austerity, and deregulation. That's right, none other than Slick Willy...the guy Republicans have been taught to hate but who actually enacted more conservative measures than the current administration has even begun to contemplate. How's that for cruel irony?!

Want to cut 'entitlements'??!!..start by ending the policy of subsidizing the massive cost overruns from an obscenely bloated defense budget!! And while you're at it...seriously consider extending the government sponsored health care benefits for members of Congress to the rest of the population!!

A Dubious Ally

Trump's reluctance to publicly denounce Saudi Arabia and the brutal dictatorship of its monarchy should come as little surprise as the support of and dependence on this country's reigning royal leadership has willingly existed for many decades under the auspices of both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Our complicity in the proxy war with Iran currently being waged in Yemen, which has resulted in the displacement of millions and the death of hundreds of thousands through overt violence, the presence of untreated disease, and an  ongoing famine had been the most recent example of our role in aiding in the enactment of war crimes against one of the poorest countries in the world. This aid has come in the form of massive arms sales and actual on the ground assistance in bomb targeting and a variety of special ops clandestine activity within the Yemeni boarders. Of course, the reliance on Saudi oil reserves has been a perennial and underlying cornerstone of our friendly policy to this thoroughly undemocratic regime.

The revelation of the likely murder of long time Saudi journalist and consultant to the royal family, Jamal Khashoggi, at the hands of Saudi operatives within the walls of the Saudi Embassy in Turkey has underscored the moral dilemma of our support of the Saudi regime in light of this current atrocity as well as the aforementioned brutality being perpetrated upon the Yemeni population.

Instead of condemning, reevaluating our relationship with the Saudi government, or stating our intention to hold the those responsible for this crime accountable, Trump rather shamelessly announced the economic necessity to maintain the symbiotic relationship with one of our largest clients in spite of its apparent horrific transgression. In so doing, Trump elevated the value of economic gain over that of an adherence to the value of human rights. In light of ongoing antagonism directed to members of the press in calling them, among other things, 'enemies of the people', Trump's statement is hardly surprising. Fortunately, his hand might be forced to abide by the Magnitsky Act which mandates global enforcement of the US law allowing the imposition of sanctions and the freezing of assets upon any country engaging in the violation of human rights.

In a ideal world, the brutal murder of a Washington Post correspondent and a permanent resident of the United States at the hands the Saudi regime would cause us to abandon our relationship with such a dubious 'ally'. Under our current leadership, such a principled position seems sadly unlikely.

A Profile In Courage

In response to commentary that suggests that, because of Dr. Ford's vague and partial memory of the details of her assault, we cannot verify her truthfulness, I offer the following... Incomplete memory of specific events surrounding an instance of sexual abuse/assault is a well documented and confirmed characteristic of victims of such an event. The one memory that Dr. Ford was certain of was the identity of her attacker. The existence of the former does not diminish the veracity of the latter. Aside from the frankly paranoid claim of some sort of involvement in a left wing conspiracy, what possible reason did Christine Blasey Ford have to lie under oath and thereby to expose herself to doubt, ridicule, and the threat of death? Her courage will forever stand in stark contrast to the desperate, hysterical, mendacious, and often unhinged testimony of the alleged perpetrator.
She had the temerity to challenge a system of generational privilege and misogyny with nothing to gain save the revelation of her truth, which has mirrored the experience of so many left to suffer their trauma in isolation for decades. She forever will be remembered for this act of courage while Kavanaugh retreats to his exalted and orchestrated place on the highest court in the land and will now speak behind the cover of a tainted black robe.

My Worst Fears Realized

In the  aftermath of the recent absurdly truncated FBI investigation the parameters of which were blatantly dictated by the White House, we are now experiencing the manifestation of the adage 'history does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes'.
Much like the premature closing of the Thomas confirmation hearings in 1991 by Joe Biden as he lifted his gavel, leaving 10 witness in support of Anita Hill literally standing in the hallway, so too the Kavanaugh hearing will almost certainly be brought to an end with a reported (well sourced) list of over 40 witnesses, in support of the allegation of sexual misconduct/assault against the current nominee, never to be allowed to share their testimony.
This obviously incomplete inquiry makes a mockery of any stated desire to fully investigate the issues relevant to the nominee's character and fitness for office. As a result, Kavanaugh's appointment to the Supreme Court will forever be tainted with doubt regarding the veracity of the claims made against him not to mention the evidence implicit in his most recent senate testimony of extreme partisan bias. Perhaps more importantly, the integrity of the Supreme Court itself will now be put into question by virtue of this man's presence on it.
As Mr. Dylan said: 'It's not dark yet but it's getting there'.

The Need For A Paradigm Shift

When a crime is committed, when one human being has wronged, abused, violated, or otherwise injured another fellow member of the larger community, both people are victims: the latter as a result of the crime at hand and the former as a result of perhaps years of neglect, abuse, conditioning, and/or any number of factors that have contributed to the degradation of this particular soul, resulting in the current misdeed.

A truly compassionate society recognizes that both victim and perpetrator are in need of healing...each represents a wound at once proximate and distant that requires attention and care in order for the community to remedy a breech of trust and begin traveling on a path leading toward reconciliation and wholeness.

Would that we be such a brave people, a courageous nation of visionaries to look beyond the paradigms of guilt/innocence, victim/perpetrator, good/bad in order to embrace the underlying reality of our common humanity.

The Need For Emptiness In A Time Of Clamor

During the witnessing of genius made manifest by the masterful virtuosity of Yo Yo Ma last night at the Greek Theater as he performed Bach's six solo cello suites, the audience had the opportunity to be taken into the rarified empty space that both artist and composer inhabit and which enables each to become a conduit through which the Devine may express Itself.
This, in turn, reminds one of Emily Dickinson's exquisite poem about a very similar state of being:
                      I'm Nobody! Who are you?
                      Are you - Nobody - too?
                      Then there's a pair of us!
                      Don't tell! they'd banish - you know!

                      How dreary - to be - Somebody!
                      How public - like a Frog -
                      To tell one's name  - the livelong June -
                      To an admiring Bog!

Ms Dickinson brilliance here brings to mind the utter contrast between the empty space of artistic creation and the mad clamor of the contemporary political scene and perhaps the dire need for the latter to learn valuable lessons from the former.
Yo Yo Ma's expressed desire in the presentation of Bach's Suites at this time was 'to provide sustenance and comfort in a time of stress'. Much like Pablo Casals' Song of the Birds (played as thank you to the Berkeley audience by Yo Yo after two and one half hours of continuous recitation), which was performed as inspiration to the Spanish people in the grip of Franco's fascism, so too Yo Yo has offered us solace, comfort, sustenance, and hopeful vision in our darkened time of turmoil and
encroaching despair.
The Frog will continue to announce itself with loud vacuous bluster to the Bog of the day but, in the end, it is the clarity of the open, empty space, brought to life by some heavenly ambassador; some gifted Nobody, that will ultimately lead us into the light.

Ignoring The Obvious

If one holds that Judge Kavanaugh is innocent (and apparently a victim of a vast left wing conspiracy) of the allegations at hand, then one must also believe that Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is either lying or is delusional (and apparently part of an orchestrated and vast left wing conspiracy).
If after listening to the testimonies of these two individuals, one still comes to the above conclusion, I would pose just one more question to that person: What is the color of the sky in your world??!!

New Hope for the Kavanaugh Nomination Process

I am somewhat encouraged by the bipartisan compromise reached by Senators Flake and Coons that was reluctantly accepted by McConnell (he knew that he did not yet have the votes) to order a one week FBI investigation into the Kavanaugh nomination in light of recent allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against the nominee. As I have recently shared with my friend Rich Osborn, am also hopeful that our sisters from Alaska and Maine will allow Dr. Ford's simple eloquence and compelling authenticity to resonate with them when assessing their final vote. Senator Manchin is difficult to read and his West Virginia affiliation renders him a more problematic 'no'.
Although I am a seasoned observer of the North American political scene and, as a consequence, barnacled with the appropriate amount of jaded cynicism, I nevertheless have trouble accepting the dismissal of Ms Ford's deeply human and courageous testimony especially as it so thoroughly contrasted with the hysterical and sometimes incoherent (the revenge of the Clinton's?!) diatribe by Kavanaugh followed closely by the completely unhinged rant by Senator Graham as he sensed his cause was in serious trouble. These were the death cries of a species of animal whose extinction is imminent...two recipients of a system of white privilege the days of which are numbered. With the full vote on the Senate floor now set for a week hence, I remain hopeful that we will witness acts of legislative heroism equal to Dr. Ford's excellent example.
A reservation regarding the aforementioned compromise is that the arbitrary limit of one week imposed upon the FBI will render the investigation incomplete in terms of a full examination of the allegations currently at hand. I fear that a less than thorough vetting of all factors in this case will result in a similar outcome as the Clarence Thomas hearings wherein Judicial Committee Chairman Joe Biden abruptly adjourned the proceedings with a line of witnesses supportive of Anita Hill left standing in the hallway; their potentially relevant testimony forever silenced. An incomplete investigation here could easily result in a similar miscarriage of justice. With that caveat stated, let's keep a good thought for the revelation of facts heretofore unexplored by the senate committee and for an impartial and just conclusion to this otherwise flawed process.

The Politics of Expediency

The ongoing subtext to the dysfunctional Presidential narrative was shamelessly articulated by none other than Lindsey Graham earlier today when he unapologetically declared that Trump will continue to receive his support as long as the preferred Supreme Court nominees are confirmed, tax cuts for the 1% are made permanent, 'entitlement' programs are slashed, the bloated military is fed a steady and increasing diet from the national treasury, and wealth disparity is maintained indefinitely. His only proviso was that he required DJT to replace Sessions with a confirmable AG and that the Mueller investigation be allowed to proceed to its natural conclusion. In other words, the status quo is acceptable as long as it continues to service the extreme right-wing agenda proscribed by the Federalists/Mercer/Koch/Project For a New American Century overseers and until such time the current momentum is stopped (temporarily) by the legal findings of Robert Mueller. Soon thereafter, Graham and the other legislators who do the bidding of the their corporate masters will be more than happy to usher in Mike Pence to perpetuate the assault on our democracy as the tail of the dinosaur wreaks havoc upon our societal landscape while in the midst of its death throe.

Peaceful Warriors

As the bell continues to toll, perhaps we might turn our attention to the legion of 'warriors whose strength is not to fight' who, like Saint Francis, have experienced the horrors of war and chose to spend the remainder of their days on Earth sowing the seeds of peace while repudiating misanthropic expression in all of its ugly forms. These are the heroes we might also want to honor: the 'underdog soldiers in the night' who continue to be sent to their doom by old men in soft chairs; the countless poor boys eternally sent 'off to fight the rich man's war'.
'Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God'...Saint Matthew, the good priest from Assisi, Bob Dylan, and Steve Earle have not forgotten their legacy and neither should we.

Respect!

Tiger Woods has recently admonished us to respect the office of the Presidency. I agree and suggest that this respect should be modeled by the current office holder.

Here Comes The Blind Commissioner

As Beauregard fights back, perhaps making himself the most ironic defender of justice in history, Trump can be over heard saying: 'my kingdom for a modern day Robert Bork'!!
In related news: 'they're selling postcards of the hanging and painting the passports brown; the beauty parlor in full of sailors, the circus is in town'!!

An Alternative Judge of Character

If, as Trump suggests, Paul Manafort is a 'good' and 'brave' person, it certainly is not reflected in his defrauding the American people of millions of unpaid and evaded tax dollars, enabling international mobsters/oligarchs access to the highest levels of American government, and consistently lying about his nearly $60 million in hidden off-shore bank accounts.
Apparently in DJT's alternate universe, Manafort's actions are consistent with virtue, courage, and honesty. God help us all!!

The Disturbing Absence of Outrage

In light of today's indictments of twelve Russian operatives in the hacking of computers and the theft of files from the DNC and the DCCC (previously well documented in the book Russian Roulette by Corn and Isikoff) as well as the outright interference in the American electoral process, the president should have immediately expressed outrage at this intrusion into the functioning of our internal institutions, demanded  the extradition of the accused, considered  the expulsion of key Russian diplomats, confronted Vladimir Putin with this finding, and praised the investigating efforts of his intelligence agencies. Instead, the White House issued a statement focused only on the administration's culpability in the matter. In so doing, Trump (once again) abdicated his responsibility as the leader of this Republic in condemning the war-like actions of a foreign government against the people of the United States. His lack of proper response to these attacks resembles the actions more of a Manchurian candidate than a national leader.

Refusing to Observe the Obvious

It was interesting to note how MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell chose to frame the recent election of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the House of Representatives as some sort of a demographically determined (in fact, she drew widespread support) anomaly while ignoring 1) the overwhelming margin of victory 2) the fact that she was grossly outspent 3) that she brought out the vote (an essential element to any Democratic strategy going forward), and 4) that she spoke to progressive issues that the Democratic establishment has heretofore thought 'too risky' to address.
What entrenched party apologists like O'Donnell fail grasp is that Ms Ocasio-Cortez's victory was not a fluke but rather a signal that progressive policies in fact resonate with people across a broad range of demographic categories and that the open discussion of these issues is being embraced as a fresh antidote to the stasis far too long embodied by traditional Democratic candidates. Congratulations to Alexandria...you go on ahead with your bad self, girl!!!

The Basics

In response to Trump's inability/unwillingness to simply say he is sorry...A real man will apologize when he is wrong. It's called: accepting responsibility for one's actions.

Beware Of The Righteous

As Jeff Sessions and Sarah Huckabee Sanders invoke Biblical reference in defense of the Administration's immigration policy, one can almost hear the echo of those forefathers who in the past defended the laws that sanctioned the enslavement of human beings, the formal designation of a black person as something less than a full citizen (see the Dred Scott Case), and the denial of a woman's right to vote by citing the Bible as their righteous justification for otherwise immoral behavior and unjust policy. Another sad case of the past as prelude...equally true today as was in Shakespeare's time.

The Need To Clear The Air

Whether it be the inappropriate remarks and the use of the c-word made by Samantha Bee in reference to Ivanka Trump, Roseanne Barr's racist diatribe directed toward Obama's former advisor Valerie Jarret, our president calling a citizen exercising his First Amendment right of free speech 'a son of a bitch' or Robert DeNiro hurling a very loud f-you in the direction of Trump himself...with each unkind, hurtful and/or hateful verbal expression we further poison the air in which might otherwise conduct meaningful, difficult, potentially healing, heartfelt, and well intended dialogue. In these divisive times, we can chose to widen the gap between ourselves or perhaps opt for a path of mutual understanding in spite of the inherent difficulties associated with such an objective.
At short piece written and posted on my blog earlier in the year (1/17/18) was an attempt to underscore the need to dispel the entire notion of 'political correctness' and the poisonous backlash to it that is so much in evidence in today's national discourse. Perhaps we might want to consider a slight reworking of the golden rule: 'say onto others as we would want to be addressed'. The invocation of this principle is especially difficult and equally required in response to ill-intended invectives. To respond in kind to hateful speech is to be complicit in its continuance.

Terror In Our Midst

The latest example of state sponsored terrorism is currently being perpetrated on innocent children on our southern border. The only 'no tolerance' policy that should be under consideration is the utter unacceptably of the inhumane practice of separating families and isolating vulnerable children. We all are witnessing a crime against humanity. This is not a political question; it's a moral one. We must be better than this. The world is watching and history will judge us accordingly.

The Manly Art of World Football

In response to those who use the instances of histrionics in the game of football/soccer to label it an 'unmanly' endeavor, allow me to offer an alternative viewpoint. Flopping is unsightly regardless of the sport in question. The irony here is that football/soccer actually requires a full range of athletic talents not the least of which is toughness and courage...a midfielder going for a 50/50 ball while knocking heads with his opponent; a striker being tackled at top speed by a defender with studs up against the shin bone; a goalkeeper reaching to punch away a shot as defenders confront him head-on. All this without the benefit of pads (save two shin guards). Add to this, the conditioning required to run (often at top speed) anywhere from 10 to 12 miles per match and you have the definition of a skillful, courageous, and tough minded athlete. The diving/flopping/simulation popularly displayed (often to discredit the sport) is belied by the actual reality of what is required to play this demanding mental and physical game.
Please enjoy the World Cup and the athletes therein with an open mind/heart, appreciation, and joy.

Workers Unite!

A dark day for our country....class action legal action is the only way in which the average American can achieve affordable redress for workplace grievances. Thanks to today's  Supreme Court decision, agreement to binding arbitration now will become a condition of employment. As Dylan said...'you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears; bury the rag deep in your face for now is the time for your tears'.

Gina Haspel and the Institutionalization of Torture

In the wake of World War II, the Tokyo Trials were convened to prosecute Japanese war criminals for their treatment of American prisoners of war and their utter disregard for the human rights of those captured and detained in horrifying conditions. One of the common crimes for which these perpetrators were convicted (and sentenced to as many as thirty years in prison) was the act of water boarding. This practice has been internationally recognized as torture and has been universally condemned as barbaric by the vast majority of the civilized world.

Today the Senate of the United States of America, voted to confirm as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency a person who presided over the implementation of a policy of systematic and regular water boarding and other means of 'enhanced interrogation' (a grim euphemism) in a CIA Black Site facility in Thailand during the dark days of rendition in the aftermath of 9/11. Gina Haspel also supervised and ordered the destruction of video evidence of these crimes and thereby thwarted proper adjudication in the future.

In so doing, the United States senate has confirmed an individual who stands aligned with her Japanese counterparts of nearly eight decades ago who were found guilty of crimes against humanity and who today, instead of standing in front of an international tribunal, is taking her place atop the largest intelligence gathering and spy agency on the face of the Earth. Standing beside the newly confirmed CIA director is a president who declared with proud arrogance in 2016 that he 'fully supported water boarding...and much, much worse'. Today's action gives renewed, sobering, and clearer meaning to Santayana's ominous admonition: 'Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it'.

Headwinds

While running directly into a 25 mph headwind on the back stretch of the Polo Fields last week, I reminded myself to relax, focus on form, and 'flow into the wind'. It has since occurred to me that the this phrase also suggests a useful metaphor as to how to address the difficult challenges we all face in life. It is always easy to flow while experiencing the aid of a helpful tailwind; much less so when the winds of adversity blow hard against our best efforts. These latter moments often trigger defensive, tense, and guarded reactions which serve to exacerbate an already challenging situation rather than acting as calming and healing agents. Perhaps a pause before action followed by a measured flow into that confronting headwind will yield a more desirable result in the present and set a conciliatory tone for future endeavors.
So when the next zephyr enters unannounced...unclench those fists, relax the wrists, take a deep breath, and try flowing into that opposing wind.

A Time For Responsible Action

In response to a reader's inquiry as to whether I am advocating total gun confiscation in the wake of the recent school shootings in Florida, allow me to give a brief outline of what I have in mind on the subject. Responsible legislation that will provide for improved criteria regarding background checks as well as a comprehensive ban on military grade assault weaponry among the civilian population are the issues here. Law enforcement has been calling for such measures for years precisely because eliminating this type of armament in the society at large substantially improves their ability to do their job.
In addition, states in which gun control legislation has been enacted have experienced significant and measurable reductions in gun violence. These legislative changes do not infringe upon law abiding citizen's  right to own fire arms for personal protection or for sporting use. This issue need not be reductive to a zero sum game of either/or alternatives but rather a reasoned look at the realities at hand in order to reach a meaningful consensus as to how to deal with this growing societal problem.

Nice Try

Just listened (I'm a bit behind on current cultural events) to Fergie's rendition of the National Anthem at the NBA all star game. While the performance had some degree of comic value, she also should be given a degree of credit for trying to render a very difficult and mediocre song a bit more palatable to the ear. If only it were possible to negotiate a copyright transfer with Canada, France, or England to obtain a tune worthy of our stature (don't say what you're thinking!). Oh well...keep trying, Fergie!

Going Nowhere Fast

It begins to dawn on one that he might be getting a bit older when, encountering sustained 35 mph headwinds, his regular six mile training run suddenly seems to be an exercise of running in place!

Ineffective, Incapable, and Utterly Incompetent

A commentator lamented recently that the president only has limited ability to effect change with regard to the epidemic of gun violence in this county. To this we can respond by saying that with (temporary) control of both chambers of congress, you'd think the leader of the ruling party might exercise some measure of influence on the matter at hand. This, of course, presuppose an inclination to do so which this president completely lacks.
His aim in running for president was to improve his brand and was as shocked as anyone that he actuality managed to pulled out a victory. Trump has been clearly over his head from the outset, suffering from a severe personality disorder, consistently indifferent to and incapable of implementing policy, and utterly devoid of a moral compass. Add to this list of attributes a propensity to hang out with underworld thugs, both homegrown and of the international variety. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the 45th president of the United States...better known as the ideal Manchurian Candidate. We all should be embarrassed to be represented by such a man.

Dereliction Of Duty

In light of the interim findings and subsequent indictments emanating from the Mueller Investigation, it is especially galling to realize that the current administration, instead of seriously considering the claims of Russian interference with the political/electoral processes of the United States, rather chose to bury its head in the sand while also placing it firmly in another part of its anatomy. Concerned more about preserving the fragile ego of a president so thoroughly absorbed by perceived threats to the legitimacy of his election and possibly the real knowledge of its involvement in the now exposed conspiracy to defraud the American people, this government has failed in its responsibility to protect its institutions and citizens from the encroachment of a foreign adversary hostile and opposed to the best interests of this nation. The further extent of the complicity of this administration in these criminal acts will be become more clear as the investigation continues to unfold. One must now rightly suspect that much more is yet to be revealed in the ongoing exploration involving governmental corruption of historic proportions. Stay tuned.

A Required Change

Amid the current tumult and clamor surrounding the current White House, if one listens carefully he might hear the increasing call to end the occupation!

The Prevailing Need For Civilized Gun Control

In the immediate aftermath of the recent Florida school shooting, I read a statement by a fellow who was upset that his AR-15 assault rifle might be in danger of confiscation claiming that it was 'his favorite weapon for self defense'. Hopefully, he will soon need to reconsider his options as the casual acquisition of these deadly instruments of destruction are now under serious scrutiny. As for commonplace self defense...a 22 caliber hand gun or rifle will suffice when an appeal to local police and more peaceful efforts to eliminate an immediate threat have utterly failed.

The numerous gun owners, hunters, and recreational shooters I have known throughout the years have all subscribed to responsible and intelligent fire arm usage and ardently supported thorough background checks and a serious limit or outright ban on the sale of military grade assault weapons so ubiquitous in today's American society.
The militias referred to in the 2nd amendment have long since been replaced by a robust legion of domestic law enforcement. Possession of a AR-15 rifle is not inherently guaranteed by our constitution; to claim otherwise is a serious misinterpretation of phrase: 'the right to bear arms'. There is no need for the presence of an arsenal of military assault weapons among the citizenry in a civil society. Let's follow the lead of other major industrialized countries (Germany and Japan spring to mind) and take decisive action to enact thoughtful legislation to curb the widespread and indiscriminate proliferation of domestic armament. Although the NRA is loath to admit it, gun control and the preservation of responsible gun ownership more in line with the individual rights originally envision by the founding fathers are not incompatible concepts.

The Shape Of Love

Had the pleasure of viewing 'The Shape of Water' last night...far and away the best movie I've seen this year. Guillermo Del Toro's multidimensional metaphoric and magically magnificent masterpiece resonates on a variety of levels simultaneously. It is an embrace of 'the other', a powerful demonstration of truth speaking to power, a renunciation of vile and racist classism, a tender romantic love story, a renunciation of hierarchy, a testament of courage prevailing over fear, an exposure of the surreality of mythical history, and a celebration of the enduring human spirit in confrontation with institutional cruelty. Perhaps the most deeply realized and artistically rendered theme, however, was that the principle of Universal Love is at once ubiquitous, ineffable, and constantly available; its essence, fluid and transparent...the shape of water.

A Rudderless Ship

While putting to one side DJT's pronouncement that the initial (not the notoriously offensive one) meeting with members of congress was the greatest meeting in the history of meetings, it must be said that it allowed the viewing public an opportunity to see their representatives actually positioning themselves in a forum where bipartisan statesmanship could take place. Unsurprisingly, the 'meeting' was largely vacuous with our president ultimately failing to deliver a clear directive regarding DACA to the congressional members charged with the responsibility in enacting this important piece of legislation along with a continuing resolution to avoid a governmental shutdown.

DJT lack of leadership was predictable from the beginning of the administration as he has never shown much interest (or intellectual curiosity) in matters of actual policy, preferring instead to delegate to others the implementation of a rather broad and often vague 'conservative' agenda the nature and details of which the president seemingly does not comprehend and in which he is unwilling to actively participate. In the meeting cited above, he actually stated at one point that, being an outsider, he was now turning the matter over to those assembled to 'work out' and return a piece of legislation that he could sign. It sounded good but unfortunately did not provide any clear direction (especially to those of his own party) in terms of what was meant by the phrase 'legislation that he could sign'. The chaos that has followed this lack of direction is evident in the indecision of these lawmakers as they now attempt to decipher the conflicting, confusing, and unclear messages from the White House.

Trump's indifference to detail and penchant for deflecting responsibility for the actual running of an organization should not come as a surprise. As biographers David Cay Johnston (The Making of Donald Trump) and Wayne Barrett (The Greatest Show On Earth...) have illustrated at length, DJT is first and foremost a showman, concerned primarily with the perpetuation of his self-designed grandiose image while displaying neither the curiosity nor the aptitude for mundane matters of actual executive leadership. This lack of command and its accompanying chaos is now on full display as all parties scramble to sort through the confusion, address the crying needs of children seeking family preservation and a path toward citizenship, and keep the government afloat while the ship's captain is content to remain asleep at the wheel.

They All Make Me Squirm

I'm not entirely clear on which of the following is the most unnerving: Mike Pence's perennial death stare of blind allegiance, deep adoration, and unwavering true belief; Lawrence O'Donnall's casual condescension; Chris Matthews' false hardball/hard-ass persona; or Paul Ryan's incessant and insipid smirk. As Dylan famously said in song...'I had to rearrange their faces and give them all another name.'
 So many opportunities for annoyance, so little time!

The Fourth Estate Under Renewed Attack

After viewing Spielberg's The Post, one is left with sobering realization of how far we have devolved with respect to the way in which a free and independently functioning fourth estate and it's sources are now regarded. Whistleblowers and those agencies who courageously publish their findings to the American people based upon the principle that only an informed public can properly govern itself are now vilified as 'enemies of the State' and, instead of being praised for their efforts to inform and educate, in many cases face jail time. In the latter days of the Clinton presidency and into the Bush/Chaney regime, Thomas Drake attempted to expose a secret NSA program of surveillance on American citizens (Trailblazer Project) and was summarily persecuted and eventually prosecuted under the Espionage Act. Former CIA analyst, John Kirakou, was similarly persecuted and jailed for exposing the agency's torture program in the post-911 era. 

New York Times reporter, James Risen was thwarted and eventually threatened with imprisonment for his revelation of wide spread illegal, secret, and unauthorized wiretapping of American citizens during the height of the Iraq war frenzy. The Times itself opposed Risen's series of articles until it had to relent because of the impending publication of his book which promised to expose the paper's previous resistance to the dissemination of this important story. The irony was complete as Risen received the Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism for this seminal and courageous piece of reporting. Though it all, he steadfastly refused to reveal his sources and was subsequently indicted by the Obama DOJ on espionage charges which were overturned by the Supreme Court. Lest we mistake the attack on investigative journalism as the purview of one particular political party, it should be remembered that Obama invoked the Espionage Act in pursuit of journalists on more occasions than all other administrations combined.

The relentless pursuit of journalists and their sources by an unsupportive government continued in the case of Wikileaks publication of Chelsea (Bradley) Manning's exposure of military abuses and governmental misinformation in Iraq resulting in a 35 year prison term after her prosecution for espionage and sending the publisher into exile. Similarly, ex-CIA employee and intelligence contractor Edward Snowden's revelations regarding the illegal domestic and global mass surveillance programs conducted by the NSA under the direction and administration of both the Bush/Chaney and Obama regimes and the subsequent publication by Wikileaks also cast both news agency and its source as criminal entities rather than conscientious journalists attempting to inform an otherwise unsuspecting citizenry.

The Post gave one a glimpse into a time where governmental overreach and mendacity were exposed by the courageous efforts of journalists and those who inform them. The same efforts continue today but do so in a dangerous environment of attempted suppression, actual vilification, and impending threat to the role of the fourth estate as a necessary check on governmental excess and malfeasance. Daniel Ellsberg is celebrated by many as a hero who helped end the illegal, tragic, and unnecessary war in Vietnam by bringing to the light of day the decades of official governmental lies upon which our engagement was based. It is indeed sad to realize that, had Ellsberg operated in today's political climate, he too would be either banished into exile or condemned to spend the remainder of his days in indefinite detention.

The Power Of The Words We Use

A number of apologists now seek to explain DJT's recent remarks regarding immigrants from certain countries of origin as merely an expression of 'tough talk'. Their 'argument' seems to involve some vague reference to the value of plain speaking in an age of political correctness and therefore the president is to be excused (even praised) for what most of the civilized world considers to be an unhealthy combination of vile, undignified, racist, and thoroughly inappropriate hate speech.

Perhaps a positive outcome to this otherwise unfortunate and embarrassing moment of verbal debasement will be to finally put to rest the entire notion of political correctness as a real phenomenon to be defiled and resisted in the name of freedom of expression. The issue has never been a culturally mandated manner of speaking but rather a matter of simple civility, kindness, respect for the feelings of our fellow citizens, and a recognition that the words we use have far ranging implications and consequences as how we regard each other and how we might choose to live together in a future, mutually affirming, national community.

Preserving Friendship In The Age Of Trump

At a recent political forum, one of the participants cautioned that we should not allow differences of opinion to ruin otherwise important relationships and to resist hate in favor of love. This sincere and well intentioned statement did resonate with me as I am often impressed and surprised by the ongoing connection I continue to enjoy with many people with whom I disagree (R's and D's alike). A lingering question remains as to the exact nature of the viewpoint, values, and/or vision for America that Donald Trump represented which impelled so many to place their trust in him. I am genuinely curious about this. I suspect that a common answer will involve some version of the 'unacceptably of the alternative' narrative which accompanied my previous inquires with some of the aforementioned friends. It's likely that Clinton voters (many of whom were reluctant supporters) would also offer a similar argument and also would include the criteria of competency, governmental experience, and intellect to justify their preference.

I did not support either candidate because of differences on a wide range of issues as well as personal preference. That said, it must be confessed that if I had resided in an contested swing state, my vote would have been cast in favor of effectively maintaining a status quo with which I had frequently and, at times, vehemently disagreed in order to avoid the chaos which was believed would occur by choosing someone I felt was wholly unqualified and temperamentally unfit for the job in question. Through it all and to this day, I have earnestly and respectfully questioned the decision of the chums who helped place the current president into office. My hope is that the country will mirror the survival of my valued friendships as we collectively attempt to navigate these troubled waters.

Two Faces of America

While engaged is a recent discussion wherein the respective character traits of Obama and Trump were compared and largely contrasted, it was observed that the current occupant of the White House had made his moral shortcomings rather apparent for all to see well ahead of the campaign but was nevertheless elected to the highest office in the land. It was further opined that the two men embodied very real and, in many ways, rather opposite elements of the American psyche. This led to the following hypothetical question: Is it possible synthesize, reconcile, or otherwise integrate these seemingly disparate aspects of the same culture with the idea of making the nation whole again? One of the participants offered an emphatic NO to this inquiry which led to a rather gloomy outlook.

If the internal divisions are truly irreparable and the polarization irreconcilable then we very well might have the makings of another civil war or an actual internal coup d'etat. We already have a government working to undermine its own institutions, a growing number of ultra right wing militia armed to the teeth itching for a fight, and reactionary elements in both the military and in domestic law enforcement. As stated earlier in this blog, we might be just one terrorist attack, false flag contrived or otherwise perpetrated, away from the imposition of martial law and/or the dissolution of a free society as we have come to know it....many have argued at length that the process of societal degeneration is already well underway. The country is ailing; the patient must heal itself or face the real possibility of demise by its own hand.