HARRY SHOWS GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Ernest Hemingway once said that courage is grace under pressure. If anyone epitomizes that definition, it’s Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markel. In comparison to the current King Charles and his oldest son Willian, Harry has shown more courage in his little pinky than the two of them together. He had to give up all his royal privileges and inherent wealth in order to follow his own moral compass. The media and Tories over in the UK , and here in America have engineered a brutal assault against his chances for happiness, And yet, he goes on. Such is the stuff of nobility that true Kings have demonstrated throughout history, in every continent and island in the world. Harry shows grace under pressure.

What real pressure have King Charles of England and his heir apparent had to face? Both of them have had the monarchy in the bag from the day they were born. Besides, they both have piles of money accumulated over centuries of ruling the English people. Harry’s inheritance from Princess Diana is a pittance compared to what those two have under their belt.

Harry’s radiant and inspiring appearance at the Invictus Games is, in itself, a sign of his true nobility. Having started the game for disabled men and women soon after bravely serving 10 years in the British Air Force. The Brits may have sour grapes, but the rest of the world seems to love Harry and Meghan. The Nigerians see her as a warrior princess: Royal Wife.

Of course the two of them have made some mistakes and done a few cringe-worthy things, but isn’t that what humans do? Former governor of California Jerry Brown recently said that all politicians make mistakes. That’s part of being a real live person, not some stiff robot that never steps out of line, choreographs his every move, and never makes a public gaffe.

Harry has inherited his mother’s empathy, and easily engages with both the young and old. He is truly the people’s Prince, just as Diana was the people’s princess.

August 24, 2023August 24, 2023

HAVE AMERICANS LOST THEIR MORAL COMPASS?

During the 20^th Century, most people had never heard of a moral compass. A compass was a piece of metal with an arrow showing you which direction you were headed. Still a pretty handy item if you’re navigating in unknown territory. And then, a couple of decades ago, we started hearing the term “moral compass.” It first came into popular use in the year 2011. The Chief of Staff of the British Army observed that many UK citizens no longer had a sense of moral compass, while in the past, it would have been instilled in them by their parents. He said it would be up to the military to teach recruits the difference between right and wrong. When I hear that the majority of Americans are perfectly willing to vote for either Trump or Biden, you have to wonder. Have Americans lost their moral compass?

What is a moral compass? The dictionary defines it as : a set of beliefs or values that help guide ethical decisions, judgments, and behavior : an internal sense of right and wrong.

This doesn’t seem too complicated. Even little kids have a moral compass. They know not to hit or spit on one another if they’re mad. Teenagers with a moral compass don’t sell drugs or beat up on a guy they disagree with. It goes on through life. Even at my age, I know that if someone steals a package from my porch, that person lacks a moral compass.

We used to expect elected officials to show that they had a moral compass. Voters may not have liked Eisenhower, Truman, Ford or Carter, but they respected their integrity.

All that’s changed now. Few seem to care if the person they vote for has committed a crime or sexually harassed a member of the opposite sex. Lying and cheating seem to get a rubber stamp. If we look at recent polls, it would appear that voters in both parties are only interested in whether or not the person they elect can fulfill their personal wants and needs. No one seems to care about the common good, or uniting the country.

According to recent polls in Iowa, a majority of Republicans strongly support a presidential candidate who has been criminally indicted four times and been involved in numerous sexual harassment suits. The Democrats don’t care in the least that their man’s son had 40 different banks accounts in order to launder illegal payments to the current president’s family from foreign governments.

Both Biden and Trump have clearly demonstrated a lack of moral compass. If either one of these men are returned to the white house in the 2024 election, what does it mean? Have most Americans lost their moral compass? Or do they even know what one is?

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023

DUKE ENERGY DIDN’T LOCK THE BARN

Our city has just experienced a massive power outage cause by a major storm. Many folks were without power for a week. Obviously, no electric company can prevent storms and falling trees. However, there are ways to mitigate the potential damage caused by the forces of nature. Homeowners should be held responsible for trimming tree limbs that are in contact with electrical wires. This does not happen in our city. However, now that the crisis is over, Duke has trucks out frantically trimming trees in public and suburban areas. Conventional wisdom calls for locking the barn before the horse is gone. But it looks like Duke Energy didn’t lock the barn in time.

At our house , our electrical power line radiates from a pole in the yard of the next door neighbor. Those electrical wires are intertwined with the leaves and branches of numerous trees on his property. Several years ago, I notified the electrical company that this dangerous situation existed. Weeks later, they sent out a truck to see what I was talking about. The electrician drove into our driveway, stepped out and briefly glanced at the wires in the trees next door, then drove away. When I called several weeks later to ask what they were planning to do about it, they rudely replied, “we don’t trim trees and we can’t ask a homeowner to trim his tree.”

When I called the city engineer, I hit the same brick wall. He said, ‘the electric company is a private entity, over which the city has no control.”

In the case of our recent power outage, the company spokesperson explained to our local newspaper that prolonged power outages occurred in suburban neighborhoods away from the main power lines. Meaning that homeowners in those leafy neighborhoods had not been advised or required to trim their trees and bushes resting on power lines, even though they represented a disaster waiting to happen..

So what I’m hearing is that no one controls the electric utility company service in our city. They can do what they please, and get away with it. Which begs the question: Who is responsible for removing trees touching power lines?

According to the National Electrical Safety Code”, it is the responsibility of electric utility companies to trim trees touching power lines. Although, if the tree is on residential property, the homeowner has to assume the costs of trimming trees around power lines. Electric utility companies should conduct such maintenance during their yearly rounds (every 6 to 12 months). However, if the tree is touching a power line, the homeowner is responsible for its removal.”

Last week, Duke Energy and the City both paid the price for neglecting their responsibility of keeping power lines from touching tree limbs. . Actually, the people who really paid the price were the citizens who threw out rotted food, couldn’t shower or cook , turn on air conditioning or charge their cell phones.

It’s time for Duke Energy to start locking the barn before the horse gets stolen, not after. If they can’t handle that responsibility, the city needs a contract with a new electric utility company.

July 12, 2023July 12, 2023

BAN MISANTHROPIC MIDNITE FIREWORKS

Everyone loves to see the fireworks on he 4^th of July. Trouble is, most of us don’t like hearing them as we lie in bed at 1 a.m. while trying to sleep. Unfortunately, politicians don’t really care about sick people, combat veterans, animals and small children who are forced to hear cherry bombs and rockets going off at all hours of the night. I suppose that the mayor and city council members feel they’ll get more votes if they allow the city’s numerous cases of arrested development to disturb the peace well after midnight. But they’ll lose my vote, for sure. Ban Misanthropic Midnite Fireworks, now.

After taking a pain pill for a bad back at 12:30. I called the police dispatch department. Couldn’t believe that the bombs and rockets going off in our neighborhood were being set off legally. The woman who answered was friendly and understanding. “Oh, they’re still going off at 4 a . m. in my neighborhood,” she said. “And the police don’t stop them?” I asked. “nah,” she replied. It’s actually legal until one o’clock in th morning, but nobody enfores the law. However, I’ll make a note of your call.” Then she asked my address, so I suppose I’m now on record at city hall as a troublemaking old biddy.

“Does these people enjoy making others miserable?” I asked. She said she didn’t know, so I pursued the topic. “Maybe they’re unhappy people who want others to share in their misery,” I philosophized. She said she wasn’t sure what motivated the crazies. I could tell she had other calls waiting, so I hung up.

Apparently, shooting fire crackers has great appeal for risk takers. Fireworks are also explosives, and can be dangerous. According to Kansas State University psychology professor Mary Cain, this adds to their appeal. “Engaging in risky behaviors is very reinforcing for people,” she said. “For some, it can cause the release of a chemical in the brain that makes people feel good.” She goes on to explain that such people are “high sensation seekers.” They love things like roller coasters and sky diving . I don’t like either one of those.

Many cities ban the shooting of fireworks altogether, and others say they must stop after 9 p.m. I’m not sure why the politicians who run our city approve them, but I’d like them to ban misanthropic midnight fireworks.

June 28, 2023June 27, 2023

BRING BACK BORING IN 2024

A panelist on a public television program recently said that former Vice President Pence was boring. Therefore, she reasoned this would preclude him from consideration as a presidential candidate. I’m not sure that’s a bad thing Most voters are sick and tired of chaos coming out of the White House. We want a president who commands respect. While I’m not endorsing Pence or any other candidate, I’d like a leader who won’t make us the laughing stock of the world. Bring Back Boring in 2024.

Here is what I would not like to see in a candidate:

*Some one who has been indicted in several states for various crimes such as obstruction of justice and sexual assault.

*Shakes hands with ghosts, proclaims “God Save The Queen” after a speech about gun control, and calls someone a “lying, dog faced pony soldier. (whatever that means).

*Runs down his politicial opponents by using childish, school yard nick names. Builds himself up by running others down.

*Defends his son for failing to pay income taxes and child support. Says he’s proud of a man who’s debauchery can be seen all over the internet.

*Hides classified materials in his bathroom and refuses to return them to the proper authorities.

*Is suspected of receiving millions of dollars in exchange for favorable policies toward China.

*Will celebrate eighty plus birthdays while serving as president of the United States of America and leader of the free world.

Remembering Truman, Reagan, Eisenhower, this is what I would like to see.

Someone who:

*Conducts himself with dignity and respect for others.

*Hasn’t been indicted for a crime or involved in a scandal.

*Has distinguished himself as a defender of American Values.

*Enjoys a stable family life,.

*Works with the opposing political party to do what’s best for the American people.

*Respects all races, religions and social classes without pandering to any.

*Welcomes all immigrants, as long as they come into this country in a legal, orderly manner.

Above all, the president of the United States of America should be a statesman, not a politician. According to Dr. J. Rufus Fears, professor of the history and freedom, the two are not the same thing. He said a statesman must possess four critical qualities:

A bedrock of principles
A moral compass
A vision
The ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision

Does that sound too boring? ? I don’t think so. Bring Back Boring in 2024.

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023

IS IT VANITY OR CHRISTIE’S BLINDSPOT?

It’s no surprise that several Republicans are challenging Donald Trump’s bid for re-election in 2024. However, it’s perplexing to see that former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is at it again. How can he possibly believe that the cloud hanging over the 2013 Bridgegate Scandal will not continue to follow him? Maybe he’s hoping that younger voters have never heard about what happened at the Washington Lee Bridge. But most of us remember the scandal all too clearly. How can he be so tone deaf? Is it vanity or Christie’s blind spot?

There are all kinds of political scandals that didn’t seem to affect a candidate’s electability. Several have been accused of sexual abuse, but they got elected anyway. Possibly, because the misogny in this country blames the victim of such incidents, rather than the perpetrator. But in the case of the Bridgegate Scandal, everyone who’s ever been held up for hours in a traffic jam lost respect for Governor Christie.

It all started in 2013 when Christie was up for re-election in the state of New Jersey. He asked all of the Democrat mayors to support him , but some of them refused. Consequently, His Deputy Chief of Staff, Bridget Kelly, and David Wilstein, Director of Interstate Travel , conspired to implement a plan of retrubutuion to one mayor in particular.. In an e mail, Bridget Kelly sent a note to Wilstein , saying “it’s time for a little traffic problem in Fort Lee.”

On Sept 13, 2013 they orderd the closing of 3 traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge leading out of that mayor’s city, Fort Lee. The result was bedlam, affecting paramedics, parents with little kids, and countless numbers of people. After several days , the scheme finally came out in the open. Christie claimed he knew nothing about the lane closings that lasted four days. He fired his loyal staff members who were held responsible. They responded that he was a liar , and had laughed when told about it after two days.

Realistically speaking, it stands to reason that Christie’s staff would not make that move unless they knew he would approve it. Can you imagine anyone on Mike Pence’s staff coming up with such a scheme? And then, there was Christie’s Beachgate debacle. When the State Parks were all closed in 2017, he was pictured lolling on the beach at one of the parks while his wife and kids frolicked nearby.

Even though Christie is a good speaker and apparently was a competent governor, he’s surrounded by a godfather aura. Former staffers accused him of fostering a culture of bullying while in office, Nevertheless, he’s taking a shot at getting the Republican nomination for the 2024 Presidental Election. Is it vanity or Christie’s blind spot that convinces him he could win? Will voters forget, or will the ghost of Bridgegate continue to haunt him?

May 24, 2023May 23, 2023

BIDEN & TRUMP FOOLING YOUNG VOTERS

It looks like two elderly men are determined to get themselves elected President of the USA in 2024. Their respective political parties seem willing to support them. However, In this divided country, there are a lot of die-hard partisans. Most Democrats and Republicans would rather elect a wooden chair than either Donald Trump or Joe Biden. The candidates themselves seem eager to prove themselves not only young at heart , but able and hardy as a 25 year old. While Trump is younger than Biden, both of them would be octogenarians by the time they finish out their term, if elected. Unfortunately, Trump & Biden are fooling young voters, who haven’t the faintest idea how it feels to be 80 years old.

Trump & Biden fooling young voters into believing they don't feel old inside. — TRUMP & BIDEN FOOLING YOUNG VOTERS into believing their age doesn’t matter.

Trump slaps on pancake make up and plays golf. He’s overweight, but so are a lot of young men and women, so they don’t see that as a problem. Biden gets a suntan on his beachfront property, stays thin and rides a bicycle, outwardly appearing to be in as good a shape as any thirty something. What no one knows–until they actually do turn 80– is that their mind may still work, but the body is giving out.

Yes, I know. 80 year old Martha Stewart posed for the cover of Sports Illustrated in a bathing suit. Carol Burnett says that even though she’s 90, she feels 18 inside. And they look pretty good, thanks to beauticians, dermatologists, photo shoppers, fitness instructers, cosmetic surgeons and clothing designers. I’ll give Jane Fonda credit. She freely admits she’s had to quit drinking because 80 year olds don’t handle their liquor too well. We all know of oldsters who swing dance at 90, but they’re a very rare exception.

Many young people today don’t even know an octogenarian. Their parents may have grown up in a small town, but they went to college and moved far away from home. Their children seldom, if ever, see or interact with elderly grandparents.. They don’t understand the infirmities that come with old age. As someone once said, “you may look okay from the outside, but you’re not the same on the inside.” .

If Joe Biden is re elected, the country will probably be ruled by behind-the-scenes Democratic handlers. None of whom were elected. Which will satisfy those who are more interested in liberal policies than who is in the White House. Conversely if Trump were elected, the result would be unpredictable and total chaos, depending on his mood of the day. And yet, he probably would satisfy the conservatives who’ve faithfully followed him through the years.

But the fact of the matter is that both men are way too old to lead our country. Trump and Biden should stop fooling young voters, and both parties should seek younger candidates.