April 22, 2019--From Lynne Roth On Navigating Life

I thought you might like to see Lynne Roth's comments about two of my recent postings (the one about the human kindness I have been experiencing as I grow older in New York City; the other my plea to Nancy Pelosi to come home from her visit to Ireland, feeling we desperately need her leadership now).

Skim over Lynne's comments about me and hopefully agree that what she wrote is well worth reading.

Lynne is a remarkable person who often seems to understand me, the inner me, better than I. 

Steven

We all lament that life is about choices. This is a message from one of your fans. Were you to have a fan club, count me in.  Rona would be president because she does an excellent job of keeping you going. She keeps you wound up and nurtured with her many talents.

Your blogs are guides to navigating life. Your blogs are like peering through windows of the world. Your blogs are stories of life past, present and sometimes the future. 

Yesterday's blog provided insight into the joys of aging. It reassured me that respect and courtesy have not been pounded out of all citizens. While we live through some gloomy times in this divisive era it is nice to learn of those willing to share their kindness. There you stood in a remnant of a business that still manages to provide a single slice of pizza. The woman that snatched your soda and helped you open the can so you could enjoy a slice of the good old days.

As you wandered through the transit system you found some fellow travelers not glued to and glazed over an electronic device. They were still alert enough to provide a space for you to rest and let your body catch up to your mind. You gave me hope.

For too long Trump has received pardon after pardon as the reality show of an American president in training unfolded. He tried to trick us into believing all those people he hired were the best. When he had a tantrum(s) he tweeted to the highest hills "You're fired" but could not go into the next room and tell them they were history.

Then there is another part of history. Could it be possible that  Nancy is busy at a seminar? Listening and learning first  hand from those who fought  and struggled to keep their country from having a "come apart," as they say in the south. I too was annoyed to learn Nancy was out of the country. How could she abandon us at a time like this?  At least she wasn't at ribbon cutting ceremonies of a golf course, department store, or hotel encrusted with her name.  

Perplexed, gazing down at the swamp, watching the reptilians retreat I anxiously hope Congress will pick up the scent, rally the forces and battle those entities trying to shred our Constitution and destroy democracy.

Sacrificing lambs, huddling and praying "this too shall pass" is not a solution.  Neither is attemping to convince a group of believers that the Easter bunny is a hoax.  The landscape is littered with colorful distractions and candidates.

While many are celebrating their religious holidays I hope a plan is developed. There must be some who linger with the strength to survive, corner the obnoxious and defeat those hell bent on destroying the nation. It's either change now or figure out how we hunker down to watch another episode of history repeat itself. 

I really hope Nancy has a scheme to drag us all out of the swamp. Does she have the magic? 

Be well and tell me another story Steven. 

Please.

March 10, 2017--Skip the Betty Ford Idea

A good friend, Lynne Roth, sent me these musings which are riffs from a series of my recent blogs. I love her sensibility and thought you might like to listen in--
Honestly, I have been sparing you by not sharing my views. I have even refrained from checking your blog first thing every day.  It is difficult.

As for rehab--skip the Betty Ford idea you and your partner in love have your own retreat in Delray Beach, the rehab capital of the country. Another perk is you do not require searching for a halfway house. 

Last night on The Last Word, Lawrence O'Donnell read a letter allegedly written by Trump's grandfather, begging not to be deported from a European country

Yesterday Dr. Carson spoke to the captive audience he now lords over. He struck a nerve when I heard him refer to slaves, upon the backs of whom this nation's lopsided economy was built, as immigrants!  As if they had a choice. Then he back-peddled more than once and said we needed to look up the definition of "immigrants." I was not the only person who took offense.

A visual of three cabinet members holding the new Executive Order on immigration was broadcast. The body language spoke volumes.

Like you, I have rationed my intake of the news but have failed. Playing bridge with a group of people, refraining from discussions of politics helps but is not long lasting.

Frustrated, I am still awaiting for citizens to use the correct term  Affordable Care Act and drop the "Obama."  The new version will soon be labeled as unaffordable and cause a few Republicans to find new jobs.

Anyone in government or the legal business knows if someone is worried about wiretapping or surveillance you have the premises swept. Parinoid attorneys I worked for had it performed frequently on a daily basis.

Your reference to geese is on point. Many folks know geese are as fierce and intimidating as ferocious dogs.  I speak from experience having been chased as a child while visiting a farm.  My father warned me, but it was too late. I was five years old and the same size as the snowy white monster waddling across the lawn. The simmering sounds of a few quacks errupted into terrifying screams from my throat as I turned and ran for safety. My short legs were reliable and I clamored up a fence, ripping my dress as the goose chomped and tore a hole in the edge of the skirt.

My second encounter was in the Dominican Republic. I drove into the parking lot of a road side stand to refill some propane tanks. A young man bounded out to my car and carried off the two tanks. He invited me to shop for fresh vegetables and eggs. We practiced our language skills as I casually gathered some eggs.  The eggs varied in color and size.  Simultaneously, as I asked about and picked up a goose egg, a gaggle of geese appeared.  I needed no warning! I left my eggs and vegetables  and jumped in the car. The gentleman placed the full tanks in the car trunk and came to collect payment.  He grinned and said, "You're a smart lady, not everyone knows geese are the best watch dogs. Many men have tried to steal from me but my geese are good workers."

When I learned the long tradition of daily briefing journalists was winnowing into a gaggle I hoped the geese would be as aggressive as those I have encountered. This tradition of maintaining democracy should not be forfeited for good ratings.

Our nation is paying a terrible price to educate an uncouth illiterate thug on the law, diplomacy, and the art of faking forgiveness. 

While Nixon drank and spoke to his demons, Nancy consulted the stars and Hillary channeled Eleanor Roosevelt, Roy Cohn is whispering in Donald's ear (as he did in Joe McCarthy's) reassuring him a job well done while his dogs lay bleeding in the west wing, exhausted from the mandatory battles, hoping one of the messages leaked to various agencies will reach the ears of some brave citizens able to end this nightmare.

The rockets are being fired at our bases in Japan. 

When the daily Trump news is interrupted by breaking news and now a word from our President,  who will appear and tell us we are at war?  But don't worry, "trust me."

Where are our leaders?

Roy Cohn & Donald Trump