Sunday, January 10, 2021

Lies Cost Lives

 

I was confronted again yesterday by lies and fake truths. The Facebook post began This post is not open for debate,  as if Moses had come down from the mountain with the stone tablets.

It roils my blood when well-meaning people repeat and repost what they read without fact-checking and placing the information into proper context. 

Spreading untruths distorts reality bringing people into a false understanding of history.

So despite the statement that the post was not open for debate, let me tear apart some of what I was confronted with yesterday. And yes, despite the question to the contrary, I did read the post.

The Claim:

Trump is the first president that has not engaged us in a foreign war since Eisenhower.

The Truth:

Fact check: Trump joins Carter, Ford and Nixon among presidents without a new war


The Claim:

 Trump has had the greatest impact on the economy, bringing jobs, and lowering unemployment to the Black and Latino population of ANY other president. Ever.

The Truth:

No, Trump hasn’t been the best president for Black America since Lincoln


The Claim:

 Trump rebuilt our military which the Obama administration crippled and fired 214 key generals and admirals in his first year of office.

The Truth:

Trump’s False Military Equipment Claim


The Claim:

Trump turned our relationship with the Chinese around, brought hundreds of businesses back to the US, and revived the economy.

The Facts:

More pain than gain: How the US-China trade war hurt America


The Claim:

Biden has done nothing to improve anything in his 47-year political career. 

The Facts:

List of Joe Biden’s Accomplishments


So, one-by-one each of the touted accomplishments devolve into lies. And then, as we witnessed on Wednesday, the president incited an insurrection and an attack on the Capitol. Five people died! This was the culmination of months of lies about the free and fair election which, as Mitch McConnell noted, was not even close.

And although the president said he was going to walk with the crowd to the Capitol, he in fact retreated to the White House to view and enjoy the lawlessness he created. He used those people and sent them to do his dirty work and in doing so the president again demonstrated contempt for the Constitution, the Congress, the rule of law, and "We the People." Yet, some continue to defend the indefensible and spread lies and untruths about his supposed greatness.

81 million people agreed. It is time for the Trump presidency to end as the framers of the Constitution intended--through a free and fair election. That is the key of democracy. The people get to decide--not lawyers, not politicians, not those in power. 

So if I get emotional and excited when I continue to hear untruths spread by well-meaning, but uninformed people, forgive me. Yesterday I threatened to unfriend my Dad from Facebook--I own that statement and I made it. I will not, however, unfriend him. I need to stay on Facebook to educate the misled. 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Saturday, January 9, 2021

Good-bye Alex

 

Alex Trebek
Host of Jeopardy 1984-2020
Last evening, Chris and I said good-bye to a man we had never met in person, but had enjoyed probably hundreds of times in our living room providing us with the answers to the questions we needed to create.

Yes, we watched, with a great deal of sadness, Alex Trebek's last taped episode of Jeopardy. 

I have been watching Jeopardy since I was a boy and before it was a nighttime show. I remember watching it during the summer and when I was home sick from school. At that time it was hosted by Art Fleming. But, as an adult, I connected with Alex Trebek and 'the one true" host of the show. 



Although I knew that the last show was coming, since  Alex died in last November, irrationally I hoped that day would never arrive, but last evening it did. I am glad that the producers moved the show from its scheduled Christmas Day airing to last evening. It would have been a sad way to end Christmas Day watching his last show. 

And so it is over--but as he wished, the show will go on. As he said, closing the last show he taped: 

“Thank you ladies and gentlemen for spending the time with us,” he said. “We'll see you again next week.”


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday, January 8, 2021

Happy Friday

 

Friday has arrived. 

Usually on Friday's at work there is a bit of excitement at the prospect of the weekend and some exciting plan. But, COVID has robbed us of that. No longer do I dream of heading off to some new place or returning to visit a favorite place. Or even driving north to visit family. These weekends are stretching into a COVID bland string of days. 

At least this weekend the NFL will provide some entertainment. But after a while the games become the same--devolving into moments of action punctuated by minutes of commercials. 

Maybe the the wine group will have Happy Hour tonight--by Zoom. There is something unsatisfying about a Zoom Happy Hour because the discussion between seven people can only be about one thing at a time rather than having multiple discussions happening all at once. And then there is the wine--I like being able to enjoy multiple wines and talking about the structure, taste, and one of each of them. It is hard to share a bottle of wine across cyberspace. More importantly though--we are all happy to be able to be together and break the monotony of another COVID week.

The pandemic remains unchecked. The infection rates and the numbers of Americans dying from the virus continue to be at levels no one would ever believe and the toll on their families is unbearable. The government is totally ineffective and even the vaccine program has been so underplayed that it us an embarrassment. 

It has been quite a week, however, and reflecting on what has transpired and how it will affect our country. I won't recount it--suffice it to write that I never saw what happened coming. 

But regardless--Happy Friday. 

Our happiness what we make it.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Thursday, January 7, 2021

Bookend for the Administration

 

The Republic stands!

Capitol Under Siege
Washington, D.C.
January 6, 2021
It was a turbulent 24 hours which saw the first black elected to the U.S. Senate from Georgia; two Democratic Senators elected from Georgia shifting the balance of power in the Senate; the storming of the U.S. Capitol, which has not happened since 1814 by the British during the War of 1812; and Congress completing the 2020 Election by certifying the Electoral College results for Joe Biden. Whew!

And the flag still flys over the Capitol, a testament to the American spirit and the strength of our leaders who, despite the threats and lawlessness did not abandon the country and stayed to complete their solemn business in the "citadel of liberty."

That the president was behind the storming of the Capitol is, in my mind, an abomination. I was grieved to the innermost parts of my soul by the lawlessness. I support the right of people to protest--but, I do not support the wanton lawlessness that was on display yesterday. Even during the height of the Civil Rights Rallies and the Anti-War protests of the 60's and 70's--storming the Capitol was considered off limits. There is a distinct difference between legal protests and wanton lawlessness. And guess who still has not condemned the storming of the Capitol by his supporters?

The Washington. Post reports this morning that the president incited the lawlessness:

Trump issued a call to arms. Then he urged his followers ‘to remember this day forever!’

I will remember this day as it provides an apt bookend for the Trump presidency. Thirteen days to go.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 


Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Biking Away the Winter

 

Last month, to fight off the winter doldrums and to help maintain some physical fitness during the winter since I am not playing racquetball, I bought a NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

Riding Along a North Carolina Lake
S22i Studio Cycle
I reported on the purchase, but I have not written about it in the intervening weeks. 

Last evening, after work, as I was riding around a lake in North Carolina following my trainer I took a couple of pictures to demonstrate how the cycle provides the ultimate escape. 

Full Screen with Workout Details
S22i Studio Cycle Ride
The afternoon in Maryland was dark, dreary, and rainy. Not to mention temperatures in the 30's. Not a good afternoon for a ride. But yesterday, despite the weather outside of my home, my cycle took me on a 7 mile foundation ride along a lake during autumn in North Carolina. It was a beautiful ride and it was an easy ride after a difficult and challenging mountain climb the other day.

I was amazed at how much better I felt after getting outside, in the warm sun for a nice afternoon ride. I changed my mood and I got in some good exercise as well.

Most people have heard of the Peloton cycle, but when I did my research I was impressed with the extra features provided by the S22i--and it was significantly less expensive once all of the extra requirements for the Peloton were considered. 

I have ridden my S22i every day since I have had it--and I have had it over three weeks now. I definitely feel improved fitness and I actually look forward to the rides each day. I have build some personal rides using Google Maps around my condo in Florida--and it is always good to get back there and dream of the heat, humidity, and sweat during the dark days of winter. 

I am hoping to bike away the Winter and be ready for the Springtime.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Election Day - again

 

The election season that will not end continues today and tomorrow. 

We may finally learn whether the Democrats or the Republicans will control the Senate. The run-off election for both Georgia Senate seats is being held today and with any luck we should know the results by sometime next week--given how the Presidential election went. 

And as for the allegations of voter fraud. Each and every claim by the Trump team was thoroughly debunked during a news conference yesterday. 

I urge you to read the NPR reporting of the news conference for the truth.

Georgia Election Official Debunks Trump's Voter Fraud Claims

And then there is tomorrow. 

Some have called the shenanigans in the in the Congress seditious. Something that should take 30 minutes will likely take many hours to complete and that is is the certification of the Electoral College vote and the declaration of Joe Biden as the President-elect.

There is an interesting editorial about the situation--from December Texas inspired lawsuit and the legalities associated with the activities of the Senators and Representatives who are foment the discontent:

The Constitution has an answer for seditious Members of Congress

Perhaps by the end of the week, Election Day will be finally complete. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD 


Monday, January 4, 2021

Monday Musings - January 4, 2021

 



1. Welcome to the first Monday of 2021. There are 51 Mondays left in the year. January is off to a rousing start. 

2. Family NFL Results.

    Ravens (11-5) defeat Bengals (4-11-1) 38-8. Ravens are in the Playoffs.

    Steelers (12-4) lose to Browns (11-5) 22-24. Steelers win AFC North, Browns are in the playoffs for the first time in 18 years.

    Cowboys (6-10) lose to Giants (6-10), 19-23. Cowboys and Giants are out of the playoffs because Football Team won.

    Football Team (7-9) defeat Eagles (4-11-1) 20-14. Football Team wins division with a losing record and will host a playoff game.

3. It is sad that Representatives and Senators who have taken an oath to defend the Constitution are currently engaged in efforts to subvert it and the peaceful transfer of power between the outgoing and incoming administrations. 

4. I am tired of hearing that 74 million people who voted for the loser need an explanation. Here is the explanation: 81 million voters cast ballots for the other guy! 

5. In another example of a poorly planned operation, with no one in control, the Coronavirus Vaccine Program is faltering. It is part of the continuing Trump legacy.

6. It will be a turbulent week in Washington as the Georgia elections are tomorrow and the certification of the Electoral College is on Wednesday. 

7. There are just 16 days until Inauguration Day. Maybe then the insanity will cease.

8. I was amazed at the traffic that I became stuck in on Saturday as I went shopping for essentials. People were definitely out--or perhaps returning from the holiday break.

9. Today in HistoryOn January 4, 1965, in his State of the Union address, President Lyndon Baines Johnson lays out for Congress a laundry list of legislation needed to achieve his plan for a Great Society. On the heels of John F. Kennedy’s tragic death, Americans had elected Johnson, his vice president, to the presidency by the largest popular vote in the nation’s history. Johnson used this mandate to push for improvements he believed would better Americans’ quality of life.




Trump Pressured Georgia Secretary of State to Find Votes - The Wall Street Journal

U.S. Death Toll Tops 350,000 - The Wall Street Journal

Biden Plans Renewed Nuclear Talks With Russia While Punishing Kremlin - The New York Times

As Rollout Falters, Scientists Debate New Vaccination Tactics - The New York Times

As coronavirus death toll surpasses 350,000, Trump calls U.S. count ‘far exaggerated’ - The Washington Post

Your questions about the coronavirus vaccines, answered - The Washington Post

Iran says it resumes 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow site - Reuters

Japan PM says government will consider state of emergency for Tokyo area - Reuters

Australia's most populous state reports zero COVID cases, urges thousands to get tested - Reuters



Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

In 1982 this country faces serious challenges. We're gripped by a recession brought on by decades of government mismanagement. But we're making a new beginning as a nation. The road to recovery is never easy. But America is no stranger to challenges. We need only live up to our convictions to set things right. We need only believe in ourselves, in our country, and in tomorrow.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Sunday, January 3, 2021

And so it Begins, anew

I am a bit melancholy this morning. I shouldn't be, but the end of a long holiday season break/vacation and the beginning of a work week looming the COVID-19 planning, replanning, and pandemic associated changes grabbed me this morning.

I don't even feel like commenting on the political climate in the nation. 

Tomorrow it is off to work after almost two weeks away. The working portion of the new year begins. 

But at least I have today. With a bit of luck and playing some good football, the Ravens will hopefully make the playoffs! That would be nice. 

Unfortunately it is too cold and rainy to play golf. But I will ride my bike--my indoor bike, for some enjoyment and exercise.

Enjoy the day for tomorrow there grind begins anew.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Winds of Change

 

The new year is already one day old and already showing signs of improvement from the year behind us.

I was encouraged that the Congress, with the Senate voting yesterday, set a new tone for the year by overriding the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

Senate Overrides Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill - The Wall Street Journal

Yesterday's vote by the Senate marks the first time during the current administration that a veto had been overridden. The House voted to override the veto on Monday. 

According to the article cited above, Trump has vetoed eight other bills during his term--none of which were overridden.

There winds of change are beginning to blow through the halls of the Congress. The veto override was an example of bipartisanship working for the good of the country. I hope the effort on the NDAA represents a much needed change in the manner in which our leaders work. They must get beyond partisan politics and work for the good of the nation as a whole. 

It is a strong beginning to the new year.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


Friday, January 1, 2021

2021 Arrives

 

Happy New Year. 

2021 has arrived around the world and even right here at home. 

With 2020 behind us and a new year ahead, let's hope we can turn things around and do good things for our communities, our country, and the planet. The time to unify and cease divisive policies and practices has arrived.

I know that many people want to return to the "way things were before 2020." But I hope that we do not go back, but rather building upon what we have learned during the difficult year that is now behind us we commit ourselves to making things better. There were too many problems that we overlooked and now that we have brought them into the light, we can correct them and make our country and our society better and healthy. 

First though, let's defeat the coronavirus! Embrace safe practices and get vaccinated when it is offered.

We have a lot of work to do--take today and enjoy the celebration. Tomorrow we begin to reconstruct the future.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD


My Zimbio
Top Stories