A Fly on the Wall 

"Tumult and Chaos, Lies and Corruption, Autocracy and Inanity.

Everyday, the stories change.  Each one of them in different times would be a scandal that demanded weeks if not months of press attention.  But now, they are but bricks in a wall of horrors.  Trump's tax returns?  That was so last week.  Waking up to see a sitting U.S. Senator say he doesn't believe in "rank democracy?"  Part of the noise of the news cycle.  A plot to kidnap the Michigan governor?  Chilling, yes.  Shocking?  Sadly, not really.

Each one of these outrages become but the latest rancid ingredients in a toxic stew poisoning all that is good and just about our fragile nation.  It would be a mistake, however, not to see the deep roots of the present in our past.  This nation was founded in a system of White Supremacy.  We have long accepted different rules for the wealthy and the rest.  We have battled with our demons.  We have winked at injustice.  We have suffocated the urgent voices of dissent. 

And yet, And yet, it is perhaps the most hopeful phrasing one can assign to our national story. And yet, Time and time again the injustices of our history have been met by people and movements who have said, "And yet, we will fight on. And yet, we will not be discouraged.  And yet, we will persevere.

It is overwhelming to try to chart all that is dangerous and disturbing in our current times.  But if one changes one's perspective and starts to chart all who are rallying to the better angels of our nature, who are undeterred and fearless, who are full of grit and energy and a ferocity for truth and action, then one starts to see a glimmering horizon of hope.

I do not say this to dismiss or dilute the challenges that we face.  They are formidable and fearsome.  But so are the ranks of an army of change marching across this country, to the polls, to an election, and on into a new, and far brighter future. Courage".

Dan Rather

I watched the debate last night with Adam and Kristie and Glenn(my best friend of 50 years and her husband, who is a retired Judge).  To say it was eye opening, would be stretching it.  I have to admit I pay very little attention to our sitting Vice President and what he does or has to say, sadly!  I do not respect this man one bit.  However, last night, was an eye opener of sorts, as we watched him, tell lie after lie and untruth about how his administration has handled this COVID-19 crisis.  It made me sick to my stomach.  211,000 dead and climbing, 39 states with cases sky rocketing, an economy teetering on the brink of collapse, heading into winter, when people will be unable to be outside and will be forced indoors, where we know from the science, it is far more likely to contract Coronavirus.  Schools still closed, and children remote learning, with no help at all from the Federal Government.  All of these, things are facts!  We have lost so many lives, that were unnecessary, if only they would have acted on the science and listened to the experts.  Had they not dismantled the Pandemic office in the West wing 18 months ago, and threw away the play book that was left to them on exactly step by step what they would need to do, by the previous Administrations.

So here we are, 27 days before the end of this election which is already underway, and I am feeling hope, yes HOPE!  I know that we can come out of this darkness and be better and stronger.  America is tired, and tired of the lies and deceit, and the chaos!

So as you go about your day, think about Dan Rather's thoughts, a respected journalist who has covered many many Presidents and Administrations and wars.  We all need to fight and fight like hell, as our lives depend upon it!

Kristin