Category: Uncategorized
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
AP News: Israeli airstrikes hit UN school and homes in Gaza and kill at least 34 people, hospitals say
I want to thank Ali for again finding the links that did not post via email when I did it. Hugs. Scottie
USA TODAY: Donald Trump threatens to imprison Biden, Harris, Pelosi, and others. Experts are worried
Donald Trump threatens to imprison Biden, Harris, Pelosi, and others. Experts are worried
Donald Trump is threatening to prosecute and imprison his political enemies. Experts on democracy and the rule of law told USA TODAY the risk is real.
Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/A6O3dhwKYSESpTYeMY3NNwQ
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Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
AP News: Israeli strike on tent camp in Gaza humanitarian zone kills at least 40 people, Palestinians say
THE GUARDIAN: ‘Unschooling’ parents put their kids in charge of their own educations. Are th ey actually learning?
To me this is child abuse. This is no way to educate a child. Children don’t know what they need to learn in a complex world and letting them play all day is not learning. Hugs. Scottie
‘Unschooling’ parents put their kids in charge of their own educations. Are they actually learning?
The radical, open-ended teaching philosophy has gained steam among influencers. But some who experienced it would never go back
Read in The Guardian: https://apple.news/A79-CtCS9S5CTWIWd3S2wQQ
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Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
USA TODAY: Opinion | Trump is 78 and barely coherent. Where’s everyone who questioned Biden’s age and fitness?
Opinion | Trump is 78 and barely coherent. Where’s everyone who questioned Biden’s age and fitness?
A 78-year-old Trump rants nonsensically, demonstrating an inability to hold a thought, and it’s deemed ‘a jumbled answer’? C’mon. The man is unfit.
Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/A1_dzqnAETeKx22ayTGXAEg
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Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
THE GUARDIAN: Ukraine war briefing: Nato condemns Russian drone violations of Latvia and Romania airspace
This is why we must help Ukraine in any way possible. Russia is on the path to take as much territory as they possibly can and treat the people there like second class slaves owing the Russian masters tribute. Hugs. Scottie
Ukraine war briefing: Nato condemns Russian drone violations of Latvia and Romania airspace
Two countries report incursions as an alliance leader decries ‘potentially dangerous’ acts; Putin loyalists head for win in Russian local elections. What we know on day 929
Read in The Guardian: https://apple.news/AOIIdRvQtSxCBmo1OSJG-Vg
Shared from Apple News
Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
CNN: Trump warms up for debate by threatening to jail election officials
With tRump it is always threaten and insult. Very little policy except fear, anger, retribution, and vengeance. Hugs. Scottie
Trump warms up for debate by threatening to jail election officials
Donald Trump limbered up for his debate with Kamala Harris by showing the extremism that risks playing into the vice president’s claim that he’s an “unserious man” who is an “extremely serious” threat if he’s returned to the White House.
Read in CNN: https://apple.news/Ak6Pl6AIIQjOaXlt0x1YGBA
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Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
THE GUARDIAN: Middle East crisis: Israeli strikes on Syria kill at least 25 people, war monitor says
Israel is trying it’s dampest to start a wider regional war knowing the US will be obligated to join on their side. The are the little brat who picks on the other kids knowing that they can’t hurt him because his older brother protects him from them. Israel is an abuser and making the US an complicit in it. Hugs. Scottie
Middle East crisis: Israeli strikes on Syria kill at least 25 people, war monitor says
Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the dead include civilians as well as soldiers and ‘Syrians working with pro-Iran groups’
Read in The Guardian: https://apple.news/Ad0slDMciSwCZMGp7-mwW7g
Shared from Apple News
Best Wishes and Hugs,Scottie
Scottie's Playtime 