Category: Society

What an Interesting Intersection We Find Ourselves Occupying

 

Covid, Round IV is Upon Us – and We Are Not Happy About it

What an emotional roller coaster we have been on. Several months ago, our national situation was looking like a rerun of the Black Plague. The virus was spreading like crazy, everywhere. Hospitals were overflowing. Thousands were dying every day. We saw a glimmer of hope in the Fall as vaccines arrived, but an incompetent and mean-spirited national government wasted the opportunity to move quickly and comprehensively on vaccinations.

A new team took control in Washington.

Join the discussion at: America Does the Inoculation Dance

A Few Things Caught My Eye in Recent Days. Yours, too, I Bet

 

The Spirit of Andy

Those of a certain age will remember, fondly for the most part, the role of Andy Rooney for many years on the CBS News show 60 Minutes. Andy was the self-designated Curmudgeon at Large. He offered information and commentary on a remarkably wide-ranging set of topics. Today’s blog is not too curmudgeonly but in the spirit of Andy, here are a few interesting things that have popped up for our consideration.

The January 6 Investigation

So far,

Join the discussion at: Odds and Ends

Two Excellent Illustrations of What Happened and What It Means

 

January 6, 2021 – A Day That Shall Live in Infamy

With apologies to FDR for borrowing his phrase in describing the Pearl Harbor attack, this is what comes to mind for me in thinking about the assault on our democracy that took place earlier this year. Make no mistake about it – this was a direct, violent assault on the very foundations of our republic.

The intent was crystal clear – to stop the count and certification of a valid national election and to install by coup an illegal government.

Join the discussion at: Looking at the Capitol Insurrection with Clarity – and Anger

Three Factors Tell the Tale- And They are Not the Ones You Think

 

Wait! Wait! I Know the Answer to This One!

Ask how it is that the Republican party is shrinking at a crisp pace, yet they have a remarkable level of power, and most people will say something along the following:

“Three reasons. They care only about maintaining power, they are ready and eager to do anything to keep it, and they don’t care how this impacts democracy.”

I am sad to say all three statements are largely true,

Join the discussion at: Why are Republicans Few in Number but Large in Power?

Sometimes the Headlines Miss the Full Story

As The Saying Goes…

We have good news, and we have bad news. There has been much of late to lament, for sure. But there has been no small amount of good news as well. The latter often gets a pass in the headlines. I thought it might be helpful to call out some of the high notes and low points in current events.

The National Guard as Guns for Hire

This week’s, maybe this century’s, award for the single worst idea anyone at any level of government has ever thought of – ever.

Join the discussion at: Good News and Bad News – There is a Mix is Out There