Thursday, November 17, 2022

Back to the Moon but Why?

Here's a quick historical fact; the first American spaceflight that landed humans on the moon was in 1969.

Yeah. That long ago. 

It made heroes out of Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin when they landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20.

I remember watching them on live TV as they bounced around on the moon's surface and planted an American flag (which probably turned to dust decades ago).

Flash forward to 2022.

NASA sent (what they call) an historic Artemis I mission to the moon a couple of days ago. To be clear, this mission is ultimately about returning astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in 50 years.

But the Artemis I is an uncrewed (if you don't count the crash dummies inside) spacecraft that will just be circling the moon. 

Wait a moment! Circling the moon doesn't sound like we've advanced very far in the last 50 years. What happened? Did NASA lose all their notes about safely landing the Apollo Lunar Module?

The whole mission is an embarrassment.

One of the Artemis I mannequins riding in the capsule is named Commander Moonikin Campos. Need I say more?

When the landing capsule splashes down it's going to provide some great photos (taken by 16 cameras) of the moon's surface. Again. Did NASA lose the photos they've been taking for the last five decades since we landed there?

This ground-breaking (lol!) lunar flyby is going to come the closest to the moon on November 21. Somehow that doesn't sound thrilling or impressive to me.

That's it in a nutshell. This vaunted effort by NASA is a pathetic rerun without even landing on the moon, a feat NASA accomplished a half century ago. And here we are, spending billions to do it.

As it stands, I can think of better places for taxpayers' money to go where it'll really help them.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Will the Temperature Eventually Turn Down with More Women in Political Offices?

I've always considered women more reasonable than men. 

There's a boatload of scientific data showing women are better at bargaining and controlling their temper. Men on the other hand generally start beating their chests when conversations don't go their way.

With more and more women entering politics I'm hoping they can cool the fires down in congress and the state houses. I've heard other men disparage women and say they are too emotional to lead anyone.

That's bullshit.

All you have to do is look around the country at women politicians to see the positive impact they've already had in political discourse and organization. Take Nancy Pelosi or Liz Cheney for example.

Single women voted for Democrats, adding to their winning margins in the surprising midterms. Young people's votes were huge in the contest. My point is that a solid democratic base has to include (at least) equal numbers of women to win contests.

It's an historical fact that men have always underestimated women. The reasons are myriad, but the underlining problem is men are afraid of women.

This country is full of misogynists who devote their time to restricting women's rights in the workplace and society. 

The good news is the glass ceiling has been broken in American politics allowing women to hold important government offices and positions in congress.

But we still haven't elected a woman president yet. Maybe 2024 will be the year we get a democratic woman in the Oval Office. It's a thought. 

Frankly I don't know who a good woman candidate would be... yet. Give it time. Maybe midyear of 2023 we'll have a clearer picture of democratic candidates for the next election.

I should add that I also don't have any men on my list of potential candidates either. 

Before you say there's too many crazy women in politics already let me state the obvious; the majority of crazies in politics are men. Go ahead and count them.

Being somewhat of an expert on women - I've been married to the same one for 48 years - I can tell you their clever and canny in ways men will never be. It's kind of like their superpower.

As it stands, underestimate a woman at your own risk!

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Trump's Re-Election Announcement Spells Doom for Republicans in 2024

Finally, after a year of teasing his MAGA faithful Trump dumped his load and declared he's running for president... again.

Democrats were ecstatic to hear the news yesterday.

Champagne corks were popping as Trump ranted and raved about how great he was as a president. The 200 guests in the Mar-a-Lago ballroom looked like club members forced to show up for his big announcement. The tepid applause every now and then didn't reflect any true enthusiasm. 

The goal of keeping a democrat in the Oval Office in 2024 got that much closer. Think about it. How is a three-time election loser going to take the GOP to the promised land after another ridiculously bad showing in the midterms?

It gets better.

The Republican party (the Mitch McConnell wing) wanted Trump to wait until the Dec. 6 runoff in Georgia between Hershel Walker and Rev. Warnock was over. They had a slim hope of winning but if Trump steals the thunder and donations, Walker's chances of winning are greatly reduced. 

The gift of announcing his presidency now is going to keep on giving the democrats ammunition and motivation for the 2024 presidential election.

Meanwhile the Republican party is squabbling about why there was no Red Wave and Trump is getting backlash for losing the senate and nearly losing the House.

McCarthy won the leadership nomination against his challenger Andy Biggs. McConnell may face a challenge to his leadership but in the end, he's going to keep his roost. The backbiting against him is coming from Ted Cruz who's desperately looking for someone to blame for the historic losses.

Let's consider a few more things that are going to be beneficial for democrats in the next two years.

-- It's likely the crazies in the GOP caucus will get their way and they'll try to impeach President Biden. I can't think of a better motivation for democrats to turn out in record numbers in the next election.

-- It's really unlikely that Republicans will pass any meaningful legislation. Voters notice things like that.

-- If these midterms taught us anything Americans are tired of the eternal warfare and conspiracies the GOP has polluted our political system with in the last six years.

-- A new Trump campaign will set up a test between the growing skepticism of his ambitions among the upper echelons of his party and the adoration millions of his base voters still feel for the twice-impeached ex-president.

I could go on with more examples, but I think I made my point here. Americans are weary. We have enough challenges with climate change, the economy, and a lingering COVID-19 that keeps mutating.

I'd like to believe that some maggots will desert Trump's decreasing tent and move on to someone else who isn't a loser. I don't expect a significant amount of his supporters will stop idolizing him, so we can expect a three-ring circus for the next two years.

The new House committees plan on conducting a revenge tour by investigating everyone they don't like. These mini-theatrical events will only motivate democrats, independents, and even some republicans to vote against extremism.

So, yeah... do your worst Donny! Your days are numbered.

P.S. What a pathetic performance!

As it stands, Trump and minions won't go gently into the night. That's what democrats are counting on. 

Monday, November 14, 2022

Don't Worry About it - America's Always Had Enemies

From Day One America has had to fight enemies abroad and at home.

You'd think we're used to it by now in 2022. But to hear the pundits put it democracy is on the ropes and our future only holds bad things in store.

Worse yet, they say we're just a hair trigger away from a nuclear war with Russia, China, or North Korea. Take your pick.

Hold on!

Worrying about what could happen doesn't help anyone. It's one thing to be informed, and it's another to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

I'm going to break it to you gently, you are not going to solve the climate crisis or the war in Ukraine. You are a tiny cog existing on this planet for some supreme being's amusement.

Our democracy has always had challenges from within. There's nothing, we can do about it. We are a continuous people still dealing with the great experiment that says immigrants from around the world add to our culture and greatness.

As I'm sure you're aware worrying doesn't solve anything. But being human sometimes we can't help ourselves. That doesn't mean we should embrace uncertainty like a deer in the headlights of a truck.

I recommend studying American (and world) history to center your thinking. It helps to know that nothing is new under the sun. Wars and famine. Disease and droughts. This country has survived it all.

On worrying

"A day of worrying is more exhausting than a week of work." - John Lubbock

"I never worry about the problem. I worry about the solution." - Shaquille O'Neal

"Worry is the stomach's worst poison." - Alfred Nobel

As it stands, like the immortal Alfred E. Neuman says, "What Me Worry?"

Sunday, November 13, 2022

I Wonder How Long People Are Going to Continue to Underestimate Joe Biden?

He might as well be Charlie Brown for all the respect President Joe Biden gets from all quarters.

As the midterms wind down Biden's party discovered he was a much stronger president than they thought. He's been unfairly underestimated and criticized despite having a formidable first two years.

Let's face it. Biden's a great guy and very empathetic, but he's no John F. Kennedy. His rallies are milder that the theatrical performances the GOP has been putting on for the MAGA crowd.

Biden is the kind of guy you might bump into at your local grocery store. There's nothing remarkable in his appearance and he's soft-spoken. His blue eyes are warm with a sense of humor lurking behind them.

I believe that despite the House going back to the Republicans (at least that's what's projected as of this writing with a three-seat majority) it doesn't mean no legislation will get passed in the next two years.

If anyone can put together a coalition of lawmakers from both sides, it's Biden. With the Senate staying Democrat, he's got a strong ally providing him with bargaining options. 

All of that said, I don't think it's a good idea for Biden to run for re-election in 2024. There's the age thing for starters. It's obvious this term is taking a toll on him. His own party, when recently polled, thinks he should not run again (a 70% majority).

What I hope to see is the Democrats come up with some strong young candidates for president by mid-2023. As pundits will point out after these midterms, those young voters (with their expanding numbers) were pivotal in the Democrats successes and keeping the Senate blue.

When the time comes, I want to see Biden back the popular candidate with his bully pulpit for the good of the whole party.

I'm sure Republicans are counting on harassing Biden and his family for the next two years, trying to prevent him from getting any legislation passed. Sadly, that's their whole warped Revenge Tour agenda.

But I think Republicans are underestimating the old war horse. And who says the Republicans are going to stay united over every issue for the next two years? 

This particular group with its wacked out minority Freedom Caucus is going to see a lot of backbiting. It won't be pretty.

As it stands, I think as long as people continue to underestimate Biden, they do so at their own expense.

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Coming to a Theatre Near You Soon: MAGA World Godzilla vs King Ghidorah Fight for Control of GOP

In this corner we have Trump aka Godzilla versus DeSantis aka King Ghidorah in the other corner.

The Republican party is in chaos right now after the Democrats kicked their asses in the recent election. The last thing they want to see is their two bigly leaders Trump and DeSantis waging war.

The gigantic grudge between the two hard-right heavies has already begun. Trump is jealous of DeSantis's popularity with the party, especially after his historic win in Florida. Worse yet, he won't kiss the ring and endorse Trump for re-election. The name calling has begun.

Movie opens.

Scene One - Godzilla lumbers into Florida and confronts King Ghidorah who is holding a victory rally at The Villages.

Total panic! Seniors jumping out of their wheelchairs and running like they were teenagers in every direction as the two monster's clash.

The titanic struggle destroys homes and squashes Republican supporters like ants. Finally, Godzilla gets a nosebleed and backs off the battle and lumbers off to Mar-a-Lago with his tail between his legs.

Scene Two - The Republican National Party is in a panic. Members are divided between who they should support. Godzilla was their monster for six years but King Ghidorah, who by the way has three-heads, might be their future.

Movie stops here with a message, "Stay tuned for next installment."

Lights come on.

So, what do you think? Who's going to win?

You're right. It's way too early to tell. The fun has just begun. I love all monster movies. Do you love monster movies that are drenched in toxic politics? 

As it stands, I think we're all in for a treat! Get your popcorn ready and take a seat.

Friday, November 11, 2022

Are You Ready for National Happy Hour Day?

Be ready to lift your glasses of booze on November 12th to toast National Happy Hour Day. What a great idea you say!

Some Background.

You may be surprised to know that the holiday has quite the history dating back to 1900s when there were "Happy Hour" social clubs in some major cities.

The Happy Hour, as we know it today, got started in the early 1900s during the Mexican American war. 

Bored reporters covering the war were desperate for copy. That was obvious when you read an article in the "Washington Times" on May 1, 1914, that had this lead,

"The Happy Hour aboard ship makes U.S. Tars (short for "tar heels" a slang for sailors from North Carolina) contented. After a busy day, happy hours boosted moral with boxing matches, dancing, and drinking."

After WW II came to an end Happy Hours were the thing. The relaxing practice had spread throughout the U.S. Navy. 

It wasn't long before Happy Hours were a staple at bars across the country.

I'm sorry to report that I couldn't discover who actually gets credit for this alcoholic celebration. I'm guessing one of those Tar Heels was the creator of this salubrious holiday.

As it stands, at the end of the day lets meet at a bar, say around 6:00 p.m. virtually? Name the bar. I'll be there. Cheers! Sante! Skal! Salute! L'chaim! Chok dee!

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Veterans with PTSD Being Treated with Magic Mushrooms: Do They Really Help?

Veterans in Oregon who have PTSD can now participate in a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs clinical trial that uses MDMA and psilocybin as treatments.

The two hallucinogenic drugs are also being used to treat addiction and other serious mental health issues.

Before going any further I'm going to turn the clock back to the 1970s when both of those drugs were readily available in California where I lived at the time.

I know it sounds cliche, but it seemed like everyone was using them and other great psychedelics like LSD. I certainly had my share of magic mushrooms, LSD, peyote, and other mind-addling drugs. None of them cured my yet to be diagnosed PTSD.

Back to the present.

I'm a Vietnam veteran (1970). When I got out of the Army I went in search of sanity and serenity. I took psychedelic drugs hoping for deliverance every day at 3:00, but it never came to me.

The VA's newfound interest in hallucinogenic therapies seems funny to me. When I was going through an in-house counseling program for PTSD at Ft. Miley in San Francisco I had to go through a drug rehab segment because I smoked marijuana. Drugs were a Bozo no-no back in 1992.

How things change.

There are now at least five studies to gain more insight into the now promising drugs, according to a report in The New York Times. 

Research has shown therapeutic benefits, particularly for serious mental health conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Psychiatry in 2020.

I suspect this new willingness to allow research has led to a push to study psychedelics as medicine for the nation's military veterans, whose challenges with mental illness has led to a suicide rate among vets that's higher than that of civilians.

I'm not endorsing the new treatments. But the hippie in me is like "Cool man!" I'm sharing this new approach with the hope it does help the men and women out there who need it.

As it stands, that marijuana they didn't want me to smoke back at Ft. Miley is now a permanent part of my PTSD treatment program. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Are You Looking Forward to the Holidays?

     That time of year is nearly upon us.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon and all the religious holidays in December, it's time to consider your game plan for these festive events.

Or not. Take me for instance. I have no plans, nor do I intend on making any. You may call me a Grinch (or something worse) but I could care less. I quit holidays years ago after my kids and grandchildren grew up.

Holidays can be hell. The fact is more people get depressed around the country during the holidays than any other time of the year. So much for good cheer.

For years I felt like a hostage to toy, and digital device manufactures getting richer during the holidays, but there was no choice. The kids all expected presents. I couldn't disappoint them no matter what I thought about holidays being a rip-off.

I'm still convinced holiday gift-giving is a practice promoted by big corporations from Day One. I don't like the feeling of having to do anything (who does?) because of some cultural traditions promoted by greedy bastards laughing all the way to the bank.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Indeed.

To be clear, I like giving gifts to loved ones and friends randomly. It's fun, especially if you surprise someone. 

Honestly, I don't care about holidays at this point in my life. I acknowledge them up to a point, so I don't look like a complete asshole, but I could do without them very easily.

Are you looking forward to the holidays?

I suspect most people do. That's okay. I'm not interested in converting people to be a grumpy old man like me! As a matter of fact, I hope your holiday season is wonderful.

As it stands, Like Popeye use to say, "I yam who I yam!"

Monday, November 7, 2022

Waiting to Exhale: Election Chaos is Almost Over. But Then the Real Battle Begins

Like millions of other Americans, I'm exhausted with the midterms steady flow of lies and misinformation that has been polluting nearly every media source in the country.

Well, some relief is on the way.

Election day. No more polls. No more guessing and worrying about the results. No more talking heads predicting results. We should know the results tomorrow (in some cases it could be longer).

Republicans will whine and refuse to acknowledge the contests where they lose, and they'll gloat where they win. That's just the way it is. There are no adults running for office on the GOP side. Just Trump cult members.

I'd like to believe that tensions in the country will subside when the last vote is counted, but I know better. 

There will be numerous frivolous challenges spewing from the election deniers who already said they won't accept the results unless they win. So what? Let them.

Go ahead and exhale anyway. You're going to need all of your intestinal fortitude for the next two years.

That's because we're going to face the most contentious presidential election in history, making the 2020 election look like a cakewalk!

There's little doubt that Trump is going to declare his intention to run for re-election. The country is going to be engulfed in more violence if Trump is indicted for all, or any, of the criminal cases lined up against him.

Trump's minions will get even more extreme as they watch their beloved leader facing convictions and possible jail time. 

With 2020 as a blueprint for insurrection Republicans will have election deniers in various parts of our electoral system willing and ready to cheat the vote in 2024.

It's the potential for increased violence that troubles me. The midterms showed us that motivated Trump cult members are getting more violent, like attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband while searching for her in their own home.

I'm not in the business of predicting the future but certain things are more likely based upon research and common knowledge. I really hope my concerns for this country subside enough for me to enjoy life more.

The water glass is either half full, or empty. It depends on how you look at the world around you. 

As it stands, recognizing challenges doesn't mean we have to be in a constant state of worry. Forewarned is forearmed.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

'Tis the Season for Indictments

When the contentious midterms are over the real political firestorm will begin.

By all accounts Trump and many of his top minions are going to be indicted for their crimes this fall. By the time winter sets in the battle for democracy will be in full swing.

The Department of Justice has been patiently waiting to make any major moves in their dual cases against Trump before the midterms. That restriction will be gone with the wind and the shit will be ready to hit the fan.

Fulton County, Georgia AG Fani Willis and her investigation team having been putting all of the Trump ducks in a row and are ready to rock and roll! Political pundits believe that this case will be Trump's first criminal indictment but not his last.

A cautious Merrick Garland hasn't given any indication on when he intends to charge Trump and co-conspirators for their multiple crimes. The word around Washington is that criminal indictments might not come until early next year.

Then again, Garland may surprise everyone and give the country a Christmas present by indicting him before the end of December.

As the country uneasily moves from fall to winter it'll be the perfect season for indictments. Two years of investigations are coming to a close as accountability threatens Trump and his fascist acolytes.

The wheels of justice have been moving painfully slow because the courts have been flooded with frivolous appeal's designed to slow the whole process down.

As it stands, there's a time - or season - for everything. And we're entering that season with hope for justice and the preservation of our democracy.

Trump's Lowest Grift Ever Saved for Holy Week

This is a story about how the devil's puppet, aka Donald Trump, mocked Christianity by selling a book combining the Bible, the Constitu...