Saturday, February 29, 2020

DON'T BLAME ME I VOTED...........

People of a certain age likely remember the end of that title.  It went like this:  "for McGovern".  It was 1972 and I know that because a close relative was born that year.  The folks right here in the hub of the universe and our allies in DC were the only ones voting for George.  So we got Nixon and we know how that ended. I offer this preamble in light of all the Democratic town halls/debates. Will they ever coalesce around a single candidate in order to throw that POTUS rascal out?  I have told you how much I love my Senator--Elizabeth Warren.  If she is unable to carry her own state, she needs to get out of the way.  Ditto for Amy. I kind of believe that my fellow citizens would prefer a gay man to a "socialist".  But Bernie is winning!! And I am worried. Moving on.

Items:
--The Democratic primary results in Iowa and New Hampshire are kind of factually unimportant.  They tend to matter only in terms of perceptions--and that may or may not be enough.  Basically, they were about white men winning in states who have very few people of color.  And two of those white guys are older than me.  Trust me when I say you do not want someone older than me winning--and I don't care how many young people love Bernie.
--I saw a clip of Bernie on one of those talking head shows.  He could not come up with a number for the cost of his Medicare for all Plan.  I completely support health care for all as a right.  But it costs money and it involves that ugly "T" word--taxes.  He better come up with an answer to that cost question if he is on the debate stage in the fall.  He also better figure out what he does or does not want to say about Cuba.  I guarantee you that those 3 old guys sipping bourbon and smoking (somewhere down there in bum fuck) already think he is a commie and the Cuba business will confirm it.
--Speaking of those 3 guys.  They are a fine example of law and order Republicans closing there eyes and covering their ears at the behavior of POTUS and his band of cronies.  Exonerated, my ass.
--Have you seen pictures of Roger Stone?  How do you think he will look in orange coveralls?
--The blog called "Fast Forward" written by Teresa Hanafin does not come out daily but it is terrific.
--The following two thoughts were shared with me by close friends and admirers:
     1. Apparently, in some circles, Mayor Pete is not seen as "gay enough".
     2.  Mayor Pete should go home, have a glass of warm milk, get tucked in, and come back in 10 years.
Just sayin what was told to me.  Don't go yellin at me!!
--What Barr is doing to DOJ is criminal.
--Fine, they don't like people like me.  But they also do not like intelligence professionals and do not believe in science.  Heard John Kerry last night who is waging a very uphill battle about the reality of climate change. This administration is leading us down the path that should not be taken.
..One of my favorite authors (Louise Penny) dedicated her most recent book to her dog.  EEK!!
--While in NYC recently, went to the Metropolitan Operea.  Thanks to friends A and L.  Cannot say I became a big fan but I liked it a lot especially since they provide the translation of the lyrics on the seat back in front of you.  And I was way younger than most attendees. That's always a positive.
--Dan Shaughnessy of the Globe had a great column this week.  I rarely agree with the guy. He basically wants Brady to leave:  shit or get off the pot. I am with him 12 million per cent.

Shalom

Saturday, February 1, 2020

YOU KNOW WHAT TOMORROW IS, RIGHT?

Got all my snacks and adult beverages lined up.  Put new batteries in my remote.  Reserved my special chair.  That way i will be all comfy cozy when Punxsatawney Phil decides to appear.  Yup, in a major coincidence, Phil and the Super Bowl occur on the same day.  Such a relief that Mr. Brady and the boys are not in it--that would have caused some serious internal conflicts.  And, yes, I am one of those folks wringing my hands about the prospect of Tommy leaving. Oh, the sadness.

THERE'S MORE
--I do have friends who remain optimistic about the November election (Im talking about you BG).  But, I am getting more and more worried.  Up here in the Hub of the universe, I remember the bumper stickers that read "don't blame me, I voted for McGovern".  That should have taught us a lesson.
--But then, I see POTUS with those head  shots on tv.  Adoring white people with their MAGA hats
behind him.  They love him and, while they are at it, they hate us eastern white liberals because we have "forgotten" about them out there in the heartland. and that is not paranoia--it is my very private reality.
-- With the likes of Netanyahu and Steven Miller, we Jews no longer have a claim on morality.  We used to or, minimally, said we did.  But these two and others are just evil and lead us not just into temptation and not just into the desert; no, they are leading us to an unleashed demagogue.
--Jeff Jacoby is the Globe's "conservative" columnist.  But he is one of those mainstream ones who cannot stand POTUS. He is also a member of my tribe.  In a recent column, he linked the anti semites on the right with those on the left. You know the Neo-nazis who want to purify the country and the folks on the other side who are gung ho in support of all things Palestinians.
--This business with the Prince and his bride seems way unimportant tho I hope they love Canada.  Some of the response by the British citizenry is more than tinged with racism given Meghan's skin color.
--And it is official they are not part of the EU.
--I am astounded by law and order Republicans who have no problem with the White House refusing to honor subpoenas.
--Let's be clear--the leaks, the whistle blower, the witnesses who did appear, and the House Dems have all been proven correct.  but that Hahvahd lawyer (Alan, Im talking about you) tells us that was all in the national interest and, as such, it is not impeachable.  POTUS is right, he can grab whatever he wants or even shoot someone on 5th Avenue and his people will still support him.
--Just as long as he keeps out those "filthy" immigrants, just as long as he reduces support to poor people, just as long as he goes to pro life rallies, and just as long as he dehumanizes his opponents--as long as he continues to do all that, we will still support him.
--Do not tell me I have to listen to the other side; Do not tell me I misunderstand my fellow Americans; do not tell me I should watch Hannity and crew.  I have gotten the message and it is all  about white bread.
--Collins and Romney get no reward for being courageous.  Its is not courage when you do what you are supposed to do.
What do you think of William Barr?  How about Rudy?  they are running amok and making a case for really tightening up on Law School admissions.

SHALOM