Lead from the Front

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, right,
stands at a fence guarding a federal courthouse
 as tear gas drifts by
 early July 23, in Portland, Ore. (Karina Brown/AP)

What happened the other night in Portland was a case study in competing leadership styles.

The mayor of Portland, Oregon, was on the front lines of the conflict happening there. 

A Washington Post article describes the incident, 

Wheeler had come to the protest, he said, to stand with protesters in the face of what he has described as an “occupying force” — federal agents who were deployed by President Trump to a city that the president has described as “worse than Afghanistan.” (Amid a tense meeting with protesters, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler tear-gassed by federal agents - The Washington Post)

From the article:

As Wheeler stood at the fence, he was heckled and insulted. Some demonstrators called for his resignation. Others, who had been tear-gassed by the Portland Police Bureau over the past eight weeks, shouted questions at the mayor.

Later in the article:

Wheeler tried to address Trump’s recent pronouncement that he would be sending a surge of federal forces to other Democratic-led American cities to help combat crime, starting with Chicago and Albuquerque, but the crowd shouted him down.

They wanted, instead, to talk about what, exactly, he was doing to get rid of the federal agents and asked about his dual role as mayor and police commissioner. Some shared personal stories of run-ins with the police. Others demanded he consider making sweeping systemic change to policing in Portland.

We can argue about his motives, but the article makes clear that the mayor got an earful from the protestors about the situation. 

In contrast, the president made the following statement about the incident, 

“He made a fool out of himself,” Trump said during an appearance on Fox News. “He wanted to be among the people. So he went into the crowd. And they knocked the hell out of him. That was the end of him. So it was pretty, pretty pathetic.” (Trump derides Portland mayor for joining protesters and getting tear-gassed - The Washington Post)

It is sad that the presumed leader of the free world reveled in the failure of a leader that was attempting to lead from the front rather than hiding in the basement bunker.

We can disagree about motives and results, but a leader should be out walking with and talking to the people about their complaints. It remains to be seen whether the situation in Portland improves. I hope that it does.

Lead from the front!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Covid Timeout: Baseball

It is back!

Baseball--America's pastime, has returned. There were two games last evening and the Orioles take the field tonight in Boston to begin their 60 game Covid-19 shortened season. 

The Lightening Bolt that Effectively Ended the Game
Yankees vs Nationals
July 23, 2020

Last evening I watched the Yankees defeat the Nationals 4-1. I did not realize it when I went to bed during the 6th inning rain delay, but I watched the entire game. It was weird watching the game with the stands empty. 

In the other Opening Day game the Dodgers defeated the Giants 8-1. 

I am excited that the Orioles have returned, but a few of the rising stars are sidelined for tonight's game, one of them, Trey Mancini, will likely be out for the season although the Orioles placed him on the 60 day Injured Reserve. 

Here is my prediction for the young 2020 Orioles. 

I believe they will surprise people, but they are playing the toughest schedule in baseball against their own American League East Division with the Yankees and the Rays and against the National League East which has the defending World Series Champions and the Braves (who won the division last year) as marquee teams. I was impressed with the Baby Birds during Spring Training--but that was February, they went 3-0-1 during my trip to Florida. I believe the Orioles will finish 21-39, .350. That would be an improvement over the 54-108, .333 finish they posted last season. 

Let's Go O's!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Everyone's Rights Deserve Protection

What is the most important amendment to The Constitution? 

With the exception of the 18th Amendment, which was repealed by the 21st--they are all important to ensuring the rights of the populace and the smooth operating of the government of the United States. 

Navy veteran praised as 'Captain Portland' after

 beating by federal officers during riots

Fox News

But, I would propose that the 4th Amendment is the lynchpin of rights and life in the United States.  Mind you, this is a personal opinion and I am open for discussion about this hypothesis--but without the protections from unreasonable search and seizure the ability for some of the other Amendments to secure our freedoms would be suspect.


Perhaps I am biased because have received repetitive training throughout my adult life about protecting the personal rights contained within the 4th Amendment. The 1st Amendment is nearly equally as important and protects many of the unique freedoms which form the basis for life within the U.S.; but the 4th Amendment is unique throughout most of the world and something that must be protected and jealously guarded. 

In the discussion of yesterday's blog on Facebook, I wrote something that my mind turned on overnight--I wrote about the un-Constitutional invasion of Portland by unidentified "police-like" forces of the Federal Government: If they violate anyone's rights, they violate everyone's rights. 

We must be aware of what is happening. An Op-Ed piece in The Washington Post put it into perspective for me this morning. The article begins:

In Portland, Ore., federal police use batons, tear gas and rubber bullets on moms in bicycle helmets. Unidentified federal officers, defying duly elected state and city leaders, throw civil rights demonstrators into unmarked vans without charges. President Trump’s acting homeland security secretary, Chad Wolf, says his agents “go out and proactively arrest individuals.”

That’s so much easier than waiting for people to do something illegal before you lock them up!

The administration justifies the extraordinary disregard of constitutional protections by calling the demonstrators “violent anarchists” who have made “efforts to start fires at the Hatfield Federal Courthouse.” Trump says that the demonstrators “hate our country” and that “we must protect Federal property.”

In Portland, despite what some would say, the majority are exercising their 1st Amendment rights and those arrested without cause are having their 4th Amendment rights abridged. Yes, admittedly, there are looters and rioters but the entire crows is not composed of them. It is the job of legal law enforcement to recognize the difference. 

The Washington Post Op-Ed contains an interesting paragraph which references the 2nd Amendment:

In Trump’s America, it seems, the First Amendment applies only to those exercising the Second Amendment. 

Previous societies have failed and fallen to authoritarian regimes when the majority of society believes it is acceptable to abridge someone's rights because they are not affecting my rights. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

The Black (Brown) Shirts are Coming!

Mussolini with Black Shirts

History provides a unique lens through which to view current events. It appears that the reborn Black Shirts or Brown Shirts may be coming to a major city near me! Baltimore is on the list.

Brown Shirts

The reference to the Black Shirts and the Brown Shirts refers to two early 20th Century dictators who had special forces to do their dirty work. Mussolini had the Black Shirts and Hitler had the Brown Shirts. Click on the links for additional information.

Portland is, and other cities are, threatened by the deployment of national "policing" forces that are apparently very scary and reminiscent as reincarnated versions of these World War 2 "law and order" enforcement organizations. 

Trump Threatens to Send Federal Law Enforcement Forces to More Cities

The historic parallels are frightening. According to the article cited above, and there are many more articles that could be referenced, these forces are being deployed to a specific subset of cities that are not affiliated with the political party of the President. This action is creating yet another Constitutional crisis for the current administration. And the president is marketing his peculiar brand of law and order as an election issue. 

Another article has a more ominous headline:


Rep. Clyburn: Trump, Barr Imposing 'Gestapo Activities' With Fed Officers

Clyburn states, "For all of a sudden for these people to go in there, nothing from the governor, from local law enforcement, show up with their faces covered in unmarked cars ... this is the beginning of the ending of this democracy," said Clyburn. "That kind of activity is the activity of a police state."

He added that he has been warning about such actions for a long time, and he believes the November election is "all about the preservation of the greatest democracy that this country has ever known." 

The videos of these forces beating a U.S. Navy veteran who did not resist but stood and accepted their abuse and in another case shooting at a naked woman suggest that establishing law and order is not what these police-like forces are about. 

“The videos of masked, anonymous government officers attacking American citizens who pose no threat is shocking to watch. Federal agents with no badge are kidnapping civilians into unmarked vans. How is this America?” said Lincoln Project co-founder Reed Galen. He continued, “All Americans must be vigilant.”

My concern is that too many Americans believe it is acceptable as long as it is happening in a city not near them.

When did this become acceptable in America? 


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Oppressive Heat

It is hot! Summer is definitely here.

Yesterday afternoon I got into my truck and the thermometer displayed 109 degrees! It really wasn't that hot the actual temperature was closer to 98 degrees, but sitting in the sun the truck had absorbed a great deal of heat. 

My pool water is up to about 89 degrees--almost too warm to enjoy a swim. 

From Weather Underground
July 21, 2020

There is no relief in sight as the high temperatures will hover in the 90s for the next 10 days! I note that the highs in Jupiter, Florida, for the next 10 days are in the 80's with only the last two days of the 10-day forecast in the 90's. This is the time of year when we are often in Florida because it is cooler there than here. And the beach always has a stiff breeze.

It is definitely time to enjoy the summer and a cool drink.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - July 20, 2020

1. It is the third Monday of July. My favorite month of the year is slipping by too quickly. I am trying to enjoy every day.

Enjoying a Day at Big Cork Vineyards
Rohrersville, MD
July 19, 2020

2. What could be better than a day at Big Cork Vineyards with friends? Nothing really. We spent a marvelous afternoon with friends and listened to live music while enjoying some great wine in the Maryland mountains. 

3. The afternoons have been really hot--and this week will be likely the hottest of the year. Be cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer.

4. Every time I hear the words "Fake News," I immediately discard the comment or statement being made at the time. The words "Fake News" in a report are a red flag to me that what is being reported or recounted about is likely untruth or contextually challenged. 

5. Circles of trust are everywhere during these coronavirus days. Don't break your circle.

6. When the dogs get up early in the morning, they have business that needs to be done. Then, unlike me, they lay on the floor and go back to sleep.

7. In the quiet of the middle of the night sometimes the thoughts in my head are too loud to allow me to go back to sleep. 

8. Are the overwhelming majority of Americans who refuse to wear a face mask in public really as selfish and uncaring of others as they seem?

9. I slipped out and played golf Saturday afternoon in the 98 degree heat. I decided to ride in a cart and not walk. It was a good choice.

10. Today in History. July 20, 1969, at 10:56 p.m. EDT, American astronaut Neil Armstrong, 240,000 miles from Earth, speaks these words to more than a billion people listening at home: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Stepping off the lunar landing module Eagle, Armstrong became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon.

Coronavirus Deaths Surpass 140,000 in U.S., as Trump Sees Flare-Ups as ‘Burning Embers’ - The Wall Street Journal

 Canada Bars Blue Jays From Playing Home Games in Toronto - The Wall Street Journal

As Trump Ignores Virus Crisis, Republicans Start to Break Ranks - The New York Times

TimesVideoTear Gas, Fireworks and Police Clashes at Portland Protests - The New York Times

Trump defends bungled handling of coronavirus with falsehoods and dubious claims - The Washington Post

Comet Neowise, two meteor showers and the ISS: Skywatching opportunities abound in next few weeks - The Washington Post

When the U.S. sneezes, the world catches a cold. What happens when it's COVID-19? - Reuters

United Arab Emirates launches mission to Mars - Reuters

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

An evangelical minister and a politician arrived at Heaven's gate one day together. And St. Peter, after doing all the necessary formalities, took them in hand to show them where their quarters would be. And he took them to a small, single room with a bed, a chair, and a table and said this was for the clergyman. And the politician was a little worried about what might be in store for him. And he couldn't believe it then when St. Peter stopped in front of a beautiful mansion with lovely grounds, many servants, and told him that these would be his quarters.

And he couldn't help but ask, he said, ``But wait, how -- there's something wrong -- how do I get this mansion while that good and holy man only gets a single room?'' And St. Peter said, ``You have to understand how things are up here. We've got thousands and thousands of clergy. You're the first politician who ever made it.'' [Laughter]

But I don't want to contribute to a stereotype. [Laughter] So, I tell you there are a great many God-fearing, dedicated, noble men and women in public life, present company included. And, yes, we need your help to keep us ever mindful of the ideas and the principles that brought us into the public arena in the first place. The basis of those ideals and principles is a commitment to freedom and personal liberty that, itself, is grounded in the much deeper realization that freedom prospers only where the blessings of God are avidly sought and humbly accepted.

  -- Remarks at the Annual Convention of the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida, March 8, 1983

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wear a Face Mask

Why is this is difficult? Wear a face mask in public! 

It amazes me that so many people resist such a simple measure which according to the CDC Director could help us get coronavirus under control in weeks.

Trump in a Face Mask, Finally

How many Americans must die before we take a simple preventative measure and show concern for others?

The recent publication from the CDC is pretty clear and has a very interesting case study based upon tracing to help confirm what the experts have been telling us. Face masks save lives. Of course looking at the recent increase in infections we really don't need the experts to tell us to wear masks. States were masks are optional are suffering with high infection and hospitalization rates. 

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Are face masks safe? There is a lot of misinformation and partially true information on the internet right now, but an article in USA Today titled, Fact Check: Face masks are safe for most, but not kids under 2 lays out the situation. 

Here is the situation--over 1 percent of the U.S. population have been confirmed as infected with coronavirus as of yesterday. Of those infected, nearly 4 percent have died which is 138,782 people who have lost their lives as of yesterday. By comparison, during the 2019-2020 flu season 17 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to have possibly been infected with the flu and of those infected 0.1% (yes, that is one-tenth of a percent) lost their lives. Coronavirus is not the flu! If 17 percent of the American population were to become infected with coronavirus the result could be over 2,200,000 deaths! 

The argument over Constitutional rights just does not hold water in the case of wearing face masks. People have the right not to wear a face mask in public--in some states that will be against the law and there will be consequences, everything has consequences. People do not, however, have the right to possibly infect someone else with a disease. It is our responsibility to take action to protect our fellow citizens.

Wear a face mask. Save a life.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Baseball Returns

It is back again in the news, hidden in the depths of the sports pages and web sites. 

Baseball! 

Major League Baseball (MLB) is creeping back onto the national stage. 

America's pastime.

Ed Smith Stadium
Sarasota, Florida
February 29, 2020

There is a schedule of three Spring Training (why aren't they calling it Summer Training?) today. Hidden inside the schedule of intrasquad games there are real baseball games between the Pirates and the Indians, the Mets and the Yankees, and the Phillies and the Nationals. 

Fans at Spectrum Field
Clearwater, Florida
March 1, 2020

I am lucky to have gone to Spring Training, the real Spring Training during late-February and viewed real baseball games with fans! And beer! And hamburgers!

It will be very different knowing that there are no fans in the park. Empty cavernous stadiums--it is a sad thought.

But, baseball is returning and the Orioles are traveling to the Phillies tomorrow for a game! 

I definitely need the diversion.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Dog Days 2020

Finnegan Helping with the Deck Project
Elkridge, MD
July 16, 2020

The Dog Days are upon us and the summer is becoming hot and sultry. It has been difficult around the house for the smallest member of the family. Finnegan gets very frustrated when Chris and I are at home, but not available for him to follow and be near--as was the case while we were staining the deck.

Newly Stained Deck Christened by Morning Shower
Elkridge, MD
July 17, 2020

It was day two of the deck staining project and Finnegan, of course, could not be with us. He likes to be a bit too close and stain does not work well in his coat. As we were nearing the completion of the project yesterday, staining the stairs, he could no longer be contained and he rushed the door when I opened it taking a position near Chris as she was staining a baluster.

We managed to complete the project in two days, two long and hot days, using three gallons of stain. Three complete gallons of stain. Fortunately we bought four gallons and there is a gallon remaining to stain the small porch off the garage. I have to replace a board three and it will look nice when stained to match the deck on the back of the house.

The newly stained deck was christened this morning by a passing shower--but fortunately it had been drying overnight and since yesterday afternoon so so damage was done.

As the Dog Days deepen and the coronavirus continues to rage I wonder what other fun projects I will become involved in completing.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Animals in the Area

I enjoy finding and spying on the wildlife that I encounter during daily life. Sometimes I get to rescue the animals that get caught in the waters of my pool. 

American Ermine Moth Swimming
Elkridge, MD
July 14, 2020

The other day, Chris rescued this moth, which we believe is an American ermine moth from the pool. The moth was exhausted from swimming and she placed it in the grasses which border the pool. It was very unique and different. We do not often see such moths. It regained its white background color once it dried from being in the pool.

Turtles on a Rock
Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, MD
July 14, 2020

I also spied some small turtles basking on a rock during our walk around Lake Kittamaqundi. They were enjoying the sun and staying away from the boats collecting the aquatic plants.

These turtles were very small and looked like red-eared slider turtle escapees from pet stores. I thought I saw the characteristic red mark on the turtle's neck. Alternatively, there could be Eastern mud turtles, I did not get close enough to be able to make a definitive determination.

It is supposed to be another great summer day. Hopefully we will complete the deck staining project today. I do not suppose that I will have time to discover any other animals lurking around aside from the explosion of rabbits that we are experiencing. I guess the fox has found another place to reside. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD