Monday Musings - August 24, 2020

1. It is the fourth of five Mondays in August. August is dissolving into September sooner than I would like, but at least the temperatures generally remain summer-like. There are 71 days until Election Day.

2. The Orioles broke a six game losing streak with two tough wins over the Red Sox this weekend. They have crawled back to a 14-14, .500 record and are tied for 8th place in the American League!

Blue Heron
Columbia, MD
August 23, 2020

3. Chris and I went for a nice walk yesterday and saw this Blue Heron fishing in a stream. We enjoy seeing the wildlife as we walk. 

4. The name calling has to stop! I remember hearing that in Kindergarten. 

Buildings Across the Lake
Columbia, MD
August 23, 2020

5. Sometimes I take an image not because the scene is particularly pretty or interesting, but because my eye sees something that intrigues me. Like yesterday, for instance, when I snapped this image of the buildings in Columbia across Lake Kittamaqundi. I liked the reflections in the lake. Don't miss the duck in the lower left. 

6. Why do some leaders want to take credit for other people's work? 

7. The people of Belarus are protesting against a dictatorship-like government and the U.S. is nowhere to be seen. Why?

8. Let me get this straight--wearing MAGA hats at a factory is a more important issue than the lives of 170,000 Americans! If America isn't already great after four years, maybe it is time for a do-over.

9. I do not have the complete details, but the video of police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shooting an unarmed black man seven times as he's getting into a car is a very bad optic. Did I mention some of his children were in the car at the time and witnessed the shooting. Don't the police officers have any concept of what is happening right now in this country?

10. Today in History. In 79 AD, on August 24, after centuries of dormancy, Mount Vesuvius erupts in southern Italy, devastating the prosperous Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and killing thousands. The cities, buried under a thick layer of volcanic material and mud, were never rebuilt and largely forgotten in the course of history. In the 18th century, Pompeii and Herculaneum were rediscovered and excavated, providing an unprecedented archaeological record of the everyday life of an ancient civilization, startlingly preserved in sudden death.

F.D.A. Allows Expanded Use of Plasma to Treat Coronavirus Patients - The New York Times

Florida and Texas have joined California in topping 600,000 cases. Here’s the latest. - The New York Times

Government Debt Soars to World War II Levels - The Wall Street Journal

Even With a Strong Crop This Year, U.S. Farmers Are Suffering - The Wall Street Journal

 U.S. Existing-Home Sales Rose Nearly 25% in July - The Wall Street Journal

Trump obliterates lines between governing and campaigning in service of his reelection - The Washington Post

Hurricane warnings issued as Gulf Coast prepares for Marco and Laura - The Washington Post

Belarusian protesters, defying army, flood Minsk - Reuters

China reports 16 new COVID-19 cases, eighth day without local infections - Reuters





Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

Politics is just like show business. You have a hell of an opening, coast for a while, and then have a hell of a close.


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

What are you looking for in a President?

The Republican convention kicks off this week and I will be watching, just as I watched much of the Democratic convention last week. 

It is critically important to see and listen to all points of view despite, as many of you know or suspect, that I have fairly well decided on how I will be voting in November. 

So what are you looking for in a President? 

Some people are looking for programs and policies. I heard discussions from the Democratic Convention last week that they were very light on policy and on the details of how they were going to implement their plans. I find that conventions and politicians are usually that way and, frankly, in the overall picture the policy plans usually ignore the biggest part of the policy process--the Congress. Without bipartisanship and working with the Congress little of lasting value gets passed. 

We could go through all of the non-implemented campaign policy promises of past presidents--and there are many. Being the President is very different for campaigning for president. 

So what am I looking for in a President? 

Well here goes, and this is not an exhaustive list although it may seem like it by the time you get to the end.

- Humility
- Recognizing and understanding their place in time and history
- Servant-oriented mindset 
- Compassion
- Leadership
- Respect for the Office of The President
- Respect for and understanding of The Constitution
- Respect for and understanding the role of The Congress
- Respect for and understanding the role of The Supreme Court
- Ability to take advice
- Belief that they will select good people for cabinet positions and then let them do their jobs
- Respect for all Americans
- Proper focus on both foreign and domestic policy
- Vision for the Country and the future
- Ability to communicate
- Manage and lead in a crisis
- Mobilize Americans to work towards a common goal
- Ability to unify rather than divide
- Bipartisanship (work across the aisle)

A person will lead based upon their character and what they believe. I, frankly, am tired of hearing the personal pronoun "I" so much when it should be "we." 

The Constitution begins "We the people . . . " and a President must never forget that they are the leader of the "we."

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Mantis at the Door

Donald the Mantis (Taken in the Evening)
Elkridge, MD
August 20, 2020

We have a new member of the family. It has taken residence just outside the front door in the fern. 

Well, calling it a member of the family may be a stretch, but we look for it every time we pass the fern which sits right outside of the door. It is a mantis--I believe it to be a European Mantis, one of the four types of mantis indigenous to the area, but it is hard to truly identify the variety so it is more of a guess rather than a definitive identification. I also believe, because of its slender profile, that it is a male, but I have not picked it up to count the segments on its underside. Males often meet with a tragic demise after mating, so I hope that he is one of the lucky ones.

Mantis Believed to be Donald
Elkridge, MD
July 28, 2020

Chris and I have become very adept at finding him and we have named him Donald, in the fern. It actually is pretty easy because his body is the only straight object in the plant and he is usually near the top right under one of the fonds. 

I first saw the mantis that I believe to be Donald, on July 28th. It was in the corner of the porch right above the fern where it has apparently taken residence. Chris and I have watched its color change overtime as it adapted to its new home. For the most part, the mantis does not mind our occasional visits although last evening as Chris, Patrick, and I stood on the porch near the fern talking for a bit after identifying George's location, it did become a bit agitated. But, it did not change its location before we said good-bye and moved away. 

The really good part is that we know we do not need to use any insecticide, the mantis will eat all of the bugs.

I actually enjoy knowing that Donald is on guard at the front door. I guess it is a guard mantis!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

And hope and history rhyme

The platform is formed and the final sprint to November 3, Election Day, will begin by the end of next week when the Republicans complete their convention and reaffirm their candidates. 

The Democratic ticket is set and Joe Biden is the nominee for President. With his Vice Presidential running mate, Kamala Harris, the two-and-a-half month run to Election Day is ready to finally begin. We can finally dispense of that nasty word presumptive.

The battle for the soul of America is underway and the from my position the future direction of America could not be more at stake. I think it is clear to almost every American that there are two different directions for America. In most recent elections, the different directions were more akin to a fork in the road and whether we veered left or right the consequences were similar because the direction was generally consistent. 

Not so this year. The choices are between continuing on as the laughing stock of the world untrusted by allies and disregarded by foes, or a making a hard and sudden turn to restore decency, stability, consistency, and compassion.

History says, Don't hope

On this side of the grave,

But then, once in a lifetime

The longed-for tidal wave

Of justice can rise up

And hope and history rhyme.

 (The Cure at Troy - Seamus Heaney)

But, I will let a 13 year old boy describe tell his story about one of the candidates, in case you did not see the convention last night.

Out of the mouths of children.

Regardless of your political leanings and desires--Vote! It is your solemn duty as an American!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Corrupt on Power

Reading through the New York Times a week ago, I came upon an article that helped me come to grips with a conundrum: Why do Evangelical Christians support an immoral president? And I mean immoral by the broadest of standards. The article was in the New York Times and the link to it is below. 

Christianity Will Have Power (The New York Times, August 9, 2020)

I came to the realization that Evangelical Christians have traded truth for power. Imposing their will upon others does not bring people to salvation, in fact it may be one of the biggest deterrents driving them away from grace.  It is hard to motivate people through fear, intolerance and hypocrisy. 

Encouraging people to come to Christ on their own is the essence of being a Christ follower. 

Why is such a flawed leader revered by Evangelical  Christians? Trump's words from a rally held at a small Christian college in Sioux Center, Iowa, during January 2016 provide an important clue. 

“Christianity will have power,” he said. “If I’m there, you’re going to have plenty of power, you don’t need anybody else. You’re going to have somebody representing you very, very well. Remember that.” (Christianity Will Have Power, New York Times)

Because of the promise of power to impose their will upon America, a segment of Christians support a man who is not worthy of their respect and support. From his actions, it is clear that his beliefs are incongruent with those of Evangelical Christians. He supports salvation through works, advocates the use of force against Americans, uses lies and deception to advance his personal goals at the expense of his followers, and engages in self-adulation on a scale not seen before in the White House. Most importantly, he is ignorant of what Jesus taught. 

Jesus said,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. 

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 

11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

Matthew 5:3-12, NET Bible

Trump, the man, does not respect these attributes. He mocks those who mourn. He cannot tell or even recognize the truth. He incites unrest and division rather than compassion and peace. He is using Evangelical Christians as a tool in his personal pursuit of power, riches, fame, and fortune. It saddens me.

In a more recent January 2020 rally, as documented in The Guardian article, Evangelicals see Trump as a way to get what they want after decades of defeat, the assessment of Trump's allure was summed up as follows:

Not once was Trump’s own religious faith mentioned, though he was mentioned as a champion for the religious right through his policy victories. That was a phenomenon that seemed to sum up Trump’s strange relationship with evangelicals: he has returned their support with policy victories for them. In turn they often seem to turn a blind eye to his scandal-ridden presidency, accusations of rape, sexual assault and harassment, three marriages and paying off a pornography actor whom claims she had an affair with him.

The promise of power has blinded the believers. 

16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth! 17 Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing,” but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 take my advice and buy gold from me refined by fire so you can become rich! Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put on your eyes so you can see! (Revelations 3:16-18, NET Bible)

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. (Lord Action)


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

A Travesty Occurred

Makayla After Picture
Elkridge, MD
August 18, 2020

While I was at work yesterday, a travesty occurred. My dog, Makayla, went to the groomers to be brushed out and she returned looking like a completely different dog. I was given a long story that she was just too uncomfortable being groomed. Come on--groomers are supposed to be professionals. 

I can tell that Makayla is embarrassed by the way that she looks. 

Makayla with her Mature Coat
Elkridge, MD
March 21, 2018

She looks like a Keeshond puppy. As Keeshonden mature they grow proud coats that are the hallmark of the breed. Losing that coat returns her to the look of an immature puppy. 

Despite assurances to the contrary that she looks cute, she is not cute. She looks less than whole. 

I miss my old dog.

I hope that it grows back before winter.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Another COVID Closing

I received a very disappointing email yesterday advising me that the racquet and fitness club where I play racquetball will be closing at the end of September. It is going out of business. 

The email from the Sport Fit Laurel Racquet and Health Club was unexpected and the first paragraph is as follows:

Dear Members:

For 34 years we have served the Laurel area as an award-winning health club. It is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to close Laurel Racquet + Health Club. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nearly all health clubs were closed nationwide for months. During that time, our business suffered.  Since our reopening in late June the member usage has dropped considerably. After careful evaluation we have concluded we cannot continue operating given these circumstances.

I admit, I have been a member for just over a year, but I have enjoyed playing racquetball there because the courts were always clean, unlike the far more expensive club where I used to play.

It is another business lost to COVID. Businesses are closing across the country and the toll on the owners and the employees is not well reported. The customers and patrons also feel the loss.

Support your local businesses before they succumb to COVID-19.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - August 17, 2020

1. It is the third of five Mondays this month. The month is over one-half complete and September is rising on the horizon. Nighttime lows are dipping into the 60s.

2. The Orioles continue to have a winning record. The season is over one-third complete and the Orioles are 12-9. I never would have believed it. The lost a close game yesterday to the World Series Champion Nationals, but continue to be one of the better teams in the American League. 

3. Google is playing with the interface that I use to create this blog. It has resulted in uneven fonts and problems with the images. For the time being, I have reverted to the legacy software.

4. The rain made the lawn very wet. Hopefully the grass will grow thicker and more dense than it has been during other years at the time.

5. I have one newspaper delivered to me each week. I wondered this morning why it was in my neighbor's yard rather than my driveway. I almost did not notice it in the grass. Thankfully, it was double wrapped and dry. 

Rex
Odenton, MD
August 12, 2020

6. Check out the New York Times article below about how the Trump campaign is deceptively editing the words of their opponent to foster fear and misunderstanding. I have a new motto for our country: Make lying wrong again!

7. There is something about the way dogs look at us. Sometime, they just make us laugh. This is Rex, Patrick's dog. He just seems to look through us into our souls when we are near him. He is a cutie but all muscle. When he jumps to greet me, I have to be ready.

8. Chris and I went shopping for lamps yesterday. I can report that the retail establishments in this area are fully open and that everyone was observing physical distancing and wearing masks. Welcome to the new normal.

9. Today in History. On August 17, 1969, the grooviest event in music history–the Woodstock Music & Art Fair–draws to a close after three days of peace, love and rock ‘n’ roll in upstate New York. Conceived as “Three Days of Peace and Music,” Woodstock was a product of a partnership between John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfield and Michael Lang. Their idea was to make enough money from the event to build a recording studio near the arty New York town of Woodstock. When they couldn’t find an appropriate venue in the town itself, the promoters decided to hold the festival on a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York—some 50 miles from Woodstock—owned by Max Yasgur.

Trump Says He is Considering Pardon for Leaker Edward Snowden - Reuters

Trump Ads Attack Biden Through Deceptive Editing and Hyperbole - The New York Times

Pelosi to Recall House for Postal Service VotePelosi to Recall House for Postal Service Vote - The New York Times

U.S. coronavirus death toll hits 170,000 ahead of fall flu season - Reuters 

Italy closes nightclubs as coronavirus cases rise among young - Reuters

‘A national crisis’: Millions of disconnected students are being left behind - The Washington Post

Al-Shabab gunmen storm a beachside hotel in the Somali capital, killing 10 - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week


We need a rebirth of the American tradition of leadership at every level of government and in private life as well. The United States of America is unique in world history because it has a genius for leaders - many leaders - on many levels. But back in 1976, Mr. Carter said, "Trust me." And a lot of people did. And now, many of those people are out of work. Many have seen their savings eaten away by inflation. Many others on fixed incomes, especially the elderly, have watched helplessly as the cruel tax of inflation wasted away their purchasing power. And, today, a great many who trusted Mr. Carter wonder if we can survive the Carter policies of national defense. 

"Trust me" government asks that we concentrate our hopes and dreams on one man; that we trust him to do what's best for us. But my view of government places trust not in one person or one party, but in those values that transcend persons and parties. The trust is where it belongs-in the people. The responsibility to live up to that trust is where it belongs, in their elected leaders. That kind of relationship, between the people and their elected leaders, is a special kind of compact.
(Acceptance of the Republican Nomination for President, July 17, 1980)


-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Rainy Sunday

The Deck on a Wet Sunday
Elkridge, MD
August 16, 2020

I was supposed to be out on a golf course this morning, but not! It is raining and the rain was predicted in time to cancel the tee time yesterday. If the courses are anything like my lawn, after nearly three solid days of drenching rain, I am sure it would have been a muddy round and not much fun. Slogging around a wet, muddy course getting covered with mud is not my idea of an exciting run of golf. And when the golf ball plugs instead of running out, it makes the course just that much longer.

And as it is, Sunday has arrived. It is wet and quiet outside. I was lucky enough to get the lawn mowed yesterday, so I can enjoy the rain without worrying about trying to cut the grass. I asm waiting for my weekly Sunday New York Times to arrive--hopefully it will be dry. I treat myself to one newspaper a week--in the print variety. It is amazing the articles I find that I don't see on the internet when I read the same paper. 

I can also get back into the coronavirus statistics--although they are not easy to understand. In the weekly trend statistics, as reported by the Washington Post, Maryland is showing 12 new cases per 100,000 residents; meaning that the state is unlikely to come off the New York quarantine list again this week. Florida showed a huge drop, but is still at 23. 

Well, I guess we will have to wait for another week to get off the list.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Upside-Down in the Constitution, Again

Establishment of the Post Office is a constitutional requirement--for the Congress! It is found in Article 1 Section 8. Failing to maintain the post office is yet another failing of the government.

The President should not interfere with the establishment and funding of the post office. It is out of his lane. 

I do not understand why The Congress is not telling the President to step aside and allow the funding of the Post Office as required by the Constitution. 

Apparently, we are upside-down again in the Constitution. 

Above the fold in The Washington Post this morning:

Trump’s assault on Postal Service gives Democrats a new campaign message

Trump Admits He’s Starving the Postal Service to Sabotage Voting by Mail - New York Magazine

Defunding the Post Office, in my mind, constitutes election tampering. So let's review the different entities reportedly engaged in tampering with the upcoming November election: Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the President. Hmmmm--I wonder what these all have in common?

Are Americans willing to risk their health to vote in November? I dearly hope so.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD