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Atticus

Atticus's Journal
Atticus's Journal
July 12, 2021

We all make mistakes. In my experience at DU, when someone screws up the facts they

are posting, once their error is pointed out, we usually read an apology and either a correction or a deletion.

We should try to be accurate in our posting and quickly concede our mistakes but, except for a handful of trolls and serial offenders, those of us who occasionally "go off half-cocked" should be corrected, not chastised.

That's all I have to say about that.

July 12, 2021

The danger that I see lies within us. We know that the Trump cult will continue to say wild and

irrational things and we know that some of them will engage in violence against any who do not also worship at his altar. That sort of thing is now, sadly, pretty much a given.
But, what about us---the rational, tolerant, law-abiding folks who just want to resume our pre-Trump lives?

We have been intentionally stressed for over five years by a "man" we all agree is the worst White House Occupant in our lifetimes; someone who couldn't survive in the world we live in without being fired from job after job, shunned by all who had to deal with him and likely having more than one husband, father or boyfriend opening up the famous "can o' whoopass" on him.

We all have our limits. My fear is that if the marginally sane remnants of what used to be the "Party of Lincoln" cannot soon bring the Trump Error to a clear and irreversible end, something---or someone---is going to pop. One of the Trump Army will one day hurl an obscene insult, a racial epithet or a sexual vulgarity at a good person who is just out of fucks to to give and they are going to get an asswhoopin' that belongs to Trump. One incident could lead to another and militias across the country could set out to fulfill Limbaugh's oft-stated dream of "hunting down liberals with dogs".

Barring a situation of genuine self defense, the "good person" who could set this in motion will not be me. We are better than they are and we are smart enough to recognize attempts at provocation. To paraphrase President Obama, "Don't punch; VOTE!"

And, work your butt off to GOTV and pass our voting rights bill.

July 12, 2021

Are there any here who might have stopped for a pork sandwich at the "Pig Hip" restaurant along

the old Route 66 in Broadwell, Illinois?

Those were special back in the day when 66 was THE route go drive west.

July 11, 2021

Has anyone else noticed that August 13th, the date Pillow Man is certain will be when

Trump is "reinstated", is a Friday?

Friday the 13th? Oooh! Ain't that some spooky stuff?

I'm agonna watch it on tv!

July 11, 2021

Those who say the GOP no longer has a "core principle" are wrong. It is this, succinctly stated:

"If we call an apple a banana many many times, Americans will it will swear it has elongated, turned yellow, lost its seeds and is much easier to peel."

July 11, 2021

I was on an elementary school playground at recess when the news spread that

Marine Alan Shepherd had actually flown out into "space" and returned alive. We did not yet really understand what that meant, but we were thrilled to hear that our country had visited a new frontier.

Today's Virgin Galactic flight was even more breathtaking.

Now if we can just save this planet before we have to flee it or perish.

July 10, 2021

"There is but one race: the human race. Everything else is just culture".

I saw that quote on a young black man's tee shirt in 2007 at an anti-war March near the Lincoln Monument and it was sort of a head-slapping moment.

When you really think about it, we essentially separate the "different races" according to what color their skin is, PERIOD. Why?

Why are blondes and brunettes and redheads not characterized as different races?

Why is different eye color not a "race determinant"?

"Race" has no real scientific basis that I am aware of. Why do we do this to each other?





July 10, 2021

"As the days dwindle down---to a precious few---September---November-----------"

I was born in 1949 so, at 72, I am living in my ninth decade. I suppose it is natural at this point in life to at least attempt an honest assessment of how one has lived their life. Like nearly everyone, I have had my share of both good times and bad times. There are accomplishments of which I am proud and failures which embarrass me.

Recently, the flaw or failure that most saddens me when I look back on how I lived my life is all that was beautiful and amazing and should have should have moved me to tears of joy or silent humility but which I TOOK FOR GRANTED. It is a cliche, I know, but it seems I was too often so preoccupied with making a living that I did not have time to LIVE. The years I was "too busy" to take a vacation, visit my parents, take my kids to the zoo.

There were too many "I love you"s left unsaid; too many hugs and kisses withheld because of some temporary disagreement or perceived slight. I am reminded of the "Two Rules For Successful Living" I read somewhere several decades ago: "1.) Don't sweat the small stuff and, 2.) It's all small stuff."

Now, I can only hope that those I took for granted knew how much I really loved them. Now, I can actually pause to watch sunsets of incredible beauty. Now, I can tell those who can still hear me that I hold them in my heart and just being with them makes me happy.

I hope that was not maudlin or syrupy, but I can assure you it was sincere.

Have a peaceful and happy evening.

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Member since: 2002
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