Into Redemption

Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.
―     Rep. John R. Lewis
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On This Day In:
2022	A Little More Each Day
	Zappa-ed!!
2021	Every Time It Gets Better
	Distant!
2020	I’m Persuaded
2019	Hungry For Trust
2018	Mutual Assistance
2017	The Toughest Job
2016	Congratulations!!
	Better Yet, Read!
2015	Even If It Kills Us Slowly
2014	Fun To Play God
	Of Anything
2013	Legal (Almost)
2012	Great Scots!
2011	The GI Bill – A Simple History Lesson
	Breaking Even

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On CNN Interviewing #45DonaldTheLiar

Never wrestle with pigs.  You both get dirty and the pig likes it.
―     George Bernard Shaw
[Former President Donald Trump is a loser, an habitual liar, and a con-artist.  He will never stop lying and his hard-core followers will never give up on him.  It is a waste of time, energy and optimism to believe otherwise.  It is time the networks let Trump speak, but broadcast it in tape delay mode AND rebut his lies as soon as they happen.  It does little to no good to point them (the lies) out after a town hall broadcast has finished and you are left a list with more than one rebuttal for each moment the speaker lies.  “Free Speech” means that even liars and fear (hate)-mongers cannot be banned from spreading lies / hate.  It should not mean liars are rewarded by being allowed to continually / sequentially state lies in “real time,” particularly when statements are demonstrably untrue (a provable lie).    ―     kmab]
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On This Day In:
2022	Threat Calculus
	7 (And 6) – 40
2021	Questioned By Life
	If There’ll Come A Time
2020	Trying To Grow Pearls?
2019	Instantly Turned
2018	Sitting
2017	No Right Way
2016	Still Ticklish
2015	Maybe Sooner Than You Think
2014	The Path Of Mastery
2013	Love’s Ignorance
2012	Here’s To Enjoyment
2011	Not Just The Facts, Ma’am

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Or Failure (See: #45, For Example)

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
—     Mark Twain
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On This Day In:
2022	Guitar Music
	Yesterday
2021	Maybe Faith Is Based On Hope
	I Want To See You Smile
2020	Thank You (To Those Who Serve)
	Hanging In There
2019	Her Job, Too
2018	Just Another Song I Like
	Earlier Still
2017	Ten To Go
2016	Unstable Emergence
2015	88
2014	Some One-Liners Are Too Easy
2013	Greatness
2012	Memories Of Arlington
2011	Wake Up

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Another Reason I Won’t Support #45 In 2024

I like people who aren’t indicted.
—     Meghan McCain
[Before we all start getting carried away, let’s remember that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted in a court of law by a jury of one’s peers.
Of course our initial impression is that of guilt because instead of saying:  “I am not guilty!”, former President Trump and his team are saying:
“The judge in this case is biased!”  –  Ad Hominem fallacy:  they are attempting to discredit the sitting judge before the case has even been heard, implying he (Trump) cannot get a fair trial with this judge.
“The prosecutor is conducting a politically based witch-hunt and is an animal funded and supported by Soros!”  –  More Ad Hominem fallacy:  they are attempting to discredit the District Attorney before the evidence is presented to a jury and implying this is not a case of uniform enforcement of law, but rather a politically based, racially motivated case being pushed by someone who is supported by a Jewish cabal.
“You can’t believe Cohen because he’s a convicted perjurer!”,  More Ad Hominem fallacy:  although the descriptive assertion is true (Cohen is a convicted perjurer), but they are attempting to discredit a primary witness by ignoring the fact Cohen lied to Congress at the direction / instruction of his boss (Donald Trump);
and, finally, “What I did isn’t illegal!”  Interestingly, NOT I (Trump) didn’t do it;  but, it is not a crime.  This may be Trump’s ONLY valid argument so far.  We can’t say until we see the indictment and know the factual statements / charges.  Obviously, the Grand Jury found the laws valid and a reasonable probability that Trump had violated those laws.  Note:  the Grand Jury does NOT have to find a probability “beyond a reasonable doubt” to vote FOR an indictment of an individual.
I call this a:  “Snowflake:  Poor Me – I am just an unfairly accused victim” defense.
Only time will tell how much weight these “arguments” carry in a court of law.
In the meantime, let us remember the old legal adage:
If you have the law, hammer the law. If you have the facts, hammer the facts. If you have neither the law nor the facts, hammer the table.
—    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2022	For A While
2021	The Cautionary Tale Of 6 January 2021
	When I Needed Sunshine
2020	65K
	Burst Buds
	Faux News Viewers
2019	Tomorrow’s Bread
2018	Impeach 45: Make America Great Again
2017	Training Shoulders
2016	You Just Have To Care
	Day 4 – Blending
2015	My Slow Education
2014	Great Service
2013	You Really Should Wear More Sweaters
	Here I Am God
2012	The Serenity Prayer
2011	The Victory Of Life

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Inviting Dispute

A function of free speech under our system of government is to invite dispute.  It may indeed best serve its high purpose when it invites a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, or even stirs people to anger.  Speech is often provocative and challenging.  It may strike at prejudices and preconceptions and have profound unsettling effects as it passes for acceptance of an idea.
—     William O. Douglas
From:  Terminiello v. Chicago, 337 U.S. 1
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On This Day In:
2022	Beautiful Curves
2021	Life Is…
	Thank You Guardians (OTG)*
2020	Why #DonTheCon Hates, Belittles And Fires Honest Government Employees
2019	What Do You Want?
2018	Wakanda Forever
	I’d Be Happy With Another Score (Or So)
2017	In Defense Of A Free Press
2016	Lost Opportunity
2015	Are You Listening Ladies?
2014	Practice, Practice, Practice
2013	A Fist Full Of Confusion
2012	Teaching Faith
2011	The Heart Of Terror
	The Proportion Of Gravity And Probability

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I Try To Be Deserving

Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.
—     George Bernard Shaw
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On This Day In:
2022	A Reminder Of Pride And Responsibility
2021	And Last Minute Blog Posts
	This Boy Just Ain’t Right
2020	Pat, Pat, Pant, Pant
2019	You (Too) Are Related
	A Blind Squirrel Finds An Idiot
2018	My Hope
2017	We All Lose
2016	Wants
2015	Let Us Join
2014	Feeling Kept?
	Chillin’
2013	The Lucky Few
2012	A Post-Valentine’s Day Message
2011	Risk, Lyrics, Starting Over, And My Trip To The ER
	Lucky Choice

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Restructuring Persistent Futility

The truth is that a vast restructuring of our society is needed if remedies are to become available to the average person.  Without that restructuring the good will that holds society together will be slowly dissipated…  It is that sense of futility which permeates the present series of protests and dissents.  Where there is a persistent sense of futility, there is violence;  and that is where we are today.
—     William O. Douglas
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On This Day In:
2022	By Any Other Name (Or Description)
2021	Democracy, Pandemic, Economy And Climate Change
	Heaven Is…
2020	Hoping For #46 In January 2021
2019	Interesting, But Not Fascinating
	But Try To Eat The Low-Hanging First
2018	Me, Too
2017	Apt Enough?
2016	Now Or Ever
	21, Pause, Restart
2015	I Am Shocked, Sir, Shocked…
	Lucy & FSND-2
2014	Less Difficult
2013	The Spirit Of Liberty
2012	The Essential Freedom Of Aloneness
2011	A Problem Of Scale
	Fred Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
2010	Another Book, Another Jog…

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The Dissent We Witness

Man is about to be an automaton;  he is identifiable only in the computer.  As a person of worth and creativity, as a being with an infinite potential, he retreats and battles the forces that make him inhuman.  The dissent we witness is a reaffirmation of faith in man;  it is protest against living under rules and prejudices and attitudes that produce the extremes of wealth and poverty and that make us dedicated to the destruction of people through arms, bombs, and gases, and that prepare us to think alike and be submissive objects for the regime of the computer.
—    William O. Douglas
Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court
[Resistance / dissent is – probably – already futile…    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2022	End The Filibuster
2021	Be Creative, Question Assumptions
	By No Means
2020	I’ll Eat To That (Gemütlichkeit)
	To The Front
2019	#ContinueToResist
	Except Willful Ignorance And Prideful Stupidity
2018	More Executive Time For #DumbDonald
2017	Watched The Inauguration
	Two Geniuses
2016	Come Dance And Laugh With Me
2015	Looks Good To Me
2014	Desire For The Sea
2013	The Fierce Urgency Of NOW
	Happy Inauguration Day!
2012	One Path
	Sorrow And Joy
	The Seven Year View
2011	Emergent Practicality

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The Darkness Of 6 January 2021

The Constitution and the Bill of Rights we designed to get the government off the backs of the people — all the people.  Those great documents guarantee to us all the rights to personal and spiritual self-fulfillment.  But that guarantee is not self-executing.  As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression.  In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged.  And it is in such a twilight that we all must be most aware of the change in the air — however slight — lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness.
—     William O. Douglas
[Thinking back to the riot at the Capitol Building and the attempted coup by disgraced / former President Trump and his followers, I am reminded that “civilization” (like our liberties) is in a constant struggle with the “jungle” and the jungle never gives up in its struggle to reclaim whatever has been lost.  It is up to each American to support / promote our democracy and Constitutional Republic.  Trump remains an announced candidate for 2024.  The darkness remains at the edge of democracy.    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2022	Defeated: So Far (Anyway)
2021	Elections Have Consequences
	It’s Cold Way Down There
2020	Fearless Security
2019	I Prefer A Neat Single Malt
2018	Seeking Finer Fruits
2017	Something That Is Absolute
2016	Animate And Encourage
	Out Of Time
2015	In Time
2014	Robust Interconnectivity
2013	What Have We Here?
2012	Tributaries And Eddies
	An Honest Politician
2011	Penultimate

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No Implication Of Reasonableness

Very few scientists actually plunge into the murky waters of testing or challenging borderline or pseudo-scientific beliefs.  The chance of finding out something really interesting — except about human nature — seems small, and the amount of time required seems large.  I believe that scientists should spend more time in discussing these issues, but the fact that a given contention lacks vigorous scientific opposition in no way implies that scientists think it is reasonable.
—    Carl Sagan
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On This Day In:
2021	Let Yourself Soar In 2022
	Where You’re Concerned
2020	The Most Dynamic Link
	Looking Forward To 2021
2019	A Proud Assertion
2018	Ask #45 About Anything
2017	Playing Makes Sense
2016	And Fathers, Sons
2015	My Suspect Confidence
2014	Disguised Blessings
2013	Be
2012	The Only Way to Win
2011	Honest Writing

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Says The Rich

Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.
—    Warren Buffett
[For most of the last 60 years, all we’ve heard from the Republicans is: “Lower taxes on the rich and require everyone to work for their social safety net “benefits” and America will be a “better” place.”  How’s that worked out for the middle and working class American?    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2021	Most Likely Beast
	Memories To Last A Lifetime
2020	Meet Unexpected Success
	Sweet Love
2019	Curing With Salt
2018	A Politician With Skills
	And / Or A Genuine Smile
2017	A Lone, Brave Voice…
2016	Job Security
2015	For I Have Always Lived Violently
2014	We Stand !! (I Stand With George)
	Additional Requirements
2013	In The Present Day
2012	Feeling It
2011	Stretching Science

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Of Course It Helps To Own The Business

Executives owe it to the organization and to their fellow workers not to tolerate nonperforming individuals in important jobs.
—     Peter Drucker
[Here’s looking at you #45-TheLoser…  How else do you explain bankrupting multiple casinos, an airline, a steak company, a vodka company, a bottled water company and a national political party (Republican MAGA’s)?    —    kmab ]
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On This Day In:
2021	Bring In Peace
	Glad I Found You
2020	And The Past Is Much Better Than It Used To Be Too
	A Winter’s Day
2019	I Just Remember It As Fun
	#45: IMPEACHED!!!
2018	Prediction: Morning Is Coming After A Long Night Of #LyingDonald
2017	While Congress Slept
2016	And A Fellow Who Insists On Telling Us He’s Smart?
2015	Curves Ahead
2014	Sitting?
2013	Misperceptions
2012	Essential Experience
2011	Lest We Forget Those Still In Harm’s Way
	Sound Familiar?

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Honesty In Business

I realize that a lot of people feel that speaking out against unions is almost:  ‘Un-American.’  I remind them:  not all of America is unionized — in fact, the vast majority of Americans are not — and glad about it.
Some people fear that if the unions were to vanish, the labor situation would return to the way it was in the beginning, with child labor and sweatshops.  I agree with them.  Large employers do tend toward unscrupulous behavior when nobody is looking over their shoulder.
So, what the bottom line here?  I would like to see more honesty in business — at both ends of the table.  Honesty in U.S. business appears to be at its lowest ebb in history.
There are a number of reasons for that.  When political leaders do not demonstrate honesty, when people lie constantly in the media — everybody gets used to “The Big Lie” as a way of life.  At that point, honesty becomes a quaintly outmoded concept — nobody wants to be honest anymore, because if they are, they might finish last.
I would say that today, dishonesty is the rule, and honesty the exception.  It could be, statistically, that more people are honest than dishonest, but the few that really control things are not honest, and that tips the balance.
—     Frank Zappa
From his book:  “The Real Frank Zappa Book“
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On This Day In:
2021	Momentary Offering
	Happy Noise
2020	No Crumbs
	Too Many Detectives On This Case
	A New Day Is Coming
2019	Or In This Case – What’s Wrong
2018	Just Passing Through
2017	True Torture
	Happy Thanksgiving – 2017 !!
2016	Overtaken
2015	Alone Praying
2014	A Full Man
2013	Off Defending The Universe
	Taking Precautions
2012	Never, Never, Never
2011	Testing 1, 2, 3

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MAGA’s And The Big Lie About The 2020 Election

For what a man would like to be true, that he more readily believes.
—     Francis Bacon
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On This Day In:
2021	These Days Rather Loosely Held
	Harvest Time
2020	Why I’m Happy
	The Wind In My Face
2019	I Think Impeachment Is Another Test #45 Has Already Failed
2018	Second Chances – Rice, Now Trees
	And Then You Have To Start Training Again
2017	Small Hands, Small Grasp
2016	Two Murrow’s
	Election + 1 Week
2015	Not Mine, Anyway
2015	South By South East
2013	Don’tcha
2012	I Hear A Distant Thunder
2011	A Poison Tree

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Voting / Election Day, America!

My rule is always to do the business of the day in the day.
—     Arthur Wellesley Wellington
[If you haven’t already voted early, please vote today.  The Democracy you save, may be ours!    —    kmab]
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On This Day In:
2021	Closer To Understanding
	On My Knees
2020	Profit From Ongoing Disintegration
	I’m A Dreamer
2019	Even When We Have A Criminal / Dangerous / Incompetent President
2018	But It Keeps Trying
	Blue Wave, But Not Blue Tsunami
2017	The Promise At Risk
2016	Or As Will Come In Time
2015	It Is Another Beautiful Day At The Red Pony Bar And Continual Soiree…
2014	Days And Years
2013	Currency And Transport
2012	Something Which Did Not Exist Before
2011	True Magic

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