NOTHING SHOULD BE A SURPRISE

We are living in a very dark time.  If we observed another country, especially in the so called "third world", which had a leader who assaults truth on a daily basis--we would condemn that country, condemn that leader, and boastfully point to ourselves as an exemplar of a better place.  Instead, we have come to expect the worst from POTUS and his cronies.  During the same week that John Lewis was buried, POTUS (presumably with the support of Ben Carson) eliminated an Obama era mandate that outlawed discrimination in public housing.  Reaching out to the suburbs, he told us that this change will keep suburban people safer. Such blatant racism should not surprise us anymore.  I want the election to occur next week--but, as if it were a joke, this guy raises the possibility of not even having an election.  Have you ever? I must move on.

--A grocery clerk whose last name is Durso had an incredible op-ed piece in the Globe of 7/18.  Among other things, she talked about being "essential" while putting up with customers verbally abusing her and wages that are inadequate.
--The no mask wearing National Security Advisor is now quarantined because he tested positive.  Along with Louie Gohmert, he did not believe in the science.  I only wish old Louie had spread the virus to all the occupants on that plane one of whom was you know who.
--I cried when I walked across the Pettus bridge.  Never did go there for any of those marches.  But it is such a powerful symbol--I almost (underline almost) wish that the name does not change. It should be a reminder of those men and women who led that struggle. And too many of us will applaud a name change and believe we are in a better place.  But beneath the surface, I sometimes think nothing has changed.
--I cannot stand Mayors/Governors and other politicians trying to tell us that this or that ugly behavior does not reflect our town or our state.  It does exactly reflect on us and the communities we live in.
--I do not care one iota about Miuchael Cohen.  But how infantile if not downright dictatorial that he got thrown back into prison.  Barr is a smarmy fat guy approving such shit.  He needs to go and buy a suit that fits.
--Jared has not been seen in a while.  Must be because he is tired after resolving the conflict in the Middle East, managing the drug epidemic, and then helping the economy to rock and roll in June.  And his ties are too thin.
--Two VERY important local items.  First, the Mayflower has returned to its berth.  I am sure that will relieve many of you who have been waiting.  Second, and an even bigger return, the great whites are back and we are wringing our hands over that.  Though I do not want anyone to perish that way, sharks do live in the ocean and we kind of should know that.
--I am proud to say that I live in one of those cities led by a liberal Democrat.  I also happen to live in a state which has a Republican Governor who lo and behold believes in both science and medicine.
--RBG was hospitalized again--I pray for her regularly and hope she can continue to fight off her many illnesses.
--AW tipped me off to the novels of James McBride. His most recent book is Deacon King Kong.  Just wonderful.
--This is not nice but I do hope one of these professional sports leagues collapses from the weight of the virus.  And I am totally pissed at Michigan and the rest of those big schools which are allowing college football to proceed.

See you in September.  Stay safe.  Shalom