Fascinating.

I've discovered a brilliant German. With my surname. And he's a music talent. His name is Matthias Broede. Click on his home page. And you'll have an opportunity to listen to some of his wonderful music. I've met scores of German Broedes since I started my ancestral research about 10 years ago. We aren't all related, of course. But it's been a thrilling experience meeting so many, many Broedes. I intend to meet Matthias. On my next trip to Germany. Some others, too. Fascinating. --Jim Broede
http://www.matthiasbroede.com/disko.htm

And not least of all, a lover.

I like to marvel at the circumstances that bring lovers together. So many coincidences had to occur. But maybe they weren't coincidences. Rather, perhaps things just happen. And because they happen, we look for coincidences. One tries to make rhyme and reason out of what happens in our lives. Because we want meaning. When really, there's no meaning. Maybe that's why we invent god. We want to believe in a master planner. A creator. A guiding force. When maybe there isn't a planner or creator or guiding force. But that sort of reality might drive us crazy. Causing us to speculate there's no real purpose to life. But hey, I'm not gonna accept that. I'm gonna become a creator and a planner. And not least of all, a lover. --Jim Broede

Reflecting...while I still have time.

We're born into a time. Over which we have very little control. Things. Events. They'll happen the way destiny happens. It just happens. Doesn't really make any difference if you or me are on Earth or not. So I just fit in. Like a grain of sand on the vast beach. And enjoy my time in time. I could just as easily have been born in 1735 or 1835 instead of 1935. Or maybe my birth could have been delayed until 2035 or 2135. Interesting, there's nobody still living on Earth that was born in 1835. And sooner or later, all of us born in 1935 will be gone. Forever, I suppose. But still, I am living in an interesting time. As far as that goes, every time would be interesting. Might as well make the most of it. By reflecting on the wonders of life. While I still have time. --Jim Broede

Take a look.

I like people who show me some life. Some zest. Some pizazz. People like Gilbert Varga. A Hungarian. He knows how to get music from an orchestra. Take a look. --Jim Broede
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWegA4WYHZ4

The more humane way.

Another thing. If we're gonna have a war, let's have a war tax. And a draft. Let's get the entire nation aware of the deadly cost of war. If we get the whole nation participating in war in meaningful ways, it won't last for long. Either because we put forth the maximum effort. Or we get sick and tired of war. Now we conduct wars in a half-assed manner. Mostly with a few hired mercenaries and underpaid patriotic enlistees. And without letting the general population know what it's really costing. With special appropriations that appear to be secret, more than anything. Republicans tell us they're for cutting taxes. But they're the biggest spending war-mongers in the world. And believe me, wars are costly. But many of our politicians like to hide that fact. Look for how long the administration prohibited the taking of photos showing the return of dead soldiers. And the war-mongers pick our pockets daily. In reality, war may be one of the reasons for our sagging economy. Because it's an utter waste of money. And lives. By the way, what's a life worth any way? We don't even provide universal health care. And a study by Harvard University shows that about 45,000 Americans die annually because they don't have health insurance. So they can't even afford medical care that would save their lives. Between that and the war casualties, we Americans are doing our part to control world population growth, I suppose. China does a better job of it though. By limiting the size of families. Come to think of it. That's more humane than war and lack of universal health care. --Jim Broede

A way to make us all feel better.

It's time to tax the hell out of the super rich and end the war in Afghanistan and take the money raised and saved and spend it on creating jobs. Something similar to the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s. Yes, let's follow in the tracks of the New Deal. Put vast numbers of the unemployed back to work again. That's the way to fix the economy. Better than bailing out the Wall Street bankers and brokers. Let's help the common people. Not just the wealthy elites. The elite millionaires can afford much higher taxes to pay for the jobs program. It's a way to redistribute the nation's wealth. Put more of it in the hands of needy in the lower and middle classes. The work projects will make for a better America. By improving the nation's infrastructure. And just think. Instead of spending money on devastating war, we'd put it to a decent, upliftng use for a change. It'll make us all feel better. --Jim Broede

A place I never want to visit.

I suspect hell is right here on Earth. And not necessarily just in Texas. My guess is that anyone can be in hell at any time and any place. Merely by going into prolonged depression. In other words, hell is a mental state. If I were compelled, for instance, to think like a Republican. That would be holy hell. So, I'm very careful about my choices. I choose to be a socialist. A romantic idealist. A free-thinker. A liberal. A lover. Therefore, I am in ecstasy. In Nirvana. Heaven. Paradise. Hell is no more than a remote notion. Some far away place I never want to visit. --Jim Broede

With great pleasure.

The most amazing discovery of my life. It's gotta be the ability to fall in love. Of course, my initial discovery. Maybe at age 3 or 4. Was the discovery that I'm alive. Conscious. Aware. That I exist. But I took my presence in the physical world rather matter-of-factly. Because I really didn't know it was so amazing. It just was. I'm told that I arrived on Earth at 10:16 p.m. on 9/11/35. But to the best of my knowledge, I still didn't have consciousness. Maybe I didn't yet even have a soul or a spirit. Could be. I still wonder about it. Maybe my inner being didn't arrive until a year or two or three later. After it was determined that my body was fully capable and equipped to contain a soul. Could be my soul, my very essence so to speak, was shopping around for a place to land. Maybe I had choices. I could just as easily have ended up in an empty body in Asia, Africa or Europe. Finally, I decided to become a Broede. In Chicago, of all places. Turns out to have been a wise choice. I have no regrets. It's been a wonderful adventure. Here on this planet Earth. I suspect I could just as easily have ended up on another planet in another universe in another dimension in another time. I took a risk. A gamble. And it's paid off. Yes, because I discovered I had the ability to experience falling in love. Not once. But twice. That, more than anything, has made life worthwhile. When my soul eventually returns to wherever it came from, I'll reflect on the experience of love. With great pleasure. --Jim Broede

A right to bilk the public.

I hear a battle cry, primarily from Republicans and Libertarians, for less government. Particularly at the federal level. But I don't share their opinion. I'm for better government. And if it's better -- well, then we need more of it. Seems to me that good government tends to serve the common good. With social programs. Helping the needy. The poor and destituite among us. And to provide services to meet basic needs. Such as public education. And universal health care. If we left all this entirely to the private sector, we'd be in big trouble. Our needs wouldn't be met. Good government is efficient government. Working for the sake of us all. The private sector tends to not like benevolent government. After all, government run right provides service without a profit. There's nothing more alien to the traditional American capitalist. He thinks he has a gawd-given right to bilk the public. --Jim Broede

The gift of time.

I climbed a ladder. And cleaned out rain gutters today. I have covers on the gutters. They are supposed to keep leaves and debris out. Oh, they keep the leaves out. But not the debris. And muddy gook forms. And blocks the flow of water down to the drains. So every fall, I lift up the covers . And clean everything out. By hand. Gives me a sense of accomplishment. I wear gloves. But they really don't protect my hands all that much. My hands got wet. And cold. My finger tips were numb. I had to come indoors to warm 'em up. Some autumns, I don't get around to cleaning the gutters. Because winter sets in early. Too much snow. Too much cold. And I have to leave it go til spring. But we've had a wonderful November. One of the warmest on record. And so I've had the gift of time. To get things done. --Jim Broede

The same basic conclusion.

I think I'm different. Because I think out loud. Right here. In this blog. Oh, I call it broodings. Maybe just because it sounds good. Good illiteration. I don't know what I'm gonna think of next. I'll just let it come. One does that. When one literally thinks out loud. That's why I could get up on stage. The stage of life. And never shut up. Because I just let it flow. Whatever comes, comes. I'm never at a loss for words. Maybe that's why I make a fool of myself. I just let myself be. A fool. Or whatever I am at the moment. But that's how I discover myself. By just being. Some people think I'm stupid. And hey, I am. But I'm intelligent, too. A little bit of lots of things. But mainly, I'm a romantic idealist. A free-thinker. A liberal. A lover. I have no doubt about it. Because that's genuinely what I wanna be. And so I am. Yes, I really am Jim Broede. I don't hide behind pseudonyms. Or facades. I'm accessible. I can be reached. Touched. Conversed with. I can be perceived as sane. Or crazy. But overall, I'm a nice guy. Kind. Cruel, too, in some ways. Because I don't always think about how I affect people. And they allow themselves to be affected. Negatively. Positively. Often, that's their choice. Not mine. Anyway, I keep coming to the same basic conclusion. Life is wonderful. --Jim Broede

Making an adventure.

I keep discovering things. Such as music. And love. Yes, new concepts. Of emotion. And feeling. And intellect. And I try to put all my discoveries together. Into something coherent. Meaningful. I call it feeling my way. Through life. Lately, I've been thinking out loud. In this thing called a blog. Written words. Random thoughts. Whatever comes to mind. And lo and behold, I get reactions. From others. But even from myself. Because one thing always seems to lead to another. A chain reaction. And often I don't know where I'm going. Which makes all this an adventure. --Jim Broede

Trying to figure things out.

I'm analytical. In that I'm analyzing what's going on around me. In my immediate environs. And in the world, I suppose. To the best of my knowledge. Through a variety of sources. But I can't be sure of everything. I rely mostly on human contact. And things that affect me. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. After all, I just found myself in this world. Initially, in a place called Chicago. And I gather I had a mom and a dad. They kind of took care of me. But I also quickly learned that I had to take care of myself. To some degree. That I was moreorless on my own. I gradually built an identity. I was a boy. Not a girl. My name was Jim. Or Jimmy. Or James. And I had a surname. Broede. A middle name, too. Bruce. Maybe I came alive when I discovered words. Words that had meaning. That allowed me to even have thought. If I pieced words together, it all began to make sense. There was such a thing as consciousness. Awareness. Yes, reality, of sorts. I even began to think in mathematical terms. Two plus two makes four. But hey, I'm still trying to figure things out. --Jim Broede

I'm about to laugh.

Maybe at times I tend to be too silly. If you think so, you must let me know. I don't always know where to draw the line. I like to be serious. But not too serious. I often catch my self at a serious moment, and begin to laugh a little bit. At myself. For taking myself too seriously. And if someone is talking to me in a serious vein, in what seems a too serious manner, I'll tend to lighten up the conversation. And that may not be fully appreciated by the other person. Anyway, I've been giving it some serious thought tonight. Which means I'm about to laugh. Because it's all so silly. --Jim Broede

Dumb or dumber.

I want multiple party representation in our government A parliamentary system, I suppose. That allows for representation based on party support. For instance, if the Libertarians get 10 percent of the vote, they should have 10 percent of the representation in parliament. The Green Party should have its fair share. Same for the socialists. The Republicans and Democrats, too. It'd sure beat the two-party system we have now. And if no party has a clear-cut majority, then let's have two parties banding together to form a ruling coalition government. At least in a parliamentary legislative body, minority parties get some voice, some representation. Under our present system, if you aren't a Democrat or a Republican, you have virtually no say. You have to be affiliated with one party or the other. Yes. Dumb or dumber. --Jim Broede

Destroying America as we know it.

In my humble opinion, the Republicans, and especially the neo-conservatives in the party, are out to sabotage the federal government. They want less government. And what better way to make it less, than by totally wrecking the goverment? Leaving it in a shambles. The Republicans gained control of both houses of Congress and the presidency when there was a multi-billion dollar budget surplus. Well, when the Bushies and the neo-conservatives got kicked out of town in 2008, the nation was at a record deficit. Yes, we're talking deficits in the trillion dollar range. And an economy in desolation. The worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Democrats and Barack Obama, of course, have inherited the wreckage. And it'll take years to fix. That is, if the Democrats are left to do the job. The Republicans are acting like this whole mess was the fault of the Democrats. And that therefore, the Republicans should be allowed to return to power. Yes, the GOPers are as sly as fox. They want to be put in charge of guarding the chicken coop again. And you and I know what will happen then. More destruction. More sabotage. Yes, the Republicans want to finish the job. To do away with government. Once and for all. By wrecking it beyond repair. Destroying America as we know it. --Jim Broede

We ain't doing a very good job.

The world keeps changing. Whether we like it or not. Just the fact that there are more people around. Many more. Billions more. And so we have to adapt. To accommodate the shifts in population. Used to be we had a predominantly rural economy. Can't have that any more. Because people keep flocking to the urban areas. And now there's a likelihood of significant climate change. Rising sea levels. More extreme weather. And we have new kinds of wars. Wars of terror. The so-called enemy is no longer easily identified. And there's a danger that weapons of mass destruction can fall into the hands of individuals. Crazed people. Oh, so many changes. They overtake us faster than some of us can cope. So, we're left behind. Still living by 20th century ways in the 21st century. Maybe that's why America is on the decline. We're not advanced enough. We're still clinging to the old capitalist ways. The way it used to be. We have to learn to play catch up. And even get ahead of the game. But we ain't doing a very good job of it. --Jim Broede

It doesn't matter. Or does it?

Seems to me that our long and costly war in Iraq hasn't made America a safer or better place. And if that's the case -- well, it was a terrible waste. Just think how all that money and lost and damaged lives could have been better spent. And now we're going through a similar waste in Afghanistan. Because, I guess, our nation's decisionmakers think war is good. For our country. Doesn't matter if we go bankrupt. Doesn't matter if our economy is in a shambles. Doesn't matter that 17 percent of Americans are jobless or underemployed. Doesn't matter that 46 million Americans are without health insurance. Doesn't matter that our nation's infrastructure is crumbling. Yes, it doesn't matter. Or does it? --Jim Broede

America on the decline.

I like it that China has emerged as a world power. Maybe the dominant power. Replacing the USA as number one. Yes, America needs a challenge. A power with a different philosophy of life. The Chinese, it seems to me, have a good grasp of the common good. Putting it ahead of the individual good. I have a hunch that China will be the most influential power of the 21st century. Just as America was the force of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the USA has been reluctant to change. Clinging to old capitalist credos. Instead of adapting to the need of a new world order. If for no other reason than a burgeoning world population. And a recognition that it's immoral to allow an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. China, it seems to me, is edging ahead of the USA in moral authority. Yes, America is on the decline. Sad, isn't it? --Jim Broede

I'd find a way to connect.

A friend cautioned me that the British tend to be reserved. That they might not talk to me if I tried to strike up a conversation on a bus or train. Or just out on the street in Cornwall or Wales. But don't underestimate me. I'd get people to talk. I might even strike up a friendship, of sorts, with a total stranger. Oh, it won't work with everyone. But I'd not be overly shy. Overly restrained. I'd cultivate something. Maybe because I'm curious. And they'd sense that I'm curious. A bit unusual. I'd find a way to connect. --Jim Broede

I am quite imperfect, am I not?

Incredible. I've stumbled across a friend, another human being, I don't want to change. Imagine that. Accepting someone. Totally. Warts and all. As is. Of course, plenty of people want to change me. That's understandable. Because I have the devil in me. And I accept that. But it's part of human nature to want to change, to shape up, even the best of us. Humans have always wanted to change one another. At least in small ways. The hard part is finding another you can accept. Totally. Without change. Truly love. Unconditionally. Yes, it's a rare feat among the human species. I never expected to be able to do it. And not just once. But twice in a lifetime. I've finally achieved what I once thought was impossible. For the second time. And I don't expect a quid pro quo. Meanwhile, it's all right if my beloved wants to change me. In overt or subtle ways. I can accept that. With good reason. I perceive such changes as positive. After all, I am being made into a better human being. And I know my sweet love has a mammoth task ahead. After all, I am quite imperfect, am I not? --Jim Broede

I'm holding my breath.

If you don't like the weather one month in Minnesota, wait until the next. For instance, we had the fourth coldest October on record. But it looks like we are headed for the second warmest November ever. So far, not a single day has had a high temperature below normal. Meanwhile, I'm holding my breath. Waiting to see what happens in December. --Jim Broede

At any time of day or night.

I see that in my little niche of the world, the local Wal-Mart will be open 24 hours today. Thanksgiving Day. Yes, we have so much to be thankful for in America. The fact that we can go shopping. Even on a holiday. At any time of day or night. --Jim Broede

Making the most of life.

Maybe I'll go to a small out of the way village in Scotland or Ireland or Wales. For two months. A remote place. And just get to know it. Almost like putting a pin in a map. And going there. And making an adventure of it. Exploring. Discovering. And I'll write about the experience. I suspect it would be a nice way to live. In essence, it might be like a year of life in only 2 months. Maybe I should do that every year. For the rest of my life. Yes, making the most of life. --Jim Broede

Many more wheelchairs to sell.

Even my hero, Barack Obama, is caught up in the war mentality. Caught up in the system that dictates we go to war. Because it's the macho thing to do. A way to satisfy our warhawks. To serve the military industrial complex. Eisenhower had it right. We have an economy based largely on war. On conflict. On aggression. War puts people to work. My gawd. If we didn't have people in uniform, where would we put them to work? The unemployment ranks would skyrocket. Because we don't know how to create jobs making peace. That would be far more productive. But it wouldn't satisfy the war-mongers. The munition makers. The weapons makers. War also is a boon to the funeral industry. More bodies to bury. More bodies to cremate. Also, I suppose, it helps advance medical technology. We know how to better amputate legs and arms. And think of the wheelchair industry. So many more wheelchairs to sell to paralyzed veterans. --Jim Broede

I simply fall in love.

I don't quite understand why my country always has to be waging a war. If not in Iraq, then in Afghanistan. Or some other place. As an American, I've been brought up to believe that wars are necessary. That there's evil in the world. And that we Americans have to combat evil. And one way to do it is to wage war. To kill people. To devastate. To be tough. And cruel. And stronger and meaner than the next guy. But I'm not buying everything I was taught. I doubt that we Americans, or the world for that matter, are any better off thanks to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think we Americans would be in far better economic and moral shape if we had waged peace rather than war over the past 10 years or so. Think of all the money and lives we've spent on war. Not only American lives, but so-called foreigners. Albeit, we're all human beings. Of course, we can say that some of the dead are bad guys. And good riddance. But I suspect we've countered bad with bad, and so we're just as guilty of perpetrating bad. We've borrowed the enemies' immoral tactics. I wonder if immorality negates immorality. Oh, I know I shouldn't be a holier-than-thou guy. If someone slaps me in the face, I'm likely to slap back. I fight evil with evil, too. Can't seem to stop the chain reaction. We humans have been brainwashed. To accept war. As a necessary part of life. Love, too. But maybe we take war more seriously than love. But I know how I'm able to survive. And to be happy. And thrilled with life. Despite wars. I simply fall in love. --Jim Broede

My joy: Seeing livid Republicans.

Republicans can use filibuster rules to block health care reform in Congress. To shut off a filibuster, it requires a 60-40 vote majority. But the Democrats can counter by advancing a health care reform bill through a procedure known as budget reconciliation. That can pass with a simple majority vote. Well, if I'm a Democrat, I wouldn't hesitate using such an option. That would assure passage of a public health insurance option. And it'd make the Republicans livid. So be it. There's nothing I enjoy more than seeing livid Republicans. --Jim Broede

Life is an adventure, isn't it?

I'm thinking of living far away in a foreign country for 2 or 3 months this winter. A good way for me to learn the language. At least a little bit. And I'd probably write about the experience. Daily. And I'd get rest. And lots of exercise. Life is supposed to be an adventure, isn't it? --Jim Broede

We Americans will win.

Nobody in his right mind wants to privatize social security. Or Medicare. In the first place, the public wouldn't let politicians get away with it. We common, ordinary Americans like the public nature of these programs. But when they were first adopted, Republicans were vehement in their opposition. Labeling them socialistic. Good thing the Republiocans didn't get their way. Seems to me the overwhelming majority of Americans would agree to that. Not the Republicans. But hey, they're a distinct minority these days. Thank gawd. We also should not be surprised that the obstructionist Republicans are rock solid against the public option in the current health insurance reform legislation before Congress. But hopefully, the Republicans will be on the losing side again. Which means, we Americans will win. --Jim Broede

Talk about an upsidedown world.

Think about it. Many of you are telling me that we have become pretend people. That we can't be our real selves any more. Because it's too dangerous. So we have to hide behind pseudonyms. Anonyimity. Especially on the Internet. But I suspect it goes beyond cyperspace. We erect facades. Even when we meet people face to face. We're never our real selves. Because we're used to being in hiding. Wouldn't really want people to see us the way we really are. Many of you can't believe I'm Jim Broede. Because if I were myself, I'd have to be insane. Because people aren't themselves any more. Being one's self is out of fashion. Used to be that if we persistently chose to be Napoleon, we'd be committed to a nut house. But now it's required that we be Napoleon or some other character such as Maebee -- just to stay out of the asylum. Because that's considered normal. Wow! Talk about an upsidedown world. --Jim Broede

Believe it or not.

I truly do not like being a jerk. But when I'm confronted by a jerk, I often find that the best way to deal with him/her is to become a jerk myself. Because if you are too nice to a jerk, he/she will take advantage of you. So you treat him/her like a jerk. And that requires one to become a jerk. But when I'm finished, I try to step out of the role, and revert to being a nice guy again. So in reality, I spend most of my time as a very nice guy. Believe it or not. --Jim Broede

Must it be all or nothing?

My gawd, the Democrats and especially the liberals, have compromised on the proposed health care reform bill. Yet, despite all the compromise, done in part to try to accommodate Republicans, there's virtually no hope of a bipartisan approach to the much-needed reform. Because the GOP wants its way. Totally. Entirely. Even though Republicans are in the minority. I hope the American people see through this. That Democrats are being reasonable. But they are faced with unreasonable opposition. Republicans that won't participate in a give-and-take. Whatever happened to the times when both parties met each other halfway? Makes me wonder why the political game has to come down to all or nothing. --Jim Broede

You must forgive me.

You tell me your name really is Deloren. I suppose that could be taken either way. Put an 's' at the end in place of the 'n' and it becomes Delores. I suppose an 'n' does masculinize it a little bit. But maybe that makes it moreorless neutral. Transgender. But in most recent posts, you've gone by 'anonymous.' There are so many of 'em around here, it's almost impossible telling one from the other. Very confusing, indeed. Like being at a masquerade party on Halloween night. Little wonder that I could make an identity mistake. If so, you must forgive me. --Jim Broede

Even the brain-deprived.

I'd like for the U.S. Census Bureau to try for an accurate count of idiots and kooks residing in the USA. I'm sure the count would easily go into the millions. And many of 'em are even holding higher political office. We Americans have a tendency to give them some semblance of power and respect. We certainly don't discriminate against kooks and idiots. Like the Europeans and Scandinavians do. We Americans are open-minded. We give everyone a fair chance. Even the brain-deprived. --Jim Broede

People are strange, aren't they?

It's uncanny. People write to me. And tell me that I didn't treat Jeanne right. That I shouldn't have taken her to Arizona or to Germany when she had Alzheimer's. I really don't know why that's any of their business. Jeanne died in January 2007. So there's nothing I can do about it. I did what I did. And I think it was wonderful for Jeanne. And I'd do it again. If I could. So why would people write to me and tell me they think it was a mistake? People are strange, aren't they? --Jim Broede

On becoming a refined lady.

By the way, anonymous snob lady, Jeanne never took showers alone. The time she fell and broke her wrist in the shower in Germany she was being assisted in the shower by our adult granddaughter. It was an unfortunate accident. Yes, shit happens. Shit even happens in nursing homes and assisted living facilities under the watch of trained professional care-givers. Meanwhile, if you clean up your language and get your facts straight we'll print your comments. I'm also aware of patients commiting suicide when they were under the watch and supervision of care-givers and relatives. Like I say, shit happens. I know of a woman who feels bad because her brother committed suicide. And she was unable to stop it, even though he told her that he was gonna do it, and just how he'd do it, too. Now I would never hold that woman responsible. Although it's possible she could have taken action to prevent the suicide. Just as I could have taken action to prevent Jeanne's fall in the shower. By doing the supervising myself rather than delegating it to our granddaughter. I feel bad about it. But it happened. And I can't unhappen it, so to speak. Remember now. Get your facts straight and clean up your language and you'll get published here. Obey the rules. Follow our high standards. Don't be a jerk snob lady. Become a refined lady. --Jim Broede

If only you give me a chance.

I'd like to propose a convention. Of snob ladies. And other Broede-haters. Get you all into one big auditorium. Maybe an outdoor arena, if necessary. It would be an opportunity to plan an all-out assault on me. And I tell you what. To prove that I'm a brave and decent man, I'll volunteer to be your keynote speaker. Yes, I'll show up. Oh, maybe I'll bring along armed guards. My militia. I'll tell you in my speech that I think you've misgauged, misjudged me. You'd find that I'm a rather engaging fella in person. I know some of you think I'm not very handsome. But hey, for a 74-year-old man, I'm in pretty good shape. My girlfriend says I look like the best of Boris Yeltsin, Walter Matthau and Ted Kennedy. I'll accept that as a compliment. Better than Frankenstein and Dracula. Anyway, ladies, I think you'll find me charming. If only you give me a chance. --Jim Broede

Worse than the bubonic plague.

I'm amazed. At the vitriol. In America. Hateful stuff. For instance. Aimed at our president. Barack Obama. By the likes of lunatic fringe conservatives Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. It's asinine. Almost unbelievable. But it goes far beyond politics. In everyday life. I get vitriol, too. For being a liberal. That makes me un-American. I get it, too, from people who think I mistreated my beloved Jeanne. Because I took her to Europe. When she had Alzheimer's. She fell. Broke her wrist. And when she was recovering, at my German's cousin house, Jeanne and our granddaughter stayed behind, when another cousin and I went away for the weekend to visit friends on the Baltic Sea. I was castigated. In an unprinted email comment submitted for this blog. With unmitigated vitriol. By some woman who chooses to remain anonymous. For me having 'abandoned' Jeanne. Nothing of the such ever happened. Hey, we brought her all the way to Germany. While she was still with it to some significant degree. It was the humane, loving thing to do. But here we have a stranger. Unable to mind her own business. Hurling unbelievable accusations. Jumping to weird conclusions. My gawd. What has happened in America? We're at each other's throats. Imagining that we're evil beings. When we don't even know each other. We're being uncivil. Disrespectful. We're acting like hateful idiots. Maybe it's a contagion. Sweeping across the land. A virus. I sure as heck hope we can get a vaccine. A cure for it. Otherwise, this could be worse than the bubonic plague of the Middle Ages. --Jim Broede

The light you bring to my life.

I bitch about lots of things. But I wonder if you've noticed. I'm in love with life. Yes, I like living. And expressing myself. Right here in this blog. It's sort of a public journal in a sense. Oh, I don't tell everything happening in my life. I keep some of the personal stuff private. Because it's no one's business. But still, I share a lot. I'm open. Especially when it comes to opinions. And I'm funny. In my own way. Yes, humor is a funny thing. In that to some, it ain't funny. Which makes it funny. Even hilarious. Some of you, with your idiotic comments, help to make the blog a bit insane. Crazy. I appreciate that. Because it gives me the opportunity to play off you. I'm amazed at how many of you keep coming back. For more and more. And I've also learned that some of you are very nice and intelligent and perceptive people. Indeed, we've cultivated friendships. And that's what makes life so precious and thrilling and satisfying. For every idiot, there's a genius. Yes, some of you are genuine geniuses. Remarkable people. Worthy of great respect. And I appreciate you. Often, by contrasting you with the idiots of the world. That makes the light you bring to my life even brighter. --Jim Broede

She lived...even with Alzheimer's.

The thing about the former Birchwood Health Care Center nurse's aide that has posted in this blog, is her dishonesty. Her sneakiness. She's been posting snide comments here for years. Anonymously. And she'd often imply that she knew me. That she was closer than I imagined. As if, beware. She'd take me to task. For taking my dear Alzheimer-afflicted Jeanne out in a wheelchair. During summertime rain and thunderstorms. Saying I was irresponsible. But hey, I knew what I was doing. Maybe I posed both Jeanne and me to some degree of risk. But turns out, I took Jeanne outdoors for virtually every day in the last 3 years of her life. And did no harm. Didn't matter whether it snowed or rained or was hotter than blazes. It was good for Jeanne. And I knew it. It stimulated Jeanne. Mentally. Physically. She even enjoyed the rain dripping down her nose. I could see it on her beautiful face. The smile. The pleasure. The joy. Even in the wintertime. Tucked inside a thermal sleeping bag. When she returned to the nursing home, she had a glow. A special exuberance. The exposure to fresh air. The motion of moving about in a wheelchair. It all added up. To much-needed stimulation. Jeanne lived for 13 years with Alzheimer's. Longer than many. Maybe because she got the stimulation. I knew Jeanne. Intimately. For 38 years we were married. Lovers. I loved Jeanne dearly. I lived and died for Jeanne. I was devoted. And we took risks. Together. Because Jeanne always wanted to live. And I saw to it that she lived...even with Alzheimer's. --Jim Broede

Acting like idiots.

I'm not always fair in the way I deal with people. Maybe because there's no such thing as totally fair. I could always do better. But I like to think I'm reasonable. That I allow for some give and take. Some people think I'm an idiot. And I concede, I am. In all sorts of ways. A romantic idealist, too. A free-thinker. A liberal. A lover. But also an idiot. A fool. A nincompoop. But I don't readily emphasize the latter roles. I try to pretend I'm not an idiot. Yes, hide the fact. Wouldn't you? That's the nature of people. They like to portray themselves in relatively positive ways. But I don't mind being negative, too. A cad, of sorts. I'm amused. At myself. But others, too. Because we're all the proverbial village idiot. We do stupid things. Only thing is, we want to portray ourselves as smart. As clever. And particularly, as good. And we prefer not to see the bad in it. But I've learned to accept the bad. In an attempt to make the most of it. By occasionally doing good. Only to discover that so-called 'good' has its consequences. Because good can be easily misconstrued as bad. And bad can seem to be good. Makes for confusion. And little wonder that we all often end up acting like idiots. And that's precisely what makes us idiots. --Jim Broede

Put Congress in Guantanomo.

I don't like the way we play politics. It's gawd awful. Barbaric. Uncivilized. Idiotic. Irrational. Pathetic. Downright stupid. Obscene. I watch our politicians. Listen. And almost puke. I can't stand the sight of puke. So I go outdoors. For a walk. To get away from it all. Saturday night the Senate will decide whether to even take up and discuss and consider the proposed health reform legislation. And it's quite possible that it'll be trashed. Because it requires at least a 60-40 majority to get to the floor. And even though a majority of senators may favor the reform, it won't be considered. Because of a stupid filibuster rule that requires a super majority. And we'll be hamstrung. No change. No reform. The same old same old. Saddled with the most expensive health care system in the world. With some of the poorest results. And with something like 45 million uninsured Americans. And 45,000 deaths annually just because people can't afford medical insurance. It's a glaring problem. A sacrilege. It's morally wrong. And we ordinary Americans put up with this crap. With a gridlocked Congress. Unable and unwilling to work together to give us what we deserve. I say to hell with 'em. Let's run 'em out of the country. Put 'em in Guantanomo. The whole rotten bunch. --Jim Broede

Attention, idiots.

I'd like to see the anonymous idiots that seek to have comments printed here start numbering themselves. Such as Idiot 1, Idiot 2, Idiot 3. Let's try to differentiate a little bit. I see that others at least have had the decency to list themselves as Anon56 and Anon2. I don't know what happened between 3 and 55. They must have got lost on the way to the forum. So maybe they are idiots, too. But don't know it. --Jim Broede

Reason to be thankful.

The weather gods can switch moods. Dramatically. From month to month. Here in Minnesota, we had one of the coldest Octobers on record. Something like the fourth coldest ever. But in November, we've had an almost unbelievable spell of warm weather. Actually, every day this month (20 days, so far) the temperature has been above normal. Maybe the weather gods thought they had been too harsh on us in October. And they're making up for it. Of course, in Minnesota, above normal in November isn't necessarily shirtsleeve weather. We start out the month with an average high in the 40s. And end the month with the 30s being normal. Still, that's nothing to complain about. We've had plenty of below zero temperatures in November. Anyway, we know that the weather gods will give us a frigid blast of winter sooner or later. Maybe early in December, when there's predictions that a cold air mass will move down here from Alaska, where the temperature dipped to 46 below zero yesterday. But think of it. Thanksgiving is less than a week away. And we were in the 50s today. And sunny. Reason to be thankful. --Jim Broede

Without having to think.

I think that many Americans don't take time to think. Maybe we're too busy living life. Like robots. Going through the motions. Because it takes too much effort to think. To figure things out. Like over political and social issues. Such as health care. Whether or not we need serious reform. And if so, just what needs to be done. So instead of thinking, we allow ourselves to be influenced by sound bites. Many of 'em paid for by health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. And the sound bites are calculated to sway us almost subliminally. Without having to think. --Jim Broede

Nobody should be abandoned.

When I first put my Jeanne into a nursing home, I anguished over the decision. But it turned out to be a good decision. For a variety of reasons. Jeanne got better round-the-clock care as an Alzheimer patient. And I got daily respite. And still, I was able to spend 8 to 10 hours a day with Jeanne. Didn't miss a day in a little over 3 years. I had become worn out mentally and physically by a 24/7 care-giving grind. And that's what it was. A grind. I say it was a good decision because I became Jeanne's advocate and protector at the nursing home. Her supplemental care-giver. I saw to it that she got very good care. I learned from the professionals, too. And they learned from me. That I wouldn't tolerate neglect or incompetence. Maybe I rubbed several of the nurses' aides the wrong way. I was demanding. I saw to it that Jeanne got a nightly shower, instead of the single shower a week. By giving her the showers myself. And I saw to it that Jeanne got out for fresh air. Daily. In a wheelchair. Because I took her out. And instead of dining in the congregate dining area, I hand-fed Jeanne lunch and supper in her room. And I saw to it that Jeanne had music. The kind of music she always liked. And body massages. Yes, far more attention than if I had just left Jeanne to the whiles of the nursing home staff. So, the nursing home experience turned out to be a good one. But it would have fallen way short of my expectations if I had not been there. Daily. Yes, the lesson is that nobody should be abandoned in a nursing home. --Jim Broede

But hey, to each his own.

We're all biased. You are just as biased as me. And we all think we're right. Only thing is, I admit it. I am mighty biased. And I also admit that I could be wrong. But still, I believe what I want to believe. And I change my opinions. Sometimes. Liberals aren't static. They bounce about. Nothing wrong with that. And hey, I don't digest and study everything. I haven't got the time. So I go to my trusted sources. Such as the New York Times. Or Barack Obama. Or Jon Stewart. Or Al Franken. Or my Italian girl friend. Or my pal, god almighty. They're good enough for me. I take life just barely seriously enough. Not too seriously. That's where I have the advantage. I know proper balance. I know how to savor life. I love waking up every morning, knowing I'm in for a happy day. Meanwhile, you sound too serious. But hey, to each his own. --Jim Broede

My hero ain't a Republican.

The funny thing about Republicans. They gripe about spending. About tax increases. Except when it comes to war and national defense. Then they'll vote to bankrupt the nation. There's no weapon system that's too expensive. But when it comes to spending for domestic improvements, and for making life easier for the lower and middle classes and the serving of the common good, the Republicans are penny-pinching misers. Yes, they advocate stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. My hero is more likely to be Robinhood. --Jim Broede

Why I read the New York Times.

Here's another reason why I subscribe to and read the New York Times daily. I'm able to read columnists that make sense. And news stories that are objective. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/opinion/19kristof.html?ref=opinion

Making more than small talk.

I like the way I interact with people. Yes, it's quite possible some of 'em don't like the way I interact with them. But that's fine. I don't aim to please everyone. Doesn't bother me to offend some. To tell them exactly what's on my mind. Or I might choose to be funny when they want me to be serious. Therefore, they may become annoyed. And I like it that I annoy certain people. Because that's the best way to reach some people. Gives us something to talk about. It's a way to get to know people. An opportunity to talk. About annoyances. Often, we patch things up. And we get on to topics that are more pleasant. Not so annoying. And we learn how to disagree with each other. Without being annoyed. We feel each other out. We get to know each other. Sometimes, we even become friends. But if not, that's all right, too. At least we did more than make small talk. --Jim Broede

Good gawd, we're a fearful nation.

Americans seem afraid of having terrorists and terrorist suspects imprisoned in their backyards. Yes, in American maximum security prisons. Makes Americans a bit nervous. Like the terrorists pose threats. Even when locked up. As if they might escape and cause havoc. And hurt us. Yes, we Americans have become babies. Fearful little babies. We've allowed terrorists to scare the hell out of us. To the point that we don't want them imprisoned in America. We'd rather have them in Guantanamo. Or in prisons in foreign countries. Some Americans are even fearful of having terrorist suspects tried in American civil courts. For fear that they might be acquitted. And released. My gawd. What have we come to? We're like little old maids. Having to check under our beds at night. To make sure nobody is hiding there. We're a bunch of sissies. We submit to all kinds of safety measures. Inconveniences. Loss of rights. Loss of freedoms. Just so we can feel protected from a potential terrorist attack. In that sense, the terrorists have won. They have made us a fearful nation. --Jim Broede

Too bogged down in the old ways.

The U.S. Constitution or our form of government ain't sacred. We can do better. The constitution, after all, was crafted in the 18th century. We're living in the 21st century. Maybe we should have a constitutional convention. And update the product. To jibe with modern times. Our founders were mistake-prone. Evidenced by the amendments to the constitution. But maybe we need more than amendments. An overhaul. Seems to me that we treat the constitution with too much reverence. Other countries have far different rules. Different constitutions. And they seem to fit well in modern times. Take China, for instance. I'm impressed. China has come a long way since the middle of the 20th century. Under a communist regime. That has used a nice blend of socialist and capitalist practices to thrive. To serve an enormous population. Far more people than in the USA. That, alone, requires different strategies. Maybe even limiting family size. For the sake of the common good. We Americans probably would object to such limits. But hey, maybe our thinking will change if our population reaches one billion some day. Too often, we're prone to live by old standards. Like our inefficient two-party political system. When maybe multiple parties and parliamentary form of government would serve us much better. We Americans, it seems to me, should keep open minds. And be far more receptive to change. Yes, we're too bogged down in the old ways. --Jim Broede

No ponytail for me.

This clip of a women's college soccer match between New Mexico and BYU features a tough young lady. I'm afraid that certain snob ladies that don't like me may recruit this player and send her after me. I'll try to keep my distance. And it's a good reason for me to never grow long hair and turn it into a ponytail. Click on this for a look. --Jim Broede
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgWvoCNPJ9Q

I know how to be a real ass.

Some of you seem to think I want everybody to agree with me. But it's just the contrary. I like dissent. Disagreement. That makes for a more interesting blog. When you become riled, I'm sort of thrilled. Because you've become somewhat passionate in your disagreement. You take umbrage. You almost feel insulted. That's good. Certainly, not all bad. I'm able to poke fun at your positions. Just as you are able to poke fun at mine. But I'm in a position of power. I'm the decider. Just like George Bush in his hey days. Yes, some of you help me feel like Bush. You help me obtain insights into Bush's mind when he was president. For that, I thank you. In my blog, I have the opportunity to be dictator. To ignore what I choose to ignore. Just like Bush. He went off to war under false pretense. And he was arrogant. A mister know-it-all. You've taught me how to play the role of George Bush. I've mastered the craft. I know how to be a real ass. --Jim Broede

He created us in his own image.

I'm thinking that maybe god is imperfect. That god makes mistakes. That god has personality flaws. Just like the rest of us. Yes, he created us in his own image. --Jim Broede

Living in near-perfect harmony.

Capitalism is good. Socialism is bad. That's been the sound bite chant played to Americans for generations. We've been acclimated. Like robots. Fed the same message over and over and over. We've learned the lesson by rote. We don't think any more. We don't recognize anymore that social security is good, because it's socialism. And that Medicare is good, because it's socialism. Yes, there is good socialism. And there's also bad capitalism. Especially when the profiteers step in. And exploit the masses. Bilk 'em. Take us to the cleaners. Because capitalists become greedy. I'll also admit there's good capitalism. When it's regulated. In order to curb the greed. And there's bad socialism. When it abandons democratic principles and comes under the auspices of dictatorships. Few situations are totally black and white. Grey creeps in. If we had a society that had a good balance of capitalism and socialism, we might find that we're living in near-perfect harmony. --Jim Broede

The way the system works.

Big deal. The phamaceutical companies are telling the government that as part of health care reform, they'll volunteer to reduce drug prices to the tune of $8 billion. But you know what they are doing? To pave the way for lower prices, they are now in the process of raising drug prices by $10 billion, according to the New York Times. Yes, to build a cushion. So that it won't hurt their profits when they lower the prices. Actually, under this shell game, they'll come out $2 billion ahead. And we consumers -- well, we'll be screwed once again. That's the way the capitalist system works. --Jim Broede

And that ain't an old wives' tale.

It's at the top of my list of old wives' tales. That government can't do things as good as the private sector. That government will screw things up. I prefer a truth. That government can do much better than the private sector. If we just allow government to operate the way it's supposed to. Providing essential services. Without having to make a profit. Such as providing health care insurance. The private insurers typically weave in profits of 20 percent or more. I'm told that the government-run Medicare program has an administrative cost of a little over 3 percent. And it's a good program. You won't find senior citizens clamoring for Medicare to be privatized. Really, Medicare should be extended to everyone. Under the auspices of the government. Yes, get rid of the greedy private insurers. They have no qualms about ripping us off. We're at an important juncture in American politics. It's quite possible that a high-minded Democratic majority can finally bring us a private health insurance option. That would be wonderful. Maybe not everything that socialist-sympathizers like me would like. But at least, it'd be a step in the right direction. Of course, it's gonna meet with stiff resistance from Republicans and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the private insurers. But hey, it's time to give the masses of hard-working Americans what they want and deserve. Universal and affordable health care. Under a public option. If the private insurers want to compete with the government, that's fine with me. But tell you what. The private insurers are running scared. For a reason. They know that the government can do a better job of it. And that ain't an old wives' tale. --Jim Broede

Well, that's their problem.

I suppose I do taunt people. To some extent. That's my nature. It generally gets a reaction. Usually, I'm taunting in a jocular way. To be funny. But some who are the butts of my taunts don't necessarily see the humor. And they take it seriously. Which makes it even more funny. Of course, that makes me seem cruel. And I am. To some degree. Most humor has a cruel side. Because it's poking fun. Often, to relieve tension in a situation. But it creates tension, too. Especially in the humorless. I think it was funny, for instance, when my dear Jeanne some years ago started swearing while singing 'Silent Night' at a Christmas service in a nursing home chapel. Yes, that happens when you're an Alzheimer patient. The unexpected. But rather than get distraught or embarrassed over it, why not laugh? And if some in attendance don't think it's funny -- well, that's their problem. --Jim Broede

Let that be a lesson.

We Americans are a strange lot. We anguish and are ready to go off to war (mostly with paid mercenaries) because 'terrorists' killed 3,000 in New York on 9/11. Yet, it doesn't faze many of us when we learn that 45,000 Americans die annually because they can't afford medical care. They are uninsured. And it's not as if we can't afford universal health care. It'd cost less than what it takes to conduct simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wars that we think are necessary to protect and save America from the enemy. When really the enemy is us. Ourselves. Yes, we neglect our local needs. We waste lives. So that we can pay back a handful of mostly Arabian terrorists by killing hordes of Muslims, many of 'em innocents, on the other side of the world. Yes, we'll show the rest of the world. You kill 3,000 of ours and we'll retaliate with our mighty force. And kill tens of thousands of yours for every 3,000 of ours. Let that be a lesson. --Jim Broede

Even Shakespeare.

I'm learning about Macbeth. The Shakespeare play. I majored in English. But I never fell in love with Shakespeare. But now I have a friend who teaches English literature. And she's focused on Macbeth at the moment. So I am, too. And I'm getting keen insights. This is the way to learn. It helps that I spent time last spring in Scotland. In the Highlands. With my friend. And this is where Macbeth takes place. On the Moors. In a castle. And so I've been there. The other night, I watched clips of Roman Polanski's Macbeth film. And I saw the familiar. And I saw great actors. Heard them speak the words. And then I read the words, too. Savored the words. And I read critiques. And I went to YouTube. And saw high school students perform Macbeth. And I watched more films. Of Macbeth in a modern environs. And after all these years, I have found Macbeth. In meaningful ways. I have learned to love. Even Shakespeare. --Jim Broede

I don't know what's going on.

Just think of all the things that happen in the world on any given day. And how little is reported in the media. Only a mere speck. And this is how, in large part, we form our impression of reality. Through subjective and incomplete reports. Tidbits. We really don't know what's going on in the world. Or even what's going on around us. In our own local community. Or even in the neighborhood where we reside. Come to think of it, we live in isolation. And when we turn on the radio or TV or read the newspaper, we really get only what some media outlet wants to tell us. At best, we're given a clue or two. And then it's up to us to piece the puzzle together. And form a reality, of sorts, for the moment. Today, I'm gonna focus on my loving relationship. I will moreorless ignore everything else going on in the world. Because I have no choice. I don't know what's going on. --Jim Broede

Everything's possible with words.

I like being a villain. Disliked by some. Maybe because it comes so easy. One can become disliked. Merely by uttering a few words. That's all it takes. Life is a stage. And people crave a villain. Someone to dislike. And so I give them what they want. Otherwise, they'd be bored. I give them words. That they can dissect. To mean villainy. It's much easier than growing a moustache. Because it takes time. To grow. But words. They spring. Instantly. And arouse the passions. Yes, I'm in love with words. Because they allow me to do everything. To stir villainy. But love, too. I've learned that everything is possible...with words. --Jim Broede

A grain of sand.

I think I write. In a poetic style. My own way. I just let it be. Don't follow any particular rules. Just let it come. Naturally. Used to be that I followed rules. All kinds of rules. Then I learned. That rules are meant to be broken. That I'm free. To make my own rules. Not to be. Like everyone else. Even though I am a clone of sorts. Of the rest of the human race. But still. I'm different. Because I'm me. Albeit. A grain of sand. On a vast, sprawling beach. --Jim Broede

That I truly love life.

I do remind myself occasionally that I'm retired. And it's a nice feeling. That I don't have to go to work. Means my life is winding down, too. But I have a new freedom. Or so it seems. To do pretty much as I please. Because I have time. For myself. I suppose I did have ample time. Even when I was gainfully employed. And had to report for work. And write. Stories for newspapers. But I feel more free now. Because I'm my boss. Within reason, that is. I still write. Daily. Maybe far more than when I worked. But now it isn't work. It's totally pleasure. Oh, it was pleasure, too, when I worked. But still I called it going to work. Because I wrote even when I didn't feel like writing. Now I feel like it. It's become fun. Yes, pleasure. Maybe it's because I don't have to please anyone but myself. Though I do try to please another. When I write a love letter. Come to think of it. Maybe I've learned to write only love letters. As a tribute to life. I've had time to discover. To explore. To finally learn that I'm free. That I truly love life. --Jim Broede

And to god almighty himself.

I got a bill the other day. For a tetanus shot. You're supposed to get one every 7 or 8 years. Medicare paid $30.60 as its share. Figuring, I guess, that's about what it's worth. Yes, if Medicare had its way, that's all we mortals would be charged. But my clinic wants to collect $117. That's $66 for the vaccine and $51 for a nurse to stick a needle in my arm. So I'm being billed $86.40 because my supplemental insurance won't pick up the difference. Well, I'm gonna try my level best to get out of paying the bill. Because I think it's far too much for a tetanus shot. I'll wait 30, 60, 90 days. Whatever. I'll try to negotiate downward. To nothing. In the end, I may end up paying it all. But not until I've canoed my way through the bureaucacy. I've talked to a flunky named Shantelle so far. I've asked for her supervisor, Paula. And then I'll seek Paula's supervisor. And the supervisor of the supervisor of the supervisor of the supervisor. Until I get to the top of the chain of command of the health care corporation. And then I may not stop there. I'll go to my congressman and senator. Maybe even to Barack Obama. And to god almighty himself. --Jim Broede

Despite labyrinthian bureaucracy.

Yes, I suppose one has to learn to play the system. To take on the bureaucracy. It's a challenge. But not totally impossible. One can feel overwhelmed. Or one can peck away. I guess it's the latter that most of us must do. Peck away. Because the bureaucracy/system is bigger than the individual. It's like David taking on Goliath. There are moments of triumph. For the Davids. The Davids of this world need patience. Fortitude. Belief. That some day they will prevail. In meaningful ways. A little like Sisyphus. Yes, he outwitted the gods. He found pleasure in life. Despite his punishment. Despite the travails. Despite a labyrinthian bureaucracy. --Jim Broede

Yes, it's a difficult challenge.

It's time for Barack Obama to become Barack Obama again. The idealist. He's become too much of a politician. Not enough of a leader. He's gotta inspire. Lead the way out of the morass. Tell us where we have to go. From a spiritual and moral stance. We have to rise above the usual political fray. Obama has the wherewithal. The ability to craft meaningful words. To deliver inspiring thoughts. Speeches. But he's not doing enough of it. Instead, he's settling for whatever he can get politically. Too pragmatic. He makes too many concessions to the scoundrels. Yes, to the Republicans. Obama has an innate sense of fairness. But with the politically corrupt, one can't fight fair and still win. One must sometimes become as ruthless as the opposition. As the enemy. The adversary. Obama has to recognize that he's not going to change the system overnight. It's gonna take a long, long time. So he has to play the game. In a ruthless manner. Yet remain idealistic. Yes, it's a difficult challenge. A balancing act. --Jim Broede

America's worst nightmare.

It's quite possible that the crackpots that got the USA into our economic and political mess may end up portraying themselves as saviors. Take what's happening now. The ultra-conservative policies of the Republicans led us into unnecessary wars and economic collapse. So we elected more moderate and liberal Democrats to try to bail us out. But it's gonna take more than a year or two to fix things. Maybe an entire generation. Because we're in a colossal mess. Eight years of Republicans really did us in. But the Republicans are putting the blame on the Democrats. Because the Democrats are in power. And they haven't got an overnight solution to everything. It takes time. And cooperation from both sides of the political aisle. But there's no teamwork. The Republicans are dragging their feet. If not outrightly trying to sabotage Democratic efforts. By playing the blame game. And opposing just about everything. It's outrageous. But I sense that significant numbers of Americans are basically stupid. Evidenced by the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party. Which seems to be exorcising all moderates from the party. And Lord knows what may emerge from all this. Similar conditions happened in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. And you know who came to power. My gawd, can it be? America's worst nightmare becoming real. --Jim Broede

A bit of enlightenment.

Ah, those New York Times columnists. They know how to make points. Click on this one for a bit of enlightenment. --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/opinion/12kristof.html

Proper care. Proper respite.

We all make judgments every day. It's a part of life. We decide between right and wrong. Can't get through life without making judgments. If I see somebody robbing a bank, I make a judgment. That's wrong. One shouldn't do it. If I see somebody kick his dog, I object. That's wrong. If a care-giver tells me she's exhausted and out of sorts and beligerent because she hasn't had a break for 20 hours, I make a judgment call. That's wrong. Because she's probably hurting herself and her patient. And if this happens day after day after day, I make another judgment call. Something should be done about it. To correct the problem. And it is a problem. A problem that shouldn't be overlooked. Let's not pretend that the problem doesn't exist. Alzheimer patients deserve better care. And care-givers deserve proper respite. And that's what I'm for. Proper care. Proper respite. --Jim Broede

Are we blessed by god?

The common good. That's something we've lost track of in the USA. That is, if we ever had a solid notion of the common good. In our capitalist society, we espouse doing what's best for the individual. Not necessarily what's best for society as a whole. That's why I tend to lean in a socialist direction. I like the idea of spreading and sharing the wealth. Narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. I think Eastern cultures -- moreso than Western cultures -- have been tuned into the concept of the commom good. Jesus, too. The Jesus I read about in the Bible sounds like a socialist. But practitioners of Christianity seem more inclined to be capitalists. Distorting much of what Jesus had to say about matters. But that's the nature of capitalists. To distort. To lie. For purpose of financial gain. To become extraordinarily rich, in the monetary sense, one has to succumb to greed. It's almost as if one's sole purpose is to make money. That's the measure of success. In America, we take pride in our wealth. We brag about being the wealthiest nation on Earth. I wonder, does that mean we are blessed by god? --Jim Broede

Let's tend to our own foibles.

The more I learn about Afghanistan's government, the more I'd like to see the U.S. pull out its troops. Pronto. As fast and as soon as possible. The Karzai government is corrupt. Seems our purpose in staying would be to stabilize unsavory politicians. Just because they might be more friendly to the U.S. than the Taliban. Well, I say leave the decision to the Afghans. It's their country. They can do as they wish. We have no business being there. Let's come home. And tend to our own foibles. --Jim Broede

Sometimes all options stink.

I'm really not a Democrat. Though I may sound like one. Because I vote for Democrats. For Barack Obama, for instance. But I'm really an Independent. Always have declared myself as such. Because I don't like our two-party system. We really need multiple parties. Including an active and strong socialist party. And a Green party. If I was able to handpick a president, I'd probably choose someone like Ralph Nadar. Or Dennis Kucinich. Or an avowed socialist. I can't imagine myself voting for a Republican. Certainly not anyone from the lunatic fringe of the party. Sometimes I don't even bother to vote. Because all options stink. --Jim Broede

To the core of the matter.

Another New York Times columnist gets to the core of the matter. Click on it and read. --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/opinion/11dowd.html?_r=1

In our democracy, money talks.

It's gonna be interesting to see if the Republicans filibuster efforts to bring about meaningful health care reform. That's the only way they can stop it. Block an up or down vote. Because a majority of the Senate favors reform. But to close off debate for a final vote, it takes a super majority. Sixty votes from the 100 senators. If that can't be achieved, legislation can be talked to death. It's a gambit played off and on by politicians from both sides of the aisle to stymie the majority. Usually, the American people are the losers. For instance, polls show that a majority of Americans favor health care reform, including a public option. But the private insurance industry doesn't want public competition. It'll cut into their profits. And hey, they have such huge profits that they have cash to spare. They put it to good use. Buying votes. Yes, in our democracy, money talks. --Jim Broede

It's immoral. Obscene.

I think it's obscene and immoral for a nation to have a high unemployment rate. Instead, it should be the obligation of government to see that jobs are created. To put everyone back to work. If that means creating massive public works projects, so be it. In other words, we'd be building a better country. At the same time that we solve a social problem. Makes so much sense. But we don't do it, I suppose, because that would require a redistribution of wealth. A new mind-set. Everybody working for the common good. Sounds a little bit like socialism. And we're all supposed to be devout capitalists. But that's exactly why we're in big trouble. Why we have an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. Let's admit it. Capitalism is failing. It's immoral. Obscene. --Jim Broede

Long live Robinhood!

In the toughest of economic times, I'd like to see the rich/the wealthy make the greatest sacrifices. Yes, for the common good. Think about it. During recessions and depressions, it's mostly the lower and middle classes that get hit hardest. They lose their jobs. Often, they lose their homes. They barely survive. The rich may feel the pinch, too. They may not be quite as wealthy any more. But still, they tend to be relatively well off. Far from impoverished. So it's really in the worst of economic times that society needs a redistribution of wealth. But often, it's the affluent that get bailed out first. The bankers. The powerbrokers on Wall Street. The big corporations. Oh, yes, the big companies will continue to make money. By laying off workers. But still, they'll make substantial profits. Of course, if they did the right thing, the corporations would settle for less profit, and create more jobs. For the sake of the common good. They'd voluntarily redistribute the wealth to provide for the less fortunate. But that probably ain't gonna happen. Because the well-off tend to be greedy. And that's where I want government to step in. To take from the rich. And to give to the poor. Yes. Long live Robinhood! --Jim Broede

...a societal obligation.

I understand why some Alzheimer care-givers are annoyed with me for suggesting that they may be causing their patients harm. But hey, somebody has to stand up for the patients. They can hardly stand up for themselves. They are vulnerable. Care-givers are well-intentioned, I'm sure. But anyone that becomes overwhelmed and physically and mentally exhausted poses a danger to the self and to the patient. We shouldn't allow that to become an excuse for maltreating the patient. Let's find ways to give care-givers relief. Yes, help. It should become a societal obligation. --Jim Broede

Global warming's long history.

I'm never quite prepared for winter. In Minnesota, that is. I try to get ready for it. Winterizing the house. The windows. Picking up in the yard. Making sure that tools and stuff aren't buried by the snow, never to be seen again until spring. I don't believe in raking the leaves. They serve as extra ground cover. I pick 'em up moist in April or May. We had near record-cold in October. But the weather gods have made amends in November. So far, they're making a case for global warming. We've been as much as 20 degrees above the normal high of 45. I've been out walking in shirtsleeves. At mid-day, of course. While the sun shines. And I've had time to sweep the leaves off the roof. And to clean out the rain gutters. Incredible as it seems, I'm thinking about cranking up the lawn mower tomorrow, and chopping up the leaves. Into mulch. This date in November can be brutal. In 1991, we hit a record 6 below zero. But in 1874, it was 72 degrees. Apparently, global warming has a long history. --Jim Broede

Grandpa was a smart liar.

I suspect my paternal grandfather was a liar. For good reason. He didn't want to be sent back to Germany during World War I. To maybe even kill his brothers and sisters. To the best of my knowledge, my grandfather was an illegal immigrant. He probably sneaked into the USA around 1900, when he was 19. And eventually he settled in Chicago. Where he married my grandmother. And they had three children, including my father. And so I'm alive and well today because my grandfather decided to become an illegal immigrant. Maybe that's why I wouldn't be too harsh on illegal immigrants. If not for one, I wouldn't have been born. Anyway, as for my grandfather being a liar. In the 1910 census, he listed his age as 29. But by the time the 1920 census rolled around, he decided to become 34. Yes, aging 15 years in 10 years. Quite a feat. Unless one lied about it. Any why not lie? Especially if it got grandpa out of the draft for World War I. He didn't want to go back and shoot Germans. Or even get shot himself by a German. Gotta give grandpa credit. He was a smart liar. --Jim Broede

The crazy thought of it.

I'd be careful about sending a Muslim soldier to Iraq or Afghanistan, or any place where maybe he'd have to kill other Muslims. If the soldier volunteered to go, fine. Nidal Hasan didn't want to go. But he was gonna be sent anyway. That created a volatile situation. Especially for someone who sees our wars in both places as a bit unjust. Because, at least in the case of Iraq, it was started under false pretenses. And hey, thousands of innocent civilians/Muslims are being killed. And some of the people we take as prisoners are tortured. Ain't a good situation. And within the military ranks itself, there's lots of reported harassing of Muslims. In and out of our own military service. Soldiers tend to demonize the enemy. I even remember that when I was in the army, serving in Germany from 1958-60. It was peacetime. Yet many Germans were being treated rudely and with disrespect by some of my fellow soldiers. Wasn't very nice. We're taught to hate the so-called enemy. Makes it easier to kill 'em. And that's what soldiers do. Especially in war time. Kill. Kill. Kill. And you are required to follow orders. If it means killing a fellow Muslim, you kill him. Could be that even the crazy thought of it might drive a soldier or two crazy. --Jim Broede

Read it and weep.

Read it and weep, folks. Krugman is telling us the truth. And it's scary. --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/opinion/09krugman.html?_r=1

A nicely disciplined life.

I like to discipline myself. Mostly by writing. Every day. Love letters. My blog. I have to write something. Anything. I can't remember the last time I went a day without writing. Also, I exercise. Physically. Virtually every day. Even if I'm sick. I go for walks. Hardly ever less than 6 miles. Often more. And I do yard work. Gardening. And housework. Also, I read. The New York Times. Daily. And I read books. Lots of books. Writing. Walking. Reading. A nice daily routine. And then there's travel. At least two foreign trips a year. And Arizona in March. To take spring training with the Chicago Cubs. Yes, a nicely disciplined life. --Jim Broede

And I've had my say.

The world of the Internet and the blog certainly has changed things. Given more of us a wider range of expression. More freedom. We can publish our own stuff. In a blog. Of course, it's not required reading. And some blogs may hardly be read at all. But still, there's some satisfaction in being able to get up on a soapbox and just speak one's piece. Like I do in Broodings. And I get great satisfaction from it. I've made some nice contacts. Very pleasant ones, indeed. I also get some crappy comments. Some I publish. Some I don't. In other words, I look at this as my blog. Not yours. And if you don't like it -- well, you can go elsewhere. Or create your own blog. And have your say. Most of you are probably well aware that I don't mind offending people. I'm also very nice. To some. Not necessarily only the people who agree with me. I like disagreement. As long as it's reasonably civil and not too scurrilous. Some of your comments even have been obscene and libelous. And besides, they have been submitted anonymously. You should know better. But I want to thank all of you for making me feel like Broodings is being read. Maybe not always loved and revered. But read, nevertheless. Looks like we've had about 33,000 hits in the past two years. We've discussed lots of subjects. And I've had my say. Exactly why I started Broodings. --Jim Broede

Until I learned better.

I tend to rub some care-givers the wrong way. Especially those with Alzheimer patients. And particularly those who feel dreadfully sorry for themselves. I was a care-giver for my dear Jeanne for 13 years. To varying degrees. From full-time to part-time. In the last 38 months of Jeanne's life, I was an 8-10-hour-a-day care-giver. Didn't miss a day. Supplementing the care Jeanne received from professionals in a nursing home. That was the most sane approach. Because I got daily respite. And I was able to be upbeat and positive with Jeanne on a daily basis. Anyway, over the years, I took issue with crabby care-givers. Because for the most part, they aren't good for their patients. I've been a strong advocate of good vibes therapy. Because Alzheimer patients are more likely to thrive under low-stress or no-stress situations. And with positive stimulation. That's what I tried to do with Jeanne in the last three years. I'd play soft, soothing music. Hand-fed her in the quiet of her room rather than in the congregate dining area. Took her for daily outdoor romps in a wheelchair. Even in the wintertime. When I tucked her in a thermal sleeping bag. I also gave her a nightly shower and a body massage. I brought her home often. In a wheelchair. I took her for car rides into the countryside. I combed her hair. Oh, so many things. Most importantly, I learned to never allow her to see me angry or upset. And I talked to her in a soothing manner. Face to face. And yes, I took issue with some care-givers. For doing what I used to do. The way I treated Jeanne in earlier years. When I didn't quite understand that you don't expose Alzheimer patients to negative vibes, period. Ever. You find ways to cope. And to do the right thing. Some may say I lack adequate empathy for other care-givers. But that ain't so. Instead, I think it's more a case that some care-givers don't have sufficient empathy for their patients. That used to include me. Until I learned better. --Jim Broede

Right off the cliff.

I'm an easy-going guy. Don't get flustered easily. Really, no reason to get upset. Especially if someone maligns me. Or pokes fun at me. After all, it's just words. Often, a meaningless verbal barrage. If violence never gets worse than that, I can take it. I draw the line with physical violence. That could do me harm. Oh, words can do harm, too. To one's psyche, I suppose. But I really have a psyche that's protected by a coat of armor. Like a knight. A thick skin, so to speak. That allows me to venture out into the world. And feel a bit invincible. Like I say, it's hard to anger me. With words, that is. Because words can be taken in so many ways. I find that people use words. Without even knowing what they mean. They're semi-literate, at best. That's why they are affected by sound bites. Meaningless bites. But they hear the sound and jump to fantastic conclusions. Absurd ones. Even idiotic. That's why a Hitler can carry a nation off a cliff. Or take Jonestown. Years ago. People blindly followed. Drank the kool-aid. Because they thought a guy named Jones was a messiah. And take the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party. Some of 'em trek along with the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann and Russ Limbaugh and Glen Beck. Right off the cliff. Amazing. --Jim Broede

In a somewhat absurd world.

I never cease to be amazed by the number of angry people in this world. Yes, people that flip out. The army psychiatrist at Ft. Hood. He's one of many examples. Some of 'em take to unrestrained violence. But just as bad, in many ways, are members of the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party. The diehard ultra conservatives. Like Michelle Bachmann. And Sarah Palin. And Rush Limbaugh. And Glen Beck. I see 'em as empty-headed, angry people. I don't deny that I could be classed as empty-headed, too. But I'm not angry. I'm disappointed. And disillusioned. It doesn't do any good for me to be angry. I accept the world as it is. Because there's not much I can do to really change it in significant ways. So I have to learn to live within the confines of absurd reality. Often by creating my own reality, of sorts, in my little niche. And I protest. To some extent. By voicing my displeasure. In this blog, for instance. By confronting some of the angry people. In little ways. Maybe annoying ways. Yes, I'm able to annoy angry people. Make them a little bit more angry. Maybe to get them to see the futility of their anger. That they ain't gonna change anything very much. Their only hope is to quell their anger. To find reason to be happy. And reasonably content. In a somewhat absurd world. --Jim Broede

I fear the euphoria will be gone.

I think it's important for Democrats to deliver on their promises. And that especially goes for President Barack Obama. They promised change. Yes, change, change, change. And I'm not sure we'll get it. Maybe, in part, because Republicans are obstructionists. They want Obama and the Democrats to fail. Because that's the road back to power for the GOP. The thing is, the Democrats have the power. But maybe they don't know how to use it. They tend to pussyfoot. To dilly-dally. To be less than ruthless. In that regard, the Republicans hold the edge. They have a take-no-prisoners mentality. The Democrats have the opportunity to deliver big on health care reform. To bring about a public option. To put stiff regulations on the health insurance companies. To tell the Republicans to go to hell. And the Democrats can pass climate change legislation. And rein in Wall Street bankers and other greedy capitalists. In essence, the Democrats can bring about change that serves the common good. Instead of serving the rich and powerful. The Democrats promised big change during the 2008 election campaign. That's why they acquired more political clout and political capital than they've had in a long, long time. But I sense the power is being wasted. The Democrats may not deliver on their big promises. If that happens, we'll see the Republicans make big gains in 2010. Sad to say. I fear the euphoria will be gone. America will be in steep decline once again. And I won't show up at the polls. It'll be a waste of time to even bother to vote any more. --Jim Broede

I like to run from trouble.

I really like to kid people. Especially people who get annoyed with me. I mean, seriously perturbed. They call me all sorts of names. Jump to weird conclusions. Like the snob ladies. I kid them a whole lot. Make light of 'em. And hey, I invite 'em to make light of me. To joke around. Only thing is, they seem so deadly serious. They see me as evil. The devil incarnate. A heathen. And here I am. Truly a nice guy. Amiable. A lover of life. A romantic idealist. A liberal. A free-thinker. A lover, period. And just recently I've decided to become a philosopher. To give myself a bit more balance. Anyway, seems to me the snob ladies tend to be conservatives. Some of 'em even on the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party. Would-be Sarah Palins. Or Michelle Bachmanns. I mean, really far out. Bachmann even comes from my congressional district in Minnesota. That's getting a little too close for comfort. Like me, she's for a revolution. But not my kind of revolution. I want the liberals to take complete control. Bachmann wants the lunatic fringe to pull a coup d'etat. And it may not be bloodless. Because she's talking armed rebellion. She wants the lunatics to invade Washington and storm the capitol and look into the whites of the eyes of liberals like me. Gawd Almighty, help us. Bachmann may see the whites of my eyes some day. And I'll be terrified when I see the red of her blood-shot eyes. Close-up. I've always theorized that if Bachmann and the snob ladies came close to me, I'd flee. Because I think I can run faster. Albeit, if they catch me, I'm in trouble. They're really tough broads. They command respect. That is, if I'm captured. But I'm in constant training. I'm perfecting my running, my fleeing techniques. I like to run from trouble. Not into perilous trouble. --Jim Broede

I'm almost always in love.

I guess I like to have free rein. Here in my blog. Do pretty much as I please. Write what I want to write. I'm not out to please anyone. Other than myself, I suppose. Of course, some folks would like to tell me what to write. And what to be. They'd like to shape me. Shape me up. Shape me in their mold. That ain't gonna happen. I'm my own boss. My own editor. That's one nice thing about being published on the Internet. It's quite a nice outlet for freedom of expression. I'm not out to lure a vast audience. Or even any audience at all. I'll even scare some away. Because I have no use for 'em. Just like some have no use for me. That's fine. Some accuse me of being boring. Yet, they come back. To be bored. Hard to imagine that they choose to be bored. They must be idiots. But hey, it takes all kinds to make up this world. But that makes life interesting. The varied personalities. The different opinions. Used to be I only talked to myself. But now I'm exposed. A handful keep coming to this blog. So I'm connecting. Albeit, with a few. But that's all I need, or ever wanted. I find that I can go it alone. But I've been fortunate most of my life. Because I'm almost always in love. With someone. --Jim Broede

Free to wander wherever I want.

Oh, so many thoughts. I like to think. About any and every thing. Nothing is off limits. That gives me a sense of freedom. I can be restrained in many ways. Limits imposed, for instance, on where I can go. Physically. But mentally, I have so much leeway. I can explore boundless worlds. I'm even free to connect to god. In thought. And that is exactly what god is. A thought. A real presence. People may tell me I'm right or wrong about this or that. But it doesn't matter. I'm free to wander wherever I want. With my thoughts. How wonderful. --Jim Broede

Opportunities to get it right.

My pal god tells me reincarnation is an option. For everyone. One can choose to never come back. Or to come back at any time. And as many times as one likes. But all memory of a past life will be erased. For a reason. One must have a feeling that the present life may well be one's only life. That the concept of death is necessary. That life won't last forever. So that one is more likely to make the best of limited time. If one knowingly had forever, the tendency would be to dilly-dally. And not savor the day. Or the moment. God says that if one wants to remain in limbo, in a spirit world, that's all right. Or one can choose to just be dead. To cease one's existence, period. God also says that reincarnation is a little like playing roulette. One never knows where one will end up. Could be on another planet in another solar system in another dimension. It's all by chance. And it could be that one's reincarnated life lasts for only a minute or two, or for hundreds of years. Just depends. Yes, on chance circumtances. In other words, life is a little like playing a game. To see how one copes with whatever happens. Sounds like a good deal to me. Gives me some pretty nice choices. And so many, many opportunities to get it right. --Jim Broede

A favorite columnist.

Here's a reason why Maureen Dowd is one of my favorite columnists. --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/opinion/04dowd.html?_r=1

How do I become a philosopher?

I think I'd like to become a philosopher. How does one become a philosopher? Can I just announce, I am a philosopher? I philosophize, therefore I am a philosopher. Or do I need certain credentials to prove it? --Jim Broede

A useful and positive purpose.

I find it easiest knowing myself. Rather than another being. Because I am able to look into myself. See inside myself. Penetrate my own mind. But when I look into other minds, it's more guesswork. More speculation. More room for error. Of course, I can make errors about myself, too. I can even lie to myself. But when I'm honest, I know it's a lie. And then it becomes an intentional lie. With a reason. And therefore, it may not be a lie. Because it serves a useful and positive purpose. --Jim Broede

The placebo effect.

If a lie is by design, is it a lie? Like when I tell someone who's sick and in the hospital that he/she is looking better. In order to try to make him/her feel good. Is that truly a lie? Or am I practicing a useful and effective kind of therapy? The placebo effect. --Jim Broede

Ready to be taught.

I think I annoy some people. Because I egg them on. I push their buttons. I know that's not always the nice thing to do. But it does get response. Better that than indifference. If I hadn't become a writer, I could just as easily have become a teacher. Oh, my classes would be rollicking. We'd have a good time. Debating. Agreeing and disagreeing. We'd have lively encounters. Yes, push the limits. I'd stir controversy. But I'd get students to flock to my classes. Nobody would fall asleep. I'd make people angry. But not all. I'd have allies. Backers. Supporters. But plenty of critics, too. I majored in English. And history. So that'd probably be my subject areas. But I'd like to teach religion, too. Theology. From a free-thinker's point of view. That would stir things up. I'd seek a job teaching in a seminary. But it'd have to be a very, very liberal seminary, I suppose. The fundamentalists would hate me. I could teach political science, too. Politics. And the art of corruption. That would be my specialty. Corruption. And what better place than in the realm of politics? Lying. Cheating. Thievery. It's all there. Ready to be taught. --Jim Broede

Even the narcissistic.

I'm occasionally taken to task here for being too narcissistic. But I really take it more as a compliment than a criticism. I like being a bit self-absorbed. It's a good trait. If one learns to manage it well. I'm entertained by myself. When I'm alone, for instance, I can make a go of it. I could survive on a desert island for an extended period. Because I'm good company. With myself. I talk to myself. Daily. I write to myself, too. I try to dig deep into my being. And hey, I have direct access to god. He and I are pals. And god tells me it's all right to be narcissistic. Because that is what he is. All-knowing. Omnipotent. The Creator. Of everything. The god of love. Love of others. Even love of himself. You gotta like yourself, god tells me. No sense in hating yourself. God also says he's humble. For instance, he has given me permission to spell his name with a lower case g. That disturbs some of his devout followers. They think a lower case g doesn't give him proper respect. God says he doesn't have to be respected. That it's even all right to doubt his existence. Or to even deny his existence. That he won't hold that against you. He'll save everyone. Even the narcissistic. --Jim Broede

The humane thing to do.

Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. That's what we need more of in the USA. Yes, it'd be nice if the government created more jobs. That would be the humane thing to do. Better than bailing out Wall Street and the bankers. That keeps the rich on Easy Street. If we had our priorities straight, we'd help the not-so-rich, the unemployed, by guaranteeing them jobs. Maybe on public works projects. To repair and expand our infrastructure. By golly, putting everybody to work. Yes, an army of workers. We don't hesitate putting soldiers to work fighting wars. But we don't put workers to work to save the nation on the domestic side. Why is that? After all, it would be the humane thing to do. --Jim Broede

Blessed by the Creator.

Some battles one can't win. At least, not all at once. One has to peck away. Gradually. Bit by bit. Maybe one wins little skirmishes. One finds an ally. Here and there. One goes underground, if necessary. One survives. And really, one finds ways to thrive. Because one has friends. Maybe even a lover. Life is not meant to be lived in total isolation. A single human contact makes a difference. A big difference. Honesty. Intimacy. That's the way life was meant to be lived. From the beginning. Maybe we've lost our way since Eden. But the path is still there. We are able to find our way. We are still blessed by the Creator. --Jim Broede

Life ain't all that bad.

Welcome to the real world, everyone. Systems are designed to be corrupt. Even the church. Religion. The power is in the hierarchy. Women are second class in many churches. Denied equality with men. And good believers live with it. Because that's the way it is. The church is corrupt. The pedophiles. It was well-known in the church that pedophiles thrived within the system. But there was cover-up. And look at the monetary riches of the church. Rich. Rich. Rich. While many in the flock are poor, poor, poor. Destitute. Do I sound like a cynic? Like Diogenes? Corruption is the rule. Not the exception. Yet, I find life wonderful. Really. So much to savor. Not the least being the ability to love. Each other. Don't let the worst of the world get you down. Focus on the best. Yes, life ain't all that bad. If you learn to appreciate it. --Jim Broede

I'm sure that I am real.

I am accessible. I am real. I can be found. Yet there are people who doubt my existence. In that respect, it makes me feel a little like god. Little wonder that we have agnostics. People who can't be sure of anything. I'm sure that I am real. That I am Jim Broede.

Maybe even a bit more honest.

I suppose what the Internet does, it gives us all the opportunity to have a blog. And to be published, in a sense. And also to choose to be anonymous with our opinions. We can use pseudonyms. Such as the ever popular 'anonymous.' I suspect that people that remain anonymous do so, in part, because they have more courage to say what they say if they remain unidentified. Easier to make false accusations. To tell lies. If one uses his real name, one is taking responsibility for what one says. I, for instance, declare my biases. In that sense, I allow myself to be openly challenged. One is allowed to examine my bias. Because I have a specific identity. I'm not anonymous. I'm Jim Broede. Real. Sure, maybe we never fully know each other. But at least I give people an opportunity to know me. Chances are we all hide behind something of a mask or a facade. But I allow for more give and take than an anonymous being, it seems to me. You can look me up. You can talk to people acquainted with me. You can look at the public record. It helps that I am not anonymous. Makes me a bit more naked than someone hiding behind a false name. Yes, maybe even a bit more honest. I'd like to think so. --Jim Broede