I'm not gonna miss the USA.

I'm gonna be away from the American news media for a month or so. And that's a blessing. I am learning to abhor the media. For being highly partisan. Distorted. Inaccurate. And I used to be a member of the media. As a writer for newspapers. Most of my life in it. But times have changed. And I don't like it. We're being fed crap. Misinformation. Lies. Inane sound bites. I know how to pick up some reliable and accurate information. But it's difficult. Because so many news outlets cannot be trusted any more. The likes of Fox News, for instance. Or idiot pundits such as Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck. Heaven help us. Because these guys are taken seriously. By many, many Americans. They're so idiotic that at times I think it's all a put-on. They're pulling our legs. They're jokers. Comedians. But apparently they are deadly serious. And I mean deadly in effect. Because they have followers. True believers. Maybe some day we'll wake up. And shake our heads. And wonder why a Limbaugh or a Beck became so popular. But it happens. Not so many years ago the Germans fell for Adolph Hitler. Seems preposterous. But it happens. History is dotted with moments of insanity. People following crazy leaders. But in modern times, we are getting even crazier. And I think it' because the media feeds the frenzy. Makes things up. For the sake of ratings. For the entertainment value. Look at our politicians. Playing to the media. And the media playing to the politicians. They're all in bed together. Anyway, thank gawd. I'm leaving the country. For a month. Maybe longer. I'm in no hurry to return. I'm not gonna miss the USA. Especially the media. --Jim Broede

It's the whites that trouble me.

Racism is still rampant in the USA. And it's racism perpetrated by white people toward black people and other minorities. White people have the political and economic power in America. And they exert that power by discriminating against non-whites. And the racism is picking up. Gaining momentum. Because white folks are in danger of being outnumbered soon. White will be a minority. And so the very people that whites have treated shabbily for generation after generation will become the majority. That scares the willies out of white racists. Just look at 'em. They're on Fox News nightly. Look at the game they play. They accuse black people and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People of being racists. Against white people. That's poppycock. Black people are merely defending themselves against white people. They're sick and tired of being discriminated against. In all walks of life. Racism is inbred in our society. Most of our founding fathers were racists. Many of 'em owned slaves. What can be more racist than that? I happen to be a white man. And it ain't gonna trouble me when I become a racial minority. Because I trust black people and Hispanics and other minorities more than I trust white people. I'm more likely to get a fairshake from blacks. Because they ain't racists. It's the whites that trouble me. Especially the white power structure. --Jim Broede

Thank you, ladies.

I feel compelled to give a group of idiots credit. Mostly women. Women that I called snobs. Because that was a kinder term than idiots. I encouraged them to be more positive with the comments they submitted for publication in my blog. Or to stay away. Completely. And I think they've done the latter. For which I am grateful. Also, it's a sign that they can be reached. Proof that one can penetrate a thick skull. This place is more pleasant without 'em. Some of 'em were guttersnipes, in addition to being idiots. And they always stayed anonymous. Maybe because they didn't know how to write their names. Anyway. Thank you, ladies. You have wisened up. You are no longer idiots. --Jim Broede

I can play it cool in Iceland.

Minnesota is too warm for me this time of year. So I'm headed for Iceland. It's gonna be a direct six-hour flight. And when I land the temperature will be in the 50s. Fahrenheit, of course. And the 10-day forecast for Iceland's capitol city, Reykjavik, is for daily temperatures ranging from 51 to 59 degrees. I find that delightful. Beats the 80s and 90s we've been getting in Minnesota the past few weeks. I thrive in weather that requires a sweater or a light jacket. And a raincoat or umbrella, too. --Jim Broede

To meet my love.

I find that many people are worry warts. They worry unnecessarily. They imagine that the worst will happen. That the sky is falling. But that's nothing to worry about. The sky is still up there. And it looks like it's very stable. That it won't fall. And even if it did, it would probably be a soft landing on our heads. Like a bundle of feathers. I once thought that the older I got, the more I'd worry. Maybe about dying. But that ain't so. I worry less because I'm enjoying life. And that makes me far too busy to worry. I have better things to do. Such as savoring life. And counting my blessings. As I soon head for Iceland and other exotic destinations. To meet my love. --Jim Broede

A nice way to say we're sorry.

Talk about overreaction. The likes of Sarah Palin are opposed to locating a mosque two blocks from ground zero in New York City. And why? Because radical Muslims were responsible for 9/11. Guess it doesn't matter that Muslims are generally peaceful. And hey, not all Christians are peaceful. Would that be reason to oppose building a Christian church in the same location? Hey, I wouldn't even oppose a mosque directly on ground zero. Where Muslims could come and worship. It'd be a nice way to say we're sorry for 9/11. --Jim Broede

I'm mindful, but physically inept.

I think athletic endeavors are as much mental as physical. Take Tiger Woods, for instance. His golf game isn't nearly as good as it used to be. Because he's probably in a mess mentally. My Chicago Cubs hired a team psychiatrist this season. The Cubs haven't been doing so good. Maybe it's because not enough players are getting psychiatric help. One of the Cubs pitchers was sent off to New York, for special counseling. To learn how to manage his anger. Actually, I get the feeling that half of the Cubs players are head cases. Their minds aren't into the games. As for me, I'd love to make a living by playing baseball. I could get my mind into the game. Unfortunately, I'm physically inept. --Jim Broede

Is it chance? Or predestination?

It's interesting how my day can be affected by little things. Little decisions. Such as when I'm out walking and I come to a circular road. And I can turn either left or right. If I turn right, I might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And maybe an accident happens. If I had turned left, I wouldn't have been in that spot. I would avoid the mishap. Several years ago, I hit a deer while driving. Killed the deer. Fortunately, I didn't get killed or injured. But if I had been at the point of impact a fraction of a second later, the deer might have been tossed through the windshield and hit me and killed me. It's all in the timing. And maybe I survive by the grace of god. That same day, another driver in Minnesota hit a deer. And yes, the deer came through the windshield and killed him. One begins to wonder. Is it chance? Or predestination? --Jim Broede

Maybe we all have Alzheimer's.

Robert Creamer is a political organizer and strategist and the author of a book, 'Stand Up Straight: How Progressives Can Win.'

Creamer also got the message out the other day in the Huffington Post. Here's some of what he had to say:

"Over the course of eight short years -- between 2000 and 2008 -- the Republicans methodically executed their plan to transform American society. They systematically transferred wealth from the middle class to the wealthiest two percent of Americans -- slashing taxes for the wealthy. They eviscerated the rules that held Wall Street, Big Oil and private insurance companies accountable to the public. They allowed and encouraged the recklessness of the big Wall Street banks that ultimately collapsed the economy and cost eight million Americans their jobs. They ignored exploding health care costs, tried to privatize social security, gave drug companies open season to gouge American consumers and presided over a decline in real incomes averaging $2,000 per family. They entangled America in an enormously costly, unnecessary war in Iraq, pursued a directionless policy that left Afghanistan to fester, and sullied America's good name throughout the world.

"Their economic policy of cutting taxes for the wealthy and deregulating big corporations failed to create jobs. In fact, over his eight year term, George Bush's administration created exactly zero net private sector jobs. They inherited a federal budget with surpluses as far as the eye could see and rolled up more debt than all of the previous presidents in the over 200 years of American history. And in the end they left the economy in collapse."

And now the Republicans have the gall and audacity to blame it all on the Democrats and the Obama administration. Assuming that we Americans have Alzheimer's Disease and short memories. Maybe we do. Either that, or we are gullible idiots. --Jim Broede

Sadly, everyone can be bought.

Money is the root of evil. At least in the realm of politics. Our politicians, especially the ones in Washington, are owned by people with money. Doesn't matter what we voters do. Our votes don't count. Unless we have money. Lots of money. Money speaks. It catches the ears of our congressmen and senators. And that makes democracy a sham. If we can't afford to buy access to our government officials, we might as well just go away. I'd like to see money taken out of politics. But that won't happen. The system is the system. It's controlled by the rich. That's why the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer. We ordinary folks that don't qualify as rich would like to change the system. And we'd vote for anyone that promises change. But the promises are empty. Because virtually everyone can be bought. Sad, isn't it? --Jim Broede

I'm insanely jealous.

I'm insanely jealous of the Chicago White Sox -- the Chicago Cubs crosstown rival. A few weeks ago, both baseball teams had pathetic records. Far more losses than wins. And they both seemed out of the pennant races. But suddenly, the White Sox turned things around. They won 25 of 30 games. And now they've climbed into first place in their division. Meanwhile, my Cubs remain inept. And I only wish they could reel off a phenomenal winning streak. Won't happen. The Cubs keep losing games. Many of 'em in heartbreaking fashion. The Cubs keep inventing new ways to lose. While the White Sox find new ways to win. --Jim Broede

I need to write, love and walk.

I have to write. Almost every day. A sign that I'm addicted. I think it's a positive addiction. I wouldn't want to give up writing. Anymore than I'd give up loving. Or walking. I'm a compulsive writer, lover and walker. I don't know if I have any negative addictions. Maybe the closest thing that comes to it is my addiction to the Chicago Cubs. The way they play baseball pisses me off on occasion. Not as often as the Cubs used to. I've gained a bit more self-control over the years. But still, I probably imbibe in the Cubs too often for my own good. I offset the Cubs addiction by focusing on writing, loving and walking. --Jim Broede

I'm mostly an upbeat guy.

I don't let things get me down. That's really the secret of my happiness. A way to stay out of depression. If something goes wrong in my life, I either correct it, or write it off. Knowing that there are some things I can't change. And it makes no sense stewing over it. Of course, there are lots of things I don't like. I don't hesitate letting that be known. Better to say it. Let it out. Rather than holding it within. Maybe that's why I write. I put eveything from ecstacy to displeasure into words. I'm a lover. And that includes a lover of words. I especially like to write love letters. Because that's a form of positive expression. Makes me feel good. And makes the recipient feel good, too. I like to spread joy. And love. But I also can be mean. Sarcastic. I hurl barbs at people I don't particulary like. Such as Republicans. And racists. Often they don't show other people much respect. So I give 'em a taste of their own medicine. And it doesn't bother my conscience one bit. Oh, I do have a conscience. I don't want to mistreat nice people. And if I do, I apologize. But let's face it. Not all people are nice. The world is full of despots and snobs and lunatics. But for the most part, the world is a nice place populated by nice people. Little wonder that I'm mostly an upbeat guy. --Jim Broede

Obama makes us feel dumb.

I live in a country with the most stupid electorate in the world. Because we Americans want people like us running the political show. In other words, stupid people. If by accident, someone smarter than us gets elected, that turns us off. We don't like it. Makes us feel uncomfortable. Barack Obama is intelligent. An elite. Well educated. Articulate. That makes some of us feel uncomfortable. Especially if we're a Republican. We'd much rather have an idiot for president. A guy like George Bush. Yes, Bush makes us all feel a bit superior. Even smarter than the president. But Obama makes us feel dumb. He makes sense. But we don't wanna admit it. That especially goes for the racist amongst us. It's really a comedown for a white Republican to admit that a black man is superior. Goes against our assumption. That black people are inferior. --Jim Broede

A joke is a joke. Cruel or not.

Some people will believe any and everything you tell 'em. Especially those with leanings toward the right. Politically. Socially. Economically. That's why kooks prevail on the far right. And in the Republican Party, generally. Their heroes and champions are the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Rand Paul and Ann Coulter. They speak nonsense. But they have a schtick that sells with the mentally impaired. The lunatic fringe. Anybody with half a brain would recognize that Limbaugh, Beck, Paul, Palin and Coulter are pulling our legs. They ain't serious. Other than the fact that by catering to stupid people, they can make lots of money. Yes, they are aware that a sucker is born every minute. And they take full advantage of it. You won't find many people with an education flocking to the far, far right. Smart people, and even some half-wits, know better. The unfortunate thing is that god created something even less than half-wits. You don't believe me? Well, just go to a gathering of Republicans. Do you need more proof than that? Look at Congress. Especially the U.S. Senate. Some of the dumbest people ever born are filling some of the seats with their fat asses. Sadly, their undersized brains are in their asses. So when they sit down, it cuts off blood/oxygen circulation to their brains. I'd advise them to stand up. It may increase their IQs by 3 or 4 points. That ain't much. But it's something. Every little bit helps. Some peope dispute the theory that god has a sense of humor. But I don't buy it. Look at a Republican. What could be a bigger joke? Of course, it could be argued that god fancies cruel jokes. But still, a joke is a joke. --Jim Broede

We've never been taught to think.

Gawd bless the Republicans. At least they let us know where they stand. Yes, $30 billion in aid to the unemployed is unaffordable, but 20 times that much in tax cuts for the rich is just fine. Only in America could such a stance gain the approval of voters. Including voters in the ranks of the poor and the middle classes. That's because people are stupid. They don't know any better. So they suppprt an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor, between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots.' It doesn't make sense. So, I'm wondering. Maybe it's our educational system. Many of us have never been taught to think. --Jim Broede

The racist: As livid as one can get.

The modern-day racist is a piece of work. He/she denies being racist. And instead, accuses black people and the NAACP of being racist. It diverts attention to the victim. Makes the victim seem like the perpetrator. Very cunning. Say it often enough, and even the most devout racist will begin to think he/she isn't racist. The racist tends to believe his/her own lies. That's the same tactic used by Adolph Hitler. He made it seem like the Germans were being picked on. And they had to defend themselves. By making the Jews seem like the perpetrator of all of Germany's troubles. The idea was to portary the Jews as racists. To demonize one's perceived enemy. It's done repeatedly. Just like the USA has demonized the communist and the socialist. As inherently evil. And that image has stuck. It ain't fair. But that's the way it is. The overt redneck racist has become more sophisticated. More deceitful. By denying he/she is a racist. And pointing the finger at the black people and other minorities. Accusing them of wanting to eradicate and stifle white people. When really, white people want to do everything possible to retain power. At any cost. To keep the USA a white supremacy society. Like it's been since our founding fathers declared black people as only three-fifths human. As inferior. As suited for slavery. The modern-day racist still hasn't gotten over that totally immoral notion. They especially don't like it that we now have an uppity black president. One with more smarts and skills than many white people. Imagine how that affects the modern-day racist. He/she is as livid as one can get. --Jim Broede

Having better things to do.

I think most people are too busy with their lives to really know much about what's going on in the world. They deal with their jobs. And their families. And a few friends. Oh, they'll have opinions. About politics. And a few other mostly inconsequential things. But they don't have time or the inclination to become knowledgeable about anything other than stuff that has an immediate direct impact on their lives. Maybe that's why things happen the way they happen. A relatively few powerbrokers can call the shots. Most of us don't care. Because we lack the time to care. We have other more important things to do. And we aren't interested in becoming powerbrokers. It takes too much gumption. Yes, motivation. Of course, if one is ambitious, and perhaps greedy, one makes the time to manipulate the system and attain power. But it comes at a price. We often have to give up other things. Including people near and dear to us. Just to have the time to pursue power. Many of us have better things to do. --Jim Broede

Creation's saving grace.

I don't necessarily want to fit into this world. It's all right if I'm a misfit. Because if I fit, I wouldn't feel comfortable. I wasn't made to fit. Few of us are, I suspect. But some of us find ways to fit. Always. I don't. Although, I do crawl into a cocoon. Into my man-made environment. To get away from the rest of the world. The best I can. Gives me opportunity for respite. Allows me to venture out into the rest of the world. And cope. I accept the fact that I didn't create the world. Some say god did. I'm not sure about that. If it was god, I think god could have done a better job of it. But then, what do I know? My design probably would have flaws in it, too. Even my cocoon leaves something to be desired. Anyway, I give god credit. For at least making it possible for one to fall in love. Maybe that's the saving grace in all of creation. The opportunity to experience love. --Jim Broede

A tea party masquerade ball.

The so-called tea party. What is it? Maybe just a figment of our imaginations. Promoted mostly by the conservative media. There's really no organized tea party. Instead, it just seems to be a loosely-knit collection of misfits concerned about government spending and budget deficits. They want austerity. And the movement has attracted kooks. And racists. Tea party folks seem to be lily white. No black faces. That's significant. And scary. Maybe the tea party lacks organization because the movement likes disorganization. There's no specific spokesperson. No leader. Kind of mysterious. In a clandestine way. Reminds me of people who post here anonymously. Easy for 'em to level criticism. And make asses of themselves. Because they wear masks. If they ever hold a convention, I'm sure it'll be staged as a masquerade ball. --Jim Broede

Putting the final nail in the coffin.

I see a suicide about to happen. And I can't do anything about it. It's beyond my control. I'd like to step in. And prevent it. That would be the decent thing to do. If only I had the power. The wherewithal. So I'm gonna accept it. Take it. Without too much grieving. My life will still go on. And I'll be happy. I'm used to suicides. I've known people close to me who took their own lives. Including my father. Some 61 years ago. Usually, the suicides have come as a surprise. As if there was no forewarning. But the one I'm waiting for now will be no surprise. That's the terrible part. I know it's gonna happen. And I feel helpless about it. Yes, my own country. The grand and glorious USA. Is about to commit suicide. By returning the Republicans to power this fall. That'll put the final nail in my country's coffin. Sad, isn't it? --Jim Broede

Give me a road, not a highway.

I'm fascinated by the Czech novelist Milan Kundera. Because he makes me think. He ponders in a meaningful way the difference between a road and a highway.

"Road," he writes. "A strip of ground over which one walks. A highway differs from a road not only because it is solely intended for vehicles, but also because it is merely a line that connects one point with another. A highway has no meaning in itself; its meaning derives entirely from the two points that it connects. A road is a tribute to space. Every stretch of road has meaning in itself and invites us to stop. A highway is the triumphant devaluation of space, which thanks to it has been reduced to a mere obstacle to human movement and a waste of time.

"Before roads and paths disappeared from the landscape, they had disappeared from the human soul; man stopped wanting to walk, to walk on his own feet and to enjoy it. What's more, he no longer saw his own life as a road, but as a highway; a line that led from one point to another, from the rank of captain to the rank of general, from the role of wife to the role of widow. Time became a mere obstacle to life, an obstacle that had to be overcome by ever greater speed."

Yes, give me a road rather than a highway. I want to take my time. I want to see and savor the beauty. Of everything around me. --Jim Broede

I'm in the right place.

In his wonderful novel "Immortality,' Czech writer Milan Kundera asks: "When a person has talent for an activity that has passed its midnight (or has not yet reached its first hour), what happens to his gift? Does it change? Adapt? Would Christopher Columbus become director of a shipping line? Would Shakespeare write scripts for Hollywood? Would Picasso produce cartoon shows? Or would all these great talents step aside, retreat, so to speak, to the cloister of history, full of cosmic disappointment that they had been born at the wrong time, outside their own era, outside the dial, the time they'd been created for? Would they abandon their untimely talents as Rimbaud abandoned poetry at the age of 19?"

Kundera suggests there are no certain answers to these questions. But I'm of the notion that it's important to be at the right place at the right time. Better than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As for me, I think I'm in the right place. Because I'm happy and in love. --Jim Broede

In politics, virtually anything goes.

I don't like the nature of politics. It's evil. Mean-spirited. Kind of an anything goes mentality. Dirty tricks. Lies. Deceit. In most walks of life, we expect honesty. And objectivity. And fairness. But in politics, we allow everything that's bad. That's the way it is. Always has been. Always will be. And to think, that's the way we run our governments. It's an accepted way of life. Where separate rules prevail. Downright dirty. Corrupt. Where we expect lying and conniving. Cheating. Why is that? Why do we tolerate it? We wouldn't in other walks of life. But in politics, virtually anything goes. --Jim Broede

Living without a purpose.

Some people tell me that I ask too many questions. But I doubt that's their real complaint. Instead, I think they are annoyed because I want answers. I used to demand answers when I was a newspaper reporter. I even have friends that wish I'd stop asking questions. Largely, because they are in no mood to search for answers. Maybe they're just tired. Worn out. And they'd rather live without answers. Albeit, they often say they'll deal with it all at another time. But we often put off answering vital questions. Such as, what's the purpose of my life? Maybe it's easier living without a purpose. --Jim Broede

We're judgmental beings. All of us.

I was taught in Sunday School that we're not supposed to judge each other. But turns out that judging is a big part of life. We even have designated judges. That's what we call 'em. Judges. Come to think of it, we're all judges. We make judgments every day. About things. About each other. We pick and choose. The whole of life seems to be a long series of judgments. We judge some people lovingly. And others hatefully. Observe. Look around. We're a judgmental society. We're judgmental beings. All of us. --Jim Broede

God wanted unpredictability.

Maybe if god doesn't intervene in human matters, there really isn't a god. In other words, if god created all this, and completely ignores his own creation, then it's pretty much the same as if there's no god. God just lets things happen. Randomly. Sort of like a game. A roulette wheel. Let the ball land wherever it will. Without divine guidance. In a sense, god created a world over which he surrendered control. After all, why design something over which there's a pre-determined outcome? God wanted unpredictability. --Jim Broede

I want to know. Everything.

I think I'm a philosopher at heart. Because I keep asking myself, who am I? And how do I fit into the world? And how do I relate to other people? I need answers. I desire answers. I like to be faced with difficult hypothetical moral questions. What if I have an opportunity to save some lives. But I have to make choices. I can't save everyone. How do I decide? How do I choose? How do I make difficult moral decisions and still live with myself? Maybe that's why god leaves it all up to random chance. He doesn't want to make such difficult decisions. But here I am, willing to give it a try. Willing to do what god doesn't want to do. God is leaving it up to me. Maybe that makes god cruel. Or maybe it's a sign that there isn't a god. Anyway, I have this notion that I have to be honest with myself. That's the only way to come up with the right answers. Meaningful answers. So that I can understand myself in meaningful ways. So that I know who I am. Oh, I could also choose to drift through life. And not ask myself questions. Especially hypothetical questions. Deal only with the issues I'm directly faced with. At the moment. And dodge everything else. But then I may never know thyself. But I want to know. Everything. --Jim Broede

Whom would you choose/save?

A character in a novel I am reading has just proclaimed, "Every woman prefers her child to her husband." I wonder if that's true. I suspect that's probably true of many, many women. But not all. I'm especially intrigued by women that go through life without having children. The ones that find children unnecessary. Women that never had an overwhelming desire to have children. No need to experience motherhood. I wonder if one can only truly love one other. In an unconditional way. What if one had to choose. All of your loved ones were being lined up. To be shot. And you could only save one. What a horrible decision to have to make. Whom would you choose/save? --Jim Broede

I'm the happy beneficiary.

Chance. Coincidence. Fate. Things happen. And the odds of some things that have happened in my life may be one billion to one. That makes me think that it's all fated. It was supposed to be. Certainly when I fall in love that's the case. A fantastic series of events had to happen to make it happen. If there had been a slight change in only one of the coincidences, we'd never have met. Even seemingly bad things had to happen to other people to make it all possible. Makes me wonder if ultimately, everything ends up being for the good. Just depends on one's perspective. When I'm the beneficiary, life looks good. --Jim Broede

I might vomit.

Think about it. Salvador Dali and his wife Gala had a pet rabbit. Followed them around. They adored the rabbit. They are going on a trip. Can't take the rabbit. And the rabbit doesn't like strangers. So they have a dilemma. They go to bed. The situation unresolved. The next day, they're eating supper. And Dali notices he's eating rabbit. He runs to the bathroom. Vomits up his meal. He's horrified. That he's been eating his pet rabbit. Gala, meanwhile, savors the rabbit in her gut. This is ecstacy for her. Eating her loved one. Much better than traditional sex. It's akin to an orgasmic experience for her. I guess it depends on one's perspective. I'm with Dali on this one. I'd probably be pissed if someone served me my pet for supper. I wouldn't make a good farmer. Raising animals for slaughter. If I knew the animal as a pet, I don't think I could eat it. But still, I eat flesh. I'm not a vegetarian. Albeit, I'm headed in that direction more and more. And another thing, I don't take communion. It's supposed to symbolize eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood. I don't like the idea. I might vomit. --Jim Broede

I like to feel superior.

Maybe we weren't all created equal. As I look around, I'm coming to the conclusion that some people are better than others. We weren't all created equal. I consider myself better than some. In fact, superior. And not as good as others. In fact, inferior. Maybe that's a hard pill to swallow. Being inferior. More difficult than being superior. But hey, let's be honest. Life can be a struggle. And maybe it comes down to survival of the fittest. That especially goes in a capitalist society. The sad thing, it seems to me, is that we often lose sight of the common good. Preferring, instead, to serve only the individual good. In selfish ways. There should be a delicate balance. I want the individual good protected. But I also want what's good for society as a whole. And I see that being achieved, in part, by a significant narrowing of the gap between the rich and the poor. The problem is that the capitalist-minded rich generally want to do pretty much as they damn well please. Even if they exploit others, and moreorless ignore the common good. I like to think of myself as superior to these people. And I like that feeling. --Jim Broede

A peril of democracy.

I'm leery of public opinion polls. Chances are many of 'em are inaccurate. The pollsters ask for people's opinions. And often, the people polled may be ignorant and ill-informed. But because politicians and other decisionmakers give credence to the polls, they do so at great peril. Great risk. My guess is that at least half of the people polled don't know what they think. But they don't want to appear stupid. So they participate. The same goes for people who go to the polls and vote. They think that good citizens vote. So they go through the ritual. And they vote like robots. With opinions based on misinformation in 30-second sound bites. And their party affiliation. That's a peril of democracy. Everybody has the opportunity to vote. Even idiots, imbeciles, morons and Republicans. --Jim Broede

Is it all right to lie?

Czech writer Milan Kundera raises an interesting question. Why weren't there more commandments? Something beyond 10. An 11th commandment might have been 'Thou Shalt Not Lie.' But then, I'm speculating that maybe god thinks it's all right to lie. That it's not a sin to lie. Maybe because there's no such thing as truth. Could be that god is a liar. He's certainly not telling us everything. Maybe if we knew god's truth, we'd be overwhelmed. And mortified. We couldn't take it. The truth may be that god's imperfect. Doesn't fully know what he's doing. That he's just feeling his way. And making plenty of mistakes along the way. --Jim Broede

Living my life as if it's a book.

I don't necessarily like to expect or anticipate. I'd rather be surprised. And yes, life is full of surprises. I look at the horizon. And then I advance. To see what's beyond. Without guessing. Just looking. Often, in awe. Surprised. That way, I'm seldom disappointed. I love to take life as it comes. One day at a time. Moment to moment. I'm living my life as if it's a book. Unfolding chapter by chapter. --Jim Broede

The way it should be.

Almost every day, I ask myself, what's right and wrong? I have no qualms about making those kinds of decisions. That's what life is all about. Deciding between right and wrong. And sometimes, it's not easy. There's no clearcut answer. Maybe it's easier for a Catholic. Maybe because the church spells it out. The church tells you what to do on so many moral matters. But I don't allow other people, or a church, to tell me what to do. I have to wrestle with the issue. Intimately. And come up with my own answer. Ultimately, I have to examine my conscience. I have to answer to my soul. To the core of my being. I have to be able to live with myself. And I don't treat people equally. Some people mean more to me than others. And they get preferential treatment. And that's the way it should be. --Jim Broede

Yes, give me a real choice.

I don't know why I pay all that much attention to politics. After all, I can't do much about it. Even if I vote. Because I'd just write in a name. Maybe my own. All of the candidates on the ballot are gawd-awful. So I more or less feel disenfranchised. In old Russia, the ballot just gave one a choice between different communists. In America, we get to choose between capitalists. Hey, I'd rather vote for a communist. Yes, give me a real choice. --Jim Broede

I'm willing to spy on the USA.

I wanna be a spy. And I'm willing to spy on the USA. On my own country. I'm willing to tell everything I know. And more. Just ask me. And I'll do it. For free. Here I am, Russia. Or for that matter Italy or Germany or the Czech republic. Even Iceland, where I'll be visiting in a couple weeks. Seems to me Russia is in need of more top-notch spies. Because some 10 of 'em have been rounded up and they are in the process of being deported -- exchanged for American spies that are in Russia. I really don't take all this spying business seriously. Heck, those Russian spies that had been here for 20 years or so didn't really know all that much. About as much as I know about Iceland. But still, I know more than those Russian spies. I'm well-versed on the ins and outs of the American bureaucracy. I could give good tips on how to deal with the bureaucrats. And the politicians, too. Because they are mostly simpletons. Anyway, that's no secret. I've already revealed such here in this blog. Many times. Many Republicans would like to keep secret the fact that they are dimwitted. Actually, certified idiots. I'm gonna reveal that secret. To all. To any foreign country that doesn't already know it. --Jim Broede

The decent and right thing to do.

In bad economics times, it's important for government to spend more. To even run up budget deficits. For good reason. People are hurting. They are without jobs. They are having difficulty making ends meet. But we've got conservative (mostly Republican) politicians calling for an austerity program. Cutting spending to a bare minimum. Even denying the jobless unemployment benefits. That's obscene. Actually, we need increased spending and higher taxes -- that is, higher taxes on the rich. Yes, to pay for economic help for the needy. It's the decent and right thing to do. --Jim Broede

Takes all kinds of people.

I like people who keep creating themselves. They are anything but static. Always changing to some degree. Experimenting. They don't want to fall into a rut. That's the amazing thing about life. One has so much flexibility. So many choices. My kind of people are mostly happy. Because they want to be. The really sick people are the ones that choose to lament. To be unhappy. All be it, unhappiness can be a form of happiness. If that's what one likes. And freely chooses. I suspect some of the saints were masochists. They liked to punish themselves. They follow in the footsteps of their savior. And allow themselves to be nailed to a cross. Figuratively. I don't begrudge them that. After all, to each his own. As for me, rather than grieve and lament, I'd rather laugh. See the funny side of life. Some people feel hurt and cry at satire. I laugh heartily. Takes all kinds of people to make up this world. --Jim Broede

A place where I can think.

I like to muse. To ponder. To allow random thoughts to flit through my mind. Sometimes they lead somewhere. Other times, there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Other than it's nice to have a thought. Any thought. I think I was born to think. I find that it sure beats having a blank mind. In school, my favorite test was the essay test. Much better than a single answer test. Or multiple choice. The essay gave me an opportunity to elaborate. To let the thought process flow. And I loved class discussions. Where students are encouraged to participate. It was hard to shut me up. I could have become a professional student. And lived in an ivory tower all my life. In a sense, that's the kind of cocoon I've built for myself. An ivory tower. A place where I can think. --Jim Broede

Feels good.

Amazing how one can find satisfying consolations in life. For instance, my Chicago Cubs happen to be a very crummy baseball team. But I've been reminded the last two days that there's an even crummier team. The Arizona Diamondbacks. And that's who the Cubs have been playing. The Cubs are on a two-game winning streak. Feels good. --Jim Broede

Does that make sense?

I've thought about what I'd want if I were an Alzheimer's patient, and had a wife much younger than me. I'd want her to get on with the rest of her life. And leave me be. I think that would put my mind more at ease. But if the roles were reversed, and my wife was the patient, and I was much younger than her, I'd still stick with her and remain a devoted care-giver to the end. And that would put my mind more at ease. In other words, I'd not treat a loved one the way I'd want to be treated. Does that make sense? --Jim Broede

The volcano is still steaming.

Life is full of surprises. I even surprise myself. For instance, never thought I'd become a world traveler. But in recent years, I've been bitten by the travel bug. In large part because I have an Italian girlfriend. She's motivated me to travel. With her. And it's been wonderful. I'm gonna take off soon. In the next couple of weeks. For all kinds of exotic destinations. Much of our travel is on impulse. We had initially planned for Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic. Poland. Hungary. But now we're focused primarily on Iceland. And then Norway. And Germany. Won't even buy a round trip ticket. Because lord knows where we might end up. And I lose track of time. I've got a feeling I'll be gone for 6 weeks. I have a friend who will take care of the house. And the cats. Anyway, if I have fewer postings in my blog for a while, you'll know why. I've hit the road. And the open sea. And oh, yes, I'm looking forward to seeing the volcano with an unpronounceable Icelandic name. The lava has stopped flowing. But the volcano is still steaming. --Jim Broede

I like to talk things out.

Psychologists have varying views. On whether it's a good idea to blow one's top. At least now and then. As I get older, I lose my temper less and less. Maybe it's because I like to be in control of a situation. And if I lose it, I lose control. I'd rather see the people I'm dealing with lose control. Then I can step in. To try to quell things. If I'm annoyed or even bordering on anger, I find ways to stay calm, cool and collected. Sort of like Barack Obama. He's my hero. He sets a good example. I'm sure that Obama gets miffed. But he doesn't let things boil over. He finds positive ways to deal with his emotions. My guess is that he's an easy guy to live with. Because he doesn't take out his frustrations on the people around him. I'm an easy guy to live with, too. Because I like to talk things out. To reach accord and understanding. --Jim Broede

Do I have a choice?

If I really wanted to, I could work myself into a funk. And into a state of depression. But I don't want to. However, if I were an actor and the part called for me to play a very despondent man, I think I could do it. By actually feeling the role. By living it. I'd hate to do it. Because it could take a heavy personal toll. But I suspect fine actors do it. That's their profession. And they make a sacrifice. Makes me wonder if we can be what we want to be. At least by learning to play the role. And maybe really fitting into it some day. Take me, for instance. I want to be a romantic idealist, a free-thinker, a liberal and a lover. I think that's what I am. Now, is that my imagination? Or is it real? What came first, the chicken or the egg? I think I became what I am before I consciously identified myself. It's no act. But if I decided tomorrow to become a melancholic being, it'd be an act. I'd have to pretend. But I might well feel depressed. Makes me think I have a choice. Or am I what I am because I have no choice? --Jim Broede

The definitions keep changing.

The initial impetus for my blog was to say what I couldn't say on the Alzheimer message boards. I had to follow the Alzheimer Association's ground rules. Reasonable rules. But not totally suited for me. I've always liked freedom of expression. For virtually everyone. But I also concede that there should be rules of decorum. And what's right for one venue may not be right for another. Anyway, I like the way my blog has evolved. I don't comment here much on Alzheimer-related matters any more. Only occasionally. And even then, my comments, for the most part, would pass muster on the Alzheimer message boards. Maybe it's that I've mellowed. Yes, evolved. Into a more gentle spirit. I'm constantly on the change. That's why I'm hard to peg. You may have an impression of me formed a year or two ago. But that's not me any more. I'm still a romantic idealist, a free-thinker, a liberal and a lover. But the definitions keep changing. They get more detailed. More meaningful. --Jim Broede

Writing to suit me. Not others.

I write primarily for myself. Rather than for other people. Oh, I write to other people. Directly. I like to do that. But more often than not, I just sit down and write. Exactly what I want to write. Not with the intention that it has to be read by others. If it is, so be it. And it doesn't matter to me whether they like it or not. I spent most of my life writing for newspapers. For other people. Mainly, to keep them informed and entertained. But I wasn't necessarily always writing what I wanted to write. And the way I wanted to write. After all, I was sort of a hired gun. Now that I'm retired, I do pretty much as I please. Writing to suit me. Not others. --Jim Broede

The nature of love.

In an ideal world, we would have ideal Alzheimer care-givers. Unfortunately, there is no ideal world. The ideal care-giver knows that the beloved patients are flat-lining. That they are gradually losing themselves. But the care-giver doesn't let on. Instead, the ideal care-giver embraces and savors what's left. Yes, very meaningful stuff. Even the scraps/remnants can be meaningful and endearing. That's the nature of love. I wish we had more of it in this world. --Jim Broede

A purpose to one's life.

I have a romantic notion of life. In that I believe in romance. In love. In enchantment. That everything falls into place. The way it's supposed to. That even when bad things happen, they ultimately lead to good. It's all in the perception. Life happens to be a series of chain reactions. And it's what one finds at the end of the chain that becomes meaningful. And fulfilling. One musn't dwell too long on what happens along the way. Rather, continue the journey. Through life. Absorb the moment. Then get on to the next moment. Feel the flow. It's really smooth. Connected. Yes, there's a grand scheme. A purpose to one's life. --Jim Broede

Privileged. To have seen it all.

I marvel at the mass of creation. Everything that lies beyond Earth. All of it makes Earth even less than a speck. Now that's vastness. And then imagine a human being fitting into all of this. Something we call Creation. How infinitesimal we are. Yet, the human mind is able to glimpse into all of this with some iota of consciousness. Awareness. Makes me feel overwhelmed. In a pleasant sort of way. I'll never understand it all. Most likely, I will come and go. Here for only an instant. A flash. That's my eternity. Maybe that makes me a part of god's mammoth consciousness. Privileged. To have seen it all. As if through god's eyes. --Jim Broede

Nothing better than living my life.

I keep getting back to the same theme. Living one day at a time. I like it. I try to remind myself that today is today. Not yesterday. Or tomorrow. And therefore, treat it as such. Live fully today. Because that's all I have for sure. Today. This moment. I am so much aware of it. I even sit down and write about it. To capture the moment. When I read this a week from now, it'll be a resurrected moment. I'll be able to savor it time and again. Oh, so many moments I've captured. Because I'm able to write. To record. I'm really capturing my life. Making my life a poem. Or a short story. Even a lenghty novel. I'm living. Each chapter. One day at a time. Oh, I've read great books. Slowly. Grasping each moment. In no hurry. And as for me, I'm living my story. My life. There's nothing better than that. --Jim Broede

The ability to live forever.

I try to ignore it. But as I grow older, I notice little things. If I have an injury when I'm working out, for instance, it takes longer to heal. Or I don't run as fast as I used to. I dream of recapturing my youth. But know full well that it's a lost cause. I'm 74. And I have to accept that as fact. But I also tell myself that there are advantages to being 74. Rather than 47 or 29. I've had more life experience. That's a benefit. I'm able to do things more efficiently. And I'm more appreciative of life. I've also reached the age at which I'm retired. Gives me more freedom to do what I want to do. I probably have never been more free in my life. And that makes me happy. And reasonably content. But still, I wish for everything. The advantages of youth as well as age. Yes, the ability to live forever. --Jim Broede

Having the best of two worlds.

The sport of soccer is starting to catch my fancy. Maybe not quite as much as baseball. But the more I watch soccer, the more I like it. The players are remarkable athletes. Very agile. And full of stamina. Most of 'em, it seems to me, would make good gymnasts. They can do back flips. Things that I could never dream of doing. Even in my younger days. I'm learning about soccer by watching World Cup matches. And I'm rooting for the Germans. It would have been a hard choice for me if the Italians hadn't been eliminated early. My loyalties are divided between the Germans and Italians. Because I have German relatives. And an Italian girlfriend. I'm having a similar difficulty in choosing my favorite food. Used to be, it was German food beyond a doubt. But I've discovered Italian food in its full splendor. I'm wavering. Maybe I can have the best of two worlds. --Jim Broede

We're still buying into the bullshit.

When it comes to politics, I think the American people are the most stupid people in the world. So many Americans don't have minds of their own when it comes to politics. They'll believe anything they're told. That black is white. That idiocy is genius. That they really have a say in decisionmaking in Washington. Yes, the American electorate has been lulled to sleep. Put into a trance. Turned into robots. To do the bidding of the powerbrokers. It's almost like herding sheep. They do as they are told. By a few border collies. Quite possibly it's that Americans don't take the time to educate themselves about politics. They're too busy doing other things. Raising families. And making livings. They don't rate politics very high on their agendas. And so they allow themselves to be manipulated. They'll buy almost anything. Even the rantings and ravings of lying politicians. It started right from the founding of the nation. And ironically, we're celebrating the anniversary of our so-called independence today. We really aren't independent. Never have been. That especially goes for black people and women. The ruling elite were always a handful of propertied and affluent white men. Born again liars. Telling us that all men were created equal. And that was supposed to be the founding principle of the American nation. Yes. And we're still buying into that same bullshit. --Jim Broede

Socialism has become our saviour.

Funny thing. When conservatives panic, they tend to turn to socialist measures to fix serious problems. In other words, they seem to be acknowledging that socialism ain't so bad. Consider the fact that the bailouts of Wall Street and the insurance companies were initiated by none other than the George Bush administration. Yet the Obama administration is being credited/blamed for it all. Yes, when push comes to shove, George Bush is the socialist. Maybe because he and his secretary of the treasury panicked. They thought the capitalist system was going under. And they needed to save it. At any cost. Including a big dose of socialism. So the long-perceived enemy became the friend. Now that the second Great Depression has been averted by socialism, the capitalists refuse to give credit where credit is due. To socialism as the saviour of the American economy. Of course, we still have a long way to go to a full recovery. And there's still the possibility of a relapse. And a complete collapse of the economy. But if that happens, it'll be because capitalists went back to their old idiotic practices. Ignoring the benefits of socialism. Or at least a well-regulated form of capitalism. Which, in essence, amounts to socialism. --Jim Broede

It can be a saving grace.

Some Alzheimer care-givers are rattled when their patients talk about their long-dead parents. As if they were still alive. Too often, the care-givers try to distract 'em, and change to another subject. Or worse yet, tell them that the parents are dead. But I'd choose to enter the patient's reality. In a sense, they are living in another time. Which is all right. Instead, I'd readily talk to them about their parents. And that maybe they'll come to visit some day soon. After they return from a trip. Talking about their parents can't do any harm. And it might bring them pleasure that stimulates their minds. They need all the stimulation they can get. So turn back the clock. Live in the past with them. Enter their world. Because they are not going to enter your world any more. Believe me, it'll bring them peace. Maybe you'll enjoy it, too. We do have some freedom to create our own realities, you know. With Alzheimer patients, it can be a saving grace. --Jim Broede

To be right, one must be a leftist.

I've long considered myself outside of the mainstream. On all sorts of political, social and economic issues. Therefore, I think of myself as a minority. Maybe that's why I'm a liberal. Seems to me that liberals tend to stand up for minority rights. More so than conservatives. But maybe I'm wrong about that. After all, many of my opinions are based on impressions. Because facts are often elusive. I'm really feeling my way through life. With limited amounts of information. Actually, defenders of minority rights do so, I suspect, because they identify themselves as minorities. At the moment. If they are in the majority, then they aren't as concerned about minorities anymore. Republicans, for instance, believe in minority rule when they are in the minority, and in majority rule when they are in the majority. They want to have the final word on everything. As if they rule by divine right. Like the old monarchs. To me, it's important to do the right thing. And I find that more often than not, to be right, one must be on the left. --Jim Broede

A swift kick in the ass.

I know one shouldn't kick a team when it's down. But still, I'd like to give the Chicago Cubs a swift kick in the ass. They are a pathetic underachieving bunch this season. Lifeless, at times. They might as well pack up their bags. And go home. Or better yet, Cubs fans should boycott the games. Empty the stands. Stay away until the Cubs learn to play baseball again. This is one of the sorriest excuses I've ever seen for a major league baseball team. They're a disgrace. --Jim Broede

No political gamesmanship for me.

If I were running for Congress, I'd campaign as an unabashed liberal. Because that's what I am. I'd not waver just to get elected. The sensible candidate, I suppose, would carefully analyze what it'd take to get him/her elected. In other words, cater to the whims of the electorate. The constituency. I wouldn't be afraid to lose. And if elected, I'd not compromise just for the sake of getting reelected. I wouldn't crave staying in public office. Of course, to win, I'd have to raise money to pay for the campaign. But I'd not beg for contributions. So I might have little money to spend. My attitude would be, so be it. Yes, I'm unwilling to play the political game. --Jim Broede

Losing our sense of decency.

One thing I've never quite understood is the mean-spiritedness of American politics. Republicans think of Democrats as the enemy. And Democrats think of Republicans as the arch foe. Seldom do they seem to find common ground. Heck, if I had a neighbor I didn't particularly like, I'd still find ways to get along. To be civil. But that happens rarely in American politics. Politicians from the two parties seldom mix socially. Wasn't always that way. But in the past several decades, the relations have deteriorated. Even into vile name-calling. And some of the far right conservatives even threaten to take up firearms if they don't get their way. And politicians in some states even have talked up secession. Forming their own country. Reminiscent of the bombastic rhetoric just before the Civil War. It's evolved into something akin to hatred. Republicans have even likened Barack Obama to Hitler. Yes, it's a sad state of affairs. I know that politics also can be mean-spirited in other parts of the world. But seems to me that the USA is fast-becoming the most hate-filled politic in the world. Not good. A sign that America is on the decline. Used to be we Americans had civil discourse on political, economic and social issues. We were an enlightened lot. Now we act like raving idiots. We've lost respect around the world. Makes me wonder, when did we start to lose our sense of decency? --Jim Broede

I'd make a good and friendly spy.

I suppose I could be a Russian spy. Or for that matter a German spy. Or an Italian spy. Or a French spy. I'm willing to tell any of these countries everything I know about the USA. Even any secrets I happen to discover. Because I consider all of these countries friendly. I like Russians. And lately, I especially like Italians. I'm even thinking about flying an Italian flag in my backyard on the Fourth of July. And as far as that goes, I'd not hesitate to fly the hammer and sickle of Russia. As a friendly gesture. Come to think of it, I'd even spy for Canada and Mexico and virtually any South American country. I don't see any reason why we can't divulge secrets to our friends. I know I wouldn't consider keeping a secret from my Italian girlfriend. I suppose she could be an Italian spy. Passing off my knowledge of America to her prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi. I'm really laughing unroarishly over allegations that a Russian spy ring has been operating in the USA for a long time. Anyway, when I spy for Russia, I'll be open and above board about it. By printing everything I know. Right here in my blog. --Jim Broede

Don't fear being brutally honest.

This works for me. But it may not work for others. But when I get a little despondent or out of sorts, I sit down and write. Put into words what's bothering me. I attack it directly. When I have it in words, it's in concrete. Solid. Makes it easier for me to deal with. I think many people that I know tend to stay couped up. They don't let things hang out. So they avoid dealing with problems. Directly. Of course, I may be wrong about that. I'm looking at this from my perspective. I can't get all the way inside other people. Maybe, in part, because they don't open up enough. They tend to be more restrained than I am. I'm not afraid to make an ass or fool of myself. And I'm not fearful of how other people will perceive me. Others are more conservative and discreet in that regard. It's often a matter of their upbringing, their life experience. Nothing wrong with that. They are being themselves. And I accept that. I'm just suggesting that they might deal with some things differently. In order to deal more effectively with their problems. Their issues. They are more concerned about appearances than I am. Again, I have no complaint about that. I still accept them. Like them. Maybe even love them. For whom and what they are. Their so-called foibles really aren't foibles. I see them as attributes. Things that make them unique. All I am saying is, don't be afraid to be brutally honest. With one's self. And with others. --Jim Broede

No longer a chance to escape.

When it comes to politics, we Americans have lost our sense of fairness. That is, if we ever had it. We used to talk to each other. Objectively. A true dialogue. I suspect we had it. Maybe during and after World War II. In the 1950s. We had more respect for each other. We were a more trusting people. That is, trusting of each other. Oh, not perfectly trusting by any means. But more reasonable. There was more give and take. Republicans and Democrats even socialized with each other. Now it's as if we are divided into hostile enemy camps. The Hatfields and McCoys. We feud with each other. We call each other names. We become obstructionists. Used to be there was a cold war. We aimed our ire at other nations. In a united way. Now we have a civil war. We see an enemy from within. I don't like it. I'd rather live in peace. And harmony. But it's not to be. The rancor is far too pervasive. I wonder why the shift in mood. What has happened to us? Why did we go awry? So sharply divided. We find it so hard to live with each other. Look at the divorce rate. It continues to spiral. We lambaste each other. We liken each other to little Hitlers. We even have our own separate news programs. To give us our preferred subjective slant of the news. Of reality. We don't want to listen to anything else. Only what we want to hear. No matter how preposterous. We all look silly. Like idiots. It's insanity. As if we've all been stricken with a disease. A mental disorder. We have turned the USA into a vast insane asylum. Yes, no longer an opportunity to escape. Because we are mired in it. No matter where we go. --Jim Broede