Memories

Hello All.

A number of years ago I posted about my friend Tommy, but heard the below song and was reminded of him. Tommy grew up just down the road from me, and we played as kids. His parents were very nice and they always made me feel welcome. At that time, I don’t know what was more needed: the friendship I had with Tommy or the welcoming kindness of a home that made me feel good about myself.

As I grew out of Elementary School and into Middle School, Tommy and I continued to be friends. I admired Tommy, “looked up to him”, and that is in quotes because he was considerably smaller than I was. Tommy had a confidence in him that I didn’t. A level eye, a strong kindness and quick smile And he was cute! Yes, I was very attracted to Tommy. But, as luck would have it, Tommy was not only very not attracted to me but was already getting a lot of attention from the girls. We soon went our own ways when I made the mistake of hoping.

Come forward some forty odd years and I saw a garage sale in the neighborhood as I was coming home. I stopped and saw a few things I liked, then asked about a boy I once knew that lived there named Tommy. Well, foot in mouth, Tommy died a few months previous in a car accident. I continued after that day to look in on his mother and talk with her as she walked her dog in the neighborhood. I never knew if she was aware of my feelings for her son or if she ever wondered why she stopped seeing me come to her warm home.

And so I offer this memory and song to all who missed out on that hope like I did.

I still think of you, Tommy. Wish things could have been different. May your rest be peaceful.

Hugs all.

Randy

Do you wonder why

Hello All. One of the things I find very important is to understand the history of a topic. I don’t understand 99.9999% of it, but I really think it’s important.

My Question for today: Why are Republicans and Democrats so unable to come together in our values?

I would begin with the thought that idealization of the extreme has garnered a ‘squeeky wheel’ effect. This chart from the Republican Party in New Mexico clearly shows how shallow and truly dishonest the rhetoric has become. It is purposely vague and a divisive solicitation of reactions rather than thought.

Are we as Democrats against Parental Rights? Or, are we as Democrats against the raiding of our libraries and learning institutions by “parents” making sweeping decisions about the information and education for everyone else’s parents? Again, or are we Democrats against allowing the “religious” extremists to thrust their will into another parent’s child’s decision to develop and exercise their own genuine identity? Can we argue about a parent’s right to take their child to a book reading performed by a so-called “drag queen”? Or… what?

Do we as Democrats disagree with a voter i.d. out of hand, or are we against the use of hurdles and known socioeconomic devices to deny those with fewer resources their right to vote?

Do we as Democrats disagree with the Constitution or are we in disagreement with the proliferation of guns that kill our children and want reasonable safeguards emplaced? Do we believe that our children’s right to life supplants the right of unstable people owning guns? Wasn’t it Trump who was cheered by his followers after saying he would be able to suspend the constitution?

Do we as Democrats disagree with legal immigration or are we in disagreement with throwing children into cages, removing them from their parents AND THEN LOSING THEM!! (yes, that happened under Trump), or other such cruelty against those hoping for a better life for themselves and their children? I personally think the “border issue” is a distraction they don’t want to solve. Also, have you ever noticed that the vehemence for these “immigrants” always seems to be around those of color? We get immigrants from all over the world.

Shall I go on? The Democrats have repeatedly shown we are more fiscally responsible with the budget, have consistently shown we want ALL to pay their fair share of taxes INCLUDING the very wealthy (gasp!), have consistently shown we are more willing to financially and structurally support prenatal and neonatal care for both the mother and the child. We are also consistently showing much greater concern for the well being of the baby through to adulthood in nutrition, health care, education and opportunities. We are simply not willing to force life where it is not wanted by the parent, or forcing the parent to continue a pregnancy that is fundamentally unhealthy and dangerous. Democrats have consistently shown that regulation of businesses is important because it keeps the trains from derailing and costing billions of dollars, keeps the rivers from burning and destroying land, and unlike the dipshit Michigan Republican governor that thought it wise to use the very polluted Detroit River for the drinking water for Flint – we are against costing countless people their homes and lives so that businesses can pollute freely.

The simple fact is that the very powerful do not want us knowing the truth, thinking rationally on a topic, realizing that we are being kept in the dark and fed bullshit by those wanting us to disagree and fight over scraps under the table. Remember: Republicans don’t understand why those with college educations, who are trained to look beyond base statements, vote against them – and Donald Trump “loves the uneducated” who he can manipulate with innuendo and emotional malarkey.

Well, such is my opinion this morning. Hugs everyone.

Randy

When being mean is a kindness

I had a very uncomfortable moment today at work. One of those confrontations at the cross-roads of life for one young man.

My painful, often unpleasant and almost always unappreciated calling is as a shop supervisor. I sit between the owner and the employee, constantly called upon to wrestle one or the other. If I do my job right, things go smoothly. And, for such a small word, “if” carries a great deal of weight.

Today, while off site purchasing needed supplies, I get a call that a very unhappy employee, who has been working part time through a workman’s comp’ claim, wanted to see me. I hustled back to work and was immediately confronted by this worker and his mother. And, Momma Bear was pissed, seeking to take out her protective instincts for her little cub on that big nasty supervisor… That little cub who is 34 years old, mind you.

I greeted them warmly and invited them to have a seat at the conference table in the outer office where I would have witnesses. Just in case, ya know? And then Momma Bear let loose with accusations and demands to know why her little “Furry” one hasn’t been getting paid from us and is getting only a pittance, her general phrase – Scottie doesn’t like me to swear here – from the workman’s comp’ insurance. She went on to tell me I should be ashamed of myself, who did I think I was, etc.

I slowly lifted my hand with one finger raised, interrupting her rant. “Furry’s” eyes got quite large at that. Perhaps it’s not wise to interrupt Momma Bear.

“Pardon me ma’am”, I quietly said into the ringing wide-eyed silence, “Your “Furry” is over 18 and is the employee. You are here to support your son, and I am good with that, but unless you are his lawyer I can’t talk to you about his employment.” To be honest, I don’t know if that is the law or not, but it sounded good. “Now, “Furry”, what can I do for you today,” I asked.

He told me about not getting a check, getting only a little from the insurance company but not enough to cover his needs. I then, quietly reached over and picked up that bus with one hand, grabbed “Furry’s” collar with the other, and chucked him directly under said bus!

“Furry”, I said, “I have documentation from your doctor clearing you for work 3-days per week, 8 hours per day, with a list of physical restrictions. I have allowed you to set your own schedule on that, right?” He agreed. “And, in the last 5-weeks, you have logged a total of 6.75 hours,” I said, looking directly into Momma Bear’s eyes.

Momma wasn’t happy.

Have a great night everyone.

Hugs.

Randy

I “know”. Hugs.

Ok. Fair warning, as this is still fresh for me. I don’t imagine this post flows right, but here goes:

As a man well into my 50’s, I should not allow myself to feel the same bullying I felt in childhood. I shouldn’t allow the blather of others to live within my soul, my thoughts, to change my outlook, to destroy my peace. But I did. I most certainly did.

Recently, in partnership with another employee, I was given the task of wiring in an actuator control switch. I was looking forward to this task because I have little experience with this type of electronics and wiring, and the person I was to be working with had a lot of experience but his age was making the physical work difficult. A great pairing, I thought.

He ordered the components and designed the support structure while I assembled the structuring and then attempted to follow his written directions on the wiring. I told him I didn’t understand his wiring diagram but I’d do my best and let him know if I had problems. Yep, I had problems.

This older man entered back into the project angry. Ok, he is always angry. But, I called him back into it because I had done the best I could, the very best I could, but I was at a loss. So, I left everything open, labeled, easily changed. His first words were “Why in the hell did you do it like that?”

Ok, I’m new at this. How would you have done it. Grumpily, he tells me. Cool, information! I can use this in the future! Then, he grumpily complains about how I’ve done it again.

And again. And again. And again. And again. He complains about my multimeter, which is owned by the shop, not me, and is the only one I have available. Why did you buy this meter? This is a stupid design. Anyone who uses a meter like this shouldn’t be using a meter. Why did you leave so little wire where this gets connected? (He ordered the wire, and I used every bit of it as best as able). You should have left more. Dammit, this is horrible, why’d you leave this so short? You should have left more….

Outwardly I stood quiet, but, inside sat a little boy who couldn’t hold a flashlight right or grab a 7/16 box end wrench fast enough. I tell you now, when I realized I had put my hands in my pockets I ripped them out so fast I’m surprised I didn’t start a friction fire!

This type of stuff continued, repeatedly continued. I’d done the best I could with what I had available. I’d done the best I could to understand his diagram. I’d done the best I fucking well could!….. and all I could do was hold back the scream that it was all unfair and swallow my own anger as he let his flow. I needed to get this component wired and get this machine working again. I needed his help.

I’m a grown-assed man well into my 50’s, why am I suddenly that little boy again? Why am I so incapable of lifting my head? Why am I so hurt by someone so much smaller than I am? Why did I allow myself to be so abused?

Wiring complete, machine put back together. I trained the operators, watched them operate the machine successfully, then quietly collected my tools and went home. On the way home another driver passed me on the highway as I was changing lanes. He was speeding, nearly hit me – I could have reached out my window and changed his radio station! Then he sped away on the highway, and I was pissed! Finally, I was pissed!! I’d had enough this day and dammit someone was going to pay! I chased that guy for two miles at over 90 miles an hour before I realized that – a: I was never going to catch him in my little car. And, b: I needed to forgive that man or I was going to end up in an accident or jail or both.

Many years ago I stumbled upon a little blog that talked about a lot of stuff. I read his offered story, read his posts, then one day I commented. See, I liked how he signed off on his posts with “hugs”. We became grand friends, this virtual hugger and me, and I learned how incredibly important hugs were to him, and to my surprise, to me. To receive them, and to give.

Of course, I know this is a sad, angry, lonely, pathetic old man. I know this is just how he is, and I’ll never see him different. But. I also “know” he spoke to me that way because I was no good. I “know” I was horrible at my job. I “know” I’m dumb. I “know” I had no business trying to do that wiring job. I “know”… I “know”… Yeah, I “know”.

Hugs.

Randy

There is a price.

I used to work with someone I thought was my friend. Over the period of our association, our positions at work changed but I always considered him a friend. To my shame, I excused and turned a blind eye to many of his abuses of me and even others. I found myself confused by his actions more often than offended, and while I did occasionally confront those excesses I more often presumed his knowledge of the issue was greater than my own and gave him my trust. Then I found out that he not only betrayed me but betrayed the company. I believe he stole- or so poorly administered- millions of dollars and that cost 30 people their livelihood. I have no excuse. I failed to be a man, to call out falsehood, abuse, theft, and the consequences will forever stain my heart.

Recently, J.D.Vance and Donald Trump, who are running for the Presidency of our country, so defiant of truth, honor and responsibility purposely purported bald-faced lies that immigrants in Springfield, OH, were stealing and eating pets.

For the sane and reasonable person, such a claim is seen as a preposterous joke. Were this actually true that would be a horrifying failure on our parts to have those in our midst who are not able to adequately feed their family. But, we are in an era where rational thought takes a back seat to self-righteousness and cult adherence. Sure enough, fools take on these words as an order to march, action words, a call to arms. The resulting bomb threats and death threats soon followed.

When Trump and his flying monkeys uttered this asinine claim it was for the selfish idea that by instigating and furthering conflict between immigrants to our country and the citizens of our country, by inspiring fear and distrust of “the other”, by causing division and confusion, they could somehow gain power for J.D., and for Trump to stay out of prison.

At one time the idea of a Presidential Debate was for candidates to present their ideas and show they were stronger than a fierce opponent’s. I guess I’m partially to blame, for in this time of meme’s and two minute sound bites it’s become more important to sling memorable insults than intelligent ideas for the coming years. And we allow it. Because it’s fun. Because it makes us “right” in our fear and hate.

Now this mud slinging and divisiveness have resulted in bomb threats, parents terrified for the safety of their children, a city on near lockdown. And for what? For a lie, told by a serial liar, for the convoluted purpose of convincing these same people that they should give him more power.

There is a special pestilence infecting my soul for the things I know I should have done and failed to do. I do not have answers. I’m not wise enough. But, the experience that comes with age and humility, with acknowledging my failures and holding hope in my successes, has taught me the value of boundaries. It has taught me that there is a frighteningly REAL COST to allowing hate. A real cost to allowing abuse. A real cost to fear. It infects the soul, it becomes acceptable, natural, and perversely normal. It is for this reason I will never again stand by and watch abuses occur while I stand in the quiet shadows.

Randy

Why Was I so Offended?

A short time ago, a post was put on this blog that spoke on Trump’s abuse of one of our treasures, Arlington Cemetery. I was mad, and my words were less than professional. I am sorry if I came across rude to other readers, crude, immature. I was mad, and that seemed to loosen the controls on my mouth and typing fingers.

I recently shared my – reaction – to that post with an older friend who shook her finger at my crass language. This song, I hope, helps underscore the good reasons for bad words.

Each of the soldiers resting on that field gave it all. They didn’t give it for the republicans, the Democrats, the rich or the poor. They gave it all for each and every one of us, despite our politics, despite our religion, despite our orientation or the color of our skin. Those people fought and died for me and you, and they deserve their rest. Those soldiers ALL deserve our respect, our honor, and the VERY least we can do is to not ask them to be another pawn in another war!

Thank you.

Hugs. Randy

I Believe This Says It All

I’ve said this before, but I am more than willing to do so again: For those of you who, like me, are in the often painful position to hire and fire employees, please ask yourself this simple question: Would I hire this man to work in my business?

Let’s think on this:

He has bankrupted numerous businesses, so definitely wouldn’t have him as a C-level employee.

He has repeatedly been sued for refusal to pay for his contractors and other debts.

He has been held liable for fraud.

He has been held liable for stealing from the Children’s Cancer Charity he operated.

He has been held liable for sexually assaulting someone.

He has shown himself to be unrepentantly untruthful.

He creates division. Everywhere.

I would not hire him. Why would I want him in the highest position in the land?

Hugs;

Randy

Never Again

Politicians lie to us daily. I think it’s a requirement of the job. Hillary and Bill were famous for it, Barack admitted to lying as well. So, why do I loathe trump?

Lies have been told by us and to us since time immemorable. Some lies are those that protect the person hearing the lie; the proverbial ‘No, Honey. Those pants do not make you look fat at all.’ Some call these “white lies” or “social lies”, meant to smooth interaction with others rather than pummel someone with the blunt truth.

Then there are the lies that are self serving; the ‘no officer, I’m sure I wasn’t speeding’. These are lies that are easily seen through because we expect to be lied to in this way. We expect to have someone attempt to protect himself in the best story available. Invariably, we get that speeding ticket anyway, and we pay it because we know we were speeding.

Then there are the lies that injures others.

When trump came down that pompous escalator to announce his candidacy for president, he began his political career with lies and doubled down at every opportunity. I felt the man was completely ill prepared for the task, that he put his trust in people who were monstrously untrustworthy, and I was positive he would do a poor job. No surprise, he quickly showed himself to be pernicious, incompetent, a sociopathic narcissist, far less intelligent than he would have us believe, and he hero-worshipped dictators. As his very inadequacy found him out the powers behind the throne failed to rein him in.

Nonetheless, he was the president of the country. No matter how poorly done, he was our president, and that carried a two-way responsibility that I hated yet had little choice but to accept. As our president, he was charged with and accepted the duty to lead everyone, even me. Repeatedly he lied to me. Repeatedly he told me to trust him. And, as president, as the one who ultimately is the one in charge, I trusted the office. Then, I found that I couldn’t go to work because I didn’t have a mask; I couldn’t see my elderly family because I couldn’t risk their very life; I couldn’t see my friends because I could transmit a virus that could jeopardize their life and their loved one’s lives. A virus he told me was not an issue, would be a couple people, would go away like a fluff of cottonwood in the breeze.

In the end, it really doesn’t matter what you think about that virus, because he knew it to be deadly. He knew, and he accepted my family’s potential loss of life as a convenience. He knew and denied reality knowing it put us at risk. He lied and convinced others to lie and made the truth tellers a pariah.

We don’t have to agree in this country to find a common ground. Policy difference is a good thing. It frees the opportunity for debate and challenge, hopefully arriving at an idea that is the best it can be, able to survive challenge and investigation. But there must be a reality we can share. Never again will I allow myself to be led by someone who would see my death and the death of everyone I know as the inconsiderate cost of being thought powerful. Never Again.

Hugs. Randy

The True Risk of AI

Like many of us, I grew up with the Lost in Space Robot, Hal, and of course, the T1000.

And, as anyone who has ever seen me around a computer can tell you, I am in no danger of ever creating an AI, much less giving any fair representation of the risks that come with AI. What I can tell you is that images, chat, and other electronically produced media does share a risk that can be co-opted and influenced by our current understanding of AI. This does require us to look closely at what we see on the internet, what we believe is going on in and around our environment, and most importantly becoming a better defender of our personal borders. There is no doubt that the impersonation of human creations is going to effect our lives going forward. Further, there is no doubt that beautiful things CAN be created via AI. Not sure about this one: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/glIzD8CVwrQ

As with everything, new technology brings new fears, new opportunities, new joys, and a new way of life. In regards to the T1000, I’m really crossing my fingers on the “new way of life” part.

Hugs!

Randy

-ps: Scottie, this should teach you to not ask me to post on your blog. roflmao! Sorry, I’m easily entertained.

Do You have a Commitment to the Future of Our Country?

J.D.Vance has told me, somehow, that I don’t care about the future of this country, that I have no vested interest in the future. So, I find myself asking questions…

Do you think Climate Change is an important issue for the future of this country?

Do you think the protection of our water ways is an important issue for the future of this country?

Do you think the well rounded education of all of our children, you know – not just the wealthy ones, is an important issue for the future of this country?

Do you think that the planned family, the desired and celebrated family, is an important issue for the future of this country?

Do you think that a healthy populace given access to quality healthcare without the risk of personal bankruptcy is an important issue for the future of this country?

What does this guy think indicates a value for the continuity of our country? An uber-wealthy oligarchy? A destroyed natural resources? Dying financially ruined for need of routine health care?