Not Enough Attention Paid!

Headlines and dramatic events get our attention.  But much more is happening.  Some of what is going on under the radar:

An ongoing mass slaughter in South Sudan – horrific.

The Chinese taking steps to cut down on the use of ivory – a good thing.

India and China doing little to help Asian migrants – making the problem worse.

A decent government taking hold in Sri Lanka – after decades of war and autocracy.

Fewer executions in the U.S. – but still a long way from where it should be – zero.

A functioning government in California – after years of dysfunction.

The daily extinction of species we’ve never heard of – with no end in sight.

Small renewable energy projects – that quietly make a difference.

Look for that which is not obvious.  There is much to be found.

Time To Give Up?

Is it time to give up?

On the notion that racial hatred can be eliminated.  Let’s be clear – while racially motivated crimes get a lot of attention in this country, no way is it limited to the U.S.  It’s a worldwide phenomenon.

Why?  Fear and distrust of the ‘other.’  No matter whether the ‘other’ is a different skin color, or religion or nationality, or . . . the list is long.

Is it time to give up?

On the notion that the government can function in a way that promotes the well being of the people, rather than the special interests of a few.  So long as money is the up front driver that dictates how elected officials will vote, money and the wishes of the rich special interests will win.

Is it time to give up?

On the notion that the rise of terrorism can be stopped and turned around.  Until the disaffected and the fanatics have more to lose than disrupting the status quo costs them – including death and an after death idyllic existence – no way.  Partial containment is possible.  But ridding the world of the crazies?  No way.

Is it time to give up?

On the notion that the average person can live a fulfilled, tragedy-free life exulting in the pleasures of family, friends and peace.  No, let’s not give up on this one.  It is possible.  Many of us are blessed with such a life.  It’s worth holding on to and being grateful for.

Oxymoronic

Donald Trump running for president.  He’s a laughable egomaniac who’d be dangerous if he weren’t so repulsive.

Obama depending on the Republicans to get a trade bill through Congress.  Old line Democrats are so blinded by their knee jerk allegiance to labor unions they can’t see what is good for them, middle class workers, or the country.

The St. Louis Cardinals hacking the Houston Astros.  If they were going to steal information why would they go after the secrets of one of the worst teams in baseball?

Comparing Dick Costolo being bounced from Twitter to Steve Jobs when he was booted out of Apple.  Costolo, you may be good at some things, but you ain’t no Steve Jobs.

The assertion that Egypt’s justice system metes out punishment equitably.  Tell that to the thousands who have been sentenced to death without even the pretense of a fair trial.

Rachel Donezal:  “I am black.”  Sure you are, Rachel, no matter what your parents say.

Tuned Out/In!

What I’m not paying attention to at the moment:

Speeches/interviews by people running for President.  It’s too soon.

Whether interest rates will go up this year.  They either will or they won’t.

What Europe will do about Greece’s debt.  They’ll figure something out.

Upcoming Supreme Court decisions.  I’ll find out when they announce them.

Possible takeovers in the communications industry.  Can’t follow the implications.

Pope Francis.  OK, OK, I get it.  He’s a good guy.

The Apple Watch.  I like Apple and will never buy one.

NHL Finals.  On this one I may change my mind and tune in.

The Women’s World Cup.  No charisma and too slow.

What has my attention:

The NBA Finals.  Unless the Warriors continue to disappoint.

The Giants.  Go Giants!

FIFA.  The more revelations the better.

And aside from sports:

ISIS and the various battles in the Middle East.  Doesn’t look good.

Police violence against blacks.  So what else is new?

The California drought.  Yes, I’m flushing less.

Migrants/refugees around the world.  Horrific conditions and little outrage.

India.  Has been on my watch list for decades.

New books, movies and TV shows.  Only problem?  Not enough time for them all.

Straight Talk!

Straight talk is often in short supply.  But once in a while a breath of fresh air comes our way:

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter says that Ramadi was lost to ISIS because Iraqi defenders, even with an overwhelming manpower advantage, ran away.

Sheryl Sandberg honestly expresses her feelings about her husband’s accidental death.

Steph Curry’s daughter, Riley, takes on the media at her father’s news conference.

Every day we are blessed with a new revelation about corruption at FIFA.

While it is easy to take a jaundiced view of the media frenzy around Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out, she has shown courage and integrity in choosing to be herself.

As the NSA’s data collecting is cut back and our right to privacy is given more weight, Edward Snowden looks better and better.

Every day we are bombarded by self-serving, duplicitous comments by those seeking power (check out all candidates seeking the presidency) or those in power (check them out too) so it is worth reminding ourselves that it doesn’t always have to be that way.