Monday Musings - April 29, 2024

 

1. It is the final Monday of the five Monday month of April. We are at the end of the first third of the year. There are just 35 Mondays remaining in the year. Next up? Cinco de Mayo!

Bluebird in the Morning
Odenton, MD
April 28, 2024

2. Yesterday, a bluebird perched at the very top of a fir tree. It sat there long enough for me to actually get my phone out of my pocket and snap a pretty good image. I was happy the image of the bird came out so well, I think I had zoomed in as far as possible with the camera.

3. A miraculous thing happened yesterday! The temperature in Maryland rose to above 70 degrees and I was able to don shorts and a tee-shirt leaving the heavier clothes behind. Yay!

4. The Orioles had a difficult series against the Athletics by losing 2 of 3 games. Both of the losses were the result of blown saves in the 9th inning by the closer. Maybe they need to get a new closer. Hopefully things will get better during the upcoming four-game series against the team whose name shall remain unwritten or spoken.

5. Dogs are very intelligent. Nicole's dog, Lily, remembers that we walk Finnegan every day during the morning and keeps a close eye on Chris and I for signs that a walk is imminent. She has not missed a walk yet.

6. Today in History. On April 29, 2004, the World War II Memorial opens in Washington, D.C. to thousands of visitors, providing overdue recognition for the 16 million U.S. men and women who served in the war. The memorial is located on 7.4 acres on the former site of the Rainbow Pool at the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The Capitol dome is seen to the east, and Arlington Cemetery is just across the Potomac River to the west.

The granite and bronze monument features fountains between arches symbolizing hostilities in Europe and the Far East. The arches are flanked by semicircles of pillars, one each for the states, territories and the District of Columbia. Beyond the pool is a curved wall of 4,000 gold stars, one for every 100 Americans killed in the war. An Announcement Stone proclaims that the memorial honors those “Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice.”

An El Niño-less summer is coming. What that could mean for the US - CNN

 House Speaker Johnson will face the fallout from his foreign aid package today - CNN

Blinken to Hamas: Accept Israel's 'extraordinarily generous' Gaza truce proposal - Reuters

US lawmakers strike deal to boost aviation safety, will not raise pilot retirement age - Reuters

Ukraine pulls back from three villages in east, Zelenskiy pleads for weapons - Reuters

Russia steps up offensive on east Ukraine village, Kyiv says its forces holding out - Reuters

Regulator Investigates Ford’s Hands-Free Driving System After Fatal Crashes - The Wall Street Journal

In America’s Biggest Oil Field, the Ground Is Swelling and Buckling - The Wall Street Journal

An assassination plot on American soil reveals a darker side of Modi’s India - The Washington Post

Opinion|Is another Trump coup case really necessary? Yes. Arizona matters. - The Washington Post






-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

#mondaymusings

The Field Where it Happened

Field 7 (now 9) GORC Park
Odenton, MD
April 26, 2024

 It was there, empty.

I walked by one of the baseball fields where I spent many hours coaching. I could still see, in my mind, the field full of boys and families cheering during games and also the many hours of practice working to transform the raw talent from players of baseball into baseball players. 

The hours I spent there were many, but rewarding and I have to admit that I miss the practices and seeing the boys develop their skills. Some days it was cold, others hot, and then there were the rainstorms which drenched everything and I caught myself wondering why was in out in the cold rain?

I know now. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Friends, colleagues, and memories

 I enjoyed a fantastic afternoon yesterday. 

I was able to attend the 60th Anniversary of the organization that I used to work for and have been retired from for the past almost 2 1/2 years. 

It was great to be back on the campus and noting the changes which have occurred, although I could not actually go into my old offices. But most importantly, I was able to meet with many of my old bosses, friends, and colleagues while learning how the organization has grown since my fairly recent departure. 

Decade anniversaries provide an important moment in an organization's life. They are useful in reflecting on the past and charting a course for the future. That is what I heard yesterday. The organization in which I enjoyed working for the non-military portion of my adult life continues to be thriving, vibrant and relevant. 

It was great meeting my friends and fellow retirees as well as the current members of the organization. I especially enjoyed meeting with so many of the former directors who came. I was very happy to have traveled from Florida to be part of the celebration. 

And so until we meet at the 70th!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Weather Changes

 It was a shock to my system yesterday after arriving in Baltimore when I stepped outside of the airport and the temperature was 53 degrees headed for a high in the 60s. 

Pollen on the Pond
Odenton, MD
April 25, 2024

Cold--that is the only way to describe my feeling. I had appropriately dressed for the occasion by wearing jeans and shoes while toting a heavy pullover to ward against the cold in my backpack. But still--the last time I had worn jeans was during my last visit north, since then it has been shorts and sandals.

Well, at least I was prepared. 

It is hard once I get used to temperatures in the 80s to return to colder days. At least it appears that I brought warmer weather with me from Florida as there will be high 80s over the weekend!

I am enjoying the bright sunshine! And the green. The Springtime green of the new leaves is very refreshing and seeing the culmination of Spring is enjoyable. I noticed the green as the plane broke through the clouds on final approach to BWI yesterday. I remembered the Winter-brown and gray of my last visit.

But, what comes with Springtime? Pollen! Yup and I saw the pollen laying atop the water in the holding pond yesterday. 

So yes, I am upping my allergy medicine!

Being back north is such fun!

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Sign and Sayings

Sign at Unlimited Carwash
Tequesta, FL
April 24, 2024

 It was a travel day; Chris and I have returned to Maryland for a week. 

Yesterday I spent some time at the local carwash, as both my bug-covered truck, from the drive back from Tampa, and Chris's car needed cleaning. The carwash has a very important sign designed to protest the safety of the patrons, except that I'm not sure what they were really saying. It seems to lose some of its value when an important word is misspelled. I actually got a pretty good image of the sign. 

Southwest Airline Napkins
April 25, 2024

On our Southwest Airlines flight from PBI to BWI this morning, I happened to look at the napkins.

There were witty phrases on both of the napkins. Now, I have to confess that I'm not sure whether the phrases have been on the napkins of other Southwest flights, but I never noticed them before this mornings bleary-eyed flight. 

Chris and I were up early, like 4:45 AM to get out the door and to the airport to board our 7:05 scheduled departure. As an aside--it was a great flight. The aircraft lifted off the runway three minutes before our schedule gate departure time  and we arrived in Baltimore 28 minutes early. Additionally, the flight was only about 1/2 full. Why can't flying always be like that?

Well, except for the bleary-eyed part.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Manatee in the River

Manatee
Loxahatchee River, Tequesta, FL
 April 23, 2024

As I biked across a Loxahatchee River bridge yesterday, I spied a manatee grazing along the shore. I bike across this bridge most days when I ride and this was the first time that I had seen a manatee. 

I stopped and watched the manatee from the bridge. 

I have been lucky to see quite a few manatees this year while boating, but this was the first I had seen while not actually out on the water. I stood and watched for a while and then continued on my ride. I posted 16.82 miles as I continue training for the upcoming Greater Allegheny Passage ride. 

There is something fascinating about watching these large water mammals just going about their business and not being concerned about almost anything. This stretch of the river is narrow and the low bridge means that most motorized boats cannot disturb the ecosystem there. 

I managed a couple short videos of the manatee, which I put together. 

Tomorrow is a travel day as Chris and I head back to Maryland for a week to enjoy the Springtime and family, friends, and of course baseball and wine!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sun Goes Down Tour - Opening Night

 

It was the first night of the tour. The summer concert season was beginning. The crowd was amped and the bands were equally as excited. 

So here are some observations of the event.

The doors to the stadium opened at 4 PM and the first act, Uncle Kracker, was scheduled to be on at 5 PM. Amazingly, Uncle Kracker was onstage right at 5 PM and the evening began under a bright blue sky and hot sun with temperatures in the high 80s. 

The stadium was mostly empty when the show began. People continued arriving right up until Kenny Chesney took the stage at 9 PM.

Uncle Kracker

Uncle Kracker  

Great performance. Lot's of energy and a lot of fun. He sand songs we knew and could sing along with. He was in a tough spot, being the first act of the evening with a mostly empty stadium, but he handled it very well. I was glad he got to return with Kenny later in the show for a couple songs.

 

  

Uncle Kracker Grade: A

 

Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney

Megan Moroney is a solid musician and sings enjoyable songs accompanied by an excellent band. I was disappointed that she came across as a Taylor Swift wannabe. The way she dressed and sang suggested she was imitating Taylor's style to expand her audience.

 

She showed a great stage presence during her performance. I enjoyed her and her band, I especially loved their tee-shirts which read EMO Cowgirl. I think she would have done better to stick with that identity rather than emulate the Taylor Swift look.

Megan Moroney Grade: B

Zack Brown Band

Zac Brown Band

What is not to love about the Zac Brown Band? They put on a great show and are headliners in their own right. Their music was superbly performed and the tribute to Jimmy Buffet, Pirates and Parrots, was well done.

I enjoyed their well-known songs and was able to really sing along as the crowd grew and sunset approached. They performed a full show and I was left fully appreciating the band and their songs as well as their versatility. I was most impressed with the cover of Charlie Daniels's The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I never would have believed anyone could play it faster or as good as the original, but I was wrong. I was mesmerized by the fiddle and the overall execution of the song.

The band also covered U2s, With or Without You, which was a lot of fun to sing with them.

Zac Brown Band Grade: A 

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney

What to say. Kenny was fantastic! The energy and the song selection was perfect for the evening. I had thought we would hear more songs from the new Born album, but I think there was just one: Take Her Home. 

I was amazed at his energy and command of the stage. This is the third time I have been to a Kenny Chesney concert and they each seem to be better. His music has evolved, but the real crowd pleasers are all fast moving songs that speak to the No Shoes Nation mentality. 

Kenny's band was fabulous and each member had a showcase moment. 

The set began about 9 PM and continued until almost 11 PM--without a stop. The two songs with Uncle Kracker were great and well done. It was fun being part of and watching the crowd respond to Kenny and his music. The Come Monday tribute to Jimmy Buffett was excellent.

Being the first show of the series, there were some small miscues, especially the handoff between the Kenny and the stage hand with the guitars. Late in the show Kenny displayed some evidence of tired voice--but it was a long day for all of us. 

One other note--the encore could have included some of the songs not in the program, like Boys of Fall and Anything but Mine. I'm not sure if the encore was truncated by a stadium imposed hard stop at 11 PM.

The setlist can be found here. 

Kenny Chesney Grade: A

Raymond James Stadium

Restroom Facilities for Floor Seating
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
April 20, 2024

I wish I had positive comments for Raymond James Stadium, but sadly the venue leaves a lot to be desired, especially given the cost of the tickets.

 
Arrival was smooth as I had secured parking in advance. 

Parking was the easiest part of the evening. We were seated on the floor and that meant we got the worst in terms of food and restroom facilities. Using the restroom, the port-a-potty area, meant fighting the crowd streaming in or trying to get food to get back outside the stadium. It was not pleasant. The food area was too small and located in the same hallway as the entrance and the passage to the relief area. That meant it was always too crowded. Drinks were readily available, however. During the break between Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney there was not enough time to use the restrooms due to the apparent under planning by the stadium staff.

But the tragedy of the evening was departing the parking, for which we paid $50 plus tax. It took 45 minutes to get out of the lot because no one was directing traffic. Then, once out of the lot we were forced to drive away from our desired destination for miles before being able to hop onto an interstate and drive back through the stadium departing traffic to get to our hotel. In the end, the 3 mile journey back to the hotel turned into a 10 mile drive.

Raymond James Stadium Grade: D-

I have attached a 3 minute video of portions of the evening just to give a sense at how great was the evening we enjoyed.

Thanks Kenny!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#kennychesney #sungoesdowntour #openingnight

Monday Musings - Monday. April 22, 2024

 

Happy Earth Day

1. Welcome to the fourth Monday of April. Where is the month going? There is one Monday remaining in the month and there are just 36 Mondays remaining in the year. I hope your taxes are filed. 

2. A stadium concert etiquette question:

A person spills an adult beverage onto the people in front of them which leaves puddles in their seats and drenches their concert merchandise. What is the correct response?

a. Say "I'm sorry" and nothing more

b. Assist in getting napkins to help clean the mess

c. Offer to buy a beer later during the concert after feeling guilty for not helping clean the mess

d. Do nothing at all, it is a hazard of attending stadium concerts

e. Offer to replace the damaged merchandise 

Answer:  Apparently it is a combination of "a" and "c". 

 

Kenny Chesney Concert
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
April 20, 2024 at 4:42 PM

3. Chris and I went to the opening concert in Kenny Chesney's summer series Saturday. It was far more than we expected with almost 6 hours of music from four performers/bands. We were exhausted as we left the stadium just about 11 PM. We entered when the gates opened at 4 PM and the music began at 5 PM. It was our first ever stadium concert. 

4. I hope I never get tired of blue skies and almost perfect weather.

5. Protect the planet. We all must do our parts to help the Earth survive the onslaught of humans. As we strip resources and fill the atmosphere and oceans with pollutants and excess heat, we are changing the planet and potentially making it uninhabitable. Go Green!

6. Today in History. Earth Day, an event to increase public awareness of the world’s environmental problems, is celebrated in the United States for the first time on April 22, 1970. Millions of Americans, including students from thousands of colleges and universities, participated in rallies, marches and educational programs across the country. 

Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist who hoped to provide unity to the grassroots environmental movement and increase ecological awareness. “The objective was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy,” Senator Nelson said, “and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda.”

Trump's reality as criminal defendant will become clear today - CNN

Israel Defense Forces intelligence chief resigns over Hamas attacks on October 7 - CNN

Documents found on North Korean server suggest US studios may have unknowingly outsourced animation work - CNN

Germany arrests three people suspected of giving technology to China - Reuters

Russia-Ukraine war: What difference will US aid package make? - Reuters

Russia says seizing its frozen assets would set dangerous precedent - Reuters

Nike Shifts Course as Innovation Stalls and Rivals Gain Ground - The Wall Street Journal

Finland Long Believed It Could Tame Russia. Now Moscow Is Enemy No. 1. - The Wall Street Journal

You Can’t Just Book Your Flight and Ignore the Bag Fees Anymore - The Wall Street Journal

The pandemic cost 7 million lives, but talks to prevent a repeat stall - The Washington Post

How Trump has become angrier and more isolated on Truth Social - The Washington Post

Bird Flu Is Infecting More Mammals. What Does That Mean for People? - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And the Show Begins

We are in Tampa and Uncle Kracker the opening act just left the stage. It is 86 degrees, low humidity, and clear skies. A beautiful afternoon/evening for a concert.

Wow it has been a while. We definitely do not know how to tailgate before a concert.

— Bob Doan, Tampa, Fl

No Shoes Nation

Kenny Chesney
Columbia, MD
August 22, 2018

Chris and I are pretty stoked.

We are off to Tampa today to see the first concert in Kenny Chesney's 2024 Sun Goes Down Tour. 

We last had tickets for a Kenny Chesney concert tour which was canceled because of Covid. This will be, however, our third Kenny Chesney concert. 

We are making it a weekend trip to Tampa and expect have a lot of fun and enjoy some too loud music this afternoon and evening. 

I will try posting from the concert tonight--but if it doesn't happen know that I am having too much fun! Can we ever really have too much fun?

Looking forward to the day.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Riding Tequesta

Tortoise by the Road
Jupiter, FL
April 18, 2024

 The beautiful weather continued yesterday. I headed out for a ride and wound up doing just over 19 miles bringing my total for the month to over 150 miles. 

I am continue training for the 150 miles in 3 days GAP ride planned for mid-June.

Across the Loxahatchee River
Jupiter, FL
April 18, 2024

I changed-up my route a bit yesterday and tours an area that I don't frequently visit. I enjoy the ride, but parts of it cross some bridges, one of which I call suicide bridge because there is no sidewalk or bike lane and traffic sometimes gets too close. 

I enjoyed the ride and am preparing to try a 40 or so mile ride in the near future. I want to check out how things go in the over 30 mile region. I know I got a bit tired about the 16-mile point yesterday, but got my speed back by the 18th mile, but then the promise of getting home was a reality. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Back to Topside

View from Topside
Jupiter, FL
April 17, 2024

 Chris and I returned to Topside at the Beacon, a local establishment, last evening for Happy Hour with friends. We had last been there a few months ago and determined that it was not a place that we enjoyed, even though the view is awesome.

We were advised that the menu had been restructured and the management improved and so we headed back to try the place. 

Our friends were correct--the food was much better, the service improved, and both significantly complimented the stunning view. And the view was stunning last evening. I never tire of looking at the Jupiter Lighthouse and I must have hundreds of images of it from every direction.

We enjoyed a great evening with friends and watched as the day turned into night over the lighthouse.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Sitting in Silence

View from the Surgical Terrace
Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, FL
April 16, 2024

I sat a lot yesterday. In fact, I sat most of the afternoon and then the evening until bedtime. 

Chris and I sat with a friend at a hospital and then later we sat with him at our house. 

We did not talk a lot, mostly just superficial stuff to get our minds off why we were sitting together. And then we enjoyed some wine.

I was reminded of Job's three friends, from the Bible.  

Then they sat down with him on the ground for seven days and seven nights, yet no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. (Job 2:13, NET Bible)

I have come to realize that there are times when just being there is what is needed and that the right thing to say is nothing at all. There is no need to fill the empty space with words.

Sometimes sitting in silence is exactly what is needed. We need to practice it more often and get past the need to fill the emptiness with noise. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday was a Day

I donated a pint of blood yesterday. It was my fourth pint. 

It was my big event of the day, well maybe shopping with Chris at the mall was the big event. That got us out of the house and we enjoyed a nice lunch at Cooper's Hawk, where I had four bottles of wine to retrieve. 

I have not been a regular blood donor. Until a couple years ago I could not donate because of my time in Europe with the Air Force, however, the rules changed and I have been donating blood infrequently. I plan on becoming a more regular donor. But, I am now up to a half-gallon of donated blood. 

During the evening I enjoyed our homeowners association meeting--I am on the board. We have a newly energized board and I am excited about the prospects for the future. Looking back, I can see that last year we were really just marking time and keeping the aging infrastructure solid. 

And that was Monday.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - April 15, 2024

1. Happy Tax Day! I hope your taxes are complete and you have either received a refund or made your payment. Whew, that's over for another year.

AL East Standings as of Games Through April 14, 2024

2. It is the 3rd Monday of April, if you can believe it! There are 37 Mondays remaining in the year. Get busy with your summer plans!

3.  The Orioles are alive. I have to admit that they are not playing the best baseball yes and 7 of their 9 wins have been come-from-behind victories. It is time to get the pitchers under control and the batters swinging the wood. The Orioles were outscores 26-12 in their last series, but managed a hard fought 6-4 win yesterday as Jackson Holiday recorded his first hit in a MLB game. He has an .067 batting average right now--but I expect him to have some solid numbers soon.

4. Which is worse? Someone accidentally speeding up to 52 mph in a 30 mph zone on a street with no traffic or someone at 90 mph in a 65 mph zone on a crowded 8-lane interstate weaving through traffic? 

5. From the I can't believe it category. 

Today, [Sunday April 14, 2024] on ABC’s This Week, host George Stephanopoulos asked New Hampshire governor Chris Sununu about his recent switch from supporting former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley for the Republican presidential nomination to supporting former president Trump. 

“Just to sum up,” Stephanopoulos said, “You support [Trump] for president even if he's convicted in [the] classified documents [case]. You support him for president even though you believe he contributed to an insurrection. You support him for president even though you believe he's lying about the last election. You support him for president even if he's convicted in the Manhattan case. I just want to say, the answer to that is yes, correct?”

Sununu answered: “Yeah. Me and 51% of America.”  (Letters from an American)

Today in History. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson, age 28, becomes the first African American player in Major League Baseball's modern era when he steps onto Ebbets Field in Brooklyn to compete for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Robinson broke the color barrier in a sport that had been segregated for more than 50 years. Exactly 50 years later, on April 15, 1997, Robinson’s groundbreaking career was honored and his uniform number, 42, was retired from Major League Baseball by Commissioner Bud Selig in a ceremony attended by over 50,000 fans at New York City’s Shea Stadium. Robinson’s was the first-ever number retired by all teams in the league.

Trump shatters another norm with historic criminal trial - CNN

Israel vows to ‘exact a price’ from Iran after an unprecedented large-scale attack - CNN

Today is Tax Day. The IRS expects ‘tens of millions’ of returns to be filed at the last minute - CNN

Oil slips as risk premium eases after Iran attack - Reuters

Floods grip Kazakhstan and Russia as tributaries of Ob rise - Reuters

China indicates man executed for spying had sold secrets to US - Reuters

How the U.S. Forged a Fragile Alliance to Fend Off Iran’s Attack on Israel - The Wall Street Journal

Hybrids Extend Lead Over EVs in Green Vehicle Race - The Wall Street Journal

2 Police Officers Are Killed in Shootout Near Syracuse - The New York Times

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

#mondaymusings #orioles #taxday 

A.Ham

 

Kravis Center Set for Hamiltom
West Palm Beach, FL
April 13, 2024

Hamilton.

To say the show was fabulous is an understatement. 

Chris and I sojourned into West Palm Beach yesterday to attend a matinee performance of Hamilton at the Kravis Center. 

Kravis Center View Behind our Seats
West Palm Beach, FL
April 13, 2024

We had wanted to see the musical about Alexander Hamilton since it was first performed on Broadway and our desire was heightened by the Disney production a few years ago.

Wow! Being there in person was an emotional and, yes, a religious experience. I read the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, upon which most of the production is based. The story of Hamilton is a true rags to riches story where a Caribbean orphan becomes an influential founding father and whose vision for the fledgling nation remains the basis of our banking system today. Not to mention his explanation of the Constitution as documented in the Federalist Papers. It was an interesting coincidence that we attended the performance of Hamilton on Thomas Jefferson's birthday. Jefferson, as you might expect, is part of the story.

The Kravis is a superior venue. I was awed by its size and comfortable seats. Very unlike the Hippodrome in Baltimore where, frankly, I never enjoyed attending shows. I look forward to attending another performance at the Kravis soon. AND, they have free EV car chargers and parking! I was also very impressed with the parking garage egress plan. We did not hurry to our car after the show and yet were out of the garage and on the highway in about 11 minutes.

P. S. I now know what A.Ham means!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#hamilton #a.ham #kravis

With Fireworks and Chocolate

Mary and Fran
Fulton, MD
April 12, 2014

 We celebrated the 10th Anniversary of two of our best friends, Fran and Mary, last evening. They treated us to a celebratory dinner at a very upscale Asian restaurant. 

Dessert and Firework
Blackbird Restaurant, Tequesta, FL
April 12, 2024

Thinking back on the day, 10 years ago, on the day we were gathered with friends and family to celebrate their long anticipated union. I was honored to be the officiant and it was a great evening with extra nice April Maryland weather allowing the celebration to spill outside of the venue and under the blooming cherry trees. 

Last evening, it was with flair and fireworks that we celebrated their anniversary. Yes, at the end of the dinner the restaurant brought a beautiful dessert along with a small pyrotechnic to mark the occasion.

I was afraid the fireworks might set off the smoke alarms, but no such travesty happened. 

It was fun and the food was excellent.

Congratulations Mary and Francis on 10 years together! It was a great celebration--then and now!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Standing on the Edge of the . . .

 . . . Twilight Zone!

Where has reason and sanity disappeared to?

We are seeing the erosion of independent thought and democratic ideals which are being replaced by a "what's in it for me" mentality where calculated gains for a privileged few outweigh the long-term loss of freedoms and choice for "We the People." 

Many in our country support programs and plans that limit choices and are, frankly, selfish and designed to disenfranchise large groups of our society. Many others do not recognize that we cannot isolate and that we must stand up for democratic and free peoples around the world. 

The Japanese Prime Minister during his visit to the U.S. this week made the following statement: “The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations.” He went on to say “the leadership of the United States is indispensable. Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow?” he asked. “Without the presence of the United States, how long before the Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities?” (Letters from an American)

Ukraine has fallen from the news, but freedom seeking patriots continue dying there because many in the Republican Party support the despot Putin's goals. That has become clear. Our allies are crying for support, but are being shrugged off for the personal gain of a select few. 

And furthermore, the Republicans are also lowering our domestic defenses and opening the U.S. up to potential terror attacks by not renewing FISA. As the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) wrote about the act during November 2023:

If Congress fails to act, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) will expire. Section 702 of FISA is one of the most effective tools used by the Intelligence Community to protect our nation. If it sunsets, so too will our ability to identify, prevent, and mitigate threats to our democracy. We will go “blind” to many critical national security risks that threaten our homeland and our military interests abroad. Our allies around the world, many of whom depend upon information acquired under Section 702 to circumvent threats of their own, will also be compromised. 

The same people who profess a grave threat from the Southern Border, but would not act to approve a bipartisan bill to help solve the problem are now actively dropping Americas defenses even further. It is treason. Make no mistake-- we are under attack from outside and from within. Democracy for us and the entire world is hanging in the balance.

And the man with one foot in the Twilight Zone is a puppet of Putin.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL