Hatred As Patriotism

My representative in Congress, Melanie Stansbury, posted a comment recently about the planned livestreaming of the execution of the jihadist and former Army major whoo killed 13 soldiers and wounded dozens more.

I am appalled by the large number of comments from -- no surprise -- mostly men applauding the decision and stating their plans to watch.

All of these so-called pro-life and alleged Christians cheering a public execution sicken me. Does the killer deserve to be executed? If he does, why are so many looking forward to watching? We have now joined the ranks of Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, all of which carry out public executions.

I won't be watching, but apparently numerous Americans are looking forward to satisfying their blood lust, including women. The Roman emperors kept the public happy with gladiatorial games. It seems that the American emperor and his henchmen are about to do the same. And I recently read that some member of the regime has floated the idea of resuming bear baiting, a 'sport' that was outlawed because of the cruelty involved in the 19th century.

Has anyone in the regime considered that this live execution, regardless of how despicable the murders of unarmed soldiers, will only embolden future jihadists? Or that this barbaric act can have real repercussions for any American service member captured by jihadists?

I'm currently reading a book of historical fiction that makes the point that the Nazis used hatred disguised as patriotism. Sounds like a correct description of the current regime.

To say that I am disgusted by this country is a gross understatement. The republican enablers and apologists in Congress and elsewhere in government are to blame. But so are the members of the cult that continue to spread hate and defend the lies and corruption that are hallmarks of this government. I hope they all get the life they deserve.

Three Weeks

That's right. 

In just just three weeks, registered voters will take part in what I consider the most significant election of my lifetime. This will be a midterm election, something that typicalls passes with little fanfare.

But this election is crucial to the very survival of our constitutional republic. The current regime in power is hell bent on turning this nation into an autocracy. We have already witnessed ongoing attacks on our freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and attempts to keep people from voting. Voter intimidation is also in the works, as well as bribes being offered by the dear leader. Environmental protections are being destroyed. Books have been banned. Efforts are continuing to turn this country into a nation forced to adhere to the dictates of Christian nationalism. Misogyny and racism are rampant. Corruption is floured openly. We have turned our backs on our allies we hike sucking up to dictators like Putin.

I have already voted by absentee ballot. This election is far too important to ignore. People need to vote in huge numbers. 

Kindness Matters

 I wrote a blog post recently about kaindness.

Yesterday I saw kindness in action. As I was walking to my car with a reusable bag of groceries in one hand and a gallon of milk in the other, a woman who had parked nearby saw me and asked whether I needed help. I thanked her for offering to help, but told her that my car was just ahead.

I really appreciated her kindness in offering to help.

And yesterday the nurse at Passport Health walked outside the building to wait for me, as thue business had moved since my last visit and the building was one of three tan buildings with no signage. Road construction made it difficult to drive to the location, so I ended up walking to the building. The woman who answered the phone tried to direct me to the correct building. She also let the nurse know that I was on my way but couldn't find the correct building. After my appointment, she gave me a bottle of water and drove me to my car. I walked close to 16,000 steps yesterday, much of while trying to find the building.

A few days ago, with kindness on my mind, I let a woman who was struggling down steep stairs while using a cane know that there was an elevator available to her. I said that would be a safer, more comfortable alternative for her. A couple of store employees standing near the break room told her precisely where the elevator is. The steps aren't in great condition, and I always grasp the hand rail if I need to go down those steps. (Unfortunately, that grocery store's public bathrooms are on the second floor -- a bad decision by the designers of the store).

Simple gestures are free and can really make a difference in the recipient's life.

Kindness matters!

Kindness Costs Nothing

Sometimes it's good to remember that

Kindness costs nothing.

Compassion is free.

A smile costs nothing.

Encouragement is free.

Find the good in everybody. -- Dolly Parton 

Times are tough right now. The cost of basic necessities is sky high, with no quick end in sight. The country is terribly divided. Hatred, misogyny an racism are common. 

Today, on this one-year anniversary of the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, it seems appropriate to close with this quote. Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world, and you get to choose the difference that you make.d racism are common. 

So let's go out and do something nice for someone and for the world.

In the words of the late comedian Robin Williams: Be kind. It's the only legacy that matters.

Be Like Dolly

September 25 was Dolly Parton Daya day designated to honor the iconic songwriter/singer's most popular song, written for the movie 9 to 5.

My original post on that day was corrupted so I deleted it.

When asked to take part in the movie, along with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, she agreed on the condition that she be allowed to write the movie' theme song.

Dolly Parton was an American treasure. Not just for her songwriting. Not just for her singking. But she is an incon for her humble nature, for her philantrhopy, for her acceptance of others, for keeping her political thoughts to herself. A devoute Christian, Dolly Parton practiced the very best of Christianity. She lived her faith by example.

The so-called Christian nationalists would do well to follow her example. We all, regardless of our religious beiefs or practices, woul do well to emulate her.

Thanks To A Long-Ago Teacher

I have been doing a bit of writing lately

OK, I've been doining quite a lot of writing before and after the recent remembrance of the events of 9/11. As I finished a post for next year's 9/11 remembrance, I realized how grateful I am that my middle school English teacher, whose name I don't rememer some some 60 years later, recognized and encouraged my writing skills.

Because of her, I joined the school newapaper, The Scoop. In high school I wrote bout the Russian club of which I was a .member. In graduate school, I wrote news releases for the local humane society where I volunteered and served on the board of directors. I also had several articles published in the city newspaper where I lived. I founded a donor magazine and provided articles and photographs for the publication. I received awards from the Dog Writers' Association of America. 

Seventeen years ago I started this blog. I have only a small following, but I didn't start the blog because I need thousands or millions of folllowers. I write it, as I always have, because I love to write.

People read my blog from countries throughout the world -- Russia, Vietnam, France, Canada, Brazil and dozens of others.

I'm sure my unamed English teacher has passed on, so there is no way to contact her and let her know what her encouragement has meant to me over the decades. 

So if you ever had a teacher who made a big difference in your life, and if that teacher is still alive, I think it would be great to thank that teacher for having an impact on your life.

A Sad Anniversary

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks on the United States. 

And unlike the idiot vice president of this country, who noted that we will soon be celebrating September 11, most sane people will not be celebrating this day. We will commemorate the day. We will reflect on the horrible loss of life that happened that day. We will shed tears as we recall there we were on that terrible day. But it sure as hell is not a day to celebrate.

Some 3000 American residents, some of them immigrants, lost their lives in those dastardly attacks. And life for the rest of us has never been the same. Little things, such as having to remove a jacket or take our shoes off or limit liquids or gels that we can carry onto the plane with us to 3.4 ounces and to be screened and patted down as security precautions in the airports, those are all a result of the events of September 11.

I worked for the federal government in California on September 11, 2001. As I approached the gates of the compound where I worked, I was surprised to see a long line of cars waiting to get in. One of the smaller gate was closed. Traffic at the main gate was seriously backed up. When I finally got to the gate, a guard, and the facility always had guards at the gate, asked which building I was going to. I told him, he closely inspected my badge, and then he inspected my car for explosives. Then I was cleared to drive to the building in which I worked, building N204.

I have written about this day previously. Nearly everyone at our center, except for people deemed essential, was sent home. I stayed and managed the public affairs office’s response to the events of that day. I drafted talking points for our senior management. I coordinated talking points with headquarters. I fielded countless questions from local reporters.

I didn't have time to process the events of that day or to grievee until I finally got a day off work a few days later. I remember foing for a walk during my lunch break one day, as I usually did. All flights had been canceled, so when I heard an airplane about to land at the airfiled we shared with the US Navy, I was panic-sticken. Fortunately, I had learned at a sentior staff meeting that morning that a military flight was expected, so my panic quickly subsided.

Even today, 25 years later, watching video or reading about that day brings me to tears. 

I read something this morning that bears repeating: The best way to honor those those on 9/11 is to be the people we wear on 9/12. Americans, regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or any other things by which we sepearate ourselves, came together. Grief and anger united us. Indeed, the entire world, even our supposed enemies, came together with the United States.

As NBC News anchor Lester Holt said as he wrapped up the network's coverage of the events of 9/11, "What has happened to us?"