Category: Commentary

Great Retirement Advice

Thought provoking New York Times article What Does Retirement Really Mean? Short in length but long on wisdom…

My takeaways from the article are shown below. The first observation is what is most relevant to me at my age.

“Growing old is a process of giving things up. The trick is to not dwell on what you have lost, but rather focus on what remains.”

CONRAD REYNOLDS, CHICAGO

“Old age is like the fourth quarter of a basketball game. Time for the stars to really shine.”

HAL REICHARDT, BEAVERTON, ORE.

“The best sentiment I have heard on retirement was expressed by Serena Williams: She was not retiring from tennis, she was evolving.”

CYNTHIA WAGNER WEICK, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CALIF.

“If the joy of your work has left you, it is time.”

CHRISTINE ROBB, ISLESBORO, MAINE

“I had to learn to be comfortable in the uncertainty of my future.”

PAULA SANTA-DONATO, HARTSDALE, N.Y.

Don’t Hate the Playa, Hate the Game!

The Louisiana Senate recently passed a bill that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

I admire men and women of religion and conviction. I am surrounded by family and friends of faith. I would not tried to dissuade them from their beliefs. Most of them live exemplary lives, and they walk the talk of their faith and convictions.

However, I don’t like religion. As a teenage boy, I saw no logical or rational sense in it. Religion, any faith, was filled with hypocrisy, myths, superstition and bizarre beliefs. Six decades later, my feelings about religion remain unchanged, perhaps even stronger.

In the last few decades, politics has corrupted religion and religion has corrupted politics. Has there been anything more galling than the country’s most notorious felon and sexual assault perpetrator pitching the sale of his bibles?

Hate, bigotry and venom are spit from the pulpits of many churches. Regrettably, these types of messages resonate favorably with many sitting in the pews. As I mentioned, I know of men and women who are inspired by their religion and perform good works. Unfortunately I see and hear too many others who wrap religion around their twisted politics and daily life.

As an agnostic, I don’t want religion to factor into political life. Stay away from issues related to personal freedom, abortion, same sex marriage, euthanasia, books and education!  Religion’s worst enemies are science, history and philosophy. I’d rather hear more of that than church pastors and evangelicals bilking their flock of money.

Image produced by AI

Pickleball Isn’t Cheap

Just a guessestimate…Depending on how you play, what level, how committed, wear and tear and where you play, expenses can add up. I’m sure some players pay less than this and I’m very sure many “competitive” players pay more. This estimate doesn’t factor in any medical expenses that can occur.

There is an increased level of commercialization in the sport that is inevitable as it becomes more popular and mainstream.

Bürgerkrieg (Civil War)

Ah the NBA and Stanley Cup playoffs are ending. Baseball is in full swing. Caitlyn Clark is the new American heroine and Taylor Swift continues to captivate audiences on her worldwide tour. Millions of Americans are on or about to enjoy their well deserved vacations. Summer is here, full of festivals, concerts, community activities, fireworks, and music fairs. Americans are enjoying the extended sunlight by playing golf, pickleball or heading to the shore to swim and lie comfortably on blankets in the sand serenaded by the timeless tunes of War’s classic song:

Cause it’s summer

Summer time is here

Yes it’s summer

My time of year

The stock market continue to reach for new highs. Unemployment is low. The economy and job market have largely recovered from one of the great health and financial challenges in the history of the world. There are no American soldiers involved in active combat. Indeed there was a recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where  American soldiers braved heavy artillery and gunfire from German forces to start the last days of tyranny.

Amidst this idyllic picture, what could disrupt our enjoyment of the sun, warm nights, and the sounds of children playing in the park?

Discordant and rabid voices are baying hatefully at political rallies clad in red hats and clothing like SS troopers at a 1930’s Nuremberg rally. Clutching their flags, Bibles and sometimes guns, they pledge allegiance to an ideology of hate, revenge and promised retribution. Like their leader, they know little of history or truth. There is no discussion of compromise. They wish to destroy democracy by employing their ruse of democracy—-the people want a dictatorship!?

As we revel in the joys of summer, it is crucial to remain vigilant. The threats to our democracy are real, and they come from within. Hopefully  people will not be complacent by the warmth of the season. The future of our nation depends on awareness, actions, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and justice.

Quick Thoughts on Trump Conviction

Half of me thought that the Trump trial would result in a hung jury. The other half of me thought that Trump might be filed guilty of 10 or less of the 34 charges he faced.

I’m very surprised that Trump was found guilty of all the charges against him. How good were Trump’s lawyers? They couldn’t get him clear of at least one charge! Based on some of the things that I read about the trial, Trump’s lawyers may have been lacking in, presenting the best case for him.

What angers me the most are the people who are still supporting Trump. Don’t you people have any shame? There is an argument that this verdict will only help Trump get reelected. It’s possible, but given the actions of Trump’s jury today, I feel a little bit more hopeful that Trump will not be successful.

Politics in this country is such a huge mess. I blame the political parties, the press (or at least most of them), and just too many disinterested and ignorant voters.

A Few Good Men and Women (for President)

RFK Jr.’s path to the June debate. RFK Jr is closing in on joining Joe Biden and Donald Trump in a debate scheduled late next month. None of these men should be running for President. Joe Biden is a good man but he is too old. Donald Trump is a bad man, too old and should be in jail. RFK Jr. has no credentials to run. According to a New York Times article, his running mate has drug and gold digging issues. RFK Jr., though a younger man, is more incoherent than both Trump and Biden.

Here is a small list of more qualified men and women who should be running for President:

  1. Mark Cuban
  2. Jamie Dimon
  3. Bob Iger
  4. Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey
  5. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania
  6. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan
  7. Governor Gavin Newsom of California
  8. Governor Brian Kemp of New Jersey
  9. Mitt Romney
  10. Larry Hogan
  11. Lynn Chaney
  12. Chris Christie
  13. Amy Klobuchar
  14. Adam Kinzinger
  15. Chris Coons
  16. Nikki Haley
  17. Pete Buttigieg
  18. Michelle Obama
  19. Al Franken
  20. Beto O’ Rourke

News Ticker Shock

Nikki Haley supporting Trump…”I will be voting for Trump.”

Justice Alito caught flying another flag outside his home supporting insurrection

60% of Americans think that we are in a recession (poll)

“United Reich” wording posted to a video on Trump’s Truth Social media account

RFK Jr. VP pick Nicole Shanahan profiled as drug user and adulterer in NY Times article

Putin ‘launches space weapon’ while his forces carry out nuke drill near Ukraine

Daily marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in the U.S., a new study says