As of Thursday February 27, 2020 it was reported that the world wide number of coronavirus cases had reached 83,910 while the highly contagious disease has caused 2,872 deaths. Currently 55-countries have confirmed coronavirus cases and experts of infectious disease warns of a high pandemic probability.
The American population is receiving mixed messages as the CDC (Center for Disease Control) warns of a likely significant outbreak of the disease in the United States and the Trump administration understates the coronavirus potential impact. It is apparent that President Trump is more concerned about falling stock market numbers versus escalating virus numbers. Attempting to appear concerned about the coronavirus, Trump appointed Vice President, Mike Pence to be the Coronavirus Czar. Pence is not qualified for the position but few of Trump's appointees have been qualified. Highly regarded immunologists, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease is the medical expert assigned to tracking the coronavirus in America. That said, Dr. Fauci must not issue any public statements without first reporting to Vice President Pence who would grant him permission to speak. Trump must control information Americans get.
Readers: I have stated in previous blogs that our once 'free' America is tumbling towards a Fascist leadership under Trump. Now you can bury your head in the sands of denial but that only makes you a fool and unpatriotic. Check off the characteristics below.
Fascist Leadership Characteristics
1. Embraces Nationalism (Trump said, "I'm a Nationalist.")
2. Disregard for human rights. (Trump separates illegal immigrant children from parents and holds them in cages.)
3. Widespread sexism....a Trump staple.
4. Control Mass Media ( Refers to media as "Fake News" and Now tells Doctor to clear virus messaging through his VP).
5. Religion & government intertwined. (Trump has hoodwinked the Evangelicals with bogus claims.)
6. Identify enemies as a unifying cause.(Trump claims Mexicans are thugs, rapists, murderers. Says brown-skin people from Haiti and Africa come from "shithole countries."
7. Patriotic slogans. (Trump pontificates Make America Great Again, which is code for white superiority.)
8. Abortion & homosexuality suppressed. (See #5)
9. Military is glamorized (Trump has Military Parades like China, Russia, France and North Korea.)
10. Attacks all liberal views.
11. Panders to popular religion to use as a tool to manipulate public opinion.
12. Protect Corporate Power (Trump's tax cuts)
13. Suppress Labor
14. Disrespect for intellectuals and higher education.
15. Overlook police abuse.
16. Cronyism & corruption (Numerous indictments & criminal convictions in Trump administration).
17. Fraudulent elections. (We've already had one in 2016 and were about to have another in 2020.)
18. Disparages other government officials (Trump at every opportunity has disparaged the government's Intelligence Agencies, which protect our people. He had criticized our Judicial system and judges.)
If you are a one issue voter focused on money or right to life or the second amendment, lots of luck having any rights and freedoms under a Fascist dictatorship.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 2020
In A Judeo-Christian Nation, Yet.
You would think, I said you would THINK that in a nation where right-wing politicians readily pontificate their desire to stop abortion, put prayer in schools, place the Ten Commandments and Nativity Scene on Court House property would have addressed the public lynching issue long ago but Old South traditions die slowly. Consider please America's history of white-mens' hate towards people of color. I dare say, if blacks had been lynching whites the anti-lynching hate crime bill would have been enacted many years ago.
This week the United States Congress passed an anti-lynching bill making lynching a 'hate crime.' Damn it now, don't think everybody is on board stopping these redneck pastime pursuits because four Republicans voted against the anti-lynching bill. I suppose they believe hooded white guys riding around in the darkness of night, burning homes and lynching blacks is a 'fun' sport rather than a 'hate' crime.
I pray one morning, I will wake hearing the voice of Rod Serling saying, "You are waking from a shadow-land nightmare called, The Twilight Zone."
This week the United States Congress passed an anti-lynching bill making lynching a 'hate crime.' Damn it now, don't think everybody is on board stopping these redneck pastime pursuits because four Republicans voted against the anti-lynching bill. I suppose they believe hooded white guys riding around in the darkness of night, burning homes and lynching blacks is a 'fun' sport rather than a 'hate' crime.
I pray one morning, I will wake hearing the voice of Rod Serling saying, "You are waking from a shadow-land nightmare called, The Twilight Zone."
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Cast Aside Imagined Hurdles
There are two attitudes that are deeply rooted in my personal philosophy. First, I become immediately curious when somebody suggests something cannot be done. When I hear such a comment, I process two thoughts: Is what is said cannot be done 'worth doing' and would I care to apply my passion to get it done? Secondly, after giving my all out effort and it's over, I am capable of walking away with no regrets and without critiquing my successor; I take the attitude that I had my time, now the time blongs to another.
I believe many people avoid challengingly engagements because it's much easier to embrace pseudo reasons for abstinence. I have heard their excuses for reluctance and apathy: 1) "I cannot make a difference because in the larger scheme of things, my status is insignificant." (Some might say the superintendent is the most significant person in the school district. I will make the case that the bus driver picking up elementary kids for school is more significant because the driver is the first daily educational contact for an impressionable child). 2) "I am handicapped because of age, gender, ethnicity or minority status." (I would remind the reader that Stephen Crane was in his twenties when he wrote "The Red Badge of Courage." Ronald Reagan was in his seventies when elected President and Jackie Robinson...well, we all know the hurdles negotiated by a focused and committed Robinson). 3) "I'm afraid I'll fail." (My friends, all that we do could fail...however, remember we accomplish in proportion what we attempt).
I would challenge all to recognize their gifts and talents and know your weaknesses. Then decide to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negatives as the song encourages.
(Touch)Accentuate The Positive
I believe many people avoid challengingly engagements because it's much easier to embrace pseudo reasons for abstinence. I have heard their excuses for reluctance and apathy: 1) "I cannot make a difference because in the larger scheme of things, my status is insignificant." (Some might say the superintendent is the most significant person in the school district. I will make the case that the bus driver picking up elementary kids for school is more significant because the driver is the first daily educational contact for an impressionable child). 2) "I am handicapped because of age, gender, ethnicity or minority status." (I would remind the reader that Stephen Crane was in his twenties when he wrote "The Red Badge of Courage." Ronald Reagan was in his seventies when elected President and Jackie Robinson...well, we all know the hurdles negotiated by a focused and committed Robinson). 3) "I'm afraid I'll fail." (My friends, all that we do could fail...however, remember we accomplish in proportion what we attempt).
I would challenge all to recognize their gifts and talents and know your weaknesses. Then decide to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negatives as the song encourages.
(Touch)Accentuate The Positive
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Too Much Power In One Hand
"I'm sorry." Most of us have said those words many times. More often than not we were sincere in saying it. On the other hand, some folks struggle admitting that they made a mistake or hurt another. Personally, I am one who believes that offering an apology for a transgression is not a sign of weakness but a show of compassion and character.
Perhaps more difficult than saying "sorry" is forgiving. It was tough for me to learn to forgive and let go when a person wronged me but never said, "sorry." Not forgiving was always bad for me because the condition festered and became emotionally unhealthy. I stopped holding on to that anger years ago.
This topic has been on my mind recently as I recall comments from people released from long prison sentences after evidence proved them innocent. Often these wrongly convicted people show appreciation for the vacating of their conviction and prison release. I'm amazed that more are not bitter with angry resentment. That's powerful forgiveness. Then there is Presidential forgiveness, which comes as a pardon. Relax now, I'm not preparing to dis on the current President and his pardons. All Presidents misuse the pardon powers...every President.
It seems many presidential pardons are more often granted to white collar criminals, who in fact were guilty and the President pardons them based upon some suspect and questionable motives. Ocassionally, those receiving a Presidential pardon will acknowledge their guilt and express some remorse and appreciation for their exoneration; not the case with former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, convicted felon. This guy is an embarrassment with his post-pardon denials of obvious criminal behavior, which put him behind bars.
I believe Presidential pardon powers need to be tossed in the garbage along with political caucuses, the Confederate Flag, bumper-stickers and aluminum baseball bats. If it is not, Presidents will continue to abuse this unbridled power, which demoralize Americans. The pardon power should rest on the shoulders of a non-politically-appointed jury panel representing a cross section of American society. Excluded from this jury-panel are ex-cons, White Nationalists, KKK members, ministers, government officials, Wall Street people and former O. J. Simpson jury members.
Perhaps more difficult than saying "sorry" is forgiving. It was tough for me to learn to forgive and let go when a person wronged me but never said, "sorry." Not forgiving was always bad for me because the condition festered and became emotionally unhealthy. I stopped holding on to that anger years ago.
This topic has been on my mind recently as I recall comments from people released from long prison sentences after evidence proved them innocent. Often these wrongly convicted people show appreciation for the vacating of their conviction and prison release. I'm amazed that more are not bitter with angry resentment. That's powerful forgiveness. Then there is Presidential forgiveness, which comes as a pardon. Relax now, I'm not preparing to dis on the current President and his pardons. All Presidents misuse the pardon powers...every President.
It seems many presidential pardons are more often granted to white collar criminals, who in fact were guilty and the President pardons them based upon some suspect and questionable motives. Ocassionally, those receiving a Presidential pardon will acknowledge their guilt and express some remorse and appreciation for their exoneration; not the case with former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, convicted felon. This guy is an embarrassment with his post-pardon denials of obvious criminal behavior, which put him behind bars.
I believe Presidential pardon powers need to be tossed in the garbage along with political caucuses, the Confederate Flag, bumper-stickers and aluminum baseball bats. If it is not, Presidents will continue to abuse this unbridled power, which demoralize Americans. The pardon power should rest on the shoulders of a non-politically-appointed jury panel representing a cross section of American society. Excluded from this jury-panel are ex-cons, White Nationalists, KKK members, ministers, government officials, Wall Street people and former O. J. Simpson jury members.
Monday, February 24, 2020
A Special Opportunity Blessing
Many years, I traveled the country from Boston to San Diego to Appleton to Topeka giving presentations to athletic directors' conventions and to high school athletic families, which consisted of student-athletes, parents and coaches. My charge was the create an awareness for the need of a well thought out communication process for engagement between student athletes, their parents and school coaches, which ultimately increased the likelihood of a more positive experience for all parties. Regardless what part of this nation I found my audience, I knew they all held one thing in common: 'No youngster ever envisions failure, no mother ever gave birth to failure and no coach wanted to be seen as a failure.'
Parents want four things for their children: Love, Health, Success and Happiness. They must quickly realize that they can give unconditional love but health comes by the Grace of God while success and happiness rests on the shoulders of the individual; parents cannot make it happen for their kid.
Youngsters may be unwilling to admit it but they truly wish to be perceived as capable by their parents and have strong hope for parental validation. Teenagers do not always share total honesty about their abilities and relationship with coaches, which can create misconceptions.
Athletic coaches want to develop and sustain successful (winning) programs, however most coaches are often unwilling to be open to inquiries or questioning, which is to a great extent problematic.
This presentation entitled, "Me My Kid and Sports" was one of three presentations that I truly enjoyed sharing. Before embarking on what would be some 16-years of speaking engagements at hundreds of venues, I talked with my friend and school administrator, Robert Crowe who was accustomed to the speaking circuit seeking his advice. He told me to have a clever opening and
call to action closing...and with little time elapse between the two."
I did not seek my wife's opinion but of course, she had a suggestion also>>
She said, "Don't try to be funny and don't try to appear intelligent...Just Be Yourself."
Parents want four things for their children: Love, Health, Success and Happiness. They must quickly realize that they can give unconditional love but health comes by the Grace of God while success and happiness rests on the shoulders of the individual; parents cannot make it happen for their kid.
Youngsters may be unwilling to admit it but they truly wish to be perceived as capable by their parents and have strong hope for parental validation. Teenagers do not always share total honesty about their abilities and relationship with coaches, which can create misconceptions.
Athletic coaches want to develop and sustain successful (winning) programs, however most coaches are often unwilling to be open to inquiries or questioning, which is to a great extent problematic.
This presentation entitled, "Me My Kid and Sports" was one of three presentations that I truly enjoyed sharing. Before embarking on what would be some 16-years of speaking engagements at hundreds of venues, I talked with my friend and school administrator, Robert Crowe who was accustomed to the speaking circuit seeking his advice. He told me to have a clever opening and
call to action closing...and with little time elapse between the two."
I did not seek my wife's opinion but of course, she had a suggestion also>>
She said, "Don't try to be funny and don't try to appear intelligent...Just Be Yourself."
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Just a God Wink
There was Pal, Skippy, Zipper, Peggy, Sarge, GiGi, Duchess, Konigin, Rueben, Gizmo, Percy and Yodie. They have been dogs in my life. Pup companions from youth until present times.Those domesticated four-legged animals, which cause Americans to spend the bulk of the $72 billions annually on pet care. What is it that drives this love affair with those canines?
I cannot speak for others but as for me, I trace my love connection with dogs back to some unspoken understanding between a little boy and his dog. Just as adults have those moments when they need to talk and share with mates or a special confidant so does the adolescent child. While uncertain about adult or peer responses to my youthful problems, I found comfort unloading my problems on my dog. Sure I did! I told my dog about the kid up the street that was mean and unfriendly. I shared with my dog my anger and sadness over punishment from parents.
As I entered adulthood, my relationship with my pups changed somewhat. I didn't burden my dog any longer with my problems but I'd oblige with a game of fetch or take that evening walk. Many evenings while watching television I would pat and stroke my fury friend as he slept on the couch nearby. If he hurt himself running or in some other fashion he'd look up at me with a puzzled glance as if to inquire, 'Why did you let that happen.' A few tragedies I have endured with my dogs through the years. Sure I know the greater heartaches of human tragedies and I do I pray for my fellow man. Although not to be compared to man's tragedies, I nonetheless have felt the sickness and shed tears at those times when I held my old dog and felt his body go limp in my arms as I tried and tried to convince myself that 'it was time.'
Today, my dog, Yodie and me share three things: fun, white hair and old age. I try not to dwell on what lies ahead for either of us but I just enjoy our games and walks and most of all those moments when I reach my hand out and pet him as he sleeps at my side. And in those moments there's a little boy which, still stirs inside this old mind.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."...Will Rogers
I cannot speak for others but as for me, I trace my love connection with dogs back to some unspoken understanding between a little boy and his dog. Just as adults have those moments when they need to talk and share with mates or a special confidant so does the adolescent child. While uncertain about adult or peer responses to my youthful problems, I found comfort unloading my problems on my dog. Sure I did! I told my dog about the kid up the street that was mean and unfriendly. I shared with my dog my anger and sadness over punishment from parents.
As I entered adulthood, my relationship with my pups changed somewhat. I didn't burden my dog any longer with my problems but I'd oblige with a game of fetch or take that evening walk. Many evenings while watching television I would pat and stroke my fury friend as he slept on the couch nearby. If he hurt himself running or in some other fashion he'd look up at me with a puzzled glance as if to inquire, 'Why did you let that happen.' A few tragedies I have endured with my dogs through the years. Sure I know the greater heartaches of human tragedies and I do I pray for my fellow man. Although not to be compared to man's tragedies, I nonetheless have felt the sickness and shed tears at those times when I held my old dog and felt his body go limp in my arms as I tried and tried to convince myself that 'it was time.'
Today, my dog, Yodie and me share three things: fun, white hair and old age. I try not to dwell on what lies ahead for either of us but I just enjoy our games and walks and most of all those moments when I reach my hand out and pet him as he sleeps at my side. And in those moments there's a little boy which, still stirs inside this old mind.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."...Will Rogers
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Best Way To Heaven?
Eighty-one years ago, I was born into a Methodists family. Back then John Wesley folks frowned on alcohol, dancing, entertainment on the Sabbath, women wearing slacks or using make-up, divorce, tattoos and some other 'stuff,' none-of-which seems to bother Methodists today. However, there are a few others things upsetting my fellow Methodist worshippers: primarily the extent to which they care to include the LGBTQ community.
As with most 'in-house religion fighting' it stems from disagreements on scripture interpretation. That said, my 'United' Methodist Church is choosing to no longer be 'United.' We're gunna split into two denominations over "fundamental differences" regarding gay marriages and LGBTQ clergy. The (1) 'traditionalists" will separate from the (2) United Methodist Church. You likely won't notice much of a ripple given the fact that there are already some 4,200 religions world wide; no earth-shattering deal adding one more denomination.
It can get rather complicated tracking the 11-groups of Jesus followers comprising the 2.1 billion Christians world wide. The eleven different sets of Christians exists because of scripture interpretation fussing over words and rituals. It is little surprise that religious differences is one of the major causes behind conflict and war. Yet every religion on the face of the earth makes the claim that 'LOVE' is a fundamental principle and anchor in their religion. But dammit, mankind by nature is intolerate and stubbornly embraces their deep-rooted (personal) ethnocentrism. Don't rush to the dictionary for a definition> ethnocentrism is a fancy word meaning 'judging others based on your own beliefs.' Nasty behavior, which Jesus told us not to do!
I maintain that 'If' love is a foundation of all faith believers then why can't we be friends, in the name of JESUS-Christ, why can't we be accepting? Why don't we just do what He told us to do: "Love one another as I have loved you." And.....when Christ returns, let Him sort it all out for us. Why not?
As with most 'in-house religion fighting' it stems from disagreements on scripture interpretation. That said, my 'United' Methodist Church is choosing to no longer be 'United.' We're gunna split into two denominations over "fundamental differences" regarding gay marriages and LGBTQ clergy. The (1) 'traditionalists" will separate from the (2) United Methodist Church. You likely won't notice much of a ripple given the fact that there are already some 4,200 religions world wide; no earth-shattering deal adding one more denomination.
It can get rather complicated tracking the 11-groups of Jesus followers comprising the 2.1 billion Christians world wide. The eleven different sets of Christians exists because of scripture interpretation fussing over words and rituals. It is little surprise that religious differences is one of the major causes behind conflict and war. Yet every religion on the face of the earth makes the claim that 'LOVE' is a fundamental principle and anchor in their religion. But dammit, mankind by nature is intolerate and stubbornly embraces their deep-rooted (personal) ethnocentrism. Don't rush to the dictionary for a definition> ethnocentrism is a fancy word meaning 'judging others based on your own beliefs.' Nasty behavior, which Jesus told us not to do!
I maintain that 'If' love is a foundation of all faith believers then why can't we be friends, in the name of JESUS-Christ, why can't we be accepting? Why don't we just do what He told us to do: "Love one another as I have loved you." And.....when Christ returns, let Him sort it all out for us. Why not?
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