Politics!

I'm in the "I'm worried" part of the political spectrum.

I'm not happy that Biden seems determined to run again, and am resigned to the reality that he won't step aside.  Given his record so far as President, it is a mystery to me why his approval ratings are so low.  They aren't low in just one or two places, but everywhere: the economy, his foreign policy, can he be trusted, his relationship with Hunter, everywhere. 

So he's vulnerable, and that worries me.  His age is against him.  He doesn't look physically strong.  He meanders when talking.  That's all true.  It amuses me that he's younger than I am and is still seen as too old to be President.  I'd do a Romney, and step aside to make way for a younger generation.  But Biden isn't doing that.  Correction: I'm not amused.  I'm something else, but the proper word escapes me.

His sticking with Kamala complicates the equation.  Her approval ratings are even lower than his, and voters are not going to forget that if he dies in office she'll be in the oval office.  Not a positive prospect.

Looming over my worries is Trump.  I wish the Republicans were moving away from him, but they aren't and he seems to gain strength with them every day.  History shows that dictatorships almost always begin when democratic institutions, i.e., an election, provides a step up on the road to power.  So it will be here if Trump is reelected.

Have I said that "I'm worried?"

Thoughts for Today!

North Africa seems plagued.  Tens of thousands dead after an earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya.  Horrible scenes of destruction.

Could also say Hunter Biden is plagued.  Now indicted on flimsy charges.  All meant to target and damage his father.  It would be laughable if it wasn't serious.

Read an excerpt in the Atlantic from a new biography of Mitt Romney.  A refreshing pull-no-punches look at a guy who seems to be unburdening himself by telling the truth.  Highly recommended.

I was going to pass on Walter Isaacson's new biography on Elon Musk.  Why?  Because I've been so turned off by Musk's persona.  But I may change my mind.  Why?  Because like him or not, what he has created with Tesla, Space X, and more is very impressive.

I'm not an Aaron Rodgers fan, but I was sorry to see him go down with a torn achilles in the first minutes of his new career with the Jets.

San Francisco's latest move to clean up the Tenderloin has mixed results.  More arrests but no observable difference in drug using and selling on the street.  A good start, but more is needed.

Buddha

Buddha has been on my mind today.  I don't know why.  No particular reason.  So I've looked to remind myself of what he said.

The essence of his teaching is that suffering is caused by ignorance and can be overcome by following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path:

1.  Suffering exists.  Life is suffering.  Suffering is real and has many causes.

2.  Suffering is caused by attachment, the desire to have and control things.

3.  Suffering can end.  Attachment can be overcome.  One can let go of desire and craving.

4.  To end suffering, follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path includes Right Vision, Right Values, Right Speech, Right Actions, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Meditation.

I find it useful to be reminded of these teachings.

 

KKK

I've been reading "A Fever in the Heartland," by Timothy Egan, which is about the history of the Ku Klux Klan.  A very interesting story, about which I realize I know very little.

For example, in the early years of the 20th century the Klan was a very large mass movement, especially in the Middle West.  Their rallies attracted tens of thousands of committed supporters, passionately promoting a vision of a white Christian America.

Fast forward to today: A hundred years later has anything really changed?  The far right is making the same kind of noise.  The country we thought we knew is up for question.  The answer is in doubt.  I wouldn't bet on our coming through it unscathed this time.