Thursday, December 31, 2009

It helps that I speak Canadian.

I'm no patriot. Probably never will be. I don't like to practice patriotism. Because I think it's mindless. And maybe even downright evil. Patriots tend to get carried away. And do almost anything for sake of country. For me, no country is all that sacred. There are things I like about the USA. But far from everything. In some respects, I think we're an evil nation. Especially when it comes to the practice of capitalism. The rampant greed. The exploitation of the masses. The ever-widening gap between the rich and poor. Of course, I like it that I have freedom of speech. But I need more than that to be a totally loyal American. I renounce many of our practices. Especially the racist elements. And I think there are nicer governments in the world. And when the Republicans are in power, I'm often downright ashamed of my country. We're disgraceful. But still, I stick around. In order to work for change. And to protest. I think that many Americans are stupid. Evidenced by the fact that we too often vote Republicans into the majority. And we even elected George Bush. Not once. But twice. And it wouldn't even surprise me if someday we elect Sarah Palin to the top office. That certainly doesn't give me much confidence in my country. If that ever happens, I might just pick up and flee. To Italy. Or Germany. Or maybe Scotland. Or New Zealand. Of course, it might be easiest to take off for Canada. I'm only a couple hundred miles away. Yes, safety isn't that far away. Maybe I could feel a little bit of patriotic fervor. In Canada. And it helps that I speak Canadian. --Jim Broede

On the top of my list.

In this so-called war on terrorism, wouldn't it be easier to figure out what motivates the terrorist to go crazy? To get inside his mind. What makes him tick? And to literally blow himself to smithereens, and to kill many of his fellow human beings in the process. Yes, I know it's for a cause. And to get to a blissful spiritual place. But ain't this all a delusion? A mental disorder? And treatable? If we had an army of psychiatrists instead of an army of killer soldiers, couldn't we get these crazy fanatics cured? Enlightened? Able to see the light as we so-called 'normal' people see it? Or is it that some of us are beyond repair? Beyond reclamation? Beyond saving? Oh, I like to study people. Yes, to determine what makes a being go absolutely stark, raving mad. On the top of my list are terrorists and Republicans. --Jim Broede

The whole world has gone crazy.

I'm not so sure that America is at war. At least, it doesn't seem like a traditional kind of war. The enemy isn't a specific nation. But rather loosely defined 'terrorists.' Or criminals. Similar to the Mafia. Or the Chicago hoodlums of the 1920s and 1930s. Or maybe they're merely religious fanatics. Yes, nuts. Individuals that hide super explosives in the crotch of their underwear. In attempts to blow up planes. We're fighting a band of crackpots. They like to turn themselves into bombs. Not only in the hope of killing people at random, but also of attaining an eternal reward in Nirvana. Access to scores of virgins. Yes, it's come down to a sexual thing. I've always thought of war-mongers as deviants. Mentally disturbed, and worse. If we are at war, we are at war against insanity. And in fighting the insane, we become insane ourselves. Yes, just listen to our modern-day patriots. Dick Cheney. Rush Limbaugh. Glenn Beck. Sarah Palin. Almost any Republican. They seem to be as mentally-deranged as any terrorist. And many of us acquiese. We surrender our rights. Even our privacy. Soon we will have to march naked to board a plane. To expose our genitals. To prove we aren't terrorists. Yes, we've reached the point of total insanity. The whole world has gone crazy. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A sad state of affairs.

I think Alzheimer care-givers may be the biggest collection of crackpots I've ever known. That's not surprising. Because they are under lots of stress. Day in and day out. They often see loved ones fading away. In absurd and sad ways. Causes lots of anguish. And self-pity. Makes some care-givers a bit crazy. Even downright nuts. I've known care-givers in worse mental shape than their patients. And I've let it be known. That maybe they ought to get out of care-giving. Because they could be doing more harm than good. To the patient. And to themselves. I've alienated some care-givers. They think I should be more understanding of the care-givers' plight. And that I should show more compassion. And I do. Toward the patients. Some care-givers have no business being care-givers. Maybe Alzheimer care-givers should be licensed, and put through rigid training. Because they often are ill-equipped mentally and physically to be care-givers. We license doctors and nurses and all sorts of medical personnel. But family care-givers have free rein. And that has created a sad state of affairs. --Jim Broede

A place to find help.

The nuts that know they're nuts tend to stay anonymous. Or they use fake names. They're ashamed of themselves. And that may be a good sign. That may prod them into treatment. When a nut begins to use his/her real name, they usually are on the path to recovery. And they proudly proclaim they are recovering nuts. But they know there's always the danger of a relapse. They need to keep working at recovery. It's an endless, ongoing process. The nuts I encounter usually protesteth too much. They are in a state of denial. They deny being addicted to this blog. But they keep coming back for a taste of enlightenment. They sense this is a place to find help and compassion. --Jim Broede

Beware of the inmates.

There are nuts walking the streets. And even in responsible positions. With news and media outlets. I can give examples. Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. They don't come much nuttier than that. And the scary thing is that they attract a following. Hordes of nuts cling to their words. Yes, nuts attract nuts. There's a long history of nuts attaining power. As leaders of their nation. Hitler is a prime example. Too often, craziness becomes contagious. The day is coming. When Republicans return to power. Yes, the inmates will be running the asylum again. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

They can me made well again.

I do get letters from sick people. I mean mentally sick. I'm not sure that they recognize their illness. It's one of obession. And they need help. Treatment. Therapy. Maybe even hospitalization. If they identified themselves, I'd see that they got help. Even if I had to pay for it. I'd consider it a good deed. In most cases, I think they could qualify for assistance. All they'd have to do is check into a local mental health clinic. For a diagnosis. My understanding is that the new health care reform legislation will provide more money for mental health. And that's good. As a nation, we have long ignored mental health. We're good at treating physical diseases. Unfortunately, it's often considered shameful to have mental disorders. It shouldn't be. The mentally ill can be made well again. The shame is that they don't get help. --Jim Broede

I've left my heart in Chicago.

I'm really not a very loyal Minnesotan. Especially when it comes to football. I'd rather see the Minnesota Vikings lose than win. Because I'm partial to Chicago. And the Bears. Minnesota is having a good season. And the Bears a very bad season. But last night, my Bears beat the high-flying Vikings in overtime. How sweet it is. I know that may wreck Minnesota's chances of getting a good seed in the play-offs. But hey, that's all right. I have no allegiance to Minnesota. When it comes to sports, I've left my heart in Chicago. Where I was born. --Jim Broede

To see him brainwashed.

Thank gawd for inept bombers. That Nigerian. Aboard a flight over Detroit. Wanted to take everyone with him to his version of Valhalla. Had the explosive hidden in his underwear. Didn't go off. Instead, it merely burned his ass. So now we Americans are all hot and bothered and upset. Wondering how he got on the flight. We gotta blame somebody. The security people. Maybe even president Obama. But maybe gawd was on our side this time. Anyway, we'll be putting the would-be bomber into prison. For the rest of his life. But I'd like to see him made into a reclamation project. To see him brainwashed. So that he learns to think like a decent, law-abiding American. --Jim Broede

Beethoven speaking from heaven.

I like winter. That is, until spring is about to arrive. Then I like spring. And then summer. And autumn. Yes, that's about right. About three months. For each season. Of course, in Minnesota, the seasons overlap a little bit. We might have snow in October. Or even in April or May. But to make up for it, we sometimes, but rarely, have the 50s in January. I like surprises. Especially when it's a break from the frigid cold. Maybe I like winter because so many people don't like it. That spurs me on. To find reasons to like winter. For one thing, it's easier walking 10 miles in zero degree temperature than it is on a hot, humid day. Ah, a brisk walk. Makes one feel vibrant. Very much alive. And the wintertime air seems to be the most pure and clean. Cleansed in the arctic. But a summertime shower has a cleansing effect, too. And the thunder. Such dramatic sound. Like Beethoven speaking from heaven. --Jim Broede

Monday, December 28, 2009

God: It's okay to be mischievous.

When people come here and gripe about my blog and what I have to say, I like to take 'em on. Lambaste 'em. Just for the hell of it. That's a price they've gotta pay. I don't wanna let 'em off easy. After all, the audacity. To tell me I'm wrong. It could just as easily be that they're wrong. And I'm right. Some nerve, they've got. I write this blog to cultivate my ego. Nothing wrong with that. So I've gotta make off as if I'm right. About everything. Anyway, I'm the boss here. The editor. The lord high potentate. Makes me feel powerful. Almost like a king. Not god, of course. I acquiese to the almighty. But I have conversations with him. And he seems to approve. Generally. I feel I'm on good terms with god. We're pals. Just the way it's supposed to be. And hey, god knows there's something of the devil in me. He'd have to be stupid not to know. Because he created me. And he tells me, 'Jimmy, boy, you don't have to be perfect.' I like it that he calls me Jimmy, boy. Because I dislike the name James. And 'boy' is all right. Makes me feel sort of young. Better than 'Jimmy, old man.' God keeps advising me to be a good boy. But he says it's okay to be mischievous. --Jim Broede

Teaching me how to love.

Maybe god doesn't want life to be perfect. Maybe god wants us to learn to cope with adversity. To deal with pitfalls. Heck, lots of things have gone wrong in my life. My dear sweet Jeanne had Alzheimer's for 13 years. My dad committed suicide when I was 13. Lots of sad things. But golly, in 74 years of life, I've had many, many times more wonderful experiences than bad or tragic happenings. I've experienced love. And happiness. Yes, grief, too. But it's all been a good learning experience. I'm happy to have lived. And I've learned to take life one day at a time. And savor each day. Even on bad days, good things happen. Alzheimer's taught me much about love. Put my love to a test. I learned how to love better and better. I learned patience. And acceptance. Maybe god was teaching me something. Maybe god was blessing me. Maybe god wanted me to figure it out. Maybe god was teaching me how to love. Rather than to hate. --Jim Broede

The unanswered question.

I was 13. On a Saturday night in April. Dad came up to my bedroom. And asked if he could borrow $2. He was dead flat broke. Next morning. He was dead, period. Went down to the basement and hung himself. I still wonder what he did with the $2. --Jim Broede

Let alone my brother.

I think I was 7. I was sitting with my dad. In his car. In the driveway. And dad told me that I should be protective of my younger brother. That I should always come to his aid. That I should be his protector. Take on an abiding responsibility for him. And I began to cry. Because I thought that was too much responsibility. After all, I felt overwhelmed just caring for myself. Let alone my brother. --Jim Broede

God wants us to be creators.

We must all learn to create our own worlds. God wants us to be creators. Yes, to be creative. --Jim Broede

Opportunities for understandings.

I live in a wonderful world. In that there's always something to explore. Another being. Another place. Another experience. That makes life rather captivating. I go about living. Even now. By writing. By thinking. By being aware. Conscious. I'm creating life. I'm living this moment. Getting something from it. I'm thrilled to be alive. To be in love. That's all it takes. To feel something. Wonderful. When I was initially born. After climbing out of the womb. I still didn't know I was alive. But now I know. Because I have found ways to capture a moment. Even when I'm by myself. I've learned a language. Words. I put it all together. Into something meaningful. For me. I don't necessarily need to share a thought with another. But I do. I throw out thoughts. At random. Written words. Often misconstrued. But that makes for an adventure. A contact. A misunderstanding. I like misunderstandings. Because that creates opportunities. For understandings. --Jim Broede

Sunday, December 27, 2009

My gawd, it's beautiful.

Many of us imagine we aren't well-off, when actually we are in Paradise. All we need do is wake up and look around. My gawd, it's beautiful. --Jim Broede

It's possible to love a scum-bag.

God tolerates us humans. Doesn't hate us. God doesn't even hate what we do. God is capable only of love. And god is trying to set the example for his creation. We're supposed to do the same. Love. Not hate. I even love Republicans. Actually, my daughter and son-in-law are Republicans. I accept that. I joke about it. I josh. I kid them. But no way do I hate them because they are Republicans. I still love 'em unconditionally. I have to admit that Republicans are humans. They were born to be loved. If not fully respected. I find it possible to call some Republicans scum-bags. But hey, it's still possible to love a scum-bag. Sure beats hating him. --Jim

And yet we pretend to know.

Interesting, isn't it? When two people make an effort, and get to know each other a little better, they begin to seem more human. Initially, we all tend to jump to so many, many false conclusions. We don't ever get to know each other. We're strangers. Barely touching from a distance. And yet we pretend to know. --Jim Broede

Saturday, December 26, 2009

If we savor what we've got.

Maybe when capitalism dies, we'll have to settle for being a nation of less monetary wealth. Which is all right. Maybe we'll have to rely more on spiritual wealth. And on a government that provides citizens with the basics. Such as universal health care. And ample educational opportunities. And a shorter work week. And lots of parks. And recreation activities. Yes, the basics for a good life. Doesn't mean we have to be milllionaires and billionaries. Just enough to get by. Comfortably. Really, one can live a pretty decent life on five and six-figure incomes. The good life is relative. Good health, for instance, may be far more important than a high income. I think most of us would choose good health over monetary riches. It's a good argument for universal health care. Anyway, I'm getting a feeling that because of bad economic times, we Americans may have to start living on less. But that may be a blessing. If we learn to savor what we've got. --Jim Broede

I'm still waiting.

Without functionaries, we wouldn't have bureaucracies. They're the ordinary people that run the bureaucracies. Often, hired nitwits. They're told what to do, and they do it. In Hitler's Germany, they were the paper-pushers. That documented whom was supposed to go to the concentration camps. Every country has its characteristic bueaucracy. In modern-day Germany, it's efficiency that rules the roost. Everybody that comes for service must do everything in precise order. Efficiently. Cross every 't' and dot every 'i'. In Italy, one must learn to put off. What can be done tomorrow or next week or next month gets automatically postponed. One must return to the bueaucracy multiple times to get things done. In America, it's often a pass-the-buck bureaucracy. You gotta go from one functionary to another and another and another. And often, one doesn't even get to talk to a real live being. They try to answer your questions by remote control. Then if something goes awry, it can be blamed on a machine. A robot. Often, the robots have first names. The last one I talked to was Shantelle. I asked to talk to her supervisor. That was several weeks ago. I'm still waiting. --Jim Broede

The immoral American way.

The health care bureaucracy gets you one way or another. Tries to wear you down. By making you jump through hoops. Making you give in. Surrender. And pay up. Rather than fight the bureaucracy. Yes, just pay 'em the exorbitant profits. Because it'll often cost you many times more than that to obtain justice and fairness. The system is rigged. Like the time I was charged $50 for a little strap to wrap around my tendonitis-plagued elbow. The same identical strap at the local drug store would have cost me $8. I protested. Refused to pay the bill. Allowed my blood pressure to soar. Eventually, the community services director at the clinic asked if I'd settle by paying $10. I did. Felt like I had won. But hey, I'd have been better off paying the $50 at the start. Just to avoid the hassle. Now I've got a bill for $86.50. For a tetatnus shot. Medicare paid $30.50. The cost of the serum. But the clinic's charge was $117. Guess that takes into account the cost of administering the shot in my arm. Took all of a half minute. Normally, my supplemental insurance carrier would make up some of the difference. But not in this case. Because new regulations require me to seek reimbursement through my prescription drug provider. And I have to apply directly. By filling out all kinds of paperwork. Yes, going through the rigormarole. Maybe in hopes that I just write a check and not seek reimbursement. Anyway, it all adds up. Some $117 for a $30 serum. And $50 for an $8 strap. That's the little stuff. Just imagine the profit built into the big stuff. When my wife Jeanne was in a rehab center for Alzheimer patients she had a fall and they took her to the emergency room of a nearby hospital. By ambulance. We were billed $800 for the ambulance ride initially. Before the medics knew we had insurance. Good thing we had insurance. Because the ambulance service charged the insurer only $400. A previously negotiated price. But if we hadn't had the insurance, we'd have been obligated to pay the full freight. The $800. Because medical providers don't negotiate with individuals. Only with with the large corporate insurers. It's the system. And little wonder why health care in the USA costs twice that in other industrialized countries with universal health care. And in terms of medical results, the USA lags behind other countries. Ranking 30-something. Good gawd. Shameful. We pay through the kazoo. And what do we have to show for it? Yes, we desperately need health care reform. A major overhaul. When Jeanne fell and broke her wrist some years ago in Germany, the entire bill, for hospital and doctor, was about $500. Imagine what that would have cost in the USA. Yes, thousands of dollars. Because obscene profits are built into everything. That's the American way. The pitiful way. The immoral way. The greedy capitalist way. --Jim Broede

Winning isn't everything.

To get ultimate satisfaction, it's not always necessary to win. Winning isn't everything. In a sense, one can win by losing. By the way one takes the loss. Using it as a lesson. It's an attitudinal thing. --Jim Broede

Friday, December 25, 2009

Desire plays a vital role.

Looks to me like my Chicago Cubs will stand pat. Make no big changes in personnel for the next baseball season. Figuring that the players they already have, including young and upcoming stalwarts in the minor leagues, will provide the necessary impetus for improvement. Enough to win the Central division or a wildcard berth in the playoffs. I like that approach. Better than adding big-name free agents. I want a team effort. And a better mental approach to the game of baseball. I want to see the Cubs play with confidence and a swagger. Finding new ways to win. Rather than lose. The Cubs have the third highest payroll in baseball. But that wasn't good enough to get 'em into the playoffs last season. An indication that money doesn't necessarily buy success. No doubt about it, talent is a factor. But even moreso, desire plays a vital role. --Jim Broede

We don't believe in tie games.

We really are a polarized nation, aren't we? Amazing. To pass health care reform legislation, it required all 58 Democrats and two independents that caucus with the Democrats to be united. To stick with each other. Totally. Because all 40 Republicans opposed health care reform. Which meant that if one Democrat wavered, the Republicans could have blocked reform by filibustering. Yes, call us a divided nation. Politically speaking. Our politicians view life in black and white terms. No gray. Good and evil. Right and wrong. No inbetween. You're either with us or against us. Frankly, I'm willing to compromise. Allow for give and take. I'd try to come up with a health care reform plan that divides Republicans and Democrats. We'd have some from each side of the aisle supporting it, and some opposing it. That might be a good plan. The best plan. Each side gets something. Better than all or nothing, isn't it? We Americans seem to think that life is a game. We must have a winner. And a loser. We don't believe in tie games. --Jim Broede

Thursday, December 24, 2009

My whole day. Loving thoughts.

What a day. A nice day. So much snow. I like it. Gives me opportunity for good exercise. Shoveled the driveway. And the back porch. Heavy snow. Lots of moisture in it. Then I walked 6 miles. On snow-covered roads. Slow going. Had to be careful not to slip and slide. And then I had chicken parmesan with alfredo pasta. And a nice lettuce salad with Italian dressing. And a half-piece of apple cake. And I listened to Beethoven's violin concerto. And now I have on Vivaldi. Concertos for the emperor. Guess I'll pretend I'm the emperor tonight. Christmas eve. As I walked, several cars slowed down. Drivers rolled down the windows. And bellowed, "Merry Christmas, Jim." Meanwhile, my buddy, kitty Loverboy, is on the cushion. On my desk. Grooming himself. And here I am. Writing. Thinking loving thoughts. That's been my whole day. Loving thoughts. --Jim Broede

Going off the deep end.

I don't think I hate anything or anyone. Oh, maybe dislike or disdain. But I reserve the word 'hate' for something I haven't yet encountered from within. I'm amazed when I see anyone who truly hates. That's really going off the deep end. They need to see a psychiatrist and get into therapy. --Jim Broede

A place where the sun shines.

Amazing. This thing called love. All one needs is a tiny drop of love. Put it in a huge reservoir, and it permeates everything. Yes, that's the power of love. Incredible. Somewhere along the line, I was touched by love. Maybe nothing bigger than a raindrop. While I was on my journey. And lo and behold, it awakened me. Lifted me. Into another dimension. A new awareness. A place where the sun always shines. Yes, Paradise. --Jim Broede

Delivering the truth.

I got up early today and read this refreshing column by Timothy Egan in the New York Times. Egan delivers a truth. And what can be more appropriate as we celebrate the year-ending holiday season? --Jim Broede

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/profiles-in-cowardice/

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Disregard of the common good.

I don't think we Americans ever solidly believed in the common good. Instead, we believe in individual initiative. Survival of the fittest. And to hell with the unfortunate. We've always believed in exploitation. And the credo we espoused, that all men are created equal, was a sham. A bunch of bullshit. Our founders never believed that. Black people weren't equal. They were born to be slaves. In America. And women, hey, they weren't equal to men. They didn't gain suffrage rights until 1918. And women are still shortchanged today in the job market. And in other ways. Anyway, I'm an advocate of the common good. Yes, we must learn to do what's best for all of us. Society, as a whole. It's taking a long time in coming. But maybe we are making small gains. We are starting to seriously question the inherent evil nature of capitalism. The greed. The corruption. The ever-widening gap between the rich and poor. The disregard of the common good. --Jim Broede

The Republicans' death wish.

It's just rumor. But wouldn't surprise me if it were true. That some mean-spirited Republicans were praying. That ailing and aged Sen. Robert C. Byrd would drop dead. So that the Democrats would lose the necessary 60th vote to block the Republicans from filibustering health care reform legislation. Sounds very much like what the morally-bankrupt Republicans would do. Wish for someone's death. For political convenience. Yes, I don't trust Republicans. They have no scruples. Even at Christmas-time. --Jim Broede

As if they were hungry fish.

I like it when people disagree with me. Because that allows me to disagree with them. Of course, if they make solid arguments, I allow them to sway me, and I admit I'm wrong. And I mend my ways. But many people who disagree with me, won't change their minds, even if they are routed in a debate. Because they're stubborn. Entrenched in their ways. Of course, that's the way they see me, too. But I'm not stubborn. Instead, I have a sense of humor. And I like to pretend I'm stubborn. Just for laughs. For the fun of it. Really, my kind of disagreement can be fun. Because I don't take it too seriously. I even like to bait people. Into disagreement. Many of 'em bite at the bait. As if they were hungry fish. --Jim Broede

Especially white Republicans.

I know I could be wrong about this. But I have a feeling that many Republicans are racists. That if you dig deep into their souls, they don't like the fact that a black man is president. It annoys them. Because Republicans, especially the very conservative ones, believe in white supremacy. They won't admit it. But they abhor the thought that in not very many years, whites will be the minority in the USA. I like that prospect. It's about time that whites learned to live as a minority. Especially white Republicans. --Jim Broede

They belong in a barn.

It's a crying shame that we Americans allow jackasses to roam in the halls of Congress. They belong in a barn. --Jim Broede

I appreciate what I have.

I think that if I had to choose between a partridge and a pear tree, I'd take the pear tree. I'd be able to eat the fruit for a long, long time. But I wouldn't want to eat the partridge. I'd make a pet of it. But I have two cats now. And they suffice. They are wonderful pets. So I don't need more and more. I appreciate what I have. --Jim Broede

Here's a Christmas bonus. A jazzed-up version of a song about a partridge in a pear tree. Click on this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kYEK-pxs_A

My place in the cosmos.

I think that if I've learned anything during a lifetime, it's patience. And acceptance. Of the world as it is. I've learned to savor life. By savoring the day. This very moment. My place in the cosmos. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Americans are slow learners.

It'll take time. Maybe a decade or two or three. But we Americams will some day have Medicare for everyone. A single-payer government-run program. Really, we should have universal health care now. But conservative Americans think that sounds too much like socialism. Too Marxist. And it's been drilled into the heads of Americans for generations that socialism is bad. Yes, we tend to be brainwashed. And manipulated by the powerbrokers. For generations, we even believed that slavery was all right. Or that women shouldn't have the right to vote. Or that blacks should be denied civil rights. But eventually, we saw the light. And mended our ways. Yes, someday the same will go for universal health care. Just be patient. We Americans are slow learners. --Jim Broede

The Yule spirit. American-style.

Ah, a time to revel in the Christmas spirit. In Washington, D.C. Our nation's grand capitol. In the halls of the U.S. Senate. A late night session. Opened with a 2-minute prayer (way too long) and the pledge of allegiance. And then our beloved senators went into acrimonious debate over health care reform. And I thought, what a wonderful Christmas spirit. Of course, I'm being sarcastic. I'm ashamed of the U.S. Senate. Makes me anything but proud to be an American. I'd trade the whole bunch of our politicians for a partridge and a pear tree. Yes, it was 60 Democrats versus 40 Republicans. No civility. And one harangue after another. They've decided to extend the bickering into Christmas Eve. So they can shout angry tidings. Such as ''Bah, Humbug!!!" Ah, yes, the Yule spirit. American-style. --Jim Broede

Monday, December 21, 2009

Read it and weep.

America is caught between severe problems that must be addressed and a minority party determined to block action on every front. That's the conclusion of New York Times columnist Paul Krugman. Read what he has to say, and weep. --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/opinion/21krugman.html?_r=1

Thank gawd for liberals.

I have misgivings about the health care reform bill about to be passed by the U.S. Senate. But I'm concluding that there must be some good in the legislation. If for no other reason than that Republicans are livid and unanimous in their opposition. Yes, the GOP sees this as a real defeat. They are going home with tails between their legs. Of course, I know the bill was watered-down to appease moderate and conservative Democrats. That's a shame. Causing many liberals to hold their noses while they vote for this historic legislation. Yes, liberals know it's a step in the right direction. And that some day, we'll have truly universal health care. And even a single-payer public option. Thank gawd for liberals. Otherwise, we wouldn't have social security or Medicare or public education. --Jim Broede

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Picking up where I left off.

Wouldn't it be nice, if everything we did was something we liked doing? That would make life so much more pleasurable. Well, one thing I like to do is think. Think about lots of things. About life. About love. I'm naturally curious. So I think a whole lot. Occupy my mind. When I'm doing chores that I don't particularly like. Such as washing the dishes. Cleaning out the kitty litter box. Taking out the garbage. Yes, I often perform these mundane tasks while I'm immersed in thought. Wonderful, pleasing thought. Most nights when I go to bed I think about the concept of love. That's my last conscious thought as I lapse into unconsciousness. Yes, very pleasant, indeed. And when I wake in the morning, I pick up where I left off. With more loving thoughts. --Jim Broede

I've never stopped.

I've listened to a lot in my days. Pros and cons on all kinds of issues. And I'm a liberal for a reason. Liberals make far more sense than conservatives. Actually, I started out as a conservative. On many issues. And I tried to keep an open mind. And lo and behold, I became liberal. Same reason I became a free-thinker in religious and spiritual matters. And a romantic idealist. And a lover. I've evolved. In a nice way. And I'm probably still evolving. I'm not static. I've been listening and learning for 74 years. I've never stopped. --Jim Broede

Because I'm a nice liberal.

We liberals are nice guys. Moreso than conservatives. Yes, liberals are more likely to meet opponents halfway. To compromise. We're somewhat flexible. Unlike so very many conservatives. Conservatives tend to be ruthless. Suggesting my way or the highway. No room for movement. At times, I'm tempted to screw the conservatives. To not give an inch. To shove my way down their throats once I have the power. But I relent. Oh, I'll tell off conservatives in no uncertain terms. Call 'em jackasses, and far worse. But in practice, I'll usually give in a bit. And start acting like a gentleman. And even make significant concessions. For the sake of getting along. And to give 'em the benefit of the doubt. And to be fair. If the conservatives get downright abusive, I might even turn the other cheek a time or two. But eventually, I go kapow! Hit him in the kisser, metaphorically. Which means he won't be doing any kissing for a long time. But I'll apologize. Because I'm a nice liberal. --Jim Broede

Saturday, December 19, 2009

In awe, at the wonder of creation.

I'm convinced that there are other habitable planets in the cosmos. Maybe millions of 'em. If not billions. And that there's all kinds of life. Human life. And other more intelligent life than ours. Makes me feel good that life abounds. Astronomers are discovering more planets all the time. Already, reports of 400, and counting. Including a planet with lots of water. Only problem is it's assumed the water has turned to steam. Because it's believed to be at 400 degrees fahrenheit. The planet orbits around a sun that's 40 light years away from Earth. Which means that it takes light 40 years to travel there at a speed of 186,000 miles per second. That's relatively close in space time. The cosmos, of course, is immense. Almost beyond human comprehension. With billions of galaxies, each with huge clusters of suns, like in our Milky Way. Seems that I learned somewhere that just to travel across our single galaxy it'd take 50,000 years zooming along at the speed of light. That's fantastic. I look up at the sky on a clear night. In absolute awe. At the wonder of creation. --Jim Broede

About the wonders of life.

Often, I don't focus on what I'm doing physically. Because I'm wrapped up in a particular thought. I may be walking. For miles. And afterwards, I can't recall much of what I've seen. Maybe because I didn't see it. Because I was oblivious. Preoccupied with what was on my mind. I think that's good. Albeit, I may not be as alert as I should while walking along a road with traffic. But I suppose I'm sort of aware of what's happening around me. Sometimes, I'm taking a shower. And I have to ask myself, "Did I shampoo my hair?" And then I do it a second time. Just to be sure. Because I've been so engrossed in thought I lost track of exactly what I was doing. I was on automatic pilot. But I capture the thought. And later I sit down and record it. In writing. Anyway, other times, I choose to focus what I'm seeing as I walk. In vivid detail. I empty my mind of extraneous thought. I make myself very much aware of my physical world. And I record it in my mind. Not in writing. But savor it. In thought. Over and over. Maybe deer crossing the road. Or a beautiful sunset. Or a magnificently sculptured snowdrift. This morning, I was going about chores in the house. Everything from doing the breakfast dishes to cleaning out the kitty litter box. But at the same time, I was thinking. About the wonders of life. --Jim Broede

My choice: Big government.

If it comes down to trusting big business or big government, I'll side with big government every time. I have absolutely no faith in big business. Because it's run mostly by greedy capitalists. Out to pad their own pockets rather than to serve the common good. Yes, we have some jackass Republicans in government. But at least we have the opportunity to occasionally vote in a majority of liberals. That's why we have such wonderful social programs as social security and Medicare and public education. Of course, I'll admit that government ain't perfect. But that's the price we have to pay for being stupid enough to elect obstructionist Republicans. --Jim Broede

'You have to be doing something.'

Mother would ask, "What are you doing?" And I'd say, "Nothing." And mother would say, "That's impossible. You have to be doing something." --Jim Broede

Friday, December 18, 2009

I've just tasted the truth.

I do more than read the New York Times. I also watch Bill Moyers' Journal on PBS every Friday night. Usually for a liberal perspective on life and politics. Here's a transcript of tonight's program. I always come away from Moyers with a feeling that I've just tasted the truth. --Jim Broede

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/12182009/transcript4.html

Why be in such a hurry?

I think that if I had my life to live over, I'd slow down. Right from the very start. Maybe if I had been held back for a year in the first grade, it would have been good for me. To teach me that I don't have to be in a hurry to learn. Learning might have come easier that way. If I had had more time to mature. To ready myself for learning. But one is taught to push one's self. Even before one is ready. I learned that in school. I learned that at home. And so learning wasn't always enjoyable. Because I was supposed to learn too fast. Faster than I wanted to learn. I think one has to be taught to savor learning. And that takes time. A slow motion approach. It's similar to eating food. Don't eat fast. Don't gorge one's self. But savor the food and drink. But some of us are taught to do everything fast. In a hurry. As if we're gonna run out of time. Maybe that's why I ended up writing for newspapers. On deadline. To hurry, hurry, hurry. To cover breaking news in a hurry. One must think fast. Write fast. I fit in. Because I was groomed for this kind of life. And to write under pressure. In a newsroom. Where there's noise. Disturbance. Frequent interruptions. But finally, I learned to slow down. Maybe about 20 years ago. And especially in the last 10 years. Since I retired. I began to ask myself, why be in such a hurry? It's nice to slow down. To savor the moment. Rather than rushing into the next moment. --Jim Broede

A blessed bonus.

Everybody should have the blessing of living long enough to retire. In good health. I keep reminding myself. How lucky I am. To have lasted this long. In retirement for a little over 10 years now. Gives me so much freedom. To do things I want to do. Not having to report for work daily. I still work. Yes, at pleasure. At my pace. If I feel like staying up until 2 or 3 in the morning, I do it. Because I can sleep in, too. And I have time to cultivate a loving relationship. Yes, time to truly live. I associate with people who are still gainfully employed. Making a living. They often are stretched thin. Tired. Some of 'em are having fun. Like I was before I retired. But too many feel overwhelmed. Beleaguered. Unhappy. They aren't doing what they'd like to be doing. They have too many obligations. Too many responsibilities. But chances are, if they can live to retirement, they'll get their reward. A slower-paced life. Doing what they want to do. The sad part is that some of 'em die before they retire. Doesn't mean they haven't lived happy and productive lives. But hey, retirement is a blessed bonus. --Jim Broede

They're natural born stooges.

I try not to take offense over what people have to say. Because I think they have a right to free speech. Oh, I won't hesitate to disagree. But that's far different from taking offense. I may think they're stupid. Idiots. But everybody has a right to be dumb. To be ill-informed. Even I do. Actually, I have fun listening to people. All kinds of people. All kinds of opinions. Much of it is funny. If I listen to Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck or Michelle Bachman, I tell myself I'd like to be their business manager. I'd bill them as a modern version of the Three Stooges. Oh, as a kid, I remember going to the movie theater to see a feature film, but I ended up liking the short subjects most. Such as the Three Stooges. They had a nice schtick. Hilarious. But Rush, Glenn and Michelle -- well, they'd be able to achieve a new dimension in the entertainment world. They're natural born stooges. --Jim Broede

Learning to live in the world.

In some ways, I've learned not to care what happens in the world. Over events over which I have virtually no control. Like the weather, for instance. I have to cope with it. Good or bad. I may not particularly like it that a heavy rainstorm or a prolonged blizzard is about to strike. But not much I can do about it. I learn to live with it. Accept it. The same goes for some political issues. I'm not gonna affect the outcome. So I just have to take it as it comes. I can complain. And I do. But I get on with my life. The best I can. I guess it's a recognition that I'm not god. I can affect certain things. I can cultivate a friendship. A love. I can control my attitude. My outlook on life. But as for world events, the daily happenings that I read about, I can't change 'em. Yes, I have to learn to live in the world. As it is. --Jim Broede

Seeds from which opinions sprout.

I don't always know what I think. Maybe because I haven't had time to form an opinion. Or I don't care. Sometimes, I form a preliminary opinion. Just for the sake of doing it. And then I more carefully examine what I think. And I might change my mind. Yes, many of my opinions are in a state of flux. I find myself testing my opinions. Right here in this blog. I'm able to form opinions by baiting other people. Drawing them out. And what they have to say can influence me one way or another. Perhaps I come across as opinionated. But really, my mind is open to many, many options. And on many subjects, I have absolutely no opinion. Albeit, I might give an opinion. Just to see if it gets a response. And that plants seeds from which opinions sprout. --Jim Broede

I can even create a blog.

I think the written word is a nicer invention than the spoken word. It's more concrete. One needs ears to hear the spoken word. But one can read the written word. And more easily recall it. Making it unnecessary to commit to memory. Albeit, if read often enough, it becomes a part of memory. Seems to me a love letter has a more lasting effect than whispered sweet nothings. Spoken words tend to be elusive. One can more easily capture a written word. Albeit, I'll grant that the written word can't always capture the tonal quality. And that could have an effect on the meaning. I fell in love with the written word early in life. Because it allowed me to ponder. And to create something tangible. I could see it. Hold it. And due to improved technology, one can write without manually writing with a pen or pencil. I am now able to juggle words. Very fast. Yes, manipulate. Arrange words. Insert thoughts within thoughts. I can even create a blog. And publish myself. --Jim Broede

Free to think what I want to think.

Maybe the most precious of all freedoms is the freedom of speech. I can be denied all sorts of rights, or freedoms. But if I can verbally protest, it makes me feel better. And makes me feel free in a very significant way. I suppose if I were denied the freedom of speech, I'd still have the freedom to think what I want to think. And that might still set me free. Of course, I could be killed/executed for thinking what I think. Maybe that's the only way I could be stopped from thinking. But then, maybe my soul survives. And quite possibly my soul could still think. Therefore, I would still be free to think what I want to think. --Jim Broede

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Is it better to settle for less?

Here's an argument for passing the watered-down health care reform bill in the U.S. Senate. I'm not sure what I'd do if I was a senator. I definitely want more. But is it better to settle for less just to get something passed? --Jim Broede

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/18/opinion/18krugman.html?_r=1&hp

I have plenty of company.

No doubt about it. We elect stupid people to public office. I can even personally attest to it. Years ago, when I was younger and even more stupid than I am now, I was elected to the local school board. Maybe a sign that the electorate are dumber than the candidates. In the thread below this one, New York Times columnist Gail Collins makes a solid case that U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman is downright stupid. Yet, he keeps getting re-elected. Despite repeatedly making an ass of himself. And look at George Bush. And oh, my gawd, at Sarah Palin. She got elected governor of Alaska. And has aspirations to be president. Yes, we have set low standards for public officials. We have elected idiots, imbeciles and morons. I'm living proof of it. But I have plenty of company. --Jim Broede

He's just downright stupid.

New York Times columnist Gail Collins has a theory why U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman is an ass. Yes, why he switches long-held positions willy-nilly. No, he isn't vindictive. He's just downright stupid. He's never really understood the issues. --Jim Broede

2009/12/17/opinion/17collins.html?_r=1

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

On our way to hell.

The health care reform bill in the U.S. Senate is fast becoming laughable. It's been so diluted to please opponents. So that it's no longer reform. It's the same old same old. Playing right into the hands of the private insurance industry. This bill will allow private insurers to continue to make exorbitant profits. To screw the public. In true American capitalist fashion. Our senate has been bribed. By the big-money interests. It's a sell-out. A dirty rotten shame. Our senators don't represent us. Instead, they represent the people who finance their campaigns. They're all shills. With Joe Lieberman leading the pack. Democrats may still get a severely watered-down bill passed. But a bill so weakened that it might as well fail. I'd do as Democratic national committee chairman Howard Dean advocates. Scrap the whole damn thing. And start over. And Democrats had better recognize that Republicans won't cooperate. That the GOP is out to sabotage any and all change. It's a deplorable situation. A shame on the USA. Yes, we have a gawd-awful government. But it's probably what we deserve. Because we don't have the guts to take to the streets and ignite a progressive revolution. We just sit on our fat asses and do virtually nothing. Next thing we know, it'll be Sarah Palin and the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party that seizes power. And that'll be the wrong kind of revolution. Then it'll become official. America will have gone to hell. --Jim Broede

To be the godfather of Italy.

Silvio Berlusconi is revered by many. Maybe even by most Italians, where he is prime minister. But he also is hated. Despised. And he's been accused of corruption. Last week, Berlusconi was assaulted by a crazed man. Fractured Berlusconi's nose and cracked two of his teeth and put him into pain and into a hospital. Berlusconi is a billionaire and a media tycoon. Doesn't need to submit himself to the stress of political life. But Berlusconi can't resist. Because he loves power. The power of money. And the power of politics. It may get him killed or imprisoned some day. But I suspect that Berlusconi deep down feels that's a price worth paying. Just to be in the limelight. To be in power. To be the godfather of Italy. --Jim Broede

To feel a little bit like god.

Money corrupts. But more than anything, I think power corrupts. And politicians love power. Maybe more than money. Money is a powerful tool, too. A very corrupting influence. But the idea of holding power over masses of people -- that is what drives our top politicians. In a sense, it makes them feel like god. To wield power. From the president on down to members of congress. I suspect that nearly all of the top politicians dream of being president. Of running the show. And those that fall short of that goal often like to impede the president. Because they are downright jealous. And to get to the top or near the top, politicians have to be shrewd. They have to claw their way. They have to outmaneuver other politicians. And they have to fool the people. Almost all of the time. There's little margin for error. The best politicians are the ones that make themselves look like statesmen. Like they are into politics for altruistic reasons. But really what they crave is power. To feel a little bit like god. --Jim Broede

Time to insult Republicans again.

Yes, I call 'em idiot Republicans. For good reason. They are idiots. They don't want suspected terrorists housed in a maximum security prison in Illinois. Because they are bad hombres. Might escape, I suppose, and commit terrorist acts on American soil. My gawd. Speak of overreaction. Nobody has ever escaped from a maximum security prison in the U.S. We Americans are darn good at incarcerating people. We do it with precision. With efficiency. More people are imprisoned in the U.S. than in any other country in the world. Maybe the only thing we're better at is executing prisoners. Especially in gawd-forsaken Texas. So, why are Republicans so fearful about housing terrorists in the U.S.? Yes. Because Republicans are super-duper idiots. They'd make most village idiots seem like geniuses. They are in a class all by themselves. --Jim Broede

At this very moment.

I have dreams occasionally, in which I have lost the ability to think. I try to think, and I can't. Really, it's more like a nightmare. Rather than a dream. It's scary. And I assume I'm dreaming that I have Alzheimer's. And now, when I have such an uneasy fantasy, I better understand how someone with Alzheimer's can get a sense of relief. By telling 'em to try to focus on one thought. The present. The now. And not worry about the past or the future. To just relish the moment. To be aware that one is alive. At this very moment. Enjoy the pleasure of the moment. That's what I instinctively told Jeanne daily in the last three years of her life. In the late throes of Alzheimers. And that seemed to give Jeanne reassurance. Seemed to put her at peace. At ease. Jeanne was aware that I was with her. Caring. At the moment. And that's all that mattered. She didn't have to worry about the past or the future. Maybe I was combing her hair. Giving her a shower. Or a body massage. Or hand-feeding her food or drink. Or playing soothing music. Or giving her a ride outdoors in a wheelchair. Or telling her that I love her. Totally. Completely. At this very moment. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Watching with interest.

I have a feeling that my Chicago Cubs aren't going to make many changes this off-season. They'll moreorless stand pat. Maybe do a little tweaking. I thought the Cubs should have done much better last season. But due to off-years by some players and a rash of injuries, they finished second in their division. A disappointment. Because they had been picked to easily win their division. I think the players went into a mental funk. And my guess is that with some attitude readjustments, they could rebound next season. Also, I'd like to see the Cubs bring up young players from the minor leagues. Hoping that one or two of 'em have break-out seasons. I like a team in which the expectations aren't overly high. But a team that plays hard and smart baseball. Ah, spring training opens in two months. And I'll be there. Watching with interest. --Jim Broede

Let's be civilized.

I question a no-holds-barred strategy in combatting evil/terrorism. It's a difficult decision. If we use their same tactics, we are pulled into the gutter. Into evil. Torture, for instance. Or bogus trials. I even question the death sentence for terrorists found guilty of murder. Yes, maybe we have to treat the uncivilized in civilized ways. Maybe that's the way to teach. By being civilized. Certainly, it's a question/issue that should remain open to debate. --Jim Broede

That's their choice.

I respect someone's right to suicide. To take their own life. But not another being's life. I'd try to persuade against suicide. Because life can be very precious and thrilling and gratifying and fulfilling. Yes, one has the opportunity to fall in love with life. But there are people who would prefer not to live. It's sad. But that's their choice. --Jim Broede

Very sad, isn't it?

I am opposed to the death penalty for all crimes. At least theoretically. But there are circumstances under which I might kill someone. In self-defense. Or to save someone's life. As for abortion, I'm not sure about whether that's taking someone's life. Depends on how one looks at a fetus. I'm not even sure I had a soul at the moment I was born. It may have been inserted into my physical being a year or two after I was born. I think if I were a woman, I'd avoid the option of abortion. But I'm not a woman. So, thank gawd, I don't have to make the choice. I don't envy any woman that has to choose. It's a true moral dilemma. One that is very, very personal. I'm certainly pleased and happy that I wasn't aborted. But I probably know a few people that wish they had been aborted. Or that I had been aborted. Very sad, isn't it? To not savor and enjoy and appreciate one's life. --Jim Broede

What is a thought?

Try to imagine what it must feel like to live outside of time. Something akin to forever, isn't it? A physical being can't live forever. But a soul can. Therefore, a soul is not physical. Is a thought physical? Is it necessary to be a physical being to have a thought? By the way, what is a thought? --Jim Broede

A patriotic gesture.

It's generally less than the monetarily affluent amongst us that make the supreme sacrifice in wars. With their lives. Yes, true patriots. Now I'm calling for the rich not to give their lives, but their money to bail out the nation. As sort of a patriotic gesture. Ain't quite like sacrificing one's life. But still, it's something. Bill Gates. Estimated worth $50 billion. Could kick in $10 billion and still have plenty left over. And many of the other billionaries could pitch in with a few billion. If all of the rich came through, wouldn't be a problem raising a couple trillion dollars. And we'd also be narrowing the gap between the rich and poor. --Jim Broede

God's sense of humor.

God himself has a great sense of humor. After all, he created clowns. Buffoons, too. Look at any Republican. Look at Joe Lieberman. Look at me. --Jim Broede

So why not women?

Some women even leave their children behind. To go off to war. I'm not sure that's a trait to be admired. But when I think about it, men leave their children behind to go off to war, too. So why not women? --Jim Broede

Laughing. It's good for the soul.

No doubt about it. Humor is cruel to some degree. That's the nature of satire and parody. But golly, it's darn funny. Laughing at others' misfortune. Even at one's own misfortune. It's good for the soul. --Jim Broede

Monday, December 14, 2009

Violence & the fantastic reward.

Maybe it's my imagination. But I sense that society is becoming more and more violent. Apparently, more people are deciding that the only way to settle grievances is by violence. By individuals. Used to be that we tried to settle our differences by nations going to war. A collective sort of violence. We'd invent just wars. But now we have individuals waging war. Like the nut that attacked Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi yesterday in Milan. Fractured his nose. And cracked two of his teeth. No doubt about it. Berlusconi is a cad. And he's going to trial on charges of corruption. And that's where these matters should be handled. In a court of law. But we have vigilante justice these days. A group of religious fanatics trying to mete out justice. Or in many cases, it's only a single individual. Maybe people are feeling that the system doesn't work any more. I wonder. If it's the beginning of a revolution. Individual acts of violence. As a replacement for collective acts. As an example, look at the proliferation of suicide bombings. Yes, individuals blowing themselves to smithereens in a crowded setting. So they can go to Valhalla or wherever and enjoy having sex with 62 virgins. I've heard of all kinds of excuses/justifications for violence. But that one -- the fantastic reward -- tops the proverbial cake. --Jim Broede

Because I'm for the common good.

I suppose that from the selfish point of view, I shouldn't lose any sleep if health care reform fails to pass in the U.S. Congress. After all, I have adequate coverage. In that I have Medicare as my primary provider, and a private insurer for supplemental insurance. Yes, for the part that Medicare doesn't cover. And I'm able to pay for it all out of pocket. But I'm more fortunate than many Americans. Some of whom cannot afford health insurance. So I'm for universal health care. I want good health care extended to every American, regardless of income and circumstance. And under the present system, that ain't happening. Yes, I have mine. And my attitude could be, so why sweat it if others don't get covered? Well, I'll tell you why. Because I'm for the common good. --Jim Broede

It takes one to know one.

Joe Lieberman is an ass. Stubborn. Immoveable. And most likely, quite vindictive. It's the latter trait that's scary. The other stuff is relatively minor. It's all right to be an ass. And stubborn. And immoveable. After all, that describes me to a tee. But being vindictive. That's a sin, isn't it? Like Lieberman, I'm an ass, stubborn and immoveable. But I hope to gawd that I'm not vindictive. That I don't hold a grudge. I'll make fun of people I disagree with. But for the most part, it's relatively good-natured. Just an honest disagreement. But hey, I do run into vindictive people. Intent on being cruel. Because they've been slighted. And I think Joe Lieberman feels slighted by the Democrats. He's become an independent. In name, at least. Because he wasn't backed by Democrats in his reelection bid to the U.S. Senate from Connecticut. But he ran anyway, and won, as a so-called Independent. Though he still caucuses with the Democrats. But he's really a Republican at heart. That is, if he's truly vindictive. He wants to block the majority Democrats from passing health care reform. And he says he'll vote with Republicans to filibuster health care reform favored by a majority of Democrats. That means to pass the legislation in the Senate, the Democrats need 60 votes instead of a simple majority of 51. The filibuster is an arcane rule. But an effective one in stopping the majority from having its way. Anyway, for Lieberman, it's a tool especially tailored to allow him to be vindictive. If he so chooses. Of course, the Democrats could retaliate and strip Lieberman of seniority and the chairmanship of the Homeland Security committee. But I'd recommend against that. Because that would be vindictive. And maybe Lieberman is only standing up for principle. For his true belief. That the Democrats' health care reform bill is truly bad. And therefore he should block it. At any cost. Yes, out of sheer principle rather than vindictiveness. Maybe everyone should be given the benefit of the doubt. Even Lieberman. But still, there's no denying that Lieberman is a stubborn and immoveable ass. Yes, a genuine ass. And I know that. Because it takes one to know one. --Jim Broede

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The role of a good father.

I'm happy that I didn't stick around the town in which I grew up. It would have been stifling, I think. Instead, I went away. And experienced other parts of the world. And made new beginnings. Yes, kind of nice to leave family and friends and moreorless start anew. Fresh. Tended to make me more independent. Of course, that was my choice. Others would prefer to stay in the same locale all their lives. Close to family. And there's something positive to be said about that. But it wasn't for me. And I think I made the right choice. For me. When I was raising my two step children, I encouraged them to be independent. To make their own decisions. To become self-sufficient. And to choose a course in life that makes them happy. I think that's the role of a good father. --Jim Broede

We need a rich patriotic gesture.

I have the solution to the nation's financial quagmire. Tax the hell out of the rich. For a few years. Until we've eliminated the budget deficit. We'd actually be in fairly good shape if the Bush tax cuts on the rich had never been enacted. And hey, the rich would still be rich. Only less rich. So, let's restore higher taxes on the rich. And at the end, after we've brought the USA to financial health again, we could erect statues to the richest of the rich. For their patriotic contributions to the nation's economic welfare. I'd even name highways and sports stadiums and schools and public restrooms after the rich. Give 'em their due. As our really true patriots. I'd even give 'em badges of honor. And make them royal knights of the order. --Jim Broede

I'm full of surprises.

I've decided to paint the interior of my house. Every inch of it. Except for the wood-paneled walls. And I'll use white texture paint. And I'll do it a little bit at a time. Something every day, Even if it's only a few square feet. But daily action. That's needed. That'll get the job done. Maybe it'll take 100 days. Or 200 days. Whatever. But never miss a day. That's the secret. Dogged determination. I exercise every day, too. A minimum six miles of brisk walking. Doesn't matter if we have a snowstorm. Or 30-below-zero. I'm out. Suitably dressed, of course. And speaking of suitably dressed. I've decided to iron my clothes. And other things, too. Like the bed sheets. And towels. Daily. I've set up an ironing board in the bedroom. The steam iron on the ready. With a good supply of distilled water. Doesn't take long. To do the little things. That make me feel good. As if I'm getting something accomplished. I also read books and newspapers. Daily. And I write. Daily. And I do unexpected things, too. Daily. I'm full of surprises. --Jim Broede

Let's ponder the soul for awhile.

Can we be sure that the soul exists? Is life an illusion? Maybe a soul enters a body to experience the concept of death. Because outside of a body a soul is only capable of experiencing life and foreverness. In a sense, a soul can't escape life. Unless it has the option of experiencing death. --Jim Broede

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Through time. Through life.

I suspect I was born without a soul. It wasn't until a year or two after I climbed out of the womb that my soul found me. And landed inside. Somewhere. Can't tell if it's located in my noggin'. Or in my little finger. Or even in my ass. Doesn't matter. Just as long as I have a soul. With the arrival of my soul, I became aware of my physical being. For the first time. Before that, I was merely a robot. No more alive than a cat or a dog. Souless, so to speak. Therefore, if I had been aborted, or died before my soul was implanted, it would have been no big loss. In a sense, I was not alive. Not yet living. Because of the absence of a soul. Most likely, my soul would have landed in some other place. Another physical body. From which my soul could operate. Could nurture itself. Could cultivate relationships with other souls in other human species in the cosmos. My soul keeps discovering the dimensions of love. A way to live. And to prosper. Spiritually, really. Love does the trick. When I'm in love, my soul feels good. So very much alive. Fulfilled. As if I'm doing the right thing. Communing with a holy spirit. My soul provides me with consciousness. Awareness. Without a soul, I'd be an empty vessel. My essence is my soul. When my physical being dies, my soul will still live. And I'll find another place to land. To continue my journey. Through time. Through life. --Jim Broede

Being civilized to the uncivilized.

I question a no-holds-barred strategy in combatting evil/terrorism. It's a difficult decision. If we use their same tactics, we are pulled into the gutter. Into evil. Torture, for instance. Or bogus trials. I even question the death sentence for terrorists found guilty of murder. Yes, maybe we have to treat the uncivilized in civilized ways. Maybe that's the way to teach. By being civilized. Certainly, it's a question/issue that should remain open to debate. --Jim Broede

Isn't that a blessing?

Most of us don't have what it takes to achieve fame and monetary riches. But it's within our grasp to achieve a long-lasting loving relationship, isn't it? In a sense, it's easier than attaining money or celebrity. Isn't that a blessing? --Jim Broede

Friday, December 11, 2009

What more can one ask of life?

Tiger Woods says he's quitting golf indefinitely. To work on his marriage. A good move. Actually, if I'm Woods, I'd consider quitting professional golf, period. Never ever playing in a tournament again. And focus on my marriage. Totally. Yes, cultivate a loving relationship. Woods doesn't need the money or the prestige of winning more golf tournaments. He's got far more money than he'll ever need. So no need to make more. Instead, he can devote full effort to mending his marriage. No more philandering. Spending every day of the rest of his life with his precious wife. Loving. Loving. Loving. And that adds up to a good life, doesn't it? What more can one ask of life? --Jim Broede

We think our evil is a good evil.

Seems to me it's impossible to avoid being evil. Because we are tempted to fight evil with evil. Thinking that's the only way to defeat evil. So we're sucked in. We become just as evil as the evil-doer we are trying to defeat. Yes, we justify the use of evil because we think our evil is a good evil. Which is preposterous. --Jim Broede

Taking love out of the quotient.

We don't reward honesty. We reward dishonesty. That is the nature of the capitalist system. Dishonesty and greed prevail. The idea is to serve the individual good rather than the common good. The greedy capitalist wants to take love out of the quotient. Because that would stifle profitmaking. One doesn't perform a service for love. But rather for money. For economic gain. --Jim Broede

I was put on Earth to love.

I think my primary cause/purpose in life has become the exploration of love. That's why I was put on Earth. To learn about love. And to actually love. I am supposed to love life. Period. --Jim Broede

A patriotic cause is often evil.

I don't think I'd want to sacrifice my life for a patriotic cause. Because a patriotic cause is often an evil cause. --Jim Broede

It comes down to sacrifice.

Seems to me we are all caught up in systems. In a stream. In a flow. And if we don't consciously lift ourselves out of it, we just go along for the ride. We accept the inevitable. We accept war. Because it is. And as an individual, we can't do much about it. Ultimately, it comes down to whether we want to sacrifice our lives for a cause. --Jim Broede

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Makes one's head spin.

I see that Barack Obama tried to justify war today. In his acceptance speech. In Norway. For the Nobel peace prize. Funny thing. Accepting the award. In the same week that he authorized sending an additional 30,000 troops into the war in Afghanistan. I'm not necessarily being critical of Obama. Maybe just a bit cynical. About how we justify war. As sort of a necessary evil. A way of fighting evil with evil. Obama says we have to recognize that evil exists in this world. And that we have to combat it. Often, for the sake of the nation. Yes, sacrificing lives in order to save lives. Maybe that's why we continue to execute people. Because it's supposed to be a crime deterent. And the Bush doctrine. Let's start preemptive wars. Wars meant to thwart our enemies before they have a chance to start a war. We'll do it first. Start a war to prevent a war. My gawd. The rationale for a war. Makes one's head spin, doesn't it? Kill or be killed. Better to kill your enemy now. So he can't kill you later. --Jim Broede

For the sake of love.

Somewhere along the line, I discovered that life is wonderful. No matter what I'm doing. Even the last three years with my Jeanne, when she was dying of Alzheimer's, were rather wonderful. Because I learned to milk every day for what it was worth. Really caring. For Jeanne. Devoting my life. To Jeanne. On a daily basis. One day at a time. Making the most of each day. Other care-givers have criticized me for that. For savoring some aspect of Alzheimer's. Actually, getting a feeling of fulfillment and pleasure out of the care-giving experience. Yes, I even wonder if Jesus got a feeling of fulfillment and pleasure on the cross. For making a supreme sacrifice. For humanity. For another. I haven't ever even come close to doing that. But still, I sense what pleasure it must be. To even die for a cause. I ain't ready to do that. But I'm willing to do a little bit extra. For the sake of love. --Jim Broede

Knowing that life is wonderful.

I had a wonderful evening. Shoveling snow. Then going for a walk. Then returning to shovel more snow. And then another walk. On and on. I developed a beautiful and relaxing rhythm. Then I came in. And had a nice, leisurely supper. And read a book. Until I fell asleep. Knowing that life is wonderful. --Jim Broede

All we need are new attitudes.

I'd like to see my Chicago Cubs make do with what they have. No big trades in the off-season. Just try to make everyone on the roster have a better season than the last one. Maybe bring up some young and promising players from the minor leagues. Just learn to play as a team. Adjust attitudes. In positive ways. Individually. But in ways that mesh with the team concept. I'm tired of and disillusioned by the old, traditional ways of bringing improvement. By making trades. When all that's necessary are new attitudes. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Get rid of the bigoted fans instead.

I'd like to see Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry tell some Cubs fans to go to hell. Many Cubs fans, it seems to me, are lobbying far too hard for the Cubs to trade dissident outfielder Milton Bradley. And I say, don't do it. Because Bradley is a better player than anyone the Cubs would get in return. Some fans think of Bradley as a nut case. An unhappy player that feels maligned in Chicago. But Bradley is talented. And I think he puts forth good effort. Albeit, his sometimes negative attitude may need adjustment. Much of the criticism of Bradley has racial overtones. And I can't blame a black man for getting annoyed and even angry over that stuff. And let's face it. Some Cubs fans are racist assholes. That's why they want to get rid of Bradley. I'd rather keep him and get rid of the bigoted fans. --Jim Broede

Living...in Paradise.

I'm blessed. By the arrival of winter. It's like I'm living in a Dr. Zhivago snow scene today. Snow. Snow. Everywhere. Snow stuck to the side of the garage. Like a surrealist painting. A drift hanging out beyond the roof. Ready to fall atop me if I go out to shovel. But no sense in clearing it all away. Only to have the wind rearrange the drifts. Wind chills of 35 to 45 degrees below zero. But I'm a brave man. I know how to dress for it. I'll walk tonight. Maybe for 10 miles. On the plowed roads. After the wind dies down. The skies clear. And the moon and white snow light up the night. And I become ever more aware of living...in Paradise. --Jim Broede

Our politicians set the standard.

I call myself a political independent. But generally, a liberal. Fact of the matter is that I have no place to go. No real solid political party. Maybe more than anything, I'm anti-establishment. A dissenter. Or maybe a cynic. When it comes to politics, everything looks bad. It's a rotten, immoral game. Full of cheating. And lying. And corruption. One can't trust any politician. Yet, that's who we pick to run our governments. Dirty, rotten, lying, thieving politicians. Most of 'em with gigantic egos. I'd like to call them stupid. But still, they are smart enough to grab and wield power. In stupid ways. Seldom do they serve the common good. Maybe if Jesus became a politician. He'd try to be an honest politician. But it wouldn't work. He'd be crucified. Yes, he was born to be crucified. Maybe he was the last honest man to walk the Earth. Honesty is an invitation to be crucified. None of us want that. Imagine. Being nailed to a cross. And left to die. A lingering, painful death. Worse than dying of Alzheimer's. Really, many choose to become brain dead. Rather than be honest and crucified. No better example than our politicians. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Doesn't matter where I am.

I think I fit well into foreign countries. Because I don't come across as pro-American. Not anti-American either. More like, pro-world. A citizen of the planet Earth. In that sense, I'm never in a foreign country. I always feel at home. Doesn't matter where I am. --Jim Broede

Not so in the USA.

If I went on trial for murder, I might be better off in Italy than in the USA. Depends. Especially if I was guilty. Anyway, a 22-year-old American woman, Amanda Knox, was recently convicted of murder. In Italy. And some American observers think she was railroaded. That she wasn't given a fair trial. That is, not as "fair" as she would have received in the US. I don't know about that. A jury in Italy found her guilty. And she's been sentenced to 26 years in prison. Seems to me that a similar conviction in America would have resulted in a life sentence, or maybe even death. Yes, execution. In Italy, and other European countries, there's no capital punishment. Doesn't matter how heinous the crime. The state doesn't believe in executing people. Under any circumstances. In America, we execute 'em left and right and down the middle. But mostly poor people. People that can't even afford their own attorney. And even the mentally retarded. So yes, if I'm an Amanda Knox, and I'm guilty, I'd rather gamble on the Italian system of justice than the American way. As to which system is the most fair and most humane -- hard to say. But I know one thing. Italy has an automatic and elaborate appeal process. To make sure that wrongly convicted people have ample opportunities to make their case. And to right a wrong. And there's no chance of someone being wrongly executed in Italy. Not so in the USA. --Jim Broede

I very much want in this world.

Yesterday, the clock was turned back. To Dec. 7, 1941. I heard on National Public Radio the broadcasts from that fateful day. And I pondered what was going on in my mind that day. I was 6. A first grader at a school in Chicago. And I knew there had been a calamity. Because of the way my parents reacted. I was just beginning to make sense of the world. Despite being illiterate. I was just beginning to read and write. A novel new concept of communicating. In 5 more years, I'd be in the 6th grade. And publishing my own weekly neighborhood newspaper. The Riverlawn Gazette. In a small town (population 10,301) in southern Wisconsin. And World War II had ended. And America was prospering. After the Great Depression. Yes, I was learning that war helps to bring prosperity. In Chicago, we had been homeless for a while. Living out of a car. But we found refuge in the basement of my uncle's home. A basement we shared with by paternal grandparents. But by the time I finished first grade, we had moved to Wisconsin, and we rented our own home at 132 Riverlawn Avenue. My brother and I shared a bedroom. And we had two bathrooms. One downstairs. One upstairs. And we had a telephone. The number was 954-W. It was a party line. Shared with the neighbor across the street. And when we placed a call, the operator came on line, and made the connection for us. Anyway, I was aware that a war was going on. In the Pacific. In Europe. War was a part of life. We had drills at Douglas School. Going to the basement. Where we'd stay in case of a bombing. Albeit, that prospect was remote. I walked to school. Came home for lunch. And returned to school for the afternoon session. One day I came home and there was my Uncle Norman. My mother's brother. In uniform. On furlough. From Gen. Patton's army in Germany. He brought us a Nazi swatzika armband. Mom cautioned us not to parade around wearing the armband. I remember, too, that Uncle Norman was going deaf. From the blasts of artillery. Yes, I was learning that war was not only brutal, but deafening loud, too. We kids went to the movie theater. And the feature films were preceded by newsreels. Showing the gore of war. Finally, the war ended. I remember going downtown. To see the celebration. People formed a congoline. And danced in and out of the stores. I remember a stranger. Coming up to me. And giving me 50 cents. He was so happy. Guess he wanted to distribute the wealth. Peace had come. At least for a while. I was to move on to another school. A junior high school. To the 7th grade. And one Sunday morning. We all woke up. And learned that dad had gone down to the basement. And hung himself. Guess he wanted out of this world. But I had already decided that I very much wanted in this world. Still do. --Jim Broede

Monday, December 7, 2009

I gotta give the Italians credit.

I'd like to be an Italian. Because they know how to get time off. By scheduling lots of holidays. Many of 'em religious holidays. Like today (Tuesday). A holiday in honor of the Virgin Mary. And there are special holidays for special saints. I have an Italian friend. I kid her about all the holidays. Seems like there's at least one holiday every week. Maybe I'm just imagining it. But I gotta give the Italians credit. They spend much of their life in a festive holiday mood. --Jim Broede

A formula for loveable winners.

The Chicago Cubs are trying to trade outfielder Milton Bradley. Because he has what's commonly perceived as a bad attitude. He gripes a lot. And he was suspended by Cubs management for the last 15 games of the season. Anyway, I like Bradley. I think he's a good ballplayer. And I'd keep him around. Personally, I think many of the Cubs players have bad attitudes. Bradley isn't much worse than some of the others. The Cubs really need a team psychologist or psychiatrist. Many of the players are mental cases. And hey, baseball is largely a mental game. If your mind isn't into it, even the most talented players fail. With the right mental coaching, the Cubs could be a good team. And Bradley could be one of the team's best players. Yes, if I was running the show in Chicago, my top priority would be the hiring of a team psychiatrist. Do it, Cubs. Keep Bradley. Instill a winning attitude. And the Cubs will finally become loveable winners. --Jim Broede

Hallelujah!

I thought this might be a good way to get your day off to a good start. Anyway, have any of you ever heard of Leonard Cohen? A dear friend introduced me to him. All I can say is Hallelujah. --Jim Broede
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzWeN-bVDUc&NR=1

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Competing for the Toilet Bowl.

The Chicago Bears are maybe the best incompetent team in football. I get lots of solace from that. Being a Bears fan. The Bears are so lousy that they shouldn't even win a single game. Yet, they have 5 wins and only 7 losses this season in the National Football League. Amazing, isn't it? The Bears lack talent. Yet they find ways to win. One has to wonder how they do it. Allowing incompetence to come to the top. Just like cream. I never cease to wonder. Today, the Bears played another team competing for the Toilet Bowl. The St. Louis Rams. And the more grossly inferior Bears won again. --Jim Broede

Things could be a whole lot worse.

Lest you think I'm not reprimanded and taken to task daily, I assure you I am. Yes, I reprimand myself. For being stupid. For saying stupid things. I wise up. But I never totally cease from doing utterly stupid things. It's my nature. I have learned to accept that I'm a moron, of sorts. And I allow myself to be chastised by geniuses. But not by imbeciles and idiots. Because they rank intellectually lower than morons. I consider myself an upper strata moron. Because I have the ability to reprimand and correct myself. That's a rarity with a moron. And I'm an honest moron. In that I readily admit what I am. Few morons and imbeciles and idiots even recognize that they are such. Only the elite among us do. Some of us have extremely low self-esteems. But I do try to cheer up idiots. By telling 'em there's something dumber than an idiot. A Republican. That makes idiots feel better. Then they know that things could be a whole lot worse. --Jim Broede

All it takes is a squirt gun.

My pal, Loverboy, has a parasite in his intestinal tract. That happens to cats. And so their bowel movement becomes a bit runny. But it's readily cured. With medication. Used to be a pill. One that I had to flip down Loverboy's throat. He didn't like it. Maybe he thought I was trying to kill him. He'd run away and hide after the procedure. And it didn't always work. Because he'd spit out the pill if I didn't get it all the way down his throat. I'm an inept pill-pusher. But hey, give me credit for ingenuity. I asked the veterinarian if I could give Loverboy his medicine in liquid form. And shoot it down his throat with a squirt gun, of sorts. Sure enough. That's possible. It's worked. Three times in a row. I've become a master of the squirt gun for dispensing medicine. Loverboy doesn't like it. But he seems to be telling me it's better than taking a pill. He still runs away. But he doesn't hide. And I seem to be forgiven after a minute or so. --Jim Broede

Savoring the mystery.

Ah, life is a mystery. A sweet, divine mystery. I won't ever get to the bottom of it. Or to the top, for that matter. But just the sense of mystery. Makes life wonderful. Don't you think so? So many possibilities. Of what life is all about. I can uncover a new meaning every day. And never be sure. But that's the thrill of it. I'm given so many options. I'm able to live one day at a time. As fully as I want. And if I want to ponder yesterday, I can. Or I can even dream of tomorrow. So much flexibility. But I prefer dealing with the mystery of now. Today. More and more I'm doing just that. Living in the moment. Savoring the mystery. --Jim Broede

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Better than the royal shaft.

Some of you are forgetting what got us into this rotten mess in the first place. The longtime policies of the Republicans and George Bush. They spent money like it was spewing out of a water faucet. (Yes, I edited this. I didn't like my original choice of words.) They left us with the worst economy since the Great Depression of the 1930s. And bogged down in the most prolonged and senseless war in the nation's history. So don't expect everything to be cleaned up and fixed overnight. It'll take a long time restoring America to something half-way decent again. Don't blame the Democrats for not solving our problems with the snap of the fingers. We're moving in the right direction. Not nearly as fast as I'd like to see. In part, because the (expletive edited) Republicans insist on being obstructionists. They'd like to wreck the USA even more. And blame it all on the Democrats. As if it was the Democrats' fault that this nation was sent reeling in the years the Republicans had control of congress and the presidency. Sure, the Democrats regained power late in 2008. A little more than a year ago. We haven't seen any miracles. But we've seen progress. A stemming of the downward spiral. But hey, it won't last if the Republicans are returned to power in 2010 or 2012. They'll resume the same old policies of bankrupting the nation and sending us off to incessant war. They'll allow greedy capitalists to reign unregulated. We need the reins put on American-style capitalism. We really need more and more socialism. We won't get enough of socialism under the Democrats. But at least we'll get some semblance of it. That's better than nothing. And certainly far better than what the Republicans would give us. The royal shaft. --Jim Broede

Winter ain't all that bad.

I wake today to see a layer of ice on the lake. Yes, a thin layer. But neveretheless, ice. I'm not ready to walk on it. I'll wait a week or two for that. Ice on Forest Lake has arrived later than usual. Maybe a sign of global warming. Anyway, the temperature has remained below freezing all day for several days now. Some winters we go 60-some days without getting above freezing. Too often, we don't even get above zero. And I remember hitting 30-some below zero. Not quite as cold as Alaska. But believe me, very, very cold. I went out for a six-mile walk last night. Nice. Comfortable. Because I'm dressed for it. Even bedecked in a ski mask. Another thing. It's been a virtually snowless winter so far. But with the ice here, the snow can't be far behind. By the way, this is no complaint. Winter ain't all that bad. --Jim Broede

Friday, December 4, 2009

Maybe you'll like him, too.

I'm a devout liberal. To the point of being a socialist. But hey, not all conservatives are bad. For instance, take David Brooks, a columnist for the New York Times. He's an intellectual conservative. Not the usual stupid and bombastic conservative. I read his columns all the time. Because he makes sense. He makes sound observations. He's a gentle man. We need more conservatives like him. Read his latest column. Printed in today's New York Times. It'll help you understand why I like him. Maybe you will, too. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/opinion/04brooks.html?hp

You've been duped.

Some of you have been duped by the Republicans. In opposing health care reform. I'd recommend that you read this column by Paul Krugman. In today's New York Times. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/opinion/04krugman.html?_r=1&hp

To do my civic duty.

When I stayed in little villages in the Italian Alps, I liked it that businesses closed early. Didn’t stay open all night. Rolled up the sidewalks, so to speak, at 8 or 9 in the evening. Even in the big cities, businesses often closed for a few hours in the middle of the day. Living slowed to a leisurely pace. How refreshing, I thought. I live in a relatively small town in America (population 15,000) and we have supermarkets and discount stores and restaurants that stay open round-the-clock. I suppose I should marvel at and appreciate the convenience. The ability to shop and to eat out at any time. Albeit, I could settle for less hustle and bustle. Limited business hours. But when I mentioned this recently, some of you suggested I embrace the conveniences of modern living. Including the ability/privilege/inherent right to shop 24 hours a day. Even on so-called sacred holidays. I suggested that businesses don’t necessarily stay open forever for our convenience, but rather to make money. If it wasn’t profitable, they’d more likely limit their hours. Or am I wrong about that? We’ve really commercialized life. The idea is to shop. To make shopping very, very convenient. Maybe even an exhaustive experience. Because it's good for the economy. Wouldn’t surprise me if some day they set off the sirens in my town every hour. Not to warn of an approaching tornado. But just as a reminder to get out and shop. To do my civic duty. –Jim Broede

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A sensible proposal.

It costs $1 million to keep one American soldier in Afghanistan for a year. Fantastic, isn't it? And just imagine. We are sending 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan in the next several months. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff thinks that's an utter waste of money. I concur. Kristoff says we'd be better off spending the money building schools in Afghanistan. Sounds like a sensible proposal. Read what Kristoff writes, and see if you agree. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/opinion/03kristof.html?_r=1

Nice guys often finish last.

Funny thing. Or maybe not so funny. Hard to tell. As president, Barack Obama chooses to pursue war in Afghanistan. But I suspect if Obama was back in the U.S. Senate, he'd oppose the war. Because he thinks differently politically. Depending on his role. Whether it be as president. Or senator. As president, Obama has a wider constituency. He has to be more fair to everyone. To Democrats and Republicans alike. He must try to be less partisan. As a senator, he can more easily justify being partisan. Because it's the thing to do. It has become the nature of the job. A president, on the other hand, is supposed to be more of a statesman. A George Washington, so to speak. Of course, that distinction was lost with George Bush. He was as partisan as partisan could be. Anything but a statesman. He was a rogue. A disgrace. Our most incompetent president ever. Now Obama is trying to restore some dignity to the office. I give him credit for that. For trying to be fair to everyone on both sides of the political aisle. But don't bet on Republicans being fair to Obama. No chance. So I'm tempted to encourage Obama to screw the Republicans. Royally. But he won't do it. Because Obama is a nice guy. And that poses a real danger for Obama. In politics, nice guys often finish last. --Jim Broede

I'll take the less painful route.

I'm no Democrat. But I put my faith in Democrats. Rather than Republicans. Yes, the lesser of evils. I think it's more likely that the Democrats and their policies will move us a tiny step in the right direction. In narrowing the gap between the rich and poor. In bringing about universal health care. In keeping us out of war. In tolerating liberals and even socialists in their party structure. In serving my perception of the common good. Of course, if there was a strong socialist party in the USA, I'd be aligned with it. But seems in America we are given only two choices. Democrats or Republicans. And if I'm forced to choose one or the other -- well, the Democrats seem a tad bit less painful. Like being given a choice over the way you want to be executed. I'll take the less painful route. --Jim Broede

One step at a time.

I like utopian ideas. I believe in Utopia. A place where there are no poor people. No monetarily rich people either. Instead, they are rich in love. It's also a place with universal health care. And everybody that wants a job, has a job. And the retired people don't have to worry. Because all of 'em have pensions and social security. I like it when I see us moving closer to Utopia. One step at a time. --Jim Broede

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Maybe Obama is nicer than me.

Barack Obama is a compromiser. He's willing to sacrifice his principles. To accommodate his political foes. I don't know if that makes him a nice guy. Or a sucker. George Bush would never have done that. He'd plow ahead. And follow his idiotic principles. He'd do things unilaterally. Even go off to war just for the hell of it. Because he didn't like a guy. Saddam Hussein, for instance. Bush would lie to achieve an end. And he'd never meet the Democrats half way. Or even 10 percent of the way. Of course, Bush supporters would say he was a highly principled man. I think of him as a jerk. Maybe the worst president we've ever had. He, more than anyone, is responsible for running the U.S. into record debt. From which we may never recover. Anyway, Obama is trying to right the ship. Trying to end the partisan bickering that came in full-blown with the Bush administration. Apparently, Obama is even willing to compromise with Republican war-mongers. By sending more troops into Afghanistan. Rather than doing as liberals would wish, by getting our troops out of Afghanistan once and for all. Obama is even willing to compromise on health care reform. In order to get something done in a somewhat bi-partisan manner. Yes, he's Mr. Nice Guy. And it's driving some liberals crazy. Even I am a bit annoyed with him. But maybe Obama knows more than me. And maybe he's nicer than me. Because I'm inclined to tell Republicans and neo-conservatives to go to hell. --Jim Broede

Ruled by the most successful fools.

Just imagine the games one must play to get at or near the top of the political hierarchies. Seems to me one would have to sell his soul. Make so very many compromises. Just to persuade powerbrokers to support you. And then to be able to corral enough public support to win office. That requires capturing the public imagination. Gaining the confidence of strangers. Willing to take a chance on you. Albeit, what choice have the people got? Chances are, there's only two choices on the ballot. Might be it comes down to picking dumb or dumber. Bad or worse. That's why I don't even bother to vote. All too often. Anyway, in all likelihood the politicians that survive have huge egos. That's the driving force. Keeps 'em going. It must be a euphoric high to have public adulation. To be able to fool the people. If not all the time. Enough to get elected. A good and successful politician has mastered the craft of hood-winking the voters. They all do it. Even my hero. Barack Obama. He's convinced me that he's by far the best of a bad lot. Almost seems like he came out of nowhere. His rise was meteoric . Maybe a fluke. But give him credit. A black man who captured the public imagination. That took some daring and doing. Especially in racist America. Not as bad as it used to be. But still inherently racist. Now Obama is discovering the perils of being on the top. One's power is limited by the other mammonth egos around you. You still have to play games. Manipulate. Yes, it'd be nice to be king. Dictator. And rule by divine right. But even kings found that difficult. Many of 'em got their heads lopped off. And eventually monarchies fell into disrepute. Now we have presidents. And prime ministers. And congresses. And parliaments. But some things never change. We are still ruled by the most successful fools. --Jim Broede

Something to think about.

Sounds to me like we're trying to do the impossible -- turn Afghanistan into Norway. Therefore, I concur with Thomas Friedman. Click on his column in today's New York Times. See if you agree. At least it's something to think about. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/opinion/02friedman.html

I'm just feeling my way.

I like to be gentle. Feisty, too. Maybe I have a split personality. But I think of it more as wide-ranging. Nothing wrong with that. Allows me to make friends. And to alienate people, too. I like to do both. Because there are both kinds of people in the world. Those that need camaraderie. And others that deserve some degree of contempt. I tend to let people know where I stand. But I'm open. In mind. I've turned enemies into friends. And then again, I've managed to lose a friend or two. Maybe because I'm too honest. Or it could be I just lack empathy. Hard to tell. I'm not afraid to take risks. To put life to a test. I can be serious. Funny, too. Sometimes, it's hard to tell. What I'm being. Maybe because I don't even know. But that's all right. I'm just feeling my way. --Jim Broede

Finding something to savor.

Being retired. It's an advantage. But so is not being retired. The point I wish to make is that almost anything can be an advantage. An asset. If one makes it such. Depends on how one deals with life. I enjoyed being employed. When I was employed. And I enjoy being retired. Now that I'm retired. When I was married and Jeanne was alive -- that was great, too. But still, my life is wonderful almost three years after Jeanne died. Because I'm trying to live to the utmost. I'm doing things. Having fun. Traveling far more than I used to. And I am in love. As deeply as ever. And since I'm retired I can, in a sense, focus more on my love than when I was gainfully employed. I have more opportunity to focus on what I really want to focus on. I've always yearned to live life fully. I'm not sure I always did that. Maybe I was a bit lax at times. Lazy. Uninspired. Just going through the motions. But that's been less the case as I grow older. I have become more wise. More appreciative of life. Now I find something to savor. Daily. --Jim Broede

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

We baffle each other.

God doesn't answer all my questions. He likes to keep me guessing. Doesn't want to make it too easy for me. Or for anyone, for that matter. Sometimes, god tells me there are no right or wrong answers. Just depends on the individual. God says sometimes the right answer is following one's heart and gut. The wrong answer may be following one's mind. Following logic. God says he likes it when people go crazy. In positive ways. For instance, when they fall crazy in love. God separates good crazy from bad crazy. And sometimes, it's a delicate line. Anyway, god says he isn't as cruel as some devout believers would have us believe. He's really very kind-hearted. And forgiving. And open-minded. He can be swayed by a strong argument. And he often gives us the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, he plans to save everyone. Even the so-called 'bad' people. Such as Lucifer. An angel that he said had an honest difference of opinion with him. In other words, god tolerates disagreement. Suggesting that we all make mistakes. Including him. God certainly sounds like a very complex guy. I'm still trying to figure him out. And god says he's also baffled by me. --Jim Broede

Only absolute nothingness.

So many ideas about how the world will end. It was the subject of speculation on Natoinal Public Radio this afternoon. Found it amusing. People called in. And talked about the many possibilities. But for me, I suppose the world ends the day I die. That is, if there's no afterlife. If I'm not around, I don't exist. And so in my world, there'll be no world. Only absolute nothingness. --Jim Broede

And become enlightened.

Tell a lie often enough and virtually every idiot will believe it. Seems to me that's the credo of the Republican party. For instance, that's the way we got into the prolonged Iraq war. We were repeatedly told lies. Such as Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. We were told: Believe it. Believe it. Believe it. One lie after another was concocted. Anyway, war is immoral in itself. But even more immoral when war is started based on lies. Now we have Republicans telling us that health care insurance reform will raise our premiums and run the nation into bankruptcy. More lies. Actually, over the next 10 years, the plan being debated by Congress would reduce the budget deficit by $130 billion. And there would be no big cost rises in premiums. You can read about the non-partisan congressional budget office's take on the matter in today's New York Times. Just click on the article below. And become enlightened. --Jim Broede
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/health/policy/01health.html?th&emc=th