GOTCHA!!

But first this:  I hope each of you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.

--Rarely, if ever, have I sympathized with POTUS,  But as I watch his press briefings, I kind of think the reporters are really in a gotcha frame of mind.  They know what he said yesterday, last week, last month, or whenever.  And they nail him every time.  On some level he cannot win.  And maybe he shouldn't--but there is a moment for me when I think, oh fuck, they are "gotcha-ing" him. Lets move on.
--He deserves every gotcha he gets.  He is an inveterate pathetic liar who is more infant than adult.  He cannot even correctly read what is in front of him in his prepared remarks.  When he does read them, he interrupts himself and goes to his ritual of "greatest"' "most beautiful"' "biggest"'--a litany of grandiosity that only an insecure deranged person would dabble in.
--Speaking of which, I miss not having Hunter Thompson around to witness this.  He would have already convinced me that POTUS was on some sort of pyschedelic drugs imported from indigenous tribes in South America--curare or something.
--But his ratings are excellent. And people in his base never did like NYC or the NY Times anyhow so he is just feeding them reassuring messages
--Does anyone else think Jared is really one of the Munsters or a member of the Adams family?
--So, here we have my home state of Florida whose Governor believes professional wrestling is an essential service and will let them wrestle but without an audience.  The same governor who kept beaches open during Spring Break.  The same governor who won election by less than a hair.
--His non biological sister is the Gov of South Dakota.  While the state remains open (she suggested to residents that they do not watch the news), Smitfield closed its meat processing plant in Sioux City after 50% of its employees tested positive.  The Mayor wants a stay at home order but not the Gov.
--I listen intently to Cuomo, to my Governor Baker, and to my Mayor Walsh.  They each actually believe in facts, believe in science, and as far as I can tell, speak honestly with compassion.  They do not get into pissing matches with the media to prove how big their bully pulpits are.  Maybe they are all still pols.  But in this moment, they are also leaders.  POTUS has no clue.
--Would you like to have the virus and be in the district of the Indiana Congressman who said if it is a choice betwen the economy and saving lives, the economy comes first.  Might as well phone the funeral home so he can go get his Big Mac.
--What to make of conservative members of Congress when they read that both China and Russia are making donations to us to fight the virus.  Are they not virulent haters of those reds?  Or will they also speak differently when this is all over.
--I become scared when I hear POTUS say he has total authority even though he changed his tune the next day.  My fantasy is he thinks he can cancel November elections.
--Biden and the Dems better figure out a way to get air time.  POTUS is getting all this free/daily tv time during which he mainly boasts and lies and Joe can only respond from his basement.  But Bernie did come through and it was not some mealy mouthed support speech like with Hilary.
--And in the midst of this pandemic, we pull out of WHO.  Really it s not surprising.  Any effort at being good neighbors has been killed.  We are building a bubble but one that is not permeable.

Watching a bunch of games from yesteryear.
Stay safe.
Shalom

I'M A ZOOMER

Thanks to the advanced technology skills of members of my family, I have now zoomed twice this week. Truth be told, it has seemed like the intro to the Brady Bunch tv show from the olden days.  You know--the one with each character's face in a square box all looking around at each other. Being a card carrying member of the Luddite Club, I was obviously not too excited about yet one more thing to learn.  But given each of our circumstances, how else to see daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, assorted other relatives, and friends. I have no clue how it all works but when you can play boggle with people in Texas via this zoom business, I have to acknowledge its values.  Now, lets move on after I first have a sip of my "quarantini"!!

--On most days, I have seen POTUS and his crew doing updates.  I have seen Governor Cuomo do his updates.  I have seen my Governor (Baker) doing updates. I have seen Marty Walsh, my mayor, appear daily in front of the cameras.  POTUS cannot even accurately read his script on the pages he is holding.  He also cannot stick to the script and has consistently underplayed the dangers of the virus.  And, he has used these media briefings as if they were one of his rallies--attacking the the fake news and all sort of real or imagined enemies. On my score sheet he finishes fourth in this group of leaders.  Marty comes in third and it is a tie for first between Cuomo and Baker.  The last two actually emote.

--My paranoia is such that when our borders with Mexico were closed, I was convinced that Stephen Miller was using the health crisis as a way to minimize if not eliminate legal immigration.  And I am not yet convinced I am wrong.

--By the way, where did Rudy go?

--We do know that since there is peace in the Mid East, Jared now has time to oversee the governments response to the crisis.  He is so smart.  Close your eyes and try to imagine him in a bathing suit--kind of icky, huh?

--I give myself a 10 out of 10 for my skills as a blogger.  And obviously any information to the contrary is a product of the fake news media.

--Those 3 guys down there in Lousiana are very religious and go to church weekly.  They all have underlying medical conditions (asthma, high blood pressure) and are in the over 70 high risk age group.  But their pastor continues to hold services because God has yet to close other businesses so why should he close his.  Head to the ER gentlemen.

--Can Fox News and their mouthpiece POTUS stop with the blaming of Obama and even Bush for the mess that caused this pandemic.  POTUS failed to fill staff positions that were peopled by scientists working on responses to the possibility of pandemics.  Yikes.--And while I am at it, I do love Dr. Fauci who is an actual scientist.

--What is Rand Paul up to and why should I care.

--MORE SERIOUSLY:  Given the odds, I am guessing some number of my readers may be sick with this ugly virus.  If so, I do hope you get better.  For all of you, thanks for reading or just deleting.  Stay well and be safe.

P.S.  I will miss Mr. Brady but I am so glad it is over.

Shalom

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

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

LIVE FROM WHITE SETTLEMENT, TEXAS, IT'S THE CRAB

Ask yourself this:  How can there be a town with a name like that?  Seriously--and do not tell me about the tortured history of its name.  I wonder who lives there and if kids, when applying for jobs/colleges, put that on applications.  "you're from where?"  EEK!!  I intend to get to the bottom of this mystery as soon as I can.

But let's first chat about a quote from the Rabbi at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.  In the aftermath of the shootings in Jersey City and the machete attack in Monsey, he wondered if it was open season on Jews.  I wonder how secure my synagogue is and wonder why politicians (except for Governor Cuomo) are silent in the face of these attacks. POTUS has a daughter and her family who are members of my tribe and his mouth remains closed.  He opened it during Greta's visit to the UN so he could bully an adolescent.  but he is silent in the face of anti-semitic terror. But I now know I am part of a nationality--not just a religion.  What the fuck does that mean?

Ends and Odds:
--Is AG Barr the worst example of an AG in our lifetime or what?  He is a toady at the beck and call of a miserable SOB of a boss.
--Rudy is till loose even though he has been documented interfering in our foreign policy as a private citizen.  He needs to be in a butterfly night and given some serious meds.
--Adam Driver, who I like, has been all over the place recently.  Home alone, I saw him in a movie called "The Report".  It is based on an expose of the CIA's use of torture after 9/11.  Anyone who watches MSNBC has seen John Brennan pontificating about the current Administration and its decisions.  Turns out he supported the toruture of prisoners and cokes away from the movie as no angel.  Driver was terrific.
--You do know that we will not let children in those "immigrant" detention facilities receive flu shots.  You know that right?  I mean Stephen Miller must know a lot about medicine, right?  what does that say about us as a nation?
--Did you further know that Thailand has taken in more immigrants than we have--even though we are nearly 6 times bigger and certainly wealthier?  It as embarrassing to hear about this on our recent trip.
--During the recent impeachment hearings, 13 more Federal judges were rammed through by Mitch and POTUS.  Lifetime appointments.  You bet senate elections are important.
--Robert Kraft went to the White House to celebrate Hanukkah.  He has no shame.

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

But here I am in living color or some such.  The big silver bird took me back and forth from SE Asia. The Thais and Cambodians both live under repressive dictatorships.  Three generals over see the Thai government having staged a coup after a "fair" election.  The Cambodian dictator is an individual who, almost ironically, was a member of the Khmer Rouge. On top of that, each country ha a monarchy!!

Those facts are beside the point--almost.  The point is that despite the dictators, the people we interacted with were warm, friendly, and spoke lovingly of their countries.  Thailand is a country of 60 million people.  Bangkok is enormous and is bigger than NYC.  Also, full of traffic congestion and crazed scooter drivers. It is way more advanced than its neighbor Cambodia.  An example: the rice in Cambodia is still farmed by hand without any machinery.  Thailand's rice is harvested by machinery with people helping. The Thais, btw, have taken in more than 2 million refugees from Myanmar.  Steven Miller be damned.

Finally, it is important to note that the Khmer Rouge literally forced the evacuation of Phnom Penh and other cities.  Emptied them in order to force the residents to work on farms so that they could be re-educated.  2 million died out of a country which at that time had a population of 10 million--20 %.
It does much more than simply boggle the mind.

A side benefit of the trip was that I watched no TV.  POTUS did not intrude.  A respite I enjoyed.  Saw not a minute of the House hearings and continue to believe he will not be leaving office unless he loses the election.  BTW, if you want to read about his supporters, Maureen Dowd turned her column over to her brother in yesterday's NY Times.  It is scary to read and made me very nervous about POTUS winning next November.

Most of my toes and fingers continue to be crossed hoping RBG survives this medical crisis and can
last for 11 months.

Looking out at the first snow of the year and "weathering" (get it?) the hysteria of the weather people.

SPORTS TALK
He looked old yesterday.  That would be Mr. Brady.  I think Edelman should take next week off and force Brady to throw to the other receivers.  He has put all the other receivers in a sort of purgatory.
But at least, up here, the Celtics are fun again without Kyrie and the Bruins are winning.  I can live with that.

Hope you had a good holiday.  See you in a month.

BETCHA THOUGHT I FORGOT

Nope.  I am screeching even as the great silver bird is warming up on the runway.  I look forward to a 15 hour flight with 300 of my best friends nearly all of whom will have toilet paper stuck to the bottom of their shoes as they return to their seats.  Close your eyes and imagine what the toilets look like after 15 hours.  Ugly.  Now onto other matters some of which are equally ugly:

--Like:  I really am longing for Sean Spicer to return as spokesman for POTUS.  The current spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, has been quoted as referring to POTUS as a genius.  Seriously, we can disagree on a lot of things but does anyone really believe that?
--The only way I can understand how conservatives (law and order types) love this guy is that they are solely focussed on the elimination of abortion rights via the appointment of judges.  POTUS can do anything else he wants as long as conservative judges are appointed to gut a woman's right to choose.
--You all do know that these current cases (about impeachment, about POTUS, about immigration) will ultimately get heard and decided by the SCOTUS.  That means a lot of us will be depending on Justice Roberts to do the right thing.  Don't ever forget that Mitch and his friends sabotaged Merritt's ascension to the high court when Barack was the Prez.  That's one reason we are in this fucking mess.
--Apparently our soldiers cannot protect the Kurds but can protect the Iraqi oil fields.  Property over people. I guess from the perspective of a real estate tycoon, it makes sense.
--Recent language used by the leader of the free world seems to indicate he is being persecuted and at the same time is tone deaf.  Check these words out:  civil war, coup, lynching.  Language is important Language sends messages and people get it.  Supporters and detractors understand code words when they read them.
--Did ya know the Ukraine phone call was perfect and incredible.  A kerfuffle over nothing.
--Frontline episode all about Steven Miller was scary. He is a nasty man.  And, oh so sadly, he is a member of my tribe.
--So is Chaim Bloom!!
--The fewer Dems in the race, the better.  There are still too many as of this morning.
--I'm a Boomer and am wondering what I have not "gotten" today. I know everything we did (back in the day) was and is wrong.
--Love Bob Seger and tried to get tickets to see him but all they had were $400 seats.  Only for the Boss.
--Before I go out and crunch a few acorns, a note or two about sports.


--Tonight's Pats game is the first one all year that I am worried about.
--Good for the Nats;  but Strasburg just opted out which is not good.
--The Bruins first line has got to be watched to be appreciated.
--Chaim, mentioned above, is the new head of operations for the Red Flops. Likes gefilte fish.  Look it up.

Shalom