Accountability Now

In response to the dubious suggestion that the effort to reveal the volume of evidence likely contained in the Epstein Files is merely an attempt to discredit Trump, let’s be clear about the matter at hand. 

Regardless of other possible motivations, for many/most Americans it’s less a matter of a conspiracy to discredit Trump than it is a genuine desire to ascertain the truth regarding the depth of Epstein’s vast network of individuals who participated, enabled, and otherwise allowed the criminal exploitation of underage girls and other young women. The exposure of this material is a matter of finally providing justice for the victims and full accountability for the perpetrators of these atrocities. The issue is beyond the narrow confines of petty politics. It’s a fundamental test of the essential moral core of this nation. All guilty parties must answer for their transgressions; all complicit actors need to be exposed. Do the decent thing: release the files now!! 

Disconnection

Set adrift into uncertain waters

With damaged sail

And rudderless aim.

A reluctant sailor at once 

terrified and proud.

In search of a friendly port

To provide rest, refuge, and repair

Until the journey might be allowed to resume 

And a new horizon formed.8

Authentic Representation

 It is with a degree of caution that the election of a Democratic Socialist can be celebrated. Mamdani’s overwhelming victory in New York properly signals the acceptance of a progressive world view by a population that has been eager to see its manifestation in American politics for decades. The moment has finally arrived for the champions of the status quo within the Democratic establishment to heed the clarion call from voices (notably including the working class), heretofore ignored or dismissed, for real, substantive, authentic, and comprehensive change. It will entail the ceding of power and old patterns of operation in deference to the necessity for transformative expressions of democratic principles for a common purpose. The people are speaking loudly and with clear conviction. It is past time to listen deeply and act accordingly. In so doing, caution can be answered with assurance that the concept of unity will become a living reality.

Perspective Regarding the Future

 As Mamdani and the ever-growing population of progressives throughout America continue to be the subject of vilification and deliberate misinformation, it might be helpful to issue a historical reminder that socialistic polices like publicly funded services (police, fire, library, national and state parks, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,et al) have been a staple of the American experience for many generations. These policies/programs provide a classic example of investment through taxation resulting in socially valuable outcomes. Please note the successful coexistence of Socialism and Capitalism in places like Scandinavia (at least four examples), Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and other thriving nations throughout the world. Let us consider broadening our outlook to embrace a unifying notion that embodies the concept of Both/And as opposed to Either/Or. 

In so doing, we are presented with the opportunity to see more clearly the version of rapacious capitalism currently being practiced, promoted, and championed by the 1% (and explicitly represented in Project 2025) as a principal agent in the destruction of a once affluent middle class. As a consequence, its working class has been condemned to poverty status while income disparity is maintained at a level not seen since the Gilded Age.

America the Beautiful

As we continue to be bombarded with gaslighting stories of urban unrest/rebellion in our cities across the nation, allow me to share our actual recent on-the-ground experience in the city of Portland, Oregon…

We pulled into Portland in mid-September as the penultimate stop on our epic 55 day road trip throughout the Pacific Northwest. According to Trump Administration declarations, this was during the time that the city was under siege by ‘the radical left’ agitation and chaos. What we experienced as we walked from our Airbnb on 28thAveNE onto Alberta Street, was a series of restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries, Cannabis shops, alleyways featuring fascinating murals from local artists, and a diverse population of inhabitants exhibiting a friendly and very mellow vibe throughout the neighborhood. 

A day later, we explored the less quaint Kenilworth section in search of a much needed laundromat. No art galleries or trendy coffee houses here; only a hard scrabble, working class neighborhood. The laundromat/dry cleaner establishment was operated by one rather elderly Asian woman who, at first, seemed a bit dubious of these two obvious interlopers. During the course of our lengthy stay due to the volume of our load, we observed a diverse procession of locals, many of whom exchanged warm greetings and neighborhood news of the day with the proprietor who also seemed to have noticed our interest in the passing scene. What we observed was simply a day in the life of this hard working immigrant and the heartfelt connection she share with her neighbors. As we folded the last load of laundry and were preparing to leave, we received a beautiful smile that suggested, during the course of the afternoon, we had been accepted, albeit temporarily, into her neighborhood family.

The following day, we ventured downtown to get a better feel for the inner city. First stop was the world famous Powell’s Bookstore, a place where the radical left would surely gather to plan their strategy for the next assault on the city. What we found instead was a citadel of literature and learning where the complete works Karl Marx could be viewed across the aisle from a similar collection by Ayn Rand.

We then continued our walking tour of downtown and soon encountered a gathering of homeless citizens who, instead of plotting their next uprising, were engaged in a group sing-along replete with guitars, a drum, and several accompanying tambourines. 

We ended our day, with a hike through the wilds of Washington Park where local terrorists cells surely must be lurking amid the underbrush. Alas, we were forced to endure the tyranny of the Rose and Japanese Gardens! 

Portland is peaceful; Portland is welcoming; Portland celebrates diversity and free expression; Portland is civil; Portland is an example of America at its best! 

Accountability for War Crimes

In the wake of the deployment of a US warship into foreign waters in Latin America and the recent extra-judicial killing of sailors on the open sea under the direct orders from DJT, let us be clear that such actions are in clear violation of international law. Furthermore American law states that, unless mandated by Congressional approval, no President can legally wage war on an adversary/enemy without supporting evidence that our national borders are subject to imminent attack. To do so is both an international and domestic crime. Accordingly, the perpetrator of such an act should rightfully be prosecuted in The Hague as well as in Washington DC. Let the rule of law be restored, honored, and respected once again by holding all implicated parties accountable through proper adjudication. 

Ask First

 Memo to all house sitters, renters, and chief executives of the United States: you do not have the legal or moral authority to make changes to the residence  without first obtaining permission from the owner to do so!

In the Streets

We thoroughly enjoyed Saturday’s No Kings March in San Francisco wherein we were proud to participate in the patriotic expression of our right to assemble, redress a multitude of grievances, and exercise the right of free speech. Not a ‘stunt’; rather, a collective assertion of resistance to the current authoritarian regime and a celebration of democratic principles. BTW: my favorite sign was: ‘Make Orwell Fictional Again’!!

Only a Pawn in Their Game

 When reading the often truth-averse commentary coming from various apologists for the current authoritarian regime, my assumption has been that they repeat familiar talking points with the knowledge that they arelying but nevertheless willingly volunteer to repeat the propaganda perhaps in deference to some imagined fulfillment of conservatism’s destiny. I have increasingly become aware, however, that some of these devotees have become completely untethered from reality and actually believe the lies in keeping with the current White House occupant who similarly fails to separate fact from fiction.

By contrast, the architects of Project 2025 are not delusional in this sense. They are perfectly aware of the lie and embrace it’s practice as simply a means to a ‘greater’ end; namely, the establishment of a unitary executive with plenary power under indefinite authoritarian/autocratic rule in service and subject to perennial corporate oversight. The ‘true believer’, as a loyal sycophant, becomes especially useful in the Project’s attempt to bring to an end the democratic model of self governance and replace it with their favored, autocratic system of societal organization. Such a gambit will always require pawns like these to facilitate the realization (however misconceived) of their dark purpose.

Keeping War in Perspective

While welcoming the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, we also are well-advised to acknowledge that exercising US leverage over Israel is something that the current and past administrations could/should have done to bring an earlier end to this tragic war. 

Furthermore, to suggest that DJT is now a viable candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize while, under his direct orders, federalized military troops and ICE ‘brown shirts’ in Chicago and Portland are actively, illegally, and brutally attacking American citizens and others under the pretext of a non-existant  insurrection is manifestly absurd. 

 

Calling Out Fascist Tactics

In response to a recent portrayal of undefined ‘leftists’ as purveyors hate and violence:

Repeating a lie, as is the constant practice of DJT and his cadre of sycophants, does not and will never magically make it true. It’s a time honored fascist practice, employed throughout history by much smarter authoritarians than the current prevaricator. This iteration of the tactic is painfully transparent and largely ineffective. Por ejemplo: no one with even a cursory knowledge of Portland, Oregon would hold that it is a violent city. Does it feature a progressive/activist population of concerned citizens unafraid to oppose the lawlessness of the current regime? You betcha!! To act otherwise would be, you know, unAmerican! 

Countering Dark Visions of Our Future

 There exists among us today those who promote division within our culture as they yearn for a return to some mythical conception of the confederacy (let us not forget, a rogue state dedicated to preserving the institution of slavery under the guise of state sovereignty) while dreaming of a ‘second reconstruction’. To them we might inquire: Do you envision one replete with the traditions of enslavement of fellow human beings and their life-long subjugation, the practice of serial rape, and the hanging of those who might dare to resist their oppressor? Or perhaps you envision a milder form in which one class of people is merely segregated from society, denied full participation in its administration, made subject to untenable living conditions, taught in sub-standard schools, caught in the grips of generational poverty, rendered as superfluous to the mainstream, and otherwise condemned to a state of hopelessness? Either way, your dark and backward vision is neither compatible with nor will be tolerated by a future society that will have long since bid farewell to its regrettable past and your evil intentions for its revival. You will be better advised to begin the ‘second reconstruction’ with the implementation of reparations!

Authoritarian Rule Over Party Doctrine

 It is beyond ironic that Trump is simultaneously violating the Posse Comitatus Act by ordering the National Guard into Los Angeles while also rejecting the sacrosanct Republican value of states rights and sovereignty.

Self Care

Note to self and to whomever it applies: remember to exercise self-compassion and forgiveness when deviating from the core value of embodying that which you want made manifest in the world.  Gandhi was also a mere mortal. 

Proper Loyalty

In the aftermath of AG Pam Bondi’s decision to not investigate the posting of classified information related to an imminent military attack using an unsecured platform, perhaps she might be reminded that her task is the administration and impartial application of the law and that her loyalty should properly be to the sacred principle of justice; not to the demands or dictates of any one president. 

Through the Glass Darkly

Donald Trump is a placeholder; he has no vision save his own self aggrandizement. He’s been the useful idiot for the cadre of oligarchs whose vision has always included the privatization of services heretofore the privy of accountable governmental agencies. Their playbook as reflected in Project 2025 is fully formed and it’s implementation is well underway; JD Vance merely awaits his turn at the throne with Elon Musk perfectly poised to continue his role as a modern day Rasputin. 

Cost Cutting for the Common Good

In response to the assertion that Elon Musk’s recent illegal and indiscriminate termination of vital services and government jobs is merely the altruistic efforts of a humanitarian seeking cost reduction for the benefit of the American people, allow me to respond accordingly…

Of course, the elimination of wasteful spending in government is a value with universal appeal but the wholesale slashing of jobs and services without regard for their deleterious consequences is dangerously irresponsible. There are an abundance of examples of long-standing cost overruns within the DOD for instance that need not not entail the firing of loyal and vital personnel; and which would result in more significant savings to the taxpayer. That said, the increased dispersalof vital services to the American people is already within the capacity of the wealthiest nation on the face of the Earth. I would suggest an increase and enforcement of the corporate tax rate on the top 1% (obviously not an original idea) together with a serious redistribution of public funds to allow an upgrade in the delivery of services across a wide range of agencies for purpose of raising all boats and establishing the fundamental principle of equity originally envisioned by those who have preceded us. This can be an important adjunct to the effort to reduce costs across the board and also underscores the value of promoting the common good.

Consistent with this vision is the notion that public and private sectors of the economy can coexist for benefit of all the people; not merely for a privileged few. Coexistence of two seemingly competing principles or elements of society need not be a matter of mutual exclusivity. All things are possible under the sun! 

One National Family

 The recent attempt by the DOD to delete from the National Archives Jackie Robinson’s web page as part of a larger purge of DEI related material (without coherent justification) revealed a profound misunderstanding and misapplication of the underlying concept of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The current administration conceives DEI as an imposition of a set of mandates the purpose of which is to elevate a wide range representatives (eg: POC, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, and the disabled) from the population at the expense of a presumptively more qualified group (eg: white men). The utter fallacy of this conception was vividly exposed when the eminently qualified Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General CQ Brown, and the Chief of Navel Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, were summarily dismissed by a DOD Secretary (whose own qualifications consisted of excellent camera presence, undying loyalty to the top executive, and the alleged ability to perform 100 sit ups in a single day) in deference to a misguided interpretation/understanding of DEI policy while replacing them with manifestly less qualified individuals. The zero sum notion implicit the current administration’s actions fails to understand that DEI is not a threat from without but rather an affirmation of a fundamental reality within American society; namely, that we have been, and are ever-more-so now, a multi-cultural nation represented by a diversity of people expressing a wide range of ethnicity, gender, identity awareness, physical conditions, history of national service, and individual talents to be celebrated and included into the fabric, consciousness, and character of the nation. It is clearly apparent that the Trump administration and its assembly of loyalists are keenly aware of the nation’s rapidly changing demographics and instead of welcoming this reality as the inevitable and positive expression of an open, pluralistic society, the current regime regards this social evolution as a threat to the white dominated culture of our often inglorious and diminishing past. Not unlike the extinction of the dinosaur, this iteration of a dying species of political mentality is causing considerable havoc in its final death throes. And die it must to eventually give way, as a result of its own depleted moral core and the vacuity of its corrosive hateful message, to the emergence of a people embodying the truly universal values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Let us demonstrate to the world that we are such a population.

Of The People

 Apparently it has taken the elevation of a fascist into the highest office in the land to finally recognize the wisdom and widespread appeal for the message Bernie Sanders has embodied for well over a decade. After an organized effort by the Democratic establishment to marginalize his truly populist agenda in 2016 and 2020, perhaps only now will we see real change in America and a robust challenging of corporate control of both time-honored political parties, which has sacrificed the middle and working class in deference to an oligarchical system of self-serving billionaires. What we’re witnessing across the country is an organic, grassroots uprising from the bottom up with the likes of Sanders leading from behind the people in active revolt.

A darkened Horizon

 Don’t look now but we’re one strategically manufactured false flag operation away from an official suspension of civil liberties through the implementation of indefinite martial law. It’s already in the playbook. Have a great day knowing that the trains will still run on time.

The Way Forward With Poetic Assistance

Responsible citizenship going forward will be characterized by organized, determined, thoughtful, and peaceful resistance to the conscious effort currently afoot to replace our democratic model of governance with a privatized, corporate-led authoritarian vision of America’s future. As the poet reminds us: ‘The lines have been drawn and the curse has been cast; the slow one now will later be fast as first one now will later be last; And the present now will later be past for the times [indeed, once again] are a changin’. To paraphrase further with mixed verse:…with clear-eyed vision, ‘watch with one last look the chimes of freedom flashing’; Listen closely for ‘the chance might not come again’ and ‘don’t speak too soon for wheel is still in spin and there’s no telling who that it’s naming’; Remember that ‘the rules of the road have been lodged and its’s it’s only people’s games that you got to dodge’. So its’s alright, America…’we can make it’!! 

Resistance To The Current Threat

 I am joined by many from across a broad political landscape in saying that what we are witnessing in these early days of the new administration is without a comparable precedent. It was recently suggested that the proper response to this sentiment would be to leave the country. On the contrary, the persistence of Trump’s unprecedented executive overreach is precisely the reason that we must stay and resist the illegal seizure of the agencies and institutions of our government. Reducing waste in government as a bipartisan concern is one thing; radically imposing private ownership in it’s stead is quite another. Nobody voted for Elon Musk to become the  CEO of the United States of America. Trump has always been nothing more than the frontman, a useful idiot if you will, for the  corporate overlords to whom he is beholding and from whom he receives is orders. Responsible citizenship going forward will be characterized by organized, thoughtful, and peaceful resistance to the conscious effort currently afoot to replace a democratic model of governance with a privatized, corporate-led authoritarian vision of America’s future.

Message Marked: Read Immediately

In the wake of Mike Johnson’s assertion that the citizens gathered around the country to protest the actions  of the Trump Administration had been paid to do so…

Memo to the Sycophantic Speaker of the Submissive House of Representatives: the American people do not  require payment as an incentive to protest the defilement of their country and government. 

Time

 Now and Then Again…

  Now, as I ponder Then

  I bring it into the Now 

  And fill it with memories

  Of Then

  Magically illuminating the Now

  As Then graciously accepts

  The invitation to live

   Once again.

The Consequence of a Poor Choice

It’s not exactly a shocker that widespread chaos would ensue when the incoherent guy at the end of the bar who refuses to shut up gets elevated to the highest office in the land!

The NFL Genuflects To Trump

Shame on the NFL and their feckless commissioner Roger Goodell for the decision to remove the End Racism sign in the back of the end zone for Sunday’s Super Bowl. This is in apparent reaction to Trump attending the game and fear of not offending the advocate-in-chief of white supremacy and anti-DEI initiatives. 

The NFL plans to replace the anti-racism sign with a Choose Love sign as if they were somehow mutually exclusive propositions. The new sign would have been a perfect compliment (not replacement) to the existing message of resistance to racism and racists everywhere. In the wake of this appalling decision, I implore the players to take a knee in defiance to the current administration, to the league where they work, and to the pernicious existence/resurgence of racism clearly evident here and throughout this troubled world. 

Enabler To A Coup

 Any praise for Mitch McConnell’s vote against Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense should be tempered by the fact that, as the Republican leader in the Senate, he had the power to whip the necessary votes to secure a guilty verdict in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, which would have disqualified DJT from ever running for office again. Had McConnell displayed courage at that crucial moment, the current nightmare of a second Trump Administration could have been avoided. His historic inaction will live in infamy.

The Lawlessness of the Land

 As the pathetically sycophantic Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, vaguely declared that the inauguration of DJT has ushered in a new Golden Age, we might need to amend the statement in light of very recent events. Trump’s blanket pardon of 1500 J6 insurrectionist rioters who stormed the nation’s Capitol and violently attacked police personnel in an attempt to overturn the ratification of the 2020 presidential election and who were subsequently convicted by multiple juries of their peers has introduced a new Golden Age of Lawlessness wherein convicted criminals, not unlike the newly minted President, can now be given effective  immunity for past, present, and future transgressions. So emboldened, these individuals and the private militias that stand ready to follow in their wake have been sent the unequivocal message that fealty to an autocratic leader is preferable/desirable to the observance of law. God help us as we enter into the ensuing darkness portended by Trump’s imperious edicts.

Embracing Dylan’s Mystique

I must confess from the outset that, being a card-carrying Dylan snob, I was thoroughly predisposed to not like A Complete Unknown. I was also happy to be disabused of this notion as the film artfully managed to avoid the mistake of solving the enigma that is Bob Dylan; but rather chose to embrace the complexity of this profound artist by exploring his early years in and around the Greenwich Village folk scene and present an believable representation of the artist as a young man.

This was made possible by suburb direction by James Mangold and a believable script written by Mangold and Jay Cocks (based on the book by Elijah Wald) after serious consultation with Dylan himself who provided numerous additions to the narrative. The result was an well-paced narrative that remained true to the life and particular time of a this great American artist. 

The individual portrayals of the principle characters were also essential to the movie’s success as Timothee Chalamet’s representation of Dylan was rendered with meticulous attention to the spirit of the artist without trying to imitate him. Make no mistake, Chalamet did capture Dylan’s mannerisms, including a faithful rendering of his voice, but did so by avoiding a simple mimic of Dylan’s sound. Edward Norton’s portrayal of folk legend Pete Seeger was equally impressive as he managed to fully embody the character in such a way as to express Seeger’s essential goodness, devotion to his music, and his utter sincerity. As the English might say: Norton’s performance was ‘different gravy’! Other cast members’ performances were also notable: Elle Fanning as Dylan’s Greenwich Village girlfriend (Suze Rotolo) was especially moving, Monica Barbaro was convincing as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as a slightly unhinged Johnny Cash, Dan Folger as Dylan’s loyal manager with a perpetual eye on the bottom line, and Will Harrison as Dylan’s faithful friend (Bobby Neuwirth) all made excellent and believable contributions to the telling of this story. Last but certainly not least was the remarkable Scoot McNairy who portrayed a dying Woody Guthrie with a stunning nonverbal performance.

As a consequence of his magnificent musical and lyrical brilliance, Bob Dylan has been a vital part of my life, from the early 60’s when my cousin first introduced me to this slightly unkept singer from the West Village, through various stages of life wherein he was a constant companion while assisting me to negotiate various sections of troubled waters on a sometimes difficult journey. Perhaps more importantly, it is Dylan’s persistent dedication to artistic integrity and his unfailing observation of truthful expression that has represented a reliable template for a life lived with independence and authenticity. A Complete Unknown gave us a clear-eyed glimpse into the early life of one of greatest artists of our time and opportunity to expose a whole new generation of young people to his unique gifts. 

Contrasting Legacies

It is with cruel irony that we celebrate MLK Day concurrent with the advent of another four years that promises to expand authoritarian rule under a Trump presidency. 

In a speech delivered at Stanford University a year before his assassination, Dr. King issued a warning to the nation to be on guard against the three evils of racism, poverty, and militarism working in concert to impede fulfillment of a vision of America wherein the values of being an agent of peace throughout the world, a society in which equality and human dignity are held as sacred, achievable ideals worthy of our collective attention, and the elimination of debilitating poverty, which has prevented the lifting of all boats to a place of economic security heretofore  reserved only for a privileged few. 

MLK’s vision stands in sharp contrast to the promise afforded by the incoming administration, which exalts an historic wealth inequality with a pledge to widen the gap by further decreasing the tax burden of the ultra rich, many of whom will occupy key positions within the new government; seeks to promote and approve the renewal of the defense industry’s contracts that will perpetuate a world-wide imperial network the existence of which requires perpetual military presence and likely violent intervention on behalf of a corporate empire beholding to its economic interests with scant regard for the human toll such an enterprise has always entailed; and actively supports and encourages the most base instincts among the population to revive and promote long-standing racist sentiments and white supremacy, festering just beneath the surface for countless generations only to be reawakened and cynically exploited by a demagogue dedicated to use whatever means necessary to further his narrow self-interest while remaining woefully indifferent to the real needs of ordinary citizens many of whom have ironically supported his candidacy. 

While Matin Luther King would be saddened by this turn of events, it is

also a certainty that he would now implore his fellow brothers and sisters to be vigilant in the pursuit of an American dream consistent with his vision of a society bound together by mutual respect, non-violence, economic justice, a desire to preserve Mother Earth, and a deep regard for our common humanity. Would that we honor his memory by making such a thing manifest in this world.