FATHERS AND OTHER IMPORTANT PEOPLE

Some of whom are actually women.  Seriously, Happy Father's Day to all of you who are fathers, were fathered, or aspire to be fathers.  I had a terrific day though of course in my world (which is about me), there needs to be an additional thought.  Namely, I have struggled and perhaps succeeded in being a better father (and now grandfather) than my father was to me and his grandchildren.  Won't pursue that further except to hope i have achieved that goal.

Forget about gun control, approval of judges, immigration, or any other seemingly controversial legislation.  The fucking Senate could not even pass a student loan bill which in essence would have capped and limited interest rates for students.  The Republicans simply would not go for it.  It really is pathetic and makes the 2014 mid terms real important if Obama is going to get anything through.  Base closings--nope. Guantanamo closing--nope.  Immigration only after 13 years of who knows what.  And the House Republicans (in the majority) are even worse. Reduction in food stamp allocations--oh, that will pass.

Predicted here first--fighting spread from Syria into Lebanon and,worse, Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged assisting Assad and fighting with him to suppress the rebels.  The tide seems to have turned in Assad's favor and then lo and behold we have agreed that the "line in the sand" was crossed and Assad did use chemical weapons.  Kind of coincidental, don't you think?  But it means that arms will begin flowing from us via Jordan and Turkey to the rebels.  McCain and his buds will likely push for more of something once this starts moving.

Speaking of Turkey, turmoil in a very important country literally on the cusp of the Arab world and the European world.  A beautiful place with a Muslim majority but a relatively benign non religious democratic leader. Relatively being the operative word. They just hate Kurds but are dying to be part of the European Union. Meanwhile let's not forget the Israelis who continue with settlement expansion even as they permit the religious right to block women from praying at the wailing wall.

Senator Chambliss, one of our fine Southern gentlemen Senators, believes it is just a hormonal problem that causes sexual assaults in the Armed Forces.  Honest to god, they are just stupid and would like to take us all back to Noah and his ark.  Thankfully, Boehner and Cantor have kept their mouths shut,.

So I signed up for Markey's senate campaign and was told to expect a call that day.  That day was 10 days ago and because I frequently act like an infant, I decided to not help out until I was called.  Still waiting.  But it looks like he will be fine.  Every ad from Gomez, his opponent, starts off with jets landing on aircraft carriers.  His service record is both impressive and irrelevant--especially when he nonchalantly talks about overturning Roe v. Wade.

Ends and odds:  Truly, in the last week alone, the Globe had stories about seals, sharks, and bears.  All on the front page.  Some southern states have approved legislation allowing local communities to license teachers to carry weapons in class rooms--terrific.  Dunkin Donuts is now offering a glazed donut sliced horizontally like a bagel.  Inside is a cheese, egg, and ham concoction probably prepared months ago.  Wonder what the nutritionists think of that one.  A key question is whether I will see a casino in Massachusetts during my life time.

But Oliver and Lilli--can't wait until your imminent return.

SPORTS TALK

What's with all those straw hats at the French Open.  Does it mean something that I don't understand.  And the bouncing of those Europeans between serves--whats up with that?  Didn't help the women.

Hate the Heat and Phil (The man with the shit eating grin/the great white hype) Mickelson.

I admit I was not optimistic about the Bruins but they are so responsive in the face of adversity.  I also admit, because of prior commitments, I have seen only brief parts of the 2 games.  But home is where the heart is and they are home tomorrow night and I will be front and center perhaps with a cocktail.

Sayonara