An Emotional Film Experience

Saw Manchester By The Sea last night...A beautifully rendered story of loss, relationship, grief, and eventual hope told with uncompromising honesty and raw emotion. The depth of feeling it portrayed and invoked was remarkable...its resonance lasting well beyond the theater walls.
I was especially moved by the way in which the movie dealt with male vulnerability, denial, and emotional expression. In this age of role modeling based on bluster, empty bombast, self deception, threat, and infantile posturing, it was refreshing and heartening to witness the male character presented openly exposed, vulnerable, and subject to hard-wrought reclamation.

Clarity

In response to Sean Spicer's reaction to Kellyanne Conway's illegal endorsement of Ivanka's line of merchandise....one is left to wonder about who the consultant might be giving counsel to the consul and what effect such consultation will have on the council of counselors surrounding the president.
Sorry, Sean, but you were a bit unclear on this!!

Term Definition

A quick observation regarding Spicer's assertion today that a legislator's vote against Betsy DeVos is an example of obstructionist behavior....No, Sean, voting one's conscience, opinion, or conviction is an example of civic responsibility; legislative obstruction is not allowing a nominee to receive a fair hearing and a simple up or down vote.

True Believers

When in a recent interview, NPR's Judy Woodruff confronted now Vice President Mike Pence with the fact that since 9/11 exactly zero fatal attacks on American soil had been perpetrated by an individual or individuals from any of the Muslim-majority countries listed on the recent order banning entry to the US (the 2006 UNC and the 2016 Ohio State non-fatal attacks to the contrary duly noted). His answer was illuminating in that it provided a glimpse into his motivations and, by inference, the  underlying attitude of this new administration. Pence's response was to launch into a rather eloquent recitation of his uttermost 'faith' that the defeat of the radical Islamic threat posed by the inclusion of all people from these countries was essential to his pledge to keep Americans safe. Instead of addressing the factual basis of Woodruff's question, Pence chose to reaffirm his 'belief' that these people indeed represent a clear and present danger to our national security. He went on to bestow lavish praise on Trump as a forceful leader and commanding presence whenever and wherever he presented himself and in whom Pence had the utmost 'faith'. Apparently, the operative factor motivating Pence is not to be found by reference to fact but rather to be found in his profound faith and belief in whatever edict, platitude, or tweeted assertion emanating from his commander-in-chief. I was particularly taken with what can only be described as the religious fervor with which he clung to his original assertion in spite of the presented facts, the rapturous look on his face, and the sincerely reverential look in those deep set and ominous eyes.

Going forward, I think it wise to consider that when referencing this administration (especially in the person of Pence and Trump's closest advisor Steve Bannon) we are actually in the presence of true believers who, despite evidence to the contrary, will defend their system of belief with all the passion of an evangelical zealot in defense of a sacred doctrine.

Free Expression and the Berkeley Protest

In the immediate aftermath of the recent protests in Berkeley and in response to a colleague's admonition to conduct proactive and peaceful efforts to transform ourselves and our world, I respectfully submit that resistance to the totalitarian-leaning, corporate-centric, militaristic, anti-LGBTQ, anti-environment, reactionary, misogynistic, and authoritarian regime currently in the seat of governmental power will assume a variety of different forms and find expression in a variety of different ways. This will include proactive leadership work with a focus on personal and societal transformation as well as organized and persistent protests in the streets all across the country. Non-violent resistance more properly mirrors the vision of a sustainable future and is a preferred method of protest not only because of favorable optics but, as a practical matter, it skillfully counters the inclination of violent reaction from a domestic law enforcement apparatus specifically focused on the use of force.

This morning Trump suggested that federal funds could be suspended to UC Berkeley as a result of the isolated violence associated with the predominantly peaceful demonstration last night and as a result of the school's 'denial of free expression' to the controversial speaker Milo Yiannopoulos. As a matter of actual fact and in spite of persistent pressure to deny a forum for Mr. Yiannppoulos, UC Berkeley administrators provided not only the facilities to share his rather cynical and hateful rhetoric but also prepared a large security force in anticipation of the event. Moreover, DJT will be well-advised to check in with the Pentagon before he pulls the trigger on the threat to defund UC Berkeley as this institution is one of leading research centers for the Department of Defense and is central to this and other administration's efforts to wage their endless war against global terror.

It also might be useful to remind ourselves here that violence at public events is often triggered by the premeditated use of provocateurs to redirect and assign blame to a targeted group or organization in order to discredit an otherwise noble effort. Without specific reference to the events in Berkeley last night, my experience with anarchists over the years has yielded the view that this particular form of political expression is essentially peaceful (with some exceptions) and dedicated to the proposition of unfettered democratic manifestation. That said, the latest information regarding this most recent action suggests that this current iteration of the anarchists model was indeed inclined toward a violent expression very much opposed to the overwhelmingly peaceful intent and purpose of the protest in general. Broad brush painting would be a mistake and a mis-characterization of the reality on the ground.

A Considered Warning

In the wake of the backlash to the arbitrary, ill-advised and, more importantly, ill-conceived Trumpian edict regarding the blanket immigration prohibition currently in effect (albeit contested), a note of additional warning is now appropriate and necessary.

Trump's recent executive orders have seriously decreased what was already sagging approval ratings and despite his apparent disregard for public or journalistic affirmation, the 'success' of his reign will depend on the extent to which his message and promise of a fear-induced agenda sufficiently resonates with the majority of people in this country. The lack of consensus among the population for his policies and declarations is similar to the general attitude to the newly installed government of Bush/Chaney in the days before the terrorist-induced tragedy of 9/11. After the attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, the nation was galvanized in response to an existential threat and seized with a collective sense of fear which yielded acquiescence to repressive measures and policies which impinged upon fundamental constitutional rights through the enactment of the Pariot Act, the widespread implementation of mass surveillance, and a systematic disregard for human rights heretofore protected by international law. This forfeiture of power, especially to the executive branch of government, eventually resulted in the disastrous debacle in Iraq which all but squandered the goodwill of the international community so much in evidence in aftermath of the 2001 attack.

The current regime is exercising similar executive authority the perceived legitimacy and popular support of which will be needed to continue to operate with any credible mandate from the populace. As in the case of the last Republican regime, this mandate will likely be secured by the occurrence of a fear-inducing event used (if not designed and intended) to coalesce a national sentiment otherwise indifferent or outwardly hostile to the ruling government. False flag operations and the use of provocateurs to influence events and change opinion have a long history of targeted usage internationally and here at home. Given Trump's growing unpopularity, his penchant for authoritarian over-reach and a conspicuous lack of moral discretion, the assertion of this tactic should be neither unexpected nor unanticipated as a very real possibility in the not too distant future.

My last admonition in the immediate aftermath of Trump's ascension to power was: 'people get ready'; it has now become 'people be ready'. As a new form of darkness readies itself, the resolve of the American people to preserve and protect its precious freedoms is bound to be tested in ways suggested here and in ways only now dimly imagined.

My People of the Park

In my thirty-three years of running at Golden Gate Park's Polo Fields I've encountered a wide variety of citizens, both two and four legged with whom I've had the privilege to share the same rarified air unique to San Francisco as we creatures, great and small, clamor about in recreation, rehabilitation, exaltation, or simply to survive. Through the majority of this period, my typical arrival time at the park would be 5 AM which often meant that I would conduct any given workout partly or entirely in the dark (the eyes really do adjust to this condition) accompanied by an assortment of skunks, possums, coyotes, an occasional abandoned dog, and a delightful family of foxes who faithfully waited (or so it seemed) for me in the exact same spot until the clapping of my hands singled my imminent arrival so they might make a hasty retreat to safety, away from my daily intrusion into their otherwise peaceful morning.

I have also shared this space with a wide range of fellow runners with whom I developed friendships some of which have spanned three decades. There is Kai who originally immigrated from Tibet for study in the US and who's smiling greeting is a welcomed awakening call to the miracle of the unfolding day. There is Liam who runs daily with a slow and slightly palsied stride, persistent and determined in pursuit of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Here is Adam, a strapping and somewhat mentally challenged man of my certain age with whom I've shared this same path for all these years, always exchanging 'you're still looking good' affirmations as we proceed through time. Simon also can be seen on any given day, the CEO of one San Francisco's largest Chinese import businesses who has always taken the time to inquire about my most recent race or perhaps the state of my most recent injury. Donald regularly shows up to lightly jog or walk the grounds despite chronic bronchitis and advancing years. Frank is the retired SF fire department captain who shares my passion for hard workouts and love of the Giants and who rarely misses an opportunity to express his dismay over the fact that Barry Bonds is yet to be admitted to baseball's Hall of Fame. Around the bend, Steve might come shuffling along in varying states discomfort. A long-time SF physician who suffers from a chronic vascular disorder that restricts the movement of his legs, Steve perseveres and dispenses free medical advice, solicited or otherwise. Emily and John are not far behind on their daily stroll through the park on the way to Ocean Beach and who greets meet as if it were our first meeting.Kiyoko follows with her dog, slowly walking and often pausing to admire a flower or perhaps the ever-fragrant presence of our beloved eucalyptus trees that watch over us with silent authority.

Add to this motley crew, Jeff who is the unsung hero of the entire group. Unlike the neatly attired and carefully sculptured fitness practitioners who elsewhere adorn the gym or roadway with their studied, self-conscious, and perfected countenance, Jeff appears on the scene in the same well-worn sweat suit laboring around the perimeter of the grounds as he diligently and courageously forces a morbidly obese body to take that next step toward what must seem like the unreachable goal of full fitness. He will never be seen posing in front of a gym mirror or strategically place himself on a street corner to be admired by the passing throng but he shows up regularly in a valiant attempt to change the course of his physical existence. In full sight of all the beautiful bodies that often prance and preen all around him, Jeff, brave and unbeautiful, continues to inspire with plodding and undaunted elegance.