USA CAME CLOSE TO A COUP D’ETAT

When was the last time a United States presidency faced a military takeover? I think it was talked about back in 1861, after Lincoln was elected president. Southern politicians who supported slavery attempted a military takeover to prevent Lincoln’s inauguration. They even planned an assassination before he was able to reach Washington DC by rail. The coup d’etat didn’t succeed, but Civil War soon broke out. After that, there has never been such an attempt—until now. Last year, the USA came close to a coup d’etat.

Republican Donald Trump was probably one of the most divisive presidents we’ve ever had in the United States. Nevertheless, he won the election, defeating Hillary Clinton in 2016. Like it or not, he was the president until January of 2021.. Now, along comes General MIlley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who, with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, decides Trump is going crazy after losing the 2020 election. . No medical diagnosis, just a gut feeling.. They fear that he will attempt a coup to stay in power, and might even start a war with China. .With the encouragement of Pelosi, Milley calls China and offers to give them a heads up if Trump launches an attack.

To me, when one political party tries to undermine the powers of an elected president with the help of the military, that constitutes an attempted coup d’etat.

Coup d’etats were pretty common in Latin American countries. In fact, our government actually supported the 1955 military takeover of Argentina when Peron was the elected president. (Remember “Don’t Cry for me Argentina?) However, for the past 160 years, our country has always had a peaceful transfer of power, even in hotly contested elections like Bush vs Gore in the year 2000.

But now, a military commander planned to usurp the presidency with permission of the opposing party. This tells me the country is as close to a civil war as it’s ever been. When one political party colludes with the military to take over the powers of the president, that’s a coup d’eat. If we were that close to such a possibility in the year 2021, what will happen next in this deeply divided country?

June 15, 2020June 15, 2020

PANDEMIC SENSE AND NONSENSE

Things are settling down and reopening up. Although the coronavirus is still with us, we can sit back and wonder about the pandemic sense and nonsense that occurred. A lot of decisions were made by different elected officials all over the country, that didn’t seem well thought through. Here in the heartland, ordinary people don’t always agree with what has gone down.

Congress hurried up and passed a massive stimulus bill that benefited some people far more than others. The strangest thing was the stimulus checks. Anyone who filed a tax return for less than $75,000 received tax free money that wasn’t based on need or cost of living. $1200 won’t go very far in San Francisco, but it could pay for a lot of rent and groceries in small town, America. Same thing with the unemployment benefits. $600 a week plus state unemployment will go a long way in some parts of the country. In fact, it’s proven to be a disincentive for restaurant employees’ returning to work. Consequently, a lot of tax payer money has gone to people who really don’t need it at all.

.Restaurants and bars have been allowed to open for a couple of weeks in our city. They must follow certain social distancing guidelines but at least you can be served a meal that you didn’t have to cook or send for. This coming week, our library will finally be allowed to open their doors. Does this seem a little strange? Why are libraries so far down the totem pole? They should have opened before bars and hair salons.

Libraries are at the heart of any city. Books feed the soul, and will get you through tough times. I can remember growing up in the post depression years during World War II. Everything good was rationed. You couldn’t’ even buy ice cream—it had to be sherbet, unless you made it yourself. But the highlight of my week—starting at age six—was my weekly trip to the library. A good book will take you to far away places, and show you how people in other times or in different countries think and feel. Nothing can replace books. Certainly not a bottle of beer or a plate of spaghetti eaten at a restaurant.

Mask wearing was another thing. First, we were told it didn’t help to wear a mask. Then, about a month later, all the scientists were telling us we should wear masks, after all. It’s no wonder so many people refuse to wear one.

When things settle down, we’re going to look back at some of the decisions that were made and scratch our heads. Mayors are criticizing governors, and governors are criticizing the president. The politicians are all busy pointing fingers and placing blame. But the truth is, everyone has been floundering in a sea of the unknown. Common sense went out the window

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

Pelosi body shames Trump

As a dietitian, I had to agree with Nancy Pelosi when she went on TV saying that Trump is overweight. But is she qualified to say he’s “morbidly obese?” That’s the term for a medical condition, and I don’t think she has a license to practice. Anyway, I thought that body shaming was verboten in our modern society. Popular magazines like “People,” frequently interview overweight celebrities who describe the trauma when they were teased about their weight. Peloisi hit below the belt( as my Mother used to say) when body shaming Trump. Has he mentioned how many face lifts and botox treatments she’s had?

I suspect no one feels sorry for Trump, because he’s brought it on himself. He’s a master at putting down his critics with childish nicknames like “Crooked Hillary,” “Sleepy Joe.” Anyone who disagrees with him is fair game. But I never thought Nancy Pelosi would get caught up in the madness.

She gleefully celebrated his impeachment, but still tried to appear somewhat dignified. She’s always taken the stance of moral superiority when it comes to Trump. Why, then, would she stoop to his level? 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. I’m wondering how those voters will react to a privileged, California Congresswoman body shaming the president during the covid-19 outbreak.

I never knew much about Trump until he ran for president, so I don’t know when his weight got out of control. He should probably hire a nutritionist to plan his menus. But he’d probably fire her after a week. She would undoubtedly cancel the hamburger and fries. Would he go for a fruit smoothie or grilled chicken salad for lunch? I doubt it. On the other hand, he looks and acts very healthy. (Hopefully the Hydroxychloroquine he’s taking won’t give him a heart attack.) It probably helps that he doesn’t drink or smoke. Apparently, he gets plenty of exercise on the golf course. Maybe it’s just his metabolism. Or perhaps he’s a “stress eater.” If so, he’s had plenty of stressful triggers.

Meanwhile, there are other obese people running their countries. Like England’s Boris Johnson & North Korea’s Kim Jong Um. In fact, I think Winston Churchill was kind of chubby. Most of us are acquainted with “heavies,” who are capable and sharp. She’ll probably never admit it, but I think Nancy Pelosi is going to regret body shaming Trump. I just wish that both of them would act like grown-ups.

October 9, 2019October 9, 2019

THANK YOU, DANCING WITH THE STARS

Each morning upon awakening, I pick up my i phone The first thing I see. before unlocking the phone, are messages about all the unpleasant things going on in the world. My stomach is churning with anxiety even before getting out of bed. It continues all day and up until bedtime. Is it any wonder I have occasional nightmares? But last night’s television program offered a respite from all the bad news. Thank you, Dancing With The Stars, for a good night’s sleep, and sweet dreams.

Dancing With the Stars is America at it's best — MANY CONTESTANTS ON DANCING WITH THE STARS ARE WAY OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE.

What I love about Danicng With The Stars is its lack of perfection. Some of the contestants are awkward and out of shape. Many are way out of their comfort zone. But they’re gamely trying their best not to make a fool of themselves. Isn’t that where most of us have been at one time or another in our lives?

Dancing With The Stars has come a long way since it’s first season. Then, it was mostly about the dancing. The sets and costumes weren’t so spectacular. Later, they went through a time when the women were half naked in their revealing costumes. My husband liked that, but I thought it not so good for younger kids who might be watching. Now, they’ve gone all out with gorgeous, glittering costumes and glamorous sets. It’s like watching a Broadway show.

Best of all, for two hours, you don’t have to see television shows and news reports about murder, sex, gender issues, racism, politics. Better yet, you don’t have to hear about: impeachment, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Trump, Schiff, Pelosi, Isis, Turkey, or any of the other cringe worthy words or topics that make you grit your teeth and wish it would go away.

This show represents America at its best. It takes our mind off our worries and gives us two hours of dazzling entertainment. Thank you, Dancing With The Stars.