VENTING ON TRUMP

I don't have a Facebook account. I did but it got where I was spending 4 and five hours a day on FB and noway would I do that. I think FB can be good for keeping up and for those who have some discipline. I don't happen to be one of them. Plus, my joke, relatively speaking, "I have all the friends I want." 

My Trump dilemma is how to handle my friends who support Trump. This is no small matter. My friends mean a great deal to me (we are not talking FaceBook type friends. I am always suspicious of FB and its algorithms' intrusive nature). Please! 

I am hard pressed to see how even the most hardcore Republican could vote for Trump and especially my friends. He has insulted every ethnic group possible, lies and the press doesn't call him out. 

I really could care less about Trump but am amazed at Americans who would vote for him or who have gotten him this far. Dang crazy. I think David Brooks of the "NY Times" is right. People will agree with you when you say he is a bigot, lies, male chauvinist, "trailer trash" but they somehow ignore--"Well, he does make these outrageous statements but he's our man." Trump, in getting this far, is a hate monger, plain and simple. 

I don't particularly like Hillary and think she and Bill have had their chance and certainly they are ethically challenged, bordering on criminality but there is no doubt that she is capable. She's been Sec of State for God's sake. 

But, we are in for the Republican hate machine getting cranked up--as much as they might dislike Trump, they hate Hillary more. Here is a mystery to me. Do these people who are crying that they have been left behind really believe that a sorry asshole like Trump, flying around with his TRUMP emblazoned on his private plane, can actually identify with them. If they do, they are dumber than I thought. 

I am pivoting to BASEBALL. We would truly be much better off with BASEBALL as our passion and less attention given to Trump, a mere blip on our radar screen. 

GOLD STAR FAMILIES

Last night "Sixty Minutes" had a really poignant segment of what they called the Gold Star Parents/Families (not sure of title). It was at Marines Memorial in San Francisco. (This alone causes me to smile. If there has ever been a place more of a contrast than Frisco, I don't know where it would be). I am not going to recount all the story of the 60 

Minutes--don't think I could. Marines Memorial is a hotel, restaurant, bar, etc; most of all as viewed by the Marines, a living memorial. Now, it has provided a place where all the men and women who died in Iraq, Afghanistan--their names are on a plague, on a wall. (Somewhat like the Vietnam Memorial Wall).

A retired, "old salt," Marine, retired 2 star and Vietnam vet was the "shaker and mover" in getting this done. The "take away" for us from the program is that the parents desperately wanted their sons and daughters to be remembered. It was important to them. I get it. 

7 Ways to Save Your Marriage

A buddy and myself wrote this book, "7 Ways To Save Your Marriage." We never tried to get it published, mainly because he died. Great guy. I was reminded of it recently when a friend told me he'd filed for divorce. Why? Not to be judgmental but I guess I am. Pretty flimsy reasons--some lessons to be aware of, mainly that when people divorce and especially if they remarry, they usually trade one set of problems for another. All people deserve the good things that can happen to them but getting there, if divorce is a possibility, is a mission where "smart" sure helps. 

 The book's premise was that most marriages that end in divorce could be saved if three things came together: (1)couple loves each other, whatever that means to them and love means different things to different people. (2) couple is willing to work hard in counselling. MOST AREN'T, because you have to do things that you don't want to do.  (3) No third party is involved. If there is, has to be faced and handled. 

This is good stuff. God bless. 

Suicide

In a recent segment on PBS about suicide, they interviewed the author of a recent study, detailing the increase. Nice person but no real insight, might as well been talking about the mysteries of Donald Trump's hair. 43,000 killed themselves last year. Sad. 

Imagine the pain if stretched out: parents, extended families, friends, on and on. All trying to make sense of the senseless. There are no real answers, especially with the high numbers of teenagers. Boys in particular. Dang! When a boy ought to be thinking about the wonders of the opposite sex, stressing about other stuff and takes his life. F..k!!!!!! 

What is it that would cause youngsters to do themselves in? Or, anybody for that matter. Terminal illness maybe, when a person comes at it from, "this is my life and I own it." A Mystery. 

Personally, in my experience, a person who takes this drastic step enters a period of "craziness." They momentarily go crazy. Unfortunately, during that period, if they are successful, there is no changing their minds. Carroll O'Connor (Archie Bunker) whose son killed himself had very poignant comments. Although in his case, the son was a druggie, O'Connor said something like, "Whatever it takes, get between your loved one and craziness." Pretty good advice. 

MORE TROOPS

I thought the Prez had learned his lesson on trusting the Generals. Listening to the Generals is like trusting a spokesperson for Payday Loans. Give me a break!!!!!' Sending more troops to Iraq is courting disaster. We are some kind of f..king  stupid. 

BOSTON STRONG

THE ANNIVERSAY OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK AT THE BOSTON MARATHON. 

My granddaughter who is a soph at Boston U tells me that Boston is pretty much, on this date, geared to a giant Memorial Service. Great! When I was in Vietnam, I did scores of Memorial Services. For soldiers alive, celebrating the lives and memories of fellow soldiers was paramount to their well being. 

It is the way it should be. My seminary professor, Dr WW Boyce said that sometimes there is a sympathy so great that there is nothing to say. Exactly. God bless all who were/are connected to that terrible day in any way. 

HATE GROUPS

Every time I read or hear something about these ultra right wing hate groups, I say, "who the f..k are these people?" Well, they are ignorant, uneducated, and voting as Trump Republicans. "Time Mag" had an article on some ignoramus group called NPI (National Policy Institute) dedicated to the advancement of people of European Descent. They don't even try to mask it. And, now they have embraced Trump. I guess social media is a culprit of giving them a forum. A Vietnam buddy of mine recently sent me a piece which was so way out there, I texted him with, "what in the f..k is wrong with you." My suspicion is that he was in the sauce or else  he wouldn't have sent such idiocy comments. If not, I am going to kick his ass. I am ashamed of these people and don't have it in me to call these bigots, "fellow American." 

HooAhhhhhh for the Pope

WONDERFUL GESTURE

"Pope takes 12 Muslims, six kids back to Rome." Lucky kids/families. Also, way to go, Bernie Sanders, in meeting the Pope. Some may say, just grandstanding but I say to the critics, "f..k you very much." I choose to believe that the "Pope" is following St Augustine's edict. "Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you." 

What the Pope could have done is say, “because I can't help all, I can't help any.” He didn't and I choose to thank Augustine for the Pope's wonderful gesture. To me, it's the way that all of us, who are generous and care, should deal with life as we meet those in need. 

Amen (let it be so). 

DEFENDING NC

I can't. NC is under the negative light these days. The Repubs are so recalcitrant, so stupid. I have always prided myself that NC was different than most of the Deep South states. They even voted for the Prez in the last election. But...

The whole bathroom thing about transgenders is maxed out dumb. Part of the issue however, unless you know this, is that Eastern NC hates Charlotte, who passed the original ordinance--transgenders can use the bathroom they want. Immediately the Republican legislature passes a law to force transgenders to use a bathroom that matches their biology. ( I might be a little uncomfortable if someone wearing a dress was taking one next to me but it ain't going to kill me). Eastern NC is not about to let Charlotte get away with anything if they help it. 

The French settled Eastern NC and I contend that's where we all got our stubborn streak. 

All things being equal, a great place to live and if my kids, well mainly the grandkids, weren't in SF, I would be out of here to NC. I think saneness will return. But, if businesses think they can threaten NC into shaping up or they'll depart the scene, my suspicion is that the respond will be "F..K you very much

Okie From Musgogee

OKIE FROM MUSGOGEE

Meryl Haggard is one of my memories that evokes Vietnam. "Okie from Musgogee" is considered the first pro Vietnam song.  My favourite line is "we don't grow our hair long like the hippies out in San Francisco."

In the early part of Vietnam, all of us GIs were still saying, "we are fighting for our country, fighting communism." We thought it was a just war and we were fighting for the cause of freedom. We were really angry about was what was going on in the States, protests, etc; what we considered the people putting the badmouth on us. A guy like John Kerry, burning his draft card. Then one day, I remember it like yesterday; i was about half way through my tour in Nam and was walking across the FSB (Fire Support Base) to my tent and over the loudspeaker came Meryl Haggard singing "An Okie From Muskogee." The GIs ran out of their tents and started cheering.  Needless to say that was a seminal moment that didn't show up again.

TORTURE

TORTURE

I haven't read this book CONSEQUENCE but am ordering it simply as a show of support for the author. I heard Terry Gross's interview on NPR. (She is the best interviewer ever to me). Her interview of the author was about our tangled involvement in Iraq as relates to torture. Listening, hurt my heart. What the f..k is wrong with us. We invade a country, spend millions of dollars and in the title of this book, have to face "consequences." 

This author's views of torture were so "right on." Call it any bureaucratic name, it is still torture and to think we have leaders (No, not leaders but sorry ass politicians) who think, it is OK to torture is pretty sad to say the least. 

I was so impressed with this author: Eric Fair: had been an enlisted man in the Army, then was a contractor twice, doing interrogations. This is his "Memoir," and from my perspective, about "his view of himself" (A lot and coming to terms with his involvement in what we were doing which was "wrong").

There were consequences for him personally. And, of course, the out and out wrongness of what we were doing. The interview pricked me at that point; never any doubt that we are in a "moral lapse" in issues like this: Invaded Iraq under faulty intelligence and ended up with something like Abu Ghraib/ Guantanamo. Absolutely moral lapses. What the interview says to me is that our sense of right and wrong and what we are about as a "Country" has to be corrected or we are lost. 

UNC AND BASKETBALL DENIAL

Basketball. My home state, UNC, mired in scandal and denial. Hard to be proud.  Big scandal; some basketball players remained eligible when they didn't even go to class a single time. One player made the "Dean's (Not Dean Smith, former UNC Coach who these worshippers put somewhere in the Trinity: Jesus, God, Holy Spirit, Dean Smith, not necessarily in that order) List" (all As) and never even went to class or turned in a single required paper. 

NC folks who follow basketball, major denial. Basketball is king at UNC, Chapel Hill and in NC, let's face it. I have friends who refuse to talk about the scandals which I have asked about repeatedly. Those crazy Tar Heels, Trump voters I suspect. NC basketball fans wrote the book on denial. 

There are many issues but plausible too when you think of the "right wing" Christians in particular. They operate with what I call the "sins" life philosophy. Even though UNC has cheated, God forgives them. They have committed sins which means they are saved by grace, through faith. Their theology involves "sin" which means they are believers. Once that occurs, the sins of UNC are forgiven.  

Here is an aside that might make their philosophy clearer. The governor of Alabama gets it on with an assistant, is caught but is forgiven the "sins" as he has taken care of the sin (he's a believer). Clear as mud, right? 

A Phenomena: Trumpet

So much has been said about Trump that what makes me think I have anything to add. I don't, other than I can cuss in referring to Trump, the sorry "mother." I heard Mark Shields  on the PBS Newshour give an opinion which makes sense to me about the Trump phenom. He said, 

"Fitzgerald wrote, the rich "are different from you and me." Those with a lot of money are paid an unearned respect and deference by people seeking their favor. The opinions of the rich — even those that are foolish and without merit (Trump)— are almost always greeted with apple-polishing approval and praise. But if we don't challenge one another's errors, facts or flaws" an asshole like Trump is clueless because all his life he has been rich. Never struggling, asked to step up. He has had it all. Now, in a sense he is at a point where if he needs to know something, he will know it. 

When I was in the Army, I saw the same thing with generals. They have private places, servants (they don't call them that but same thing). The people around generals tell them exactly what they want to hear. Same with the rich, they don't really need to know anything. How a stupid f..ker like Trump thinks he can be President is beyond me. 

APRIL FOOL

I must confess. I have completely turned around on "the Donald," known in some circles as Trump. It mostly happened last night at this charity event in Marine City, at one of the fine dining spots, "The Outback." (A fundraiser to help Marin City school kids on a trip to DC). 

Marin City is the "black eye" as the county of Marin is literally almost all "lilly white" with the exception of Marin City. Marin County is regularly, in various studies, touted as the richest county in America. There is a long history of Marin City that goes back to WW ll and ship building days. 

All that aside, I was walking in and there it was, something I thought I would never see in Marin: a Trump Bumper Sticker. It was a flash of light, like one of those near death experiences when reportedly, you see a bright light. It happened. Suddenly I realized that Trump was a Savior. That he, in insulting every ethnic group and proposing preposterous things, really was just joking. That he did not look down with disdain on the common man but had, in fact, in his own heart, embraced all mankind, even as he flew around the country in his big jet. The people who voted for him, understand this. It has been us recalcitrant non believers and would be truth seekers who have missed it. 

The bumper sticker made me aware of Trump's desire for the good of his fans and not selfish views. This extended to all "Repubs" who think of the good of the country first and not their own careers and personal gain. And, of course, "Hillary," who has signaled that she is ready to return the millions she and Bill have received from financial institutions. She is most in need of a "group hug." And, even Bernie, as a red bloodied self described Socialist, is ready to embrace Trump's wife mostly. 

When I departed the "Outback," the car with the bumper sticker was gone.  Was this merely an APRIL FOOL illusion? Or, maybe a cunning Ted Cruz sneaking around, slapping Trump bumper stickers on cars. Motive unknown. APRIL FOOL. 

Might as well laugh as cry

You may have heard on the news about a Southern California man who 

was put under 72-hour psychiatric observation when it was found he owned
100 guns and allegedly had 100,000 rounds of ammunition stored in hishome.
The house also featured a secret escape tunnel. By Southern California standards, 
someone owning 100,000 rounds isconsidered "mentally unstable."

In Michigan, he'd be called "The last white guy still living in Detroit."

In Arizona, he'd be called "an avid gun collector."

In Arkansas, he'd be called "a novice gun collector."

In Utah, he'd be called "moderately well prepared," but they'd probably reserve 
judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food."

In Kansas and Missouri, he'd be "A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend."

In Montana, he'd be called "The neighborhood 'Go-To' guy."

In Idaho, he'd be called "a likely gubernatorial candidate."

In Georgia, he'd be called "an eligible bachelor."

In North Carolina, Virginia, W.Va., Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,
Kentucky and South Carolina he would be called "a deer hunting buddy."

And in Texas: he'd just be "Bubba, who's a little short on ammo."

 rounds of ammunition stored in hishome.
The house also featured a secret escape tunnel. By Southern California standards, 
someone owning 100,000 rounds isconsidered "mentally unstable."

In Michigan, he'd be called "The last white guy still living in Detroit."

In Arizona, he'd be called "an avid gun collector."

In Arkansas, he'd be called "a novice gun collector."

In Utah, he'd be called "moderately well prepared," but they'd probably reserve 
judgment until they made sure that he had a corresponding quantity of stored food."

In Kansas and Missouri, he'd be "A guy down the road you would want to have for a friend."

In Montana, he'd be called "The neighborhood 'Go-To' guy."

In Idaho, he'd be called "a likely gubernatorial candidate."

In Georgia, he'd be called "an eligible bachelor."

In North Carolina, Virginia, W.Va., Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee,
Kentucky and South Carolina he would be called "a deer hunting buddy."

And in Texas: he'd just be "Bubba, who's a little short on ammo."

 

EASTER

When I was growing up, my Dad never went to Church. However, he always insisted that I go. We lived about three miles out in the country and he would literally take me to church. As far as I know, my brothers were never subjected to the Church. I guess they were already gone. It was kind of odd. I asked him once, "Dad what gives?" 

I just think Church is a good socializing experience. I didn't even know what socializing meant. But,  church became a routine for me, place of belonging where I made lasting friends and developed a sense of self, not to mention a value system. Over the years I've come to see that Dad knew a thing or two about what Church might mean. I have many stories of my Church life like when the Preacher and the organist ran off together but will hold that for another day. The time I remember most is Easter Sunrise Service. My dad and I would load up in our old 48 Olds and in the dark drive to Greenwood Cemetery  where the service would take place. We would sit an hour or so and freeze. Finally it would get light and the people would gather. Dad and I make our way to the crowd where four or five preachers would take off with a sermon, usually had to do with this Bible verse  "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." Then if we were really lucky we got a sermon on the rapture. A mystery, like "Resurrection 101"--Jesus raises everyone from the dead. If we believe, our body will join our soul which is already with God and gone to heaven.  But if we didn't believe in God/Jesus our body will join our already tortured soul and face judgement. To a 13 year old, this seemed especially harsh unless we are talking really mean people. 

We had music interspersed throughout (Up from the grave He arose.  When the roll is called up yonder. The Service went on forever, actually lasted  about an hour and half. It was always cold, regardless of the temp or time of year. After it was over, Dad and I would make our way to the car. It was always a time of great satisfaction (over for another year. And, after all these years, I never miss Easter Sunrise Service. Through travel, inconvenience, even war, I would find a Service. Easter concluded. Now, a fond memory



{{{{{Jerry}}}}}

{{{{{Jerry}}}}}

RETURNING TO THE USA

I am a big fan of the President. He has endured during these eight years. Racism especially but he f..ked up. He should have come home after the Brussels attack. He is the head of the country. Fellow Americans,  I have cut my visit short. In solidarity with the people of Belgium, we stand. Therefore, I want to be at home.

Terrorism and Its Perplexities

I feel so bad for these poor folks in Belgium who are victims of terrorism. I don't know what we can do. This is the "new reality" I guess. 

Two of our friends who are traveling overseas. One in Hawaii and another in Prague. Should our friends be concerned about terrorism. Of course. What can they do? Awareness of their surroundings, of suspicion activities, the things that you would probably tell your kids if they were going on a trip. Not much you can do. It is the "new reality." 

When something like this happens or San Bernadino, I flip into the mode of what can we do? The answer--nothing really but we have to face the "new reality." Those committing these atrocities are ever present. They are not going away either.  

What about the "Unforgiven" approach? In the movie, Clint Eastwood kills the bad guys and then he gets on his horse and stops in the middle of the street where the townspeople can see/hear him. They are not the bad guys but were complicit with the corrupt Sheriff. Eastwood's friend has been killed and the people at the behest of the Sheriff have displayed him in a disrespectful way. Eastwood says to the townspeople: "You better give 'Ned' a proper burial or I am coming back and kill you and then I am going to hunt down all your relatives and kill them." He rides off into the sunset but there is no doubt that Esstwood will do what he said. The Belgiums, the French, US: we are not going to pull an Eastwood but we have to know that there are those that are complicit in this terrorism. Families, friends, acquaintances. What to do? How to handle? Danged if I know. I can merely asked the questions. 

{{{{{Jerry}}}}}

WHO VOTES FOR TRUMP

Recently I went to a program of 5th graders. It was so cute, a combination Caberet and Talent Show. The last act had these kids impersonating the Republican debates. They were a hell of a lot more entertaining than the actual Republicans. 

With that lead-in, every rational thinking person I know keeps trying to figure out who voted for Trump--The disenchanted, the dumb, people who actually believe he could do something or who will believe anything. They blame their lives on not getting opportunities and the sorts of things they don't know shit about. Here's something I think. Not sure whether I thought it up or not. In the general election, I doubt if these Trump voters will be back. What Trump's got now is what he's going to get. I hope it isn't wishful thinking. Maybe I don't want to believe my fellow "Mericans" (NASCAR pronunciation and probably Trump supporters) are that stupid. Would they, in the final analysis, vote for someone who lies, brings out the worst in us, insults most everybody with impunity. No use to go on. It is endless. 

I AM SLAPPING MYSELF. I promised myself early on that I was not going to waste my time talking about Trump and his hair. As we say in NC (they even went for Trump. I am ashamed). "Bless his heart." Once we say this, we are authorized to say anything about Trump. He is a sorry A..H... HaHa!!!!

EVAN

https://vimeo.com/159076464/5b495a4a8c

Meg, thanks for sending the link. I watched it twice. To me, incredibly meaningful. I am not sure but if the video was meant to know Evan better: for me, it really worked. He was an incredibly remarkable person.  And I came to know him through the video and through you, of course. 

Really creative job. Now keep this in mind. (Answering questions that nobody is asking) For me, when I "hit the road" as your Uncle Raz would say--do not be making a video. What I would not like in life, I surely wouldn't in death. 

My thought would be that Evan's wife or other creative person did it, especially for their five year old son. Keeping 

CROOKSVILLE

Hillary Clinton shrugs off Goldman Sachs speaking fees. ... Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, combined to earn more than $153 million in paid speeches from 2001 until Hillary Clinton launched her presidential campaign last spring. 

The above is the headline. You have got to be kidding me. What a political season. From the "Donald" who incites even the white supremists to support him to Bill and Hillary who operate like we all just fell off the turnip truck. A DISCLAIMER. From the very beginning I have been a Bernie supporter. One of Bernie's thesis is simple. Financial types like Goldman Sachs don't give you a bunch of money unless they expect something from you. 

If not crooks, ethical issues right and left. We can accept an ego maniac like Trump, he does what we expect him to do; tougher to accept Bill and Hillary. 

In my very younger days, I was involved with, at that time, a really good organization: The National Speakers Association. The members could go out to any organization and speak. There were various topics. It was great training. I actually would go out to small groups, give a speech for nothing. I was not the world's most popular because my subject was ethics, most often related to the military. I had taught a few courses in various Universities, enough to qualify me to speak on various ethical subjects-- studied exhaustively in several areas. In fact

 My point here is simple. In the organization, we had a few who bordered on celebrity. They would get paid. The one I remember is an NFL referee. He made $5000 a speech. I thought that was simply amazing. Hillary made something like $240,000. Give me a break. 

Thanks Immo/Sam. Did a reply and posting but lost it. Personally, I don't think there is much of a  chance that a Hitler could rise in America. Trump is one sorry trailer trash MF. However, guess what? Democracy  in this messy America, even an asshole like Trump, can say these vulgar things. 

I have been appalled at how disrespectful the Repubs have been toward thePrez: you can say awful things about him. You can't threaten him but in other ways, he is fair game. President Obama has been a good president. Give it ten more years snd those that care and he will be a great president. 

The media has to take much blame, no make that most of the blame. When you have an ego maniac like Trump and you give him the mike, what do we expect. My hope is that us  moderates, will, at least all we can put this bullshit down forever. If these mad people and I am say MAD in the perjoritive sense continue to be angry, at what amazes me. 

Immo, is this a relative who made the Hitler like statement? See you troops at Bayside. 

Just When You Think You Have Heard It All, Along Comes Something

The Repunlicans are blaming the President for Trump. The poor guy has been blamed for global warming and just about everything you can imagine--latest was  several conspiracy theories by a grandma who should be helping out with her grandchildren but is running for an office in the Texas Ed Dept. Based on the Texans and Ted Cruz, she'll probably be elected. Nuts are everywhere and I guess the best thing to do is tolerate them and laugh. She claims that when the Prez was a teenager, he was a gay prostitute. She wants to ban Islam, thinks the democrats assassinated JFK. I got it. She should run as Trump's VP. 

DENIAL

Last night I was watching this doctor program (actually a soap opera called "The Clinic") on British TV--a young doctor discusses with a terminally ill patient her alternatives. Mainly that she possibly has weeks to live and in light of that, did she really want to go through the debilitating chemo. Was it worth it for the few months she might get? The family got angry at the doctor for talking with their loved one. Denial kicked in. 

What is the "take away" from such a scene. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? There is no answer. My personal belief derived from scores of times where a family elected me to discuss the ending. For the most part, we would do better to let the ill determine the ending. 

PRIORITIES

As most of us have watched the 4th grade (apologies to 4th graders everywhere) Republican debates, we have been appalled at the lack of basic civility. The fact that we tolerate it says more about us than it does the 4th grade debaters. Here is something much more important. 

Quail egg pizza ala Rumsey/Willows

Airborne--Are You Kidding me. The best of ORGASMIC PIZZA

can't  hold "Quail egg pizza ala Rumsey/Willows Airborne" alight. 

The Homeless

The homeless are not really the "homeless," as in "don't have anywhere to lay their head. " With a not so hot definition, mine comes from a once attempt to volunteer in registering homeless in San Francisco. Over (1)a third of the so called homeless are druggies and have developed a lifestyle, i.e., don't bother me, I am doing what I want. They know where every handout or service is offered. A second (2) third are mentally ill. They have been on the streets too long, some were in institutions and should be back. (3)A small group, sometimes, some remnant of a family, can be helped. RARE

San Fran is wringing its collective hands. Ed Lee, the Mayor, is incapable. He is an Asian. They don't have homeless. What the f..k? Some "high tech type" wrote a letter to the "Chronicle" decrying  the homeless; couldn't bring his folks to the "City." What I say to him and others, "get over it." The so called homeless aren't going to evaporate. Most are not going to change. We have to accept it and do the best we can. It is an insoluble problem. Moving the homeless out of the "City" may make us look better but surely is not going to do it. 

We have people in this "City" trying to do the best for the problem. We are spending millions of dollars and have to keep at it. We can't throw in the towel, this isn't LA. This is San Francisco. This is the "City" with a history of "love ins/protests," giving the very liberal finger to about everybody. It is called San Francisco.  . 

we are not going to solve the homeless deluge. Can't be done less we do something which is out of character with who we are. I don't want to live in a city that even appears to be heartless, regardless of our f..king platitudes.The high tech guy and his  parents and those like him, get over it.  

Not So Fast Kilroy

My wife thinks Trump will cause the Repubs to implode eventually and Hillary will pick up the Democratic nod, trounce Trump and he will be a footnote. My thinking, "Not so fast there Kilroy." (This was one of those sayings that every Vietnam vet remembers, even though they did not know the origin, "Not so fast Kilroy." Here is the story:  The 1st Sergeant is heard by the commander, relating something personal to one of his troops. Very crass. No tact. The commander calls the First Sergeant in and says "Top, you need to learn tact and sensitivity with our soldiers, I want to hear you using tact." About a week later, sure enough a soldier's grandmother dies and word came to the First Sergeant. Now was his chance to practice his new sensitive self. He calls a formation (gathering of the troops at attention). He gets in front of the soldiers and says, "Everybody here whose Grandmother is still living, take one step backward. Not so fast there, Kilroy." 

My thinking is that Hillary and Bill have had their chance; Not So Fast Killroy. Think BERNIE. 

 

TEMPEST IN A TEACUP or Whatever

Pope Frances has told Donald Trump, "f..k off." About time. Yes, Donald Trump's bigoted behavior is unChristian. Roger that. Using the concept of, "What Would Jesus Do?" He surely wouldn't go for building walls to keep people out. (Build Bridges, the Pope said) My worst irritant is that people are still supporting the ego maniac, f..king numb nuts, Donald Trump. I am sorry that I did away with my blog, "Most People Are Stupid." 

POLITICS

Furman University is s small college on the outskirts of Greenville, South Carolina. I graduated from it almost by accident. I had never heard of the school, never even visited before I went. Not exactly a good example. I was a "walk on" football player till I failed out. 

 It only took me five or six years to graduate. I met my wife there. Over the years the school has developed almost as a resort. Gorgeous campus is not even close. Academics are important

and they have been called the Harvard of the South. My thinking is that it should be the other way around. Harvard is the Furman of the North. 

Conventionality had not been their strongpoint. They were tied to the Baptists but finally departed ways when the Baptists embraced fundamentalism. Consequently, I don't expect they would embrace the Republicans. If they do, I will get worried about this election. 

The DMV

Recently I was doing some OPA duties and took my granddaughter for her driver's permit She had her paperwork done, took her test, etc. At first the DMV looks like everybody's bad experience but it actually is fairly efficient, as much as can be. A client base of every ethnic group known to man. I don't know how they do it. All the languages, ages, nationalities. It happens. Forget politics for a moment and let's give a shout-out to the DMV. 

NEW PLAN

Yesterday, I went to lunch with a couple of my old military buddies and a former commander who once fired me. I deserved it and great to see him and tell him thanks for putting up with my shenanigans. During the conversation, he mentioned that he had recently seen friends and was appalled at their lack of tolerance in terms of politics. I think the devisiveness in the country is simply so great that to overcome, we have to come up with another plan. I first heard it from a Repub type, Walt Rostow. He was talking politics: in order for a politician to be successful, he/she must get 60% of the people for him. 25% will be against everything and 15% are out to lunch. I think his figures have to be adjusted. Let's apply to general public. Maybe 40% favorable, 35% against everything, 25% out to lunch. 

Quit saying "The American people." Bullshit. My view, 40% of Americans don't give a s..t one way or another. This isn't negative, this is reality. Let's quit lamenting this great lack of interest and zero in on those who want to do something--quit this bullshit of thinking all Americans care when they don't. 

Migrant Crisis

From 

Migrant Crisis

SUPER BOWL CITY

Good example of the "haves and have nots." I decided yesterday to check out the Super Bowl hoopla at the Ferry Terminal/Justine Herman Plaza. Security was a little like airports. Walk through a detector. One funny thing where I went through, I recognized a "street person" that I actually knew and actually talked to her lots. She is a regular, right in front of the Ferry Building. I recognized her mainly as she has no teeth. Now, she is one of the security guards. I could only think, "good for her."

I didn't see what all the hype was about. Maybe it all happens at night. Kind of reminds me of the NC State Faire when I was growing up, without the animals. I will have to say this, the "tonish"  of the SF Police Department, which was there in force (overkill), was substantial. Don't they have a "Weight Control Officer." Oh well. 

I doubt the City (San Francisco) will get much out of it all. High rollers and even those who aren't will zero in on Santa Clara where the actual game is played. Personally I am a little sad. I think Frisco (I am in a movement to bring back the 150 year old name) has lost its way and the Super Bowl hype is an example. To hide the homeless/street people, they have moved them out of sight down to Folsom and 3d or fifth. This is something that might happen in LA or Chivago or Seattle or NY but not San Fran. SF has always accepted those on the fringes, the margins. The old rap on Frisco is that you could come to the City and be what you want. During the summer of love, Vietnam," if you are coming to San Francisco, wear a flower in your hair". No more. Open your billfold and if you ain't got it, get the hell out of here. It is now, "what is expensive in San Fran?" Everything. F..k. 

Hand Made Sign by a homeless person just outside the Super Bowl City in San Francisco

Come on guys, give an old man a few coins, you won't even miss it. 

GIVING MOST OF AMERICA THE FINGER

Watching Trump fly in on his private jet and helicopter made me sick. His name, TRUMP, emblazoned on the side of the plane. This sorry arrogant trailer trash MFer simply by showing his ostentatious wealth was giving most in America the finger--those supposedly angry people still touting Trump and they barely can put food on the table. Maybe Trump will give them a ride on his plane, now that a less arrogant type has kicked his ass in Iowa. Sorry MFer. 

POLITICS

My interest in the present political posturing is equal to how many gays on Castro Street support Cruz/Trump. LOL. Like 0!!!!!!

I am going to pretty much ignore politics from here on out. I don't find any real use in it. My prediction which I have said before: I am a Democrat and think that what will happen is the same as last Presidential election. The "demographics" just favor the Democrats. Their (1) base, (2) far left, (3) hispanics, (4) blacks and if they vote, (5) millennials. The President only won by 5 million votes in the last election. 

The Republican sideshow is like a bunch of 7th graders and is unlikely to catch fire, I believe; but anything could happen. Who would have thought that someone like Trump who has insulted most everybody, is still around, in all his obnoxious self. I am nonplused.

Politics is corruptive by its very nature, I believe. I don't mean we are like some 3d world country even if we act like it occasionally. A politician gets in office. He/she loses the concept of public service. Reelection is the goal. Think of it, someone running for office, say Hillary: She will shake your hand, "please give me your vote." Once elected, they would not give you the time of day. 

I support Bernie and have long before he began to get traction. Bernie offers the only possibility of change as I see it. Will it happen? I doubt it. But, Bernie's new. Hillary and Bill have had their chance. 

QUALITY OF THE MILITARY

Recently, I joined a vet buddy of mine who was the guest lecturer at the local Community College.  I will have to say that I was very impressed with their interest in  Vietnam vets, origins of war, etc. Before class, I chatted in general with the instructor: his goal, what he hoped to achieve with his class. Pretty much with these college kids, the same as the general public. They love the soldier, appreciate what he has done but don't have plans to join him. Herein lies the rub so to speak. We have an All Volunteer Force of good soldiers, we think. They haven't really been tested and Americans that care (not all do) have a tendency to think as I read somewhere that we have a military made up of "Seal Team 6," types. Bullshit. Ideally, we would like a Force, representative  of our country, it is what a democracy is. Bottom line, we have a military that is by in large unproven with a leadership vacuum of too many generals and a Secretary of Defense, much more interested in being PC than the quality of the "Force." As these kids would probably say, we are F..K!!!!!!!!!!

SUPER BOWL

It is on to the Super Bowl. The hype begins. Tickets are dirt cheap, however, $4500 for the nosebleed seats. To be honest, I am not the greatest of football fans as it is. I don't know what has happened to me. (Actually went to college on a football scholarship till I failed out) I am pulling for the Broncos. Why? Several friends to include my son-in-law, are passionate fans. 

To be honest, San Francisco doesn't get much from the Super Bowl, based on who you believe. I listened to the two sides and in typical politician style, “don’t confuse me with facts, I have my mind made up.” Supervisor Kim I believed more. Well, what about issues like hotels, those great places for $1500 a night minimum. Supervisor Kim says, “the hotels would be full anyway.” The most telling thing to me, however, had to do with arguments of the benefits of the “Super Bowl. “ The Mayor for instance. Rosy picture. He should have been a general in Iraq, those rosy reports of how great we are doing only to be run out later. Mayor talking about the dough rolling in based on analysis. Guess who did the analysis, marketing firms. True academic studies told a different picture. How will we ever know the truth.? We won't , think the mayor or any politician will ever admit it. Please! Give me s break. 

Many San Franciscans are ticked off with the NFL because they will not reimburse Frisco for the $5 mil they are spending. (I am joining a movement calling SF, Frisco, like they did a 150 years ago). Of course, many San Franciscans will be enjoying all the parties (streets already blocked off), musical groups, and round the clock entertainment which the NFL has promised. 

Nobody is interested in my views, especially a dyed in the wool football fan but let's face it, football is a brutal game. I can still remember my coaches saying, "until you get your bell rung", you weren't hitting anybody. No telling how many concussions we got, really. 

I haven't seen it yet but am going to see this movie called “Concussion.” I think that I saw where one in four NFL players will, at some time, be diagnosed with TBI (traumatic brain injury), resulting in early Alzheimer's/dementia). Pretty sad. I am not going to quit watching football but will see it a little differently from now on. 

LET THEM GO

When someone walks away from you, consider their part in your story over. Let them go. 

                          Anonymous 

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

Recently, I was at one of my favorite  coffee shops in the "white bread" town of Sausalito, California and beside me is some guy working on his laptop. Suddenly he says to me, "What do you think of Donald Trump?" Without thinking I say, "I think he's an idiot." 

The guy goes ballistic. You would think I called his Mother a "lady of the night. . 
"What is an idiot, how can you say that?" I don't feel like engaging any MFer who would give Donald Trump the time of day. I immediately say, Sorry, it really was a euphemism, just off the top of my head." He continues to babble on. I ignore him. Finally he gets the message and I depart the AO (area of operations. 

As I think about it, this is what we face during this political season. For my taste, even though on a different political team, I really like the governor of SC. Here is a comment after the Prez's State of the Union talk. "I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants who reminded my brothers, my sister and me every day how blessed we were to live in this country."

For what it's worth, I do think Donald Trump is an idiot. 

REVENANT

"Revenant." Fabulous. When I compare to "Hateful 8." ("Hateful 8," one of the worst movies I've seen. "Revenant," the best by miles). 

I actually had never heard the word, "Revenant." So, goggled it naturally. Means someone who comes back from the dead. 

Fascinating movie and held my attention all the way. (And, I am ADD) Never seen such scenery. Filmed, says Goggle, in Canada, Argentina, Mexico, British Columbia, etc. Remind me never to go to those cold places. Such a good movie, hard to even evaluate. Really can't. (Fits right up there with my all time best 3--"Scent of a Woman, From Here to Eternity, Good Fellas." 

It is a movie of revenge and survival. Whew! Grace Dove, the accompanying pic. I don't even remember this scene. 

IS DAVID BOWIE IN HEAVEN

Danged if I kmow. With Bowie's death, much has been made of him. I don't know his music or have paid scant attention over the years.  

But, yesterday at Starbucks,  this lady asked me what I considered a related question, "Do you think when someone is sick, they get more religious as they get sicker?" David Bowie for instance. He was sick, did he get religious before he "hit the road" as my buddies would say. I haven't heard any word that he did. 

In my view, I don't have any evidence that it happens with people who are sick. I can tell you this though in my experience, very much a related subject, at least to me. What can become significant is some sort of concept of heaven. Not everybody but a significant number of people I've met. They can be irreligious, have no faith, atheists, whatever. They live with the idea that there is something else. This is not the end. They find comfort in the fact that somehow in some mysterious way of which we are not sure, we will see the person again. 

Will David Bowie be up there, somewhere dressed in an outlandish way. I don't have a clue. My suspicion is that things like that won't matter. The idea of heaven, where it exist or not, is comforting. Will David Bowie be there. I think so. 

HATEFUL 8

The movie, "Hateful 8." In Korea in 86, when anyone saw a bad movie. The comment, "2 hours off our DEROS." (date expected to rotate from overseas). 

It is not the worst movie I've ever seen but it's close (in my opinion, could have been a good movie). The story was OK but thick with themes of gratuitous violence, use of the "N" word constantly and other socially unacceptable language. "MF" repeated over and over. 

How Tarantino gets away with it is baffling to me. I would think his peers would be raising hell. Must be the money. 

The sound effects, scenery and authenticity of a "place" were good. But, if there was any redeeming value in the story or characters, Escaped me. Well yes, song at the end. "Many Won't Come Home." I bought it, thoughts of war. 

The one female, slapped around lots, never could figure that one out. Why? Jennifer Jason Leigh plays interesting roles. I saw her years ago in "Last Exit To Brooklyn" where she gets raped about 20 times, really. 

I've seen most of Terratino's movies. They all have a theme. In this movie all the characters were good actors but the hot button issues were really hard to take. Samuel Jackson's diatribes in turning the table but not to talk about injustice--a long diatribe about felatio. 

If you saw his movie, "Pulp Fiction," a little of the same technique. Have to wait till almost ending to grasp how it comes together. 

The movie is in bad taste, let's face it. There must be a reason there were few people in the movie with me. 

TAKING THE GUILT OUT

Not much of a "foodie." I grew up on a farm and nobody had any interest in things like "presentation." Here is the chow, eat up. And, I've read/heard, we either "live to eat or eat to live." I am definitely the latter. However, recently I started following a blog called the Food Archivist. The best looking food and good explanations. Great. Anyway, kind of got me interested in one aspect. Taste. The combination of tastes. Here is a great discovery. Banana bread and olive oil. My wonderful friend who is the world's best cook, gave me banana bread. I was eating it constantly. Feeling a little guilty as I am a physical fitness nut, positively addicted to running, working out. And, staying pretty trim, I might add. 

How can I do this and eat all this great "banana bread." It really is a  psychosomatic thing. Who knows what is related. I have buds who are skinny and more or less eat everything that doesn't eat them. Then others can walk by food and the pounds pile on. 

What conclusion I came to: eat banana bread and make believe it is healthy. It is in a sense, great carbs. 

Fate, however, intervened. One day I've just cut myself a couple of mouth watering slices of banana bread. It is to die for. Suddenly my eyes rest on a bottle of olive oil. Everybody knows that olive oil is good for you. A breakthrough. Wow. Here it is. Put olive oil on the banana bread--a fabulous taste. Perfected, I soak banana bread in olive oil, put in the microwave for one minute. A wonderful combination of taste. I must let the Food Archivist know.

Rhymer in the Sunset

Recently I met with a few of my buddies from my old unit in Nam to commemorate the life of our Battalion (1/501 Infantry, 101st Airborne Division) poet, Phil Woodall,  whose poetry is "on line" at Amazon. Phil's poetic express of the Vietnam war is a keeper. Thanks Phil. 

CONNECTED

This day is significant for lots of reasons but two, for sure.  My brother Raz, who is in the next life--today is his birthday. He left this life a couple of years ago and I still miss him, terribly. He was the patriarch of our family and took the position seriously. Always getting together, being there for us in a crisis. A Marine on Guadacanal, he never ceased living the Marine motto, Sempi Fi. Happy birthday, Brother. 

Then there is my best buddy from Vietnam, Phil Woodall. He was a poet. I can still see him in my mind's eye, sitting  or leaning back on his "ruck sack," writing verse. Phil never left Vietnam. I don't mean physically but emotionally.  Regardless, Phil always stayed upright. A renaissance man. I loved him. We all loved him. 

He was an infantryman and after he'd been in Vietnam a year, decided to stay for another one. To no avail, I tried to talk him out of it. 

After Vietnam, he had a good career. Not sure exactly what. However he was absolutely devoted to his Vietvet buddies and kept us ever alert to being there for each other. He singlehandedly was responsible for honouing his brother vets at the dedication of the Vietnam Memorial. He called wanting me to go and would not take no for an answer. 

Phil stood before "The Wall" and touched those names of our unit, 1/501 Airborne Infantry Battalion, who paid the ultimate price. Because the names are on "The Wall" on the day they died, Phil knew every single one and recounted the battles and events surrounding their death. I was awed at his knowledge. I shouldn't have been. It was Phil. 

Thanks Sergeant. God bless you my brother. In his honor, I am downloading his book of poetry, "Rhymer In the Sunset," Geronimo, Phil. 

A last thing. I have always believed that this life is not the end. Not exactly sure how the afterlife works but it is comforting to me. Consequently, I have to think that my brother Raz and Phil have connected. They are probably both somewhere telling war stories. 

DOWNTON ABBEY

The 6th Season of Downton Abbey is off and running. And, I like millions of "Mericans" were glued to the TV. It is really perplexing to me to know why we are so enthralled with a way of life that we fought a war to escape. What the f..k! I don't get it and am slapping myself. That whole idea of servants and privilege is abhorrent to most Americans who care or even think about it. Yet, here we are, hanging on every word. 

Suddenly, we know Mr Carson and Miss Hughes who are older and have decided to marry. It is so sweet. Mr Carson, the epitome of bowing and scaping/ Miss Hughes smart and insightful. This servanthood life is what they've known. 

Downton Abbey is a soap opera any way you cut it. Dozens of stories/family drama. We don't give a f..k if their behavior is the very thing we rail against. 

The writer of the show is a genius--wrote every bit of it himself. Amazing. But, here he deals with war, relationships, personality, change--every area of life. 

In the opening segment and the impending marriage of Mr Carson and Miss Hughes, they dealt with sex. Is their marriage going to be one of good friends, mutual respect or what they consider the complete marriage, which includes sex, maybe. I died laughing. 

Before we get too smug, most Americans don't even talk about such things here in 2016 even.  Downton Abbey is set I think, in 1929.  Priceless. What the hell, I am not giving up Downton Abby. 

EMPATHY

My Seminary professor use to say, "empathy is when you feel so much for a person that you can be inside their skin." I saw this in our president. The President has touched me a couple of times with his empathy--this appeal for gun control where he chocked up. Quite a picture. And, at the Charleston memorial for those murdered and his singing "Amazing Grace." 

His very human response won't make any real difference. It is politics. And, the electorate continues to be stupid (putting back into office the same ones). What I can't get--where is America's empathy? Who knows if more gun control will stop more senseless killings. With a country of 330 million, there are enough crazies to go around. 

 But, empathetic Americans can mirror the President. Simply said, empathy means this: what if it was our child dead because of gun violence? 

RAINING IN CALIFORNIA

Rain like we have not seen. Has to effect the drought. When I first came to San Francisco, Jan 83, rained constantly for weeks. I thought, "this is like Vietnam." During the monsoon in Nam, rain was like little "shards" coming down, felt like little needles. Oh well, thank you Lord for the rain. 

STAR WARS and FOOTBALL

RNot much of a SWs fan; where I come down on it is the amount of money "Mericans" spend seeing it, translated that Disney makes. 

We have six million kids in America that go to bed hungry every night and Star Wars is making so much money they need a deuce and a half to take the cash to the bank. 

Obviously this is merely a philosophical rant on my part. If people quit seeing "Star Wars," does that mean the kids get fed? Of course not. I feel the same way about bigtime sports. Same principle. Look in those stadiums, they are full of mostly whites. How can they afford it? I keep hearing about these angry white men. What are they so f..king angry about? Most of them are watching football and discussing "Star Wars." 

KEEPING THE MEMORY ALIVE

Recently, our really good friend died. After the initial shock, we are thinking of what we might do to keep his memory alive. 

Here's an idea:  maybe we could do an e-book of experiences and dedicate to our friend. In the old days,  publishing was tough. Most who wanted to do it, like us, had to publish themselves.  Getting an agent was a dream, sending a manuscript "over the transom" as it was known back in the day, was like a drop of water in the Pacific Ocean. Without contacts or celebrity, forget it. It was money. Some celebrity could be a dope head with the people skills of a tree and he could tell someone about his sordid life and it would sell millions or so we thought. 

Most of us write because we have too. We are positively addicted to it. My walls were plastered with rejection. I have tried it all. I actually had an agent, Shirley Burke. She was wonderful, loved all her authors and constantly told us how great we were and were a mere step away from the big time. Then I sold a book on my own. Travelled to NY to talk to my new editor. Great man and woman team. "We want more books like yours. Great war story with a purpose." I left the wonderful team at Manor Books sky high. My feet would not touch the ground. I was on my way. I never heard from them again. 

Now, with e-books, available on line, pretty simple, relatively speaking. We all have amazing stories or stories that jangle our chimes. We can honor our friend by publishing our stories and dedicating to his memory. Smash words and Amazon have levelled the playing field and publishing is limited only by our imagination.