March 1, 2022--Goodbye

As Putin's forces slogged their bloody way across Ukraine, a dear friend with whom we at times spend an hour on the phone generally avoiding as best we can, talk about politics or world affairs, this week was different--she got right to what was then in the news, Putin's nuclear rocket rattling.

She said, "If in the middle of the night anything happens (by happening she meant an attack of intercontinental weapons," call me so we can say goodbye."

I don't see this happening and so I was able to cover my fear with a joke or two. 

But I will put her on speed dial.

 

January 24, 2022--Wag the Cat

About halfway into it, Rona snapped to attention, and, muttering to herself, stomped out of the room, saying, "I can't stand it anymore."

She was talking about Joe Biden's two-hour, world-record-long press conference.

The one during which his biggest gaffe (and it was a whopper) was when he signaled to the world, especially Vladimir Putin, that if he orders a "minimum" invasion of Ukraine our response would be equally moderate.

All well and good, but what about no military invasion at all and why are we discussing strategies of this kind in public?

The White  House staff spent the rest of the night cleaning this one up. This is why Biden does't do regular press conferences.

The next morning Rona was still agitated, still talking about Joe Biden. "I know I shouldn't be saying any of this. I don't want to do or say anything that would harm him politically. Most important still is to do anything and everything we can to keep Trump from getting reelected. So I am hesitant to criticize Biden."

"I  hate to," I said. "But also find it hard to remain silent. I'm not sure what's helpful. Maybe just let it go."

"We can't. We need to light a fire under Biden and Democrats." 

"Did you see the article recently in the Times Sunday Review, which reported on a wide ranging focus group they conducted about the state of our politics. One question was to ask those participating (mainly moderates) to share one word they feel best characterizes Biden."

"I hate those things," Rona said, "They're just a gimmick."

"I don't disagree," I said, "But this one isn't."

"So what did people say?"

"Functional adult, detached, calmness. But then there is also out of touch, clueless, and sleepy. All of which unfortunately have the ring of truth. But then there are harsher assessments like lazy, sleepy, and old."

"I'm feeling much the same way and I liked him when he last run for president."

"I worry that if this a wide reaching perception we have a lot of political work to do."

"I also worry that we may be entering wag the dog time in Ukraine.

Rona asked, "Didn't the Bidens just get a cat?" 

"OK. wag the cat, Not much better."

January 14, 2022--The Supremes

I don't know why it's taken me so long, but I just realized that with the possible exception of Clarence Thomas, all members of the Court are likely to outlive me.  

So the current Court is my Court for the rest of my life.  

Should I kill myself now?

January 10, 2022--Lost My Mind

Some said I lost my mind more than awhile time ago. I contend it occurred just last week on January 6th. 

I am certain I lost my mind during the ceremonies marking the anniversary of the insurrection.

When I saw Liz Cheney and her father, the hated Dick, on the floor of the House of Representatives.

I wasn't hallucinating. It was them and they were there.

I got tears in my eyes (father-daughter things do that to me).

But this was more than the usual. 

The tears were because I was liking them.

Liking Dick Cheney?

This can only be if I'm out of my mind.

November 18, 2021--One Nation Under One God

Michael Flynn, who for precisely 22 days was Donald  Trump's National Security Advisor, now that he is otherwise unemployed is running around the country ranting that since there is but one God looking over America there should be one religion for us to follow.

We know which one he has in mind.

Forget the Constitution and all that. Maybe this makes some sense.

As a Jewish person perhaps we are next in line to be thus designated. And since we've been around for 5781 years, we're prepped to take on this one-religion business. 

Though I'm certain this is not what Flynn is thinking.

November 3, 2021--Winners and Losers

Election debrief 

This time it's pretty obvious--

The biggest loser is Joe Biden. He has no coattails. In fact, he doesn't even have a coat. 

Runner up losers--the Democrats. All Democrats.

The two biggest winners--Donald Trump and Joe Manchin.

Expect to see Manchin in Iowa and New Hampshire within the month.

October 19, 2021--In Jeopardy

 Jeopardy has helped me make it through the pandemic. 

Each evening I can't wait for questions about American History. One of the few categories in which I can come up with answers or do I mean questions?

It's a great distraction. So I thought to try out an answer for you--

Thomas Heflin

Key Pittman

Walter E. Edge

Samuel Nicholson

Andrieus A. Jones

William Calder

Lee Overman

Edwin Ladd

Robert L. Owen

Morris Sheppard

Carroll S. Page

Joe Manchin

Kyrsten Sinema

So what's the question?

The last two listed should be a clue.

Would it help you come up with the question if I told you there are just 100 of them?

I suspect you'll tell me the question is "What's a senator?"

You'd be half right. I wouldn't expect you to get it fully correct (even if you were Ken Jennings). That all but two served in the Senate in 1922 during the height of the Teapot Dome Scandal.

None are really even known to history. They've slipped into oblivion. 

As will Manchin and Sinema. Which is a good thing.

And a lesson.