BORN LOSERS....12/19/23

Biden is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't when it comes to Middle East policy.

Half the people in this country want Israel to keep bombing the sh** out of Gaza (mostly older voters) and the other half (mostly younger voters), want a cease fire.

Netanyahu is between a rock and hard place too since he's under indictment for corruption and his government is run by hardliners who seem to want to destroy every Palistinian in sight.

But I believe our President is on the right track by trying to get Israel to not be so trigger happy but at the same time give them the freedom to go after those who attacked them.

No matter how you look at it, there are no winners in this fight - only losers. War is often that way.

So why do humans keep doing it?

Good question....

I'LL SAY WHAT I WANT....12/18/23

One of the most fundamental freedoms we enjoy, thanks to our Constitution, is the ability to say what we want, when we want, without fear of reprisial.

That's about to change if the notoriosly thin skinned Trump gets re-elected. He's threatening to go after everyone and anyone who criticizes him.

Sorry Pal, but criticism goes with the territory.

On another note, it's become fashionable on college campuses to ban speakers from coming to espouse their views, no matter how radical.

This is wrong. Let them come and be subjected to the yelling and screaming from one side or the other who come out and peacefully show their support or condemnation.

It's their right. Free speech should not be allocated to only those in power.

That belongs to all of us.

THE JOY OF WALKING....12/17/23

Almost every day after reading the news, writing down my thoughts, and sharing some contemplative morning time with my wife, I set out for an hour long power walk.

I don't like gyms, I tried running once but gave up because it was too unpleasant, and I loathe swimming....so knowing that at my age it's important to keep moving, I walk - fast.

I've been doing it for years, taking with me the cane I made for my late father from an exotic hardwood lumber sticker after he broke his leg.

I don't really depend on it for support but after being bitten by an angry dog during one of my outings, it gives me a bit of confidence if one lunges at me again. Besides I like the way it feels.

My Sunday morning religious experience involves picking up debris along the way, mostly filling a plastic grocery bag each week while wondering what kind of person throws trash out of their vehicle with abandon.

Perhaps I ought to pay more attention to the moment, but my nature is to multi-task so I listen to podcasts or visit with someone on my phone while doing my best to at least acknowledge passersby.

We each have a favorite part of our day.

This is one of mine.