GOVERNING ... DIFFERENCES RESPECTED IN 2025?

Our United States are challenged to be governed in the best interests of ALL of our citizens ... appreciating ... respecting ...

... our cultural, racial, gender, sexual, religious, political, other differences, 

... the many average persons with considerably less finances than the most wealthy, 

... every person. 

2024 Election Result Facts

Donald J. Trump received less than 50% of the popular vote, slightly more than he won in 2016, but not a majority and certainly not a mandate for him to  overturn our government, or violate our constitution.  He did win the electoral college majority of the votes in both of his Presidential elections. -- 2016, 2024.   

Kamala Harris, current Vice President, the opposing candidate conceded.

The current President, Joe Biden,  pledged a smooth transition of powers.   There seems to  have been a bit of a slow process start for the incoming administration to initiate nominees security checks for their Senate consideration of appointment to the significantly highest U.S. government positions.  This Politico link reports "Some Trump Cabinet picks may have trouble getting clearances.  Trump can grant them anyway ... even those whose FBI background checks don't pass muster."

President Trump's and Vice President J. D. Vance's election will officially be certified by December 13, 2024 with the 47th President's swearing in ceremony January 20, 2025.   

Previous Election Remembered

U. S. citizens will never forget what occurred January 6, 2021, when Trump lost the 2020 election, then the Capitol assault in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the certification.      Lying about the legitimacy of that 46th Presidential vote, has been alleged to have instigated supporters' violence with instigators deserving of accountability.   Hundreds of rioters on that day have had their cases adjudicated and almost 500 are reported to have been incarcerated.  ABC News link reports "Trump promises pardon for Jan 6 rioters on his first day...also told "Meet the Press the Jan. 6 committee members should be jailed."

"Supreme Court Grants Trump Broad Immunity for Official Acts, Placing Presidents Above the Law" as reported by this link:  American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith's legal case against Trump  "...dismissed "without prejudice", meaning charges could be refiled after Trump finishes his second term as president.  In his request to drop the election case, Smith wrote: "This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant." Trump had pleaded not guilty in both cases." as this BBC link reports.

This Reuters link reports Jack Smith intends to step down from office before Trump becomes President according to the New York Times.

Voting results in 2024 for the Legislative Branch of government have given the President-elect's political party, the Republicans, a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Seems voters denied our democratic republic's promise and freedoms with this 2024 election.   They possibly failed to  fully appreciate President Biden bringing calm and sanity to more of everyday life.   Perhaps with the steps to control and reduce inflation they didn't note this country's overall economic gains, considered best in the world for that unusual time that avoided a U.S. recession or even depression. 

The 46th Presidency of Joseph Biden's and Vice President Kamala Harris' four years leadership shepherded U.S. recovery from the unique circumstances of a global pandemic initially dismissed and minimized by the previous 45th President Trump until he acted much later, but that delay may have lead to the death of multitudes of U.S. citizens some have said.  

Another honest election in 2028 with viable candidates could have a positive effect toward more strongly supporting our democratic republic constitutional government which more informed voters by then can begin to reinforce in the 2022 mid-term election.   

What are some actions I and others can continue to take in the time ahead to best protect and ensure rights and freedoms for ALL of our citizens ...

.... support only those candidates who would preserve our rights and freedoms, swear allegiance to our constitution above any leader, defend our democracy to sustain our republic, and act only to do so,

.... support any of the coming 47th administration's actions that truly primarily benefit ordinary citizens as the wealthy are doing fine, 

.... always seek verifiable facts and truth from the source(s) of our news,

... use critical thinking to select only those in the Fourth Estate's honest press dedicated to verifiable truth and facts to believe, not that from social media, or conspiracy theories often riddled with propaganda including foreign government distortions and lies as is known to be occurring in our national elections, 

... carefully fact check this administration's words as past behavior indicates a great proclivity for stating inaccurate information, even about the obvious that is heard as well as seen by individuals' own eyes,

... trust what my eyes see, verify, not what others may describe to the contrary, 

... continue to believe words matter in reflecting the values, morals and beliefs of a person only if their actions reveal they live them; beware of hypocrites,

... practice civility, tolerance, respect, and love -- not hate and vindictiveness, especially in an autocratic leader's words and actions directed toward those who have different views,

... to be patient in order to survive what may well be chaos deliberately created by the new leader as occurred in the previous 45th administration, 

... keep the peace,

... stay positive in thought and spirit,

... focus on family, friends, and taking good care of our health, 

... seek humor in life to keep our sanity if these coming years are like 2016-2020.

I'm sure you have thoughts and suggestions of your own better than mine you could add.   

Honor a Man Denying Truth or Honor Our Democratic Republic .....

 

Vice  Presidential candidates Gov.Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance revealed the core issue American voters need to consider I observed after viewing their refreshingly civil debate.

Unlike former Vice President Pence who refused to certify the 2020 election based on Trump citing the election was stollen which was untrue, Vance declined to say Trump lost the 2020 election.   

"Representative Ted Lieu, an impeachment manager in the second impeachment case against Mr. Trump, said that JD Vance’s comments on the transfer of power after 2020 election were disqualifying."  Read the Guardian article by clicking the link.   

What could happen after our 2024 election if Trump loses again and decides to repeat what lead to the January 6th debacle ..... insurrection? 

American voters have a 2024 election choice : "Who's gonna honor that democracy and who's gonna honor Donald Trump?" questioned Vice Presidential candidate Walz.   

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR JANUARY 6th -- FINAL REPORT

 REPUBLIC -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

                         Accountability

      Dept. of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith

          

Update:

Business Meeting 12/19/2022 -- Monday 

1 P.M. ET -- 10 A.M. PT

390 Cannon House Office Building,  Washington DC 20515

Televised live on the Committee's site, PBS and other channels as mentioned in this L.A. Times newspaper article along with discussion about what to expect, what has occurred and other political commentary HERE 

The final Committee report release expected soon may be discussed.

Past Committee Business Meetings 

Reports Recommending House of Representatives Cite Select Named Individuals for Criminal Contempt of Congress

QUESTION:  Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about ALL involved in the January 6th seditious activities?

My continuing "catch-up" break from blogging continues. 

JUSTICE -- ALLERGIES -- THANKSGIVING -- JAZZ

 Republic -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply, then suing the Committee.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, DOJ, has appointed former integrity chief, Jack Smith, as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE.

QUESTION:  Will we see justice, know the results of the Committee's Hearings and the DOJ's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump before the November 2024 Presidential election?

"The time has come", the Walrus said, "To talk of many things:  Of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax - Of  cabbages - and kings - And why the sea is boiling hot - And whether pigs have wings."        The Walrus and the Carpenter  by Lewis Carroll

One interpretation at interesting literature HERE:  "The story ... is, in one sense, the story of encroachment and entitlement: the sun upon the moon's territory or time, the walrus and the carpenters upon the oysters, which they presume to eat -- because they can."

DROUGHT -- We wait in the midst of our rainy season for more of the wet stuff, but no moisture here since last week.  None projected for this week.  Maybe next week, next month.

Typically, this is our fire season in which dangerous flames every year have been very destructive, often of people's homes, lives, pets, livestock, in addition to surrounding forests, also dislocating, even injuring or killing some wildlife there.  We've been spared fires so far this season said to be due to the absence of diablo (devil) winds.  These winds "catapult embers and fan flames" spreading the fire far and wide.

KIWIS and BAMBOO FABRIC INNOCENT -- (see my previous post. ).  I have since  consulted with my Dermatologist, then referral to an Allergist has me finally getting some meaningful treatment gradually affecting all that itching, hives/rash, watery eyes, runny nose, other symptoms, and energy, alertness level depletions alleviating some sleep complications.  

Seems I did what many people do with my symptoms -- think food or some other item is the potential cause, so we try the process of elimination.  The reality, I was told, is that most often the cause has to do with pollens, airborne matters also affecting the respiratory system.  This may be more prevalent in some areas such as where I live than in others, I think.

So, I can eat those kiwis, wear those bamboo fabric P.J.s I was told (but I may wait 'til this is over).  Given some of the relief I'm experiencing indicates we're on the right track though there is still a toll as each day wears on.  Meanwhile, a thorough examination with blood work and other will be occurring.

My fatigue level, endurance have all been affected for much longer than a month now, resulting in my getting even more behind on so many things.  The annual holidays are coming, too, so, I will continue with limited time spent blogging, probably writing only here, among other things.  Thanks for your understanding.  

MUSIC MEMORIES -- An early 20th century variety of jazz and swing, before my day, continues to be popular with many of all ages -- young and old.  Dixieland is one such style that has had a popular group of musicians in our town.  Jazz evolved into later 20th century styles I especially enjoy more and shared with my husband.  Performing jazz with his groups, including a vocal one, and backing some name artists was my husband's professional avocation for many years which I've previously written about here.   

I welcome promoting jazz so was pleased to recently learn of this 43-year-old Thanksgiving festival.  Check your community for music festivals year 'round featuring the music you favor and support them.  Area Philharmonic Orchestras can be especially enjoyable, too., as are any local area symphonies that sometimes hold outdoor concerts.

2022 San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza.         

Celebrating 43 Years!       Thanksgiving Weekend     

"The San Diego Jazz Fest is one of the longest running annual music festivals dedicated to celebrating jazz music of the early 20th Century.  Since 1980, this event has been held during Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego, California, and features a variety of musical artists performing traditional jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, boogie woogie, gospel, and rhythm and blues."

MY FIRST THANKSGIVING I recall when I was quite young was spent on a Great Aunt's midwest Ohio farm with other of my family members on what became an extended long weekend due to unexpected snow creating safe driving concerns.  Having had our Thanksgiving dinner, we now needed more food due to our sudden necessary delayed departure in those times before home freezers with an emergency supply of food were prevalent.   

The next day the men, including my older brother, went out hunting for rabbits.  Tracking the rabbits footprints in the snow aided in the task.  They allowed me to traipse along to observe the whole process which culminated in the men dressing the rabbits for the women who later prepared them for dinner.  

I was quite appalled with the demise of the rabbits, refusing to eat any of the meat.  Finally, I reluctantly agreed to taste a bite which led to a second, then more.  Surprisingly to me, the meat was quite tasty, overcoming my focus on what had happened to the rabbits and I continued to finish my serving.  The next morning, I even ate some of the meat cold.  I've never eaten rabbit since, but then the occasion to do so has never presented itself.

THANKSGIVING celebrations will soon have many enjoying time and delicious food with family and/or friends.  Some may celebrate virtually.  Others will settle on relishing long ago memories of those times. 

May Thanksgiving be special for you!

VOTING DST -- DEMOCRACY -- TIME & HEALTH

REPUBLIC -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy] 

      Accountability for Jan. 6 insurrection.

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

QUESTION:  Will the 45th President, DJT, respond by November 14th to the Committee's subpoena extension he was able to receive to give his deposition and to provide requested documents? 

DROUGHT UPDATE -- We actually received some rain showers last week where I live in SoCal.

Encouragingly we are being told to expect some hard rain, snow in the mountains for a couple days this week.  Promises!  Promises!  Hopefully the moisture arrives here with snow in Northern California mountains plus more to come in the weeks and months ahead, normally our wet months for decades in past years.  

VIRAL COMBAT -- I have my flu shot -- was given the high-dose version this year.  In two weeks I'll seek the latest and final Covid vaccine.  Continued wearing of the N95 mask when I'm in contact with most others will continue to be the order of the day for me.  

I could still contract a virus but the severity of my illness would likely be minimal, might not even require hospitalization much less result in my death.   I like those odds -- better than my winning the lottery.

MIDTERM ELECTION VOTING -- I chose to submit my ballot in a local drop box again this year.  I will receive an email confirmation my ballot has been received and votes counted within the next few days.  

What a tragedy with the suppressing effort to thwart this means as an an individual voter's right in some other states.  There are those who promote proven deliberate lies discounting the trustworthiness of our election system.  

DEMOCRACY PRESERVATION -- I continue to believe our democracy's preservation is the primary issue that needs to guide voters in their candidate selections.  Candidates who are deniers of the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and conspiracy believers unable to discern fact from fiction pose a danger to our democratic constitutional republic's freedoms, true justice with genuine law and order.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AGAIN!

Barbra Streisand -- Everything Must Change & I Didn't Know What Time It Was                   Performed at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 6 May 2017

Barbra was 75 (!) when she sang these songs with a voice showing minimal age-related effects.

Barbra's dedications were tributes following recent deaths then of Sandy Gallin who was a talent manager adored and respected by many stars you can read about HERE

Virginia Kelley, is a nurse anesthetist and mother of former President Bill Clinton who came to be warmly regarded by many you can read about HERE.   Coincidentally, a friend of mine described her baby's birth as being "midwifed" by Virginia.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME and OUR HEALTH -- Did you remember to "fall back" one hour effective Sunday, Nov.6th at 2 a.m.?

Once again in the U.S. we all must change our clocks for daylight savings time adjustment except for Arizona and Hawaii who did not adopt this DST change system years ago.  I won't go into the whys and wherefores for all this but maybe this will be the last year we will be required to make this time change on our clocks.

You can read the DST history (not simply to accommodate farmers) in this succinct informative PBS News Hour transcript along with what has been learned about the effect of all this time manipulation on our health HERE    

Seems research studies have shown these time changes may be having a more serious impact on our health than we ever knew beyond our own experiences considered merely anecdotal in official scientific 'worldom'.

Our U.S. Senate did finally act based on legislation passed in several states to end this change by establishing daylight savings time year 'round.  That bill has stalled in the House of Representatives since some states, including my own California, desire returning to regular time, which I prefer, too.   This difference must be resolved between both branches of government before officially being signed into law.

Meanwhile, I'm coping with my clock-radio purchased many years ago to automatically "spring forward" and "fall back".  I was delighted to never have to bother with manually changing this clock twice each year -- just my wristwatch and other clocks in my house.  At least one clock would have the correct time to begin the day if I hadn't noticed the time change was occurring. 

Then, a few years ago officials altered the days DST would be in effect so my clock-radio's date for time change has been out of synchronicity ever since.   For example, this past week my clock "fell back" an hour several days before official time changed.  What an annoyance!

, 

I'll patiently await our Congress to finally act to establish the time system we will use, quite willing to accept whichever one they decide to use -- standard time or daylight savings time.  Then I will determine what to do about my clock-radio.  Maybe I can turn off the automatic date/time change feature as I like the device's size for my bedside table and the other functions.   Otherwise, to dispense with adjusting my clock twice a year, I'll be shopping for a new clock-radio.  

What do you think?  

Do you want to continue the system we have, "springing forward" an hour in early March and "falling back" an hour in early November?   

Would you prefer to adopt standard time or daylight savings time year 'round?  

Your response will have no known influence on how this government policy is decided but perhaps you'll feel better having expressed your point of view.  We can see at least how our legislator's actions reflect our point of view on this one matter -- if and when they act and we live long enough to see the results.       

 

GHOSTS, GOBLINS & SPELLS -- MULTI-VIRUSES

 REPUBLIC -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

      Accountability for Jan. 6 insurrection.

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

QUESTION:  What action will occur now since the 45th President, DJT, has not appeared or provided documents as subpoenaed to testify under oath telling the truth before the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings?

HALLOWEEN will come and go this week, then preparations will begin for the holidays yet to come.  There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for resuming these and other celebrations in  groups, many composed of lots of family and friends.  This is quite a change from recent years when Covid kept everyone apart.  Of course, in terms of becoming ill, we seem to be far from out of the woods since Covid hasn't left us.  Also, a couple of other viruses have returned to possibly disrupt our lives more than usual.  All of us are urged to get our vaccinations up to date.

Reportedly our annual flu is a bit more virulent this year with the highest number of cases in more than a decade, presently mostly in the south though medical professionals caution it's early in the season.   Obtaining the annual flu shot now is highly recommended. 

Then, there is the common RSV -- respiratory syncytial virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages which has become of particular concern -- presently a very high incidence in our young children in some areas of our country.    

A review of various medical reports about RSV in older people summarized in a Google search reports increasing hospitalizations and death possible:  "Older adults are at greater risk than young adults for serious complications from RSV because our immune systems weaken when we are older".  

Wearing masks or not for all these viruses is each individual's decision based on their judgement about different situations.  Masks are required to be worn in some settings by various businesses of their employees and customers.  I'll soon receive my flu shot with my next doctor's appointment, then the final Covid vaccine as I continue to mask and will afterward.  

I certainly hope this year's holidays do not become virus spreading occasions for many ruining their holidays to say the least.  

Halloween has changed considerably since my youth when it was celebrated mostly by just young children.  Older teens perceived they had outgrown this activity.  We youngsters went door-to-door on what was called Beggar's Night.  No more did some older children go out to "trick" the households the next night who hadn't given a treat on Beggar's Night.   The holiday had seemed to evolve to a one night event that has since become known as Trick or Treat Night.  

Older children and even adults in subsequent years have increasingly begun to celebrate Halloween with group parties and wearing costumes.   Costumes when I was young were mostly of the home-made variety.   A simple mask just covering the eyes was typically worn with or without any other costume.  Some few ready-made costumes were beginning to become available for purchase at our five-and-dime stores like Woolworth's and Kresge's in my town, but this was an expense most families like mine didn't incur.  Part of the fun of Halloween was concocting our own costume -- simple and basic like a sheet to be a ghost progressing to more elaborate creations for others.  

Decades later when my children were young there were numerous other youngsters in our neighborhood, too.  They all soon reached an age when they went out in a group without their parents.  The marketing of ready-made Halloween costumes was increasingly becoming big business and has continued to be so.   Many children with their parents came to our door for treats with the littlest ones coming early, usually just at dusk, to show off their costumes.

After dark when the older school-age children started arriving they encountered more than treats at our house.  I had recorded eerie Halloween music and sounds such as wolves howling, chains rattling, squeaky doors, squealing creature sounds, owls hooting, high-pitched and low growling, grumbling human sounds emitted from behind our darkened garage door as the children walked cautiously and slowly up the driveway to our front door.  Some children exhibited more bravado than others.

A couple years, a father on another street dressed in a lifelike gorilla costume, roamed the streets later in the evening when only the older kids were out and about to give them some unexpected thrills.  He would suddenly appear out of the shadows to startle, even momentarily frighten these unsuspecting Halloweeners.  

We never experienced any vandalism except one year, later in the evening, when some older kids driven from other communities were dropped off on our street we think.  One of the pumpkins our children had carved that we had placed near our front door, bore evidence of a destructive busting kick we discovered the following morning.

One year I extracted the pulp from a pumpkin which I processed to use for baking my usual pumpkin pies.  I determined the pumpkin wasn't any better as I had thought it might be than the canned pumpkin I usually used.   Preparing the fresh pumpkin didn't seem worth the time and effort to me for my pies in future years.   

After our children were grown, fewer and fewer children were visiting our neighborhood on halloween.   A family with young children finally moved here but their parents had them celebrate Halloween with friends in private parties at each other's home.   They were partially prompted to discontinue allowing their children to go door-to-door by news accounts of instances in some cities where children received unacceptable, even dangerous treats of various kinds.  

In time, my husband no longer was able to keep getting up and down to answer the door  to enjoy seeing those costumed treat-seekers lessening in number.  I kept up the activity for several years though the number of children coming to our door kept dwindling even more.  Eventually, we ceased purchasing treats to distribute at Halloween after being stuck with so many goodies -- too many tempting sweets we liked but didn't need to eat.   Trick or Treaters haven't been on my street for many years.   I no longer prepare for the event so leave my porch light off.   I do have pleasant memories of the fun from all those years ago.

I Put A Spell On You  -- Nina Simone

KEEPING FREEDOM -- AGEING OVER 90

 Republic -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

      Accountability for Jan. 6 insurrection.

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan 6th Hearings

 Subpoena issued to Donald John Trump to testify.

QUESTION:  Will DJT follow law and order in which he says he believes to tell the truth under oath to the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings?

FWIW I've been blogging on other sites less frequently recently, if you've noticed.  This is due to personal issues but I want you to know I still care about each of you.

DEMOCRACY

A nation of freedom-loving people we have plenty about which to be concerned though in my eighty-plus years this is one of the most dangerous ones.   I feel compelled to continue expressing my thoughts since critical U.S. midterm elections are still in process, so be forewarned.   Should you prefer to avoid reading more about these issues, you may prefer to skip directly to AGING PERCEPTIONS below.

Democracy preservation for the United States is of the utmost priority when selecting candidates for whom to vote in this midterm election IMHO.  Given the gravity of the situation I cannot avoid continuing to focus some attention on what is at stake for the survival of our nation as the constitutional republic and democracy with the freedoms our forefathers gave to us, "if you can keep it."

I wanted this blog to be politically nonpartisan when I began in 2006, but am dedicated to upholding our constitutional republic's democracy I have observed being under attack since 2016.  I cannot remain silent since a once respectable political party became subverted into undermining our government by any means possible with lies regarding the results of our election process, even inciting violence in an effort to establish an autocratic system with a one-man ruler. 

Obviously, by the actions of those aligned with the violent instigating political party and even the words of the leader they claim to follow, law and order is not observed or respected and won't be in the future for anyone whose views differ from theirs.

Individual rights and freedoms are being seriously threatened by that party.  Unfortunately, many citizens have and still do take our rights and freedoms for granted, assuming we'll always have them or can easily regain them if taken from us no matter what we do or don't do.  Nothing could be further from the truth as they can be whittled away little by little by various politicized government branches by far too many of that party's candidates such as those recent women's rights were taken away.  

Government office appointments in the future and Congressional action by that party will jeopardize many citizen rights including healthcare, Medicare and Social Security in our richest of all nations -- our U.S. nation that already falls well below the offerings reported in the rankings of other nations in the democratic western world.  

Federal, state, local elections, judges and appointees matter and we the people with our votes can determine what kind of country in which we and future generations live.

I know some of my words resonate with many in the U.S. and some others elsewhere in the world.   I don't presume to know what if any meaningful impact occurs on any U.S. voter with what I write, but I must make the effort on my limited platform.   

AGEING PERCEPTIONS OVER 90

We're fortunate whatever our older age to have individuals who have enriched our lives.   The reality is that the older we become the fewer remain who are still living.   That's certainly been true in my life as I've previously shared here.  Celebrating my recent birthday many memories cross my mind.

I recall with loving thoughts the year my young teen son asked me to stay in the other room because he was going to undertake his first solo baking effort without supervision.  He baked me a birthday cake from scratch which was quite successful when all was said and done -- probably the best cake, commercial or otherwise, I ever had made for me!

There have certainly been other significant family birthday occasions and some with co-workers as well as personal friends.  Often lovely flowers my husband brought with memorable gifts, including unexpectedly unique ones from my daughter.  Across the miles now I am not forgotten as grandchildren join my celebration.   Far too many other family members and friends exist only in my memory.   

This year, I unexpectedly was delighted to share some of my much younger neighbors delicious chocolaty chocolate October birthday cake.  

Author, blogger, Katherine Esty recently celebrated her 88th birthday which caused her to think about what life might be like at 90 or older as she edges closer to that decade.   She shares "What It's Like To Be Over 90" HERE in interviews with some she knows that age.  

Wellness and disability issues are discussed coupled with a view revealing whatever one's physical condition an attitude exists of believing we're "Lucky To Be Alive" as younger old folks have said, too.

A probably 95 year old woman now I know is continuing to thrive living independently in her single family home following her husband's death some years ago.  "C" as I'll refer to her continued her career as a hairdresser after she left the aerospace industry in an earlier decade until Covid caused the hair salon to close when she was age 93.  Even then she often continued helping clients where they lived including shopping for them.  

"C" had begun experiencing some challenges standing for long periods and began using a walker in some situations outside the beauty salon.  She has some medical problems but continues to cope.  She's always been in an upbeat mood in our occasional phone conversations to catch up on our lives, or when she stopped by the house a year or so ago.   

Most recently, "C" speaks of selling her home and moving as one of her daughters may from her state to northern California where more of their immediate family is now living.  

I appreciate learning about other individuals lives as they travel along the ageing highway, especially those living independently in their homes without benefit of community care facilities offerings.   My situation presents challenges quite different from that provided in long term care even at the independent living level. 

Having no family or even immediate close friends nearby can present additional complications as I experience which doesn't lessen the older one becomes.  I have characterized my decision to choose this way of living my sunset years as "The Grand Experiment".  Experiments outcomes can become unpredictable.  

Perhaps you'll find Katherine Esty's blog at the link provided above of interest as she writes from her long term continuing care community.  Certainly the views and attitudes of her fellow residents reflect the lives they lead and their experiences.   I wonder if or how they might differ from those living in other than in long term continuing care settings?  

Everyone living who survives many years with the obstacles they may have encountered in their path sprinkled among the joy and happiness they've had can consider themselves fortunate.  Some of those obstacles may be of the person's own making caused by words said or unsaid, actions taken or lack of action.  Then there are other complications that occur beyond the person's influence or control.  Somehow the individual has bypassed the obstacle in some fashion, overcome, or found a way to live with the result.    

Whatever the situation celebrating each birthday is well-deserved the older we become, especially when we consider the alternative.

"HERE'S TO LIFE" -- Shirley Horn with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra, 1993

OATH -- BETRAYAL -- RAINDROPS -- DEMOCRACY

 Republic -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

     Accountability for Jan. 6 insurrection.

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

QUESTION:   Has the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings shown evidence the ex-President Donald John Trump has violated his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States presenting a clear and present danger to democracy?

President's oath or affirmation "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

10/13/22 SELECT COMMITTEE HEARING 

Ex- President Donald J. Trump has been subpoenaed to testify before the U.S. Select House Committee on the Jan. 6th Hearings.   Will he be able to find the truth to speak amid his many prevarications?  

BETRAYAL

We might well come away from viewing all these Hearing sessions appalled at how many people in our government have betrayed their oath of office and our democratic republic.

"History of the Oath.      At the start of each new Congress, in January of every odd-numbered year, the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate performs a solemn and festive constitutional rite that is as old as the Republic."

U.S. Govt. form sf61 for all employees:  "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God." 

RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD by B. J. Thomas

Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song with uplifting lyrics for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Fall is teasing us with cool temperatures where I live in SoCal, but summer's heat will return for a few days before the coming week ends.  Rain-promising dark clouds have been hiding the sun most days where I live only to release their much-needed moisture elsewhere.  A sudden loud sharp clap of thunder as I write this has followed a finally left token amount of the wet stuff tonight for which I'm grateful in this drought-ridden state.  

DEMOCRACY -- VOTING

November mid-term election voting has me reviewing my 5 page ballot that consists of federal, state, local municipal candidates and issues.  Likely those of you in the U.S. are voting your own ballots or readying to do so on election day. 

There is so much more at stake dwarfing the focus said to be primary such as inflation, immigration, environment to list a few issues.  Those matters all become secondary to my voting only for those candidates dedicated to preserving our republic's democracy.  They are the leaders I trust most to address our nation's problems with dedication to providing the highest degree of respect for truth and individual freedoms.  Deniers of the 2020 presidential election legitimacy must themselves be denied my vote.

FOGEL QUESTION -- MOVIES -- AGE DISCRIMINATION.

DEMOCRACY -- "If you can keep it."  Accountability needed for Jan. 6 insurrection.     U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th Hearings will continue in the fall.

QUESTION:  Why does gaining the release of a basketball star erroneously held and a former U.S. Marine accused of being a spy seem to take precedence over the release of a teacher, Marc Fogel, wrongfully being held by Russia, appearing to be ignored?  Is life fair?

Read Washington Post link about teacher Marc Fogel HERE.

Read Reuter's link about "Americans Held Captive Abroad" HERE.

MOVIES STARRING 'SEASONED' ACTORS

Movies with story lines featuring older characters are few.  When I was viewing Amanpour & Co. on PBS (Thursday 7/28, Season 5, Episode 20) HERE.   I was surprised to see a couple of actually older actors being interviewed promoting their new movie.  These two critically acclaimed actors have appeared in numerous movies but primarily as character actors though never together before.  Now, here were a couple of older actors in a movie about older people.

Dale Dickey, link HERE, award winner, has played mostly hard tough women in theatre, television, movies including "Winter's Bone", "No Exit".

Wes Studi, link HERE, producer, musician, actor, Oscar winner, is a Native American Cherokee Indian.  He has frequently been cast in western movies including "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee", "Dances With Wolves".

These talented actors have been cast as the romantic leads in this rare film about a "seasoned" (of a certain age) man and woman meeting again for the first time since their young school age years.  The backdrop of open western skies above rugged Colorado mountains, lakes, solitude offers spectacular scenery as seen based on the film preview.

I have not seen the movie but this Independent Film's reviews are positive from the New York Times to Rotten Tomatoes 5 star rating. The Curvy Film Critic's review there expresses a point of view with which I agree:  "It was more than wonderful to witness Dale Dickey and Wes Studi as romantic leads while screaming to Hollywood zeitgeist of green lighting gremlins that audiences need more stories with folks that look like a regular old people..."

A LOVE SONG /Official Trailer/Bleecker Street

"THE DUKE", another movie with a couple of "old people" I have yet to view but look forward to seeing is based on a true story of a "humane thief" in what has been described as a "dramedy".  The movie stars, favorites of mine, Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent.  Broadbent's character says:  "Will return painting if provide more help for elderly."  

THE DUKE (2022) OFFICIAL TRAILER [HD]

"THE LAST MOVIE STARS", a movie series I eventually will get around to viewing.  This film is considered to be a documentary of the lives of actors Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward, the past performances of both I've enjoyed.

THE LAST MOVIE STARS /Official Trailer/ HBO Max

AGE DISCIMINATION

There are numerous other older even more well-known "seasoned" stars whose acting prowess I enjoy viewing, especially some of the women since the male actors seem to appear in more roles whatever their age.  Some of these women are Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Shirley MacLaine are just a few that immediately come to my mind.

Perhaps we might ask are their writers producing entertaining older people's stories?  Are their screen writers creating stories for films?  

Maybe you know some older people's stories that would make a good movie or you could even write one?

GEEZER FLICKS

I'm reminded of deceased blogger Ronni Bennett's blog "Time Goes By"  (still accessible on the net) with a link there to "GEEZER FLICKS" or HERE for an extensive list of films she and readers there compiled.  The last film addition in 2020 before closed to comments.

MOVIES FOR GROWNUPS (AARP)

An ongoing list of movies is provided by AARP  HERE which also includes movies starring older actors and some story lines about older people's lives.  The first awards were in 2002. 

MOVIE SCREENING FREE -- AARP offers a free movie screening HERE.

TV FOR GROWNUPS -- AARP had recommendations HERE.

This is the end of the line for what I have to write this time.  Now it's your turn.  

CELEBRATING 246th IN MIDST OF THREATS

                          Happy 246th Birthday U.S.A. !

Celebrating our nation's Declaration of Independence 

                                     July 4, 1776

Yankee Doodle (1991 Remastered) 

The Robert Shaw Chorale -- Traditional Battle Cry of Freedom

Our nation's founding fathers subsequently wrote a constitution giving us a republic ... "if you can keep it" Thomas Jefferson said.

Threats from outside our country have been combatted  but perhaps none like the assault from within such as our current one involving our most recent ex-president.   We must be aware of what we are facing so that we can optimistically confront and overcome this threat to our freedom and independence.

Dangerous, frightening, challenging are only a few of the words I might use to describe these history-making years.  Efforts to convert our form of government to an autocracy appear to be that former president's undertaking.  He has proven his words cannot be trusted when he speaks of saving democracy, believing in law and order since his actions are just the opposite.  

His political party and most of their senators and house representatives appear to support him given their public stance.  Only a few of their number have had the courage to publicly oppose that ex-president.

Even our Supreme Court has made court rulings jeopardizing our system including some years ago when a ruling allowed contributions of what has become excessive amounts of corrupting funds to begin unduly influencing our political campaigns.  

Most recently a newer combination of SCOTUS judges appear to be making rulings based more on political ideology using warped constitutional interpretations.  

They have taken away a woman's right to control her own body's health with a ruling that may even threaten other individual rights.  Gun rights have been expanded endangering citizens even more.  The separation of church and state has been undermined which is most counter to our constitution.  Environmental health protections have been weakened with other adverse rulings possibly in the offing.

Election systems throughout our country are in danger of being corrupted by this ex-president and his supporters.  Their efforts to suppress voting continues in selected states to acquire power by any means, legal or otherwise persists.  Lies and false conspiracy theories continue to be spread by our ex-president and his supporters.

An attempt to prevent a peaceful transfer of Presidential power occurred in a seditious act January 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol.  Currently, the U.S. House Committee on January 6th is conducting hearings on that insurrection to establish how it occurred and who was involved.  Our Attorney General's office will determine if the facts reveal accountability for what appears to have been a coup effort.

Much testimony suggests the ex-president demands individual allegiance to him over all else.  This is contrary to government officials' oath being first and foremost to the U.S. constitution.   Morality and ethical behavior appear to be mostly lacking in those previous administration officials.  Many refuse to testify under oath to the committee.

Given all these circumstances, my thoughts move along the full spectrum of positive to negative views then back again to our nation's future as events unfold.  I am determined to believe our nation's democratic republic grand experiment will overcome this threat from within to which we are being subjected.

Democracy is  fragile.   We the people have the power to keep this independence for which many died those many years ago and in subsequent years.  Our elections will be critical. 

I realize most if not all reading here likely recognize all that I've written.  I refuse to be discouraged and hope you will not be either.  This coming patriotic holiday simply arouses thoughts and feelings in me I feel compelled to express.   I am optimistic that truth and real justice will prevail however long is required.  

Happy Fourth of July to one and all ! 

FATHER'S DAY -- JEAN -- HOUSE HEARING JAN. 6

FATHER'S DAY I celebrate in tribute to my son, to my husband's memory, and to all those fathers who are uniquely special in the lives of their family. 

SMILE -- Steven Tyler sings to his father; Chris Botti on trumpet, for your viewing at this link:           https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=992496770834556

(That emotionally moving singular performance was originally slated to be embedded here but then became unavailable for use in that manner.)

                             ^                  ^                   ^

JEAN

I'm not much in the mood for writing since I've learned what I really didn't want to know when I finally mustered the courage to conduct an internet search of a friend's name.  The closest of my undergraduate college friends with whom we've kept in contact with each other all these years has died.  

Jean has been writing she wanted to talk with me but preferred to call, so I waited for her to write a message advising that she was feeling up to talking and when she would phone.   Her last email message to me included her saying she felt "like a slug."  Now, I've discovered that two weeks later she died.

In the days before the internet, I might never have known about the death of some friends since family doesn't always make contact to convey that information.  Most close friends long term have lived many miles distant from me for most of our years during our adult lives.  Seldom, if ever, did we even see each other and in most instances hadn't even met each other's now adult children.  

This close adult life-long friend, Jean, is the third in the past decade I've learned has died but only after I finally searched their name on the internet.   I was hesitant about checking for the second person a few years later after that first loss experience.  Though a letter and phone calls had elicited no response, I delayed further internet checking before finally searching only to once more find the result that I didn't want.  

So, on this third occasion I finally acquired the courage to search a name once again on the internet.  The screen instantly appeared and there Jean was, smiling directly at me, her face and name next to a column titled "Obituary".

I'm so glad I took a side trip stop-over to visit her and her husband as she urged I do on my flight home from visiting with my family several years ago.  I wish now I had stayed longer.  We could have enjoyed so much more time together.  Now, there are only the memories.  So much I could write, but as I said in the beginning, right now I just can't bring myself to immerse deeper into sorrow's moody pool.   I will miss her!

In the decade before this current one when my friends' deaths began becoming more prevalent, some adult children never contacted me then, either, about their parent's death.   One did, but not until a daughter wrote a year later, and another when a son wrote several months later.  

One husband phoned me across the continent quite soon after his wife's death, then broke down on the phone and it was all I could do to emotionally keep it together as I felt I must for him.  Days later the adult daughter called and after determinedly thinking I must keep my emotions under control for her, I could not.

I don't know why with other friends who died I never heard from family, especially in one specific instance.  But  I can appreciate simple contact delays as I guess there's really no longer any rush for any reason.  

I know from my own experience there can be complications after a loved one dies, plus family members personal lives may have extra-demands, too.  There's usually a rush of attention, followed by diminishing concern at some future point in time directed at the deceased's immediate family.   Then that all ends and the remaining significant family member is truly alone.  

All the grieving, adapting, coping can be overwhelming, giving way to the never-ending sense of loss for family and some friends.   On reflection,  after my husband's unexpected sudden death, I have been aware of not handling some matters in the manner which I intended or did so only part-way from what I expected to do.  

Age differences between friends seem to matter little, especially since I've been older.  I often think of one older-than-me long gone friend who wrote me once, "There are no friends like old friends."   New friends, not always easily acquired when we're older, but who can become dear, rarely have the depth the history of time with shared life experiences and changes provides.  

I note also, when an older friend dies there can be a different way of thinking about losing them than when a younger-than-me person departs.  The older person is often said to have had a long life versus the younger one said to have died too young.  When someone my same age dies, as was Jean, the loss resonates in a uniquely personal identification way.  

I've written here before that I've found one of the most difficult aspects of ageing is the longer I live the more friends and family die before me, the fewer who remain living.  My old friends and family once quite expansive in number are now down to less than I can count on one hand for the former, two hands for the latter.  Memories can be cherished though they're not as rich as future personal interactions.   No matter how many of those for whom I care deeply depart this earth, incorporating their loss into my life never becomes easier.

                                ^. ^. ^                           ^. ^. ^                            ^. ^. ^

"Donald Trump and his supporters are a clear and present danger to democracy."

   Judge Luttig quote from the third House Hearing held on June 16, 2022.

United States Select House Committee on January 6th next Hearings:

--Tuesday,   June 21:   l p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT)  

--Thursday, June 23:  3 p.m. ET (Noon PT)  

One more Hearing to be scheduled.

Judge J. Michael Luttig PBS "Frontline Interview" May 25, 2022 "filmed for a forthcoming documentary looking at challenges to American democracy"  HERE.

                                                                                           

POTPOURRI SO-CAL -- JAN. 6th -- SARCASM

Planning how I can landscape my front yard to adapt to the mandated water allocations outdoor watering restrictions due to our SoCal drought (described in my previous post) occupies my thoughts.   Other matters do not go unnoticed.  

Gasoline price regularly -- every night -- goes up overnight here in SoCal -- anywhere from 1 cent to 5 cents a gallon.  We're well over $6 a gallon and going up every day.  Is gasoline going up in price like this where you live?

Toilet Paper -- I've noticed for some time when I put the new tissue roll on my holder how it seems to slide back and forth further and further.  I took a closer look the other day, pushing the new tissue roll clear to one side.  There was a whole inch of open space on the opposite side.  I remember when I used to put a new tissue roll on the roller and the tissue filled the whole roller side to side.  So, the tissue rolls are skinnier now then they used to be for ..... I don't know how long that's been the case.  The tissue is diminishing in size., I guess.    Is each perforated tissue section still a square or a rectangle, instead of being the square now, too -- I didn't check that tissue width dimension --- are there also fewer sections?

Apparently, a lot of products are getting smaller in various ways to allow for the producer's increased costs as a way to avoid raising the item's price to consumers.  Is it greedy profiteering or should we be pleased, given inflation's impact, that they're trying to keep customer's costs down with this adjustment?

Have you noticed changes in sizes, quantities of any products you use, and what about the cost of that gasoline.....?                                                                         *                            *                                *

The United States has been hosting the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles with a theme "Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future" for our hemisphere.  The summit brings together the heads of government for North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

We certainly could benefit from positive relationships with all our neighbors including Canada on this continent.  Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua were not invited.  This met with disapproval by some other nation's leaders including Mexico's President who did not attend in protest though an official representative was present.   Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and several other nations were also absent.

Some Summit achievements:  in "...the Los Angeles Declaration a nonbinding migration blueprint established legal pathways to enter the countries and set new parameters around aid".  Politico also reports: "The Biden administration has committed to a three-fold increase in resettling 20,000 refugees from the Americas over the next year.  Other pacts revolved around addressing climate change and driving clean energy, advancing food security, mobilizing new investments in the region and incentivizing increased trade, though they lacked major funding and many specifics."

I hope we're able to create a feeling of goodwill with all and Latin American countries strive to make their homeland more invitingly livable for their citizens.  Most would like to stay home and not trek to our borders seeking to immigrate.  Usually those with autocratic forms of government/dictators typically don't place a priority on what their citizens need.  Surely not a form of government we would want in the U.S.    *                     *                      *

Our U.S. citizens need to consider how much survival of our democratic republic depends on our voting to elect to office only those candidates (including judges) dedicated to supporting our form of government.  Our primary election completed recently with only 20% or less voting in our state -- such an important time to weed out unsuitable candidates before a November general election to keep in mind before next time.          *                     *                     *          

Mass shootings continue, I see reported in the news.....  like most of you, I'm impatiently awaiting our legislators to take some action on gun control.  Weapons intended for warfare, as so many mass shooters and others have used seem unlikely to be banned.  I suppose it's necessary for those who want to keep those AK-47s and others readily and easily available for purchase here in the U.S. -- especially for all those eager to engage in seditious activities to overthrow our government, rid us of our oppressive democratic republic so we can enjoy the freedoms of one-person authoritarian dictatorship rule -- she said sarcastically.

I'm sure that would be much better as I look around the world at Putin in Russia, leadership in China, and North Korea.  Or maybe we could have a mix with theocratic leadership like Iran.  Doubtless a touch of return to days of yore like the Taliban offers Afghans would be very foreword thinking, but our Supreme Court may already be working to make that a reality. 

SCOTUS seems to think interpretations of our constitution must not adapt to changes in the world in the centuries since our founders established our nation.  Never mind that the vast majority of American citizens believe otherwise, and I'll bet our forefathers who wrote that constitution would agree.

Mentioning sedition as I was earlier, reminds me of the televised House Committee Hearing I viewed this past week investigating the January 6th U.S. Capitol event.  

Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. presented this timeline of events leading to the attack on the Capitol in the first hearing June 9th.

Our local Claremont Courier newspaper features a front-page photo taken by freelance photojournalist Amanda Andrade-Rhoades who grew up here, later returned to intern at the Courier.  She covered the January 6th event for the Washington Post where she lives now.  She was included with their staff to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage.  (I think the Post must have her Jan. 6th photos as I only saw one on her internet web site; none will be available to appear in this post.)

"Eye of the Storm" photos, and the Courier's Andrew Alonzo's interview with Amanda describing her first-hand experience in the midst all day long of the insurrection notes what every community resident might wisely consider based on what she saw:

"What gets me is that the people who were there, they are not backwater hicks.  They are your neighbors. ... I think it is a big mistake to think our neighbors are incapable of being extremists ... and incapable of attempting to perform a coup at the U.S. Capitol."

(This interview with photos may be available on the Courier website after their June 10th issue is archived should you want to read the entire content.)

Not everyone recognizes the seriousness of what occurred January 6th, if they even paid attention to the events.  One very sensitive sportsperson referred to that Jan. 6th atrocity as a "dustup at the Capitol"  He later apologized, but subsequently was fired from his defensive football coaching job in D.C.  

I remember viewing the actual January real time live TV news coverage of the events and being absolutely horrified at the violence.  (Be forewarned a little more personal sarcasm to follow.)

The worrisome days that followed my seeing those protesting people -- what a relief when I learned they were just vacationers visiting Washington and government offices, very friendly people, who I guess just got a little exuberant in their actions.  "The love I've seen, I've never seen anything like it." our ex-President said.  I could see how those people might have been filled with the spirit of love.  

Sometimes, I guess some people just get so excited when visiting government buildings they like/love, that they have so much energy coursing through their body that they break windows, kick in doors, attack law enforcement officers, are motivated to want to lynch a government leader and shout obscenities.  Doesn't everybody?

Viewing that hearing last week really mind-jolted me back to reality.  They showed so much film coverage that demonstrated to me that what I originally thought I had seen January 6th, I really did see.  Those people weren't being friendly.  They were physically hurting people, some even died.  How could I have doubted what my own eyes had seen and how I perceived what I saw?

How could our former President have misunderstood what happened January 6th?  He was there in the beginning and talked to those people.  Didn't he tell them to go to the Capitol, using words intimating he was going to walk there with them?  Why didn't he go?  Instead, he went to the White House, watching on TV what transpired.  Did he really believe they were all just friendly tourists?   

I'm really concerned that if that's how he interpreted what he saw he either has vision and hearing problems, or he must have slipped a brain cog.  The only other explanation I can think of is that he was lying about what those people were doing.  Surely, our former President wouldn't lie about something like that, would he?

That question prompted me to see what the internet might show about this "lying" business.  I was overwhelmed with so many links documenting the ex-President's lying -- incredibly, over 30,000 lies that the ex-President has been telling from when he assumed office, continuing even after his term expired and now.  Wow!   How could anyone want to be associated with him, much less defend his actions?  This is just all too much to think about presently.

Oh, one other matter ..... Curiously, Rupert Murdoch's Fox TV was the only network that didn't broadcast that hearing.  In fact, Fox didn't even interrupt with commercials for a couple hours or so whatever programming they broadcast.  I guess that's not all too surprising that Fox wouldn't want viewers tempted to be exposed to reality and facts when we consider the problems Fox  News Department/network has had from time to time with reporting accuracy.  

I keep remembering the sight on TV of our ex-President soon after his election meeting in Scotland with Murdoch.  I would think those who profess to be advocates of freedom, individual liberties, and proponents of real truth would have no qualms about their viewers seeing these hearings.  

There are more hearings to come.  The next one, the only one televised in non-prime time, on Monday, June 13th at 10 a.m. ET (that will be 7 a.m. PT where I live).  Check the broadcast time where you live.  You may read the coming hearings schedule with expected content and where you may view them on television or the internet HERE.

QUESTIONS: DEMOCRACY VS AUTOCRACY

(My life has been busier than usual the past week or so and will continue to be for at least another week or more.   I've been visiting other blogs  less frequently but will resume again soon.) 

                             *                                               *                                              *

                     Tears For Fears -- "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"

Performed on a recent Late Show With Stephen Colbert celebrating the release of their latest album "The Tipping Point".

DW a respected German news source, one of several media in other countries I follow, recently reported "Democracy in decline worldwide" in Peter Hille's article you may read by clicking on that title with these excerpts:  

"For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic states than democracies around the world.  Civil society activists often represent the last bastion of resistance."  [Emphasis is mine.]

Hille's report continues:

"Of the 137 developing and transition countries examined, only 67 are still considered democracies.  The number of autocracies has increased to 70."

Additionally, Hille notes:

"This is the worst political transformation result we have ever measured in the 15 years of our work," says Hauke Hartmann, BTI project manager at the Bertelsmann Foundation.  This is due to the fact around the world there are fewer free and fair elections, less freedom of opinion and assembly, as well as increasing erosion of the separation of powers." [Emphasis is mine.]

Many tactics were employed for four years during our previous president's administration to weaken our democracy including spreading falsehoods about our election's fairness, attempts were made to stifle contradictory opinion, and limiting efforts were directed toward our free press.

Most egregious was the exploitation of the legal system to undermine our U.S. Constitution including efforts to erode the separation of powers in our nation's three branches.  The executive branch increasingly dictated to the other branches, legislative and judicial, often attempting to ignore or circumvent the rule of law which was espoused to being believed but  actions demonstrated otherwise.

You are probably aware of many examples of efforts within our country that continue to be made to weaken our democracy as practiced by that former president and enablers.  Consider voter suppression laws in some states.  Efforts to manipulate election officials.

Those who falsely lament most about our 2020 election being stolen appear to currently be engaged in using nefarious means to be able to attempt to steal future elections should they not like the results of fair and legal voting.  They do so under the false flag our election process cannot be trusted  Even members of their own political party have stated unequivocally there is no evidence our election results were false and cannot be trusted in the future with existing officials.

Unfortunately, one political party appears to currently be dominated by that ex-president with those who are appeasing autocracy supporters, to describe at best what they are about.  This would seem to give voters who want to preserve our democratic republic pause to seriously think about not only their national but local and state candidate selections, including judiciary, plus voting choices in the future.

Voters no longer will be deciding between two political parties with differing issue views but united in their dedication to democracy and how best to govern our democratic republic.

Voters may well be choosing between a party dedicated  to retaining our freedoms within a democratic republic or a party that is masquerading an intent to convert our government to an autocracy with a dictator calling himself a duly elected president.  

Hopefully, more and more people will consider these issues preparatory for congressional elections as well as presidential election primaries, national conventions, and general elections   What are your thoughts?

MENTAL RESPITE -- DEMOCRACY -- PEACE -- LOVE

Some of our U.S. populace is caught up in the excitement of today's (Sun. 2/13) NFL Super Bowl American football playoff game occurring in a newly built Los Angeles area stadium that media describes as being quite spectacular as such arenas go.   

I may view this game on TV as I have been intrigued with the young 36 years old L.A. Rams coach Sean McVay, their quarterback, Matthew Stafford age 34, and the team's success -- information hard to ignore learning of since the game, team and players have been repeatedly and aggressively promoted by local, even national media.

The Cincinnati Bengals opposing our coincidentally local Rams are also attractive with the story of their young 25 year old quarterback, Joe Burrows and his team finally producing a winning season after a 31 years drought from such success.  Zac Taylor, 38 years old, the second youngest NFL head coach for the Bengals.  

I can enjoy watching some sporting events but am not avidly engrossed in them as my husband was.  Years ago, when I learned of brain injury issues, then coupled with what has been learned in more recent years about dementia effects some athletes have experienced, my attitude toward the violence in some sports has colored my enjoyment.  As for this Super Bowl, I'm inclined to root for our L.A. team, but I think I could derive pleasure from the joy expressed by whichever team wins.

Perhaps the Super Bowl will be a mental respite from thinking about the numerous issues our country faces both internally, such as the GOP not being a true political party but perhaps a radical insurgency, and externally like the current situation in Europe.

Democracy, such as practiced in our nation's republic,  continues to be under assault by those advocating for various forms of dictatorships.  They promote autocratic leaders just as does even one of our own -- a former self-aggrandizing President who makes no secret of his intent to subvert our nation to becoming an autocracy he would lead.   

My recent weekend luck forces me once more to focus on my latest woes since a long-ago-broken tooth has once again come unglued.  At least I can be glad I didn't swallow the released tooth piece.  I'll weather this new inconvenience until, hopefully, a re-glue is received ideally Monday rather than referral for a root canal -- just when I thought I could attend to other matters.

Only last week having replaced tires on my car after an unexpected flat and revelations of the poor condition from age deteriorations the rest of the tires exhibited, I had thought I could indulge in thinking about less personal matters.   Come to think of it, there are still a few other personal issues for me to address, none the least of which are income taxes.  Oh, well!

I still can't help thinking about what is happening in Europe.  Why are we concerned we might ask?  

My view is -- please, not more war -- not again -- a European nation, this time Russia, threatening a geographically adjacent smaller country ... Ukraine ... an unwanted invasion into a sovereign nation ... a reversion to a less stable continent whatever the rationale or excuse for doing so.

This crisis is discussed by Judy Woodruff with New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart in a PBS News Hour segment.  An excerpt of what Brooks said:

"I'd say the stakes are this.  In 19-- from 1915-1945, we had  a culture and a regime in Europe which was the law of the jungle, the strong nations get to conquer the little ones.  In 1945, after 150 million deaths and two World Wars, we set up a rules-based order, where strong nations do not get to take over little ones, that we have some sort of global international order, with NATO and the U.N. and all sorts of organizations making it a much more peaceful place.

And we have enjoyed a peaceful, peaceful land.  And, if Russia is allowed to take Ukraine, that would destroy, that would shred that international order."

As for the pandemic,  I continue to find it alarming the simple matter of wearing a facial mask which is a proven means of limiting viral spreading has become such a controversial issue.  These viruses could care less that we humans are tired of adjusting our daily lives to combat them.  So, we will each be forced to confront the virus's potential illness consequences, protecting ourselves on our own, given that some of the selfish humans in our midst don't seem to care what happens to others or themselves by taking measures best for all.  "We're all in this together" as these viruses dictate -- except for some -- unfortunately affecting all.  

I understand the virus mutations present changes that can only be determined over time, after the fact, but some objectors seem not to grasp this concept.   Whatever federal to local officials may prescribe or recommend for various settings, I will continue following basic common-sense practices including wearing a mask filtering small particles despite some of the falsehoods such as described in this U.S.A. Today article, as well as taking other care including hand washing/sanitizing.  Also, I'll still make selective contact with others and the situations into which I'll go.

These are, indeed, challenging times in which we live with all sorts of changes occurring throughout the world.  Like most of you who have lived many years, I've learned to adapt and adjust.  Perhaps more difficult has been to differentiate the situations or matters which I can alter from those I can't, then making peace within myself with the latter.  I stay abreast of what is happening around us and around the world as, probably, you do, too.

I find happiness in my daily life for my own well-being as I expect you do also.  I make an effort to share joy, to encourage future generations that there is hope for the future, which I truly believe -- not always easy with what all too often appears to loom ahead as now.

We can celebrate Valentine's Day this week and spread that love to all, but especially to those close to us.  Maybe some will send a little love to you.