I recently watched the Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown. During the 1960’s the protest songs of the ‘30’s (which was The Great Depression era) helped shape and eventually change America in the ‘60’s towards a more humane experience. The elements that created the stress and distress of the ‘60’s included The McCarthy era, Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. Maybe it’s time we dust off those 1960’s protest songs to help begin to change the craziness of the current days. And from there, develop our own 2020’s songs. Musicians, artists and authors are usually the vanguard of political change. That’s why they are often the first to go (along with teachers, philosophers, poets, etc.) during dictatorial regime change (Washinton Post, book bans, Kennedy Center anyone?)
These lines struck me deeply and caught my heart. “Will all of your money buy back your soul?” (I’d say all of their money is what eroded their soul, by the looks of their behaviors.)
“How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn’t see?”
“How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry.”
“How many deaths will it take til he knows that too many people have died.”
I want to ask that of my friends who are helping create this current state of affairs where all the above is now a part of my life exacerbated by their political choices last November. How many? Times? Ears? People? Give me a number please? Perhaps their answer is as many as it takes?
I had a friend who sought me out last year. “January 6th” was his (and many of his Fundamentalist Christian Republican friends) “a bridge too far,” he said, relative to supporting DT.
It wasn’t.
Recently, he suggested “the too far bridge” would be if they messed with his Medicare/Social Security. I won’t bet on it.
He is a bit like the spouse of a drunk who says, “Don’t ever do it again, or I am leaving” and the drunk says “Ok, I won’t” and predictably, does do it again, and the spouse still doesn’t leave.
They weren’t wrong, they were just lied to, and for their own reasons chose and continue to choose to believe the lie as it is happening before their eyes. That’s why I’d say, “No thanks,” to his brand of religion.
I’m hoping that my country is having a moral and ethical relapse, not collapse and that too many people don’t die during it.
We become who we are.
Speaking of movies here is a movie that gave me a “two-fer.” If you ever were looking for some data about why mixing church and government doesn’t work (for the average person anyway; it works great for governments) and why the percentage of folks who identify as “Christians” in America has declined from 78% in 2007 to 62% today; the Oscar nominated documentary Sugarcane might be a good place to start. Spoiler alert, it has nothing to do with immigration (contemporary immigration, anyway).
I was born during World War II. I grew up wondering what I would do if I was ever faced with the choices German citizens had to make as their country was becoming as ours is now. I don’t have to wonder any more, I am choosing.
I learned a new word the other day. It was one of those words that perfectly captures an experience. Have you ever had one of those moments when you are trying to unsubscribe from an email? Or unsubscribe from an app? Or open a container that says, “Peel here?” Or follow the “simple” instructions to reset your blue tooth connection to your headphone? The word?
“Enshittification.” I think that is the most perfect word I’ve come across in a long time. I can’t wait to use it.
Clerk “So what’s going on with your phone?”
Me: It’s been enshittified.” Bet it brings a smile.
I used the word “shorthand” the other day in describing the essence of a story I was telling someone. The look on the person’s face I was talking to told me that they had no idea what I was talking about. That got me wondering how many people still know what shorthand is - its origins. Or know what it means to “take shorthand.” How many people are still able to “take” it? Read it? Does anyone actually use it anymore? How many people know what it looks like? Or who could identify the special kind of tablet that was used in “taking” it? And why, if it was such a good idea (faster, more efficient, etc.) they didn’t teach that to us instead of cursive writing?
I remember the shocking moment in my life when I realized my father had shrunk. Literally. Now, I was the tall one looking down on him. He suddenly seemed so small and vulnerable. I was reminded recently of that day when I put on my old, well-worn, bib overalls and had to roll my pantleg up four times before I could walk out the door. I know that my own kids have experienced that day with me also.
No one has mentioned it, but I can see it in their eyes. I have noticed that when I am asked how tall I am I say, “I used to be 5’11, but now I am 5’9.” Why do I have to tell them how tall I used to be? The best answer I can come up with is spelled v-a-n-i-t-y.
Speaking of vanity, one day recently, I asked my wife if I looked as frail as she was treating me. There was a long pause (which told me the answer) and she, with the greatest, most gentle, compassionate tone said “Yes.” My need to explain to all-you-all that three days later I was in the hospital with a brain bleed that had been developing over several weeks (so that you don’t think I actually am frail) is vanity in action “Oh, vanity of vanity, of vanities, all is vanity.”
“Concern for man himself and his fate must always constitute the chief objective of all technological endeavors...in order that the creations of our mind shall be a blessing and not a curse to mankind.” Albert Einstein. I wonder about AI.
I sometimes wonder what piece of the chess game of life I am. To myself. To others. I wonder to what degree how they see me compares to how I see myself. Some days the answer is “I’m just a pawn.” I am wondering how you might answer that question for yourself.
Realizing that every piece is necessary to play the game. Each piece plays an essential role. Each piece with its capabilities and vulnerabilities. Without each piece there is no game.
I do know from experience that I am far more comfortable washing cars than being the car wash owner. More comfortable doing the work than watching my employees wash the cars. I have no doubt that there have been and continue to be personal economic implications and consequences of that inclination.