Wishful Thinking!

Examples of wishful thinking:

Mass killing, in schools and elsewhere, can be stopped with new gun regulations, guards, emergency procedures, and the like.  Worthwhile?  Sure.  Foolproof?  No.  Until deranged minds can be known and controlled, destructive acts cannot be prevented.  Like it or not, it is part of the human condition.

Sanctions against Iran, Russia, China or anyone else will force them to behave differently.  So long as the world is composed of individual entities called nations, self-interest will determine what policies are followed.  Sanctions may let those imposing them feel better – “See, we’re hurting the bad guys” – but they are not the answer.

If we buy the best players we’ll have the best team.  Yes, having the money to lure stars helps, but it is no guarantee of success.  Intangibles, such as personalities that mesh into a team, strategy, fitness, luck, and many others – produce winners.

On the subject of money, it is wishful thinking to assume that our elected officials, public servants, will behave in a way that puts the public interest first so long obscene amounts of money are required to be elected.  He/she who gives the money has the power and their interest is served first.

There is a solution to homelessness.  The notion that if we do this, or this, or this, we can put an end to homelessness is a pipe dream.  There is no one answer.  Can we help the homeless?  Yes.  But not until a comprehensive approach is put in place.  Mental health, drug addiction, housing, food, job training and employment, all need to be addressed.  That many of our fellow citizens are living on the street is shameful.  Some might even say un-American!

The Way Things Are!

Sometimes you don’t have to look too far to find a summary of the way things are these days.  So it was this morning when I read the World-Wide column in the Wall Street Journal. 

The lead item said that our “European allies were bracing for the U.S. to withdraw from the Iran nuclear accord.”  A wrong-headed move that further distances us from our friends.

Then – “Iran’s president said that his country would fiercely resist efforts to contain its regional influence.”  Our behavior strengthens those who oppose us.

“Hezbollah and its allies won a majority of seats in Lebanon’s parliamentary election.”  On the ground evidence for my previous point.

“New York’s attorney general resigned after four women alleged he physically abused them.”  #MeToo takes no prisoners.  A good thing.

“The administration plans to step up prosecution of parents who cross into the U.S. illegally with their children, separating more families.”  Another example of government-sponsored cruelty.  For these guys compassion is a weakness.

“The White House proposes to cut federal spending by $15 billion, half of which would come from a children’s health insurance program.”  More evidence of government-sponsored cruelty.

Giuliani says Trump may not testify if Mueller asks him to.  They deserve each other, Trump and Giuliani that is.

“The NRA names Oliver North as its next president.”  They deserve each other too, North and the NRA that is.

And that’s the way things are!

Sadness!

Trying to make sense out of what’s going on in this country is an exercise in futility.

The U.S. and North Korea are playing footsie.  I thought they were the ultimate bad guys.  Go figure!

We’re on the verge of scrapping the Iran nuclear deal, which was supposed to delay Iran going nuclear for 10, maybe 15, years.  Go figure!

A favorite parlor game is counting how often Trump lies.  I heard it is 6.5 times a day.  Does anyone care?  Doesn’t look like it.  More a “What did you expect?” shrug of the shoulders than cries of outrage.  Go figure!

Another cottage industry is trying to follow the financial machinations of Trump and his buddies, in and out of government.  And another “What did you expect?”  Or “Who really cares?”  So he paid $130,000 to a porn star to keep quiet.  So his EPA boss is in bed with anti-EPA lobbyists.  Does anybody care?  Go figure!

The current bar for honesty and honorable behavior is so low that being surprised is no longer an option.  The mood is more one of resignation and predictable squawks from anti-Trumpers.

Will all this change anytime soon?  I’d like to say “Yes,” but I don’t believe it will.  Those of us of a certain age who grew up proud to be an American, proud of what we stand for, feel betrayed.  So we are left with what?  Sadness!