Images of Vietnam continue to whirl about inside my head though I have yet to draw any IMPORTANT conclusions. I will say this: I love Europe, love to travel there, and love its history. But it ends up being very close to us in term of culture and social issues. Going somewhere else that is very different (think Vietnam or Cuba) is an entirely special sort of experience. My best example disgusting as it is: try having a "toileting" problem in a bathroom with no flushing apparatus in the middle of nowhere and the toilet paper is handed out to you on your way in. Not the Ritz. Moving on.
--Do not try and tell me that this weekend's murders in Colorado are unrelated to the venom spewing out of the mouths of the Republican candidates. Huckabee, he of no experience at all, had the cojones to suggest the murders were akin to abortions. Cannot wait for the Donald to have his say and suggest that if Planned Parenthood were not open, this would not happen.
--Ezra Schwartz, a local kid, is dead and was murdered by a Palestinian probably no older than him in a conflict that shows no signs of waning. And also no signs of real leadership on either side. Spoke to someone who spends a lot of time there and has close Israeli friends there--it is the first time he has heard them say they are scared. I am scared too--scared that I have no clue how this will end up.
--Andrew Ferrence is an NHL player for the Calgary Flames. When he played for the Boston Bruins, he lived in the city and used to bike to "work". He read about the arrival of Syrian refugees into Canada and promptly wrote a check for $10,000 to ensure they had adequate support. Canada is committed to taking about 10 times the number of refugees than the United States. But thanks to the gutless wonders here, we might not even attain that number. And that includes this state's stupid Governor who has finally shown his Republican colors.
--The Mayor of Austin (where a close relative of mine lives) wrote an article for the Texas Tribune in which he wrote that he would welcome the Syrians into Austin. That is called leadership especially in a state which has already said thanks but no.
--The terrorist murders in France have driven the right wing demagogues out of hiding and onto the front pages. They believe the correct response are fences and boats to send them back. On the other hand I am not sure at all that the bombing of ISIS will have a lasting impact. These folks are not just terrorists but religious zealots who might prefer death and ascension into heaven. You cannot fight their zealotry with guns--and I believe Netanyahu and Abbas better figure that out also.
--By the way, many of the terrorists involved in the French murders were born in France or Belgium so closing the borders may not be the answer.
--Not sure where but read a poignant letter from a father who is now a single parent after the murder of his wife. Refusing to let the terrorists change his life or his lifestyle.
--The most dangerous Republican could be Rubio--primarily because he is actually smart. He is also a far right crazy but the other guys are just stupid which is why in a very weird way I hope either Trump or Carson is the nominee. Rubio (and Cruz for that matter) are self hating Latinos who now that they are citizens want to shut down any pathway for others coming from Central or South America. It is truly pathetic. But Rubio is brighter than the rest.
--Our Child Welfare agency just announced some major changes--one of which is requiring that their front line workers receive an hour of supervision a week. Seriously? This is the first time that supervision has been required? They are really shit out of luck and the kids will be the ones that suffer.
--Saw Spotlight the other day and did not think I could again get pissed at the Catholic Church--but I did. I am not sure it is a great movie but really Cardinal Law (who got a promotion for all his dirty work) should be kicked to the curb along with his henchmen.
Enough.
SPORTSTALK
--OMG, I saw the hit on Gronk last night and have convinced myself that they targeted his knee. After that , the Pats had no chance but remain a game ahead in the AFC. They are hurting literally and cannot be counted on unless they get home field in the playoffs.
--Michigan got its ass kicked by Ohio State but remember, this is Harbaugh's first year--they will get better.
--So, while I was away, Seguin scores a hat trick against the Bruins and is leading the league in scoring--but Claude did not like his defensive skills.
Adios
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