Body of Work

I have noticed a trend in reporting that focuses upon specific acts  or statements which are then used to arrive at a larger conclusion about that persons intentions. Often the acts or statements are out of context and when examined in the light of their "body of work" are clearly intended to portray an facade to a specific group of people, usually for the intention of getting reelected or encouraging support from their base of support. 

I have been amazed at how quickly people grasp at these singular acts to justify a candidate's position which, when examined further, are not supported by actions. 

Here is an example from the State of the Union Address. The New York Times reports: 

“We will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security always.”

This is misleading. 

Not only has President Trump failed to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, but the financial outlook for both trusts has not improved or worsened. That is at least partly the result of Mr. Trump’s tax law, which has left the Treasury Department to collect fewer taxes from Americans and, in turn, invest less money into each program. Last April, the government projected that Medicare funds would be depleted by 2026, three years earlier than estimated in 2017. The report noted that less money will flow into the fund because of low wages and lower taxes. 

And interesting observation--what was said is starkly different from reality. 


And another item from the New York Times analysis of the State of the Union address.

“The U.S.M.C.A. will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs.”

This is false.

The nonpartisan International Trade Commission has estimated that the agreement would create about 28,000 jobs in the auto sector. President Trump’s own United States trade representative has a higher estimate — 76,000 new jobs in the next five years — but still one that falls short of Mr. Trump’s claims today. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement raises barriers to imported cars and car parts in an effort to encourage auto manufacturing in the United States, which results in some job gains. But in so doing, it will also raise the price of American cars and other vehicles, and lower both vehicle consumption and production, economists say.

Everything needs context. Especially in an election year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

With malice toward none, with charity for all

The gray rainy days are making me want escape to somewhere with blue skies and bright sunshine along with warm temperatures. 

Oh wait, I have a place like that in Florida, but I have to work. And this weekend I am heading north to spend Valentines Day with a very special couple--my parents. I hope it doesn't snow. 

Baltimore Weather Forecast February 12-17
WBALTV.com/weather

It is going to be a cold weekend in Maryland, but no rain. There is supposed to be sun, finally. And frigid temperatures. I guess it is good that I am headed north into snow and colder temperatures.

Today, however, is an important day--it is President Lincoln's birthday. He was born February 12, 1809. Of course he is famous as a president and for the Gettysburg Address, but one of his most notable quotes comes from his second inaugural address given March 4, 1865 on the eve of victory in the Civil War:  With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. 

Lincoln's words are a stark contrast from those which we hear on a daily basis it seems coming from the highest halls of Washington, D.C.

Lincoln is generally considered one of the three best presidents along with Washington and Franklin Roosevelt. He died just 42 days into his second term and just about a week after the Civil War was won. I wonder how different our country would be today had he lived to govern over the reconstruction and heal the wounds that led the nation to war. 

Our leaders need to take note of his greatness and his vision for the war torn country. True greatness is embodied in the words: With malice toward none, with charity for all.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Fun Fact--Guess which other famous person was born on February 12, 1809. Answer tomorrow!

Vindictiveness and Crowd Mentality

As the days continue in the DC area since last week's acquittal, the intensity of the verbal abuse seems to increase exponentially. And with the abuse, it seems that rational people are being swept into the maelstrom.

I read an opinion piece yesterday by someone who is being victimized by the abuse. He wrote about the abuse from a different perspective, which sent me scurrying back into my memory for similarities that I remember from history. 

James Comey, former Director of the FBI was the author, but it was not so much about the abuse that he personally is experiencing, but rather the reaction of rational, Christian-professing people to the abusive vitriol. I know many will argue about Comey and what he did--that in not the point here. In, James Comey: As usual, Trump called me a sleaze. But the audience reaction to his rant was more upsetting, he writes:

The important thing was what happened in the audience, where there were plenty of intelligent people of deep commitment to religious principle. They laughed and smiled and clapped as a president of the United States lied, bullied, cursed and belittled the faith of other leaders. That was the deeply disturbing part of the East Room moment, and should challenge us all.

How it is possible that they didn’t get up and walk out — that they seemed to participate actively in something they should know was deeply wrong? How could they smile and laugh? Because they are people. And, like all people, they too easily surrender their individual moral authority to a group, where it can be hijacked by the loudest, harshest voice. I know because I’ve done it.

Niemoeller
from Wikipedia

I was reminded of a confession written by Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemoeller, which is quoted in part in the National Holocaust Museum:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—

     Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
     Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Where are we headed? 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote:

"Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession. … Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate."

Where are we headed as a people, a society, as a country? I think we need to take a self assessment and pledge ourselves to show civility towards others and resist the temptation to become one of the crowd.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - February 10, 2020

1. Mid-February is upon us. How quickly the days seem to be passing.

2. Baseball season is finally upon us. Orioles pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training tomorrow! And so it begins. My pre-season prediction, unfortunately, is for the Orioles to finish 57-105. It will be their third consecutive 100 loss season and their fourth consecutive losing season.

3. I am heading to Orioles Spring Training in just over two weeks to review the team's rebuilding progress in person. 

4. The weather was beautiful this past weekend. It was nice to enjoy pleasant February days while waiting for the big one. 

5. As the winter continues into the middle of February, I am thankful that it has been mild here.

6. Civility matters! We need to be understanding of each other. Disagree over facts, but do not attack the person.

7. Winners should be magnanimous, losers should be humble, and those on the sidelines should remember where they are.

8. Counting our blessings means that every day we recognize that we have more good things in our lives than we do negative things.

9. Today in History. On February 10, 1996, after three hours, world chess champion Garry Kasparov loses the first game of a six-game match against Deep Blue, an IBM computer capable of evaluating 200 million moves per second.  Man was ultimately victorious over machine, however, as Kasparov bested Deep Blue in the match with three wins and two ties and took home the $400,000 prize. An estimated 6 million people worldwide followed the action on the Internet.

Coronavirus deaths climb as China corrals sick in quarantine facilities - The Washington Post

Foreign interference in elections is unacceptable. Congress must make it illegal. - The Washington Post

Ransomware Attacks Grow, Crippling Cities and Businesses - The New York Times

3 Officers Wounded in Targeted Attacks on Police in the Bronx - The New York Times

China's coronavirus death toll surpasses SARS - Reuters

Iranian 'Victory' satellite fails to reach orbit - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

The objective I propose is quite simple to state: to foster the infrastructure of democracy - the system of a free press, unions, political parties, universities - which allows a people to choose their own way to develop their own culture, to reconcile their own differences through peaceful means. - Ronald Reagan

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Vengeance vs Civility

The country is recovering from the events of the past weeks. We have arrived at the beginning of the new week and I have had the opportunity to process some of the recent events.

The biggest topic on my mind was how we ended the week. I am concerned about vengeance and revenge that has been and is being extracted from people. The playground mentality that we are living with right now at the highest levels of our government suggest that "to the victor belong the spoils" and that the winners get to set the rules. In my mind too many people are supporting this thuggish mentality. Too many self-professed Christian people, at that.

There is a higher authority who has delivered a very clear message about vengeance, retribution, and revenge. 

Romans 12:19-20

 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Leviticus 19:18:

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Deuteronomy 32:35:

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’

Consequences? Yes, there are consequences for actions, but consequences should not be equated with vengeance or revenge. There is no room for playground thuggishness in our government. We must break the cycle of "eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth." The language of our leaders sets the tone for the entire country. The consequences of inciting language and the liberal meting of vengeance will be suffered by us all.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Purse Bingo

Friday evening is normally an evening devoted to friends and Happy hour. Reconnecting after a long week and planning the weekend and our next vacation is usually the topic of the evening. 

Purse Bingo About to Begin
Elks Club
Severn, MD
February 7, 2020

Not so last evening. It is no secret that the youth baseball team that I help coach is playing in a tournament in Cooperstown, NY, during late June. Last evening was devoted to volunteering at a major fundraiser for the team--Purse Bingo!

My job was to sell tickets for beverages and to help out in however I was asked to help. That made me very happy because I am not much of a Bingo player. Actually, I am terrible at the game. I don't understand the skill aspect of it. Is there any skill in Bingo?

So what is Purse Bingo? It is Bingo where the prizes for winning the games are high-end hand bags--purses. There was one special game where the prize was a big screen TV. As can be seen from the picture, there were not a lot of men (there were a few who accompanied their wives or girlfriends) at the event. But they were all ready to win purses!

Raffle Prize
Purse Bingo
February 7, 2019

It was a fun evening, however. I enjoyed selling the tickets and helping the team make money towards it's goal. 

In addition to the Bingo games, there were raffles and we sold tickets for the raffle items--that is where the fun began. There were almost 30 baskets of goodies, donated by many people and businesses. And among them was one special "tail-gating" collection consisting of a collapsible wagon, cornhole boards in Raven's colors, a small charcoal grill complete with charcoal, an awesome carbon steel knife, beer, and a few other choice items. It, amazingly, came home with Chris and me! It was there only thing we won all night, but it was worth it. It was kind of fitting that we won because I had to assemble the wagon before the evening began. 

At the end of the evening, when the all of Bingo players had departed and the money was counted, I can report that the team did well towards meeting its goal. The week long Cooperstown tournament is expensive. We have been practicing at an indoor facility and are hoping to get outside onto the fields soon. 

Baseball is not just for springtime anymore. 

Thank you to all of the people who came out last night to play Bingo and support the team!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Friday in the News

Well the tumultuous week is drawing to a conclusion. And what a week it has been here in the U.S. Here is a sampling of what os on the minds of journalists as today begins here on the east coast.


Here is a quick review of the headlines from around the globe.

Behind the chaos: How a small-city mayor and a democratic socialist finished on top in Iowa - The Washington Post

With trial over, Trump returns to political maelstrom - The Washington Post

No 10 says Johnson's row with Trump was ‘overblown’ - The Guardian

British man on stricken cruise ship has coronavirus - The Times

CHINA CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: Face masks made mandatory in Russia’s Khabarovsk to prevent coronavirus spread - Tass

Russia’s top brass uploads video of upgraded Tu-160M bomber’s debut flight - Tass

Prominent role for AI emerges in virus fight - China Daily

The aces in Trump's hand: a soaring economy and energised Republicans - The Sydney Morning Herald


And so we are off on another adventure in politics. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And Now, The Encore

The third presidential impeachment trial in the history of the United States is complete and the President remains president. The final outcome was almost never in doubt due to the insightful requirements in the Constitution that two-thirds of the Senators must vote for conviction. 

It was a strictly partisan result, with only Republicans voting to acquit. Interestingly, democrats, independents, and one republican voted to convict on the first article of impeachment. 

I was extremely distressed by the playground mentality demonstrated by some republicans who immediately vilified the lone party dissenter. Here is a headline from The Guardian:

Donald Trump Jr calls for Mitt Romney to be expelled from Republican party

That is an example of playground mentality and is the antithesis of the American Way as defined the Constitution. 

That comment supports a headline I read in the New York Times:

In Private, Republicans Admit They Acquitted Trump Out of Fear 

We are not a country founded upon groupthink and fear. We are a country founded upon dissenters and leaders! In my humble opinion anyone espousing removing the lone dissenter from the party is un-American! There I wrote it! Vilifying him is an example of the "thuggishness" that is taking over our country.  When people are not allowed to vote their conscience we have lost one of the very basic premises upon which our Republic was founded. 

I listened to Romney's speech detailing the reasons for his vote. They were personal and compelling. He also fully recognized the personal toll his vote would cost. Yet, he voted for what he believed.

The electorate has the right to agree or disagree with his decision during election season.  That is the premise upon which our country is founded. But for now--he did what he was elected to do--vote his conscience in a reasoned and thoughtful manner. 

Now that the second act is complete and we thought that the curtain had fallen upon the impeachment play, the audience must hold its applause as because there is an encore. Today, we deal with the aftermath. Will we see leaders that attempt to repair that which was broken during the past few months, or will we see partisan politicians throwing gasoline upon the raging fires and inciting vengeance and retribution? 

The answer will soon be known.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Maybe an Early Spring?

I know that February will exert itself, but for now I am enjoying the moderate temperatures and dream of an early Spring. 

The region set a record high temperature on Monday and were only four degrees off the record high on Tuesday. Yes, all while the mid-section of the country was getting slammed by a nasty winter storm. 

The region has recorded 1.5 inches of snow so far this entire season. I am enjoying the mild weather. 

The mild weather makes up for the nonsense occurring in Washington. 

Looking into the 10-day forecast, there are only two days where the temperature is likely to dip below freezing!

I like winters like this. I know that our time is coming, I am sure a nor'easter will come up the coast before the winter ends,  but until then I will continue to enjoy the mild weather. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Is There One Among You . . .

After the excitement I created on Saturday writing about the Impeachment, I hesitate commenting on the proceedings associated with yesterday's closing arguments. 

Despite my hesitation, I believe that Congressman Adam Schiff's 25-minute closing argument is another masterpiece of oratory. Should you be interested, this is the link: Closing Argument Democrats. 

It will be good to get this chapter of American history closed on Wednesday. Except, it is not over. There is a book coming out with more information and there are papers to be released. This is, sadly or maybe fittingly, not the end but only a pause. 

One phrase from Schiff's speech is a haunting damnation of the entire partisan process: 

'Is there one among you who will say, Enough!'?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD