What if?

 

After posting how much I enjoyed Nina Totenberg’s memoir, Dinners with Ruth, I was taken back a bit to read a critical review that maintained Totenberg should have put her obligations as a journalist above her friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In other words, as a reporter assigned to the Supreme Court, she should have reported on RBG’s obviously failing health. Instead, she shielded RBG, fed her the bouillabaisse she loved (one of the few things her failing body would tolerate), and turned a blind eye to justice. There’s certainly a lot of merit to that argument. I am among the many who think, dedicated as she was, RBG should have stepped down when Obama suggested it, so that he could appoint a liberal justice. No one knows for sure how the court would have played out—there would still be the sudden death of Justice Scalia and the suspicious sudden retirement of Justice Kennedy (we may never know that full story)—but we would have had one less extremist conservative on the court.

When a friend supported the criticism of Totenberg, I countered with the idea that life is a series of “What if?” moments. If Comey hadn’t brought up those emails at the last minute, Hilary probably would have won in 2016, and we would have been spared the tragedies and depravity of four years of trump. But Comey thought he was doing his job. And if McConnell had followed precedent, Merrick Garland would be on the court—we can’t excuse McConnell on the grounds he was doing his job. He knew better but was more interested in using his enormous power to the betterment of his party and the detriment of his country.

I’m not being fatalistic when I say I accept the uncertainty about life, the fact the “ought” doesn’t win. I think things happen the way they were meant to happen, but I also believe that karma will out. Perhaps it’s my faith as a member of a mainstream Protestant church—I will not ever try to give you an evangelistic argument that God is testing us, because I don’t believe in a cruel God. But I do believe that faith gives us strength when the “what if” moment goes awry. And, like Joe Biden, I believe in America and democracy and right now, I’m hopeful the pendulum is swinging back from an extreme edge.

That said, I am baffled by much of what is going on in this country. “The former guy” while not indicted has been clearly exposed as a criminal on several fronts, from tax fraud to tampering with elections to stealing national security documents. Governors Abbott and DeSantis have shown themselves to be heartless despots who use innocent and helpless people as political pawns and then abandon them. Congresspersons Boebbert and Marjorie Taylor Greene spout conspiracy theories, defend an extreme “Christian” nation, and are beyond comprehension. Herschel Walker produces word salad every time he opens his mouth. No sense even talking about poor, befuddled Louie Gohmert. They are willing pawns of people like trump, and what’s scary is that they promote his possible run in 2024. Why are these people anywhere near political power in this country?

Columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr., offers a solid—and familiar—theory in an essay titled, “We believe Herschel Walker.” Contending Walker has shown us clearly who he is, Pitts suggests that his popularity is part of America’s historic tendency to equate ignorance with authenticity. We distrust leaders who seem “too smart.” Politicians spend a lot of time in shirtsleeves, eating hot dogs they don’t want, and saying things they clearly don’t believe, just to be one of the regular people. Instead, Pitts says, we should want our leaders to be a bit better, a bit smarter than we are. Not arrogant, but with knowledge and understanding of policy and international law.

On the positive side, President Biden has quietly been achieving a better life for most American workers—the infrastructure package, relief from the covid pandemic, improved health care for veterans, averting a catastrophic railroad strike, restoring our international standing, working to control climate change and save our environment, reduced unemployment. How would Boebbert, Greene, Walker, and Gohmert handle these issues? Do we want to give the indecisive and weak Kevin McCarthy power over the House? Why did things go south under trump? Don’t we need educated men and women, with some grasp of government, to lead us in these times?

I know I’m prejudiced. I see life—and politics—through a blue lens these days. But there are so many good candidates for Senate seats and governorships, good people running for the House to free us from all the conspiracy theorists. Can’t we have a little common sense?

What if we voted for the good of all the people rather than those who would force their will on us? What if we restored a unified America, a Congress that worked across the aisle? What if we elected people who, like Biden, want to make life better for Americans, rather than those who would wipe out a century of progress?

Rant over.

 

Death and taxes…or money on my mind

You know that old saying—nothing is certain except death and taxes. I hope death is not imminent, but taxes certainly are, with the new tax code. For years I have paid my property taxes and church donation twice in one year—the current year in January and the next in December. That got me a nice deduction beyond the standard deduction.

Today I talked to my accountant just to verify if this was a year I paid or not. He told me under the new tax law it doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t reach the standard deduction. I’m not quite sure if that’s a good thing or not—does that mean I get a higher deduction?

We talked about medical costs—last year mine were so high I got a deduction, and I told him they wouldn’t be for 2018 and going forward to 2019 I expected to have much lower costs because I am done, done, done with medical problems. He laughed and complimented me on my positive attitude (I really mean it—I’ve had more than my fair share).

As we ended the conversation, he said, “At the end of the day nobody benefited from the new tax law except a very few,” and I replied, “I’m voting Blue.”

Couple that with the fact that McConnell, the man who is hell-bent on destroying democracy, will push for a cut in social security and Medicare next year, and folks like you and me are, well, I believe the phrase is screwed. Other administrations—George W. Bush comes to mind—have “borrowed” from social security with no intent to repay, but this is the first time that I know of that anyone in Congress has suggested cutting the amount paid monthly to seniors. The cost of living raises may not have been much, but we have gotten them all fifteen years that I’ve been eligible. Apparently McConnell’s scheme is one to avoid the repayment issue.

I absolutely cannot understand how McConnell can talk so blithely about this, when those funds are not entitlements. They represent money we as citizens—well those of us who are elderly—have paid into the system to ensure payments in our golden age. Even Reagan made it clear that is not government money.

If by chance (please, Lord, no) the Republicans keep control and pass a Draconian measure, it’s bound to end up in the courts. But that would drag on forever—would we get payments while it was considered and appealed all the way to SCOTUS? And if it got to SCOTUS, are we again screwed because Kavanaugh is on the court?

Then again suppose the Blue Wave sweeps Congress—it’s all a moot point. The cuts won’t happen, and Kavanaugh may well be impeached.  See what a complicated world we live in?

I’m voting Blue.

Keeping the country in turmoil

My two wine girls

The news out of D.C. had my head spinning all day. Last night and again today, I was among the many who said I’ve never been more proud to be a Democrat. The Democratic sit-in to push for votes on gun control was an amazing landmark in our nation’s history, akin to the Civil Rights movement and, fittingly, led by John Lewis, a hero of that movement. I was sorry to hear that they’d abandoned it today but I haven’t read enough to know why or the implications of that. But I applaud the men and women who took part in this historic event.

Paul Ryan needs to go. Obviously at a loss as to what to do, he took the easy way out and shut down the House two days before they should have gone on vacation. Poor guys—and ladies—they work so hard when they’re there—NOT. I think he’s over his head and a coward who won’t confront and deal with issues.

Meanwhile, SCOTUS delivered a deadlock decision on immigration reform, which is the same as a rejection. It has the same effect because it shuts down reform programs. I heard President Obama carefully explaining what would continue and what wouldn’t. He sounded a hopeful note: immigration reform will come, sooner or later.

This delay reflects back on a Republican-controlled Senate, and primarily on Mitch McConnell who refuses to allow a vote on the president’s Supreme Court nominee. They are not doing their duty as stated in the Constitution. If we had had the ninth justice, there would have been a decision, up or down. Nobody can ask for more.

The whole thing—the House and the Supreme Court—shows just how deep in trouble our country is. From my partisan point of view, I also see it as cementing the downfall of the Republican Party. Donald Trump couldn’t do it better. We should all rejoice, except for the uncertainty of what will happen next.

With all this on national news, I have found it comforting to be in my routine. Today someone from Recycled Books in Denton came to look through the remaining books we’ve pulled out—I kept relatively few from my large collection. He paid me nicely for some and took the others away to donate, which is fine with me. There were way too many for any of us to cart to the public library used book store. And tonight my house looks so much neater.

I owe a huge debt to Carol Roark who got all the book buyers in here and stood by to answer questions, pack books, do whatever was needed.

Jordan is here to spend the night, and we’ve been sociable—Chandry and Subie came for happy hour. I am always grateful for company to brighten my day, and this has been a good day. Except for our Federal government. I expect the President feels let down to night, though he never shows it publicly. Still, I think he looks tired these days, and it’s good that his term is coming to an end.

More baby steps and another rant

All is quiet at my house tonight. The restoration company, Blackmon Mooring, has taken their roaring, drying, and dehumidifying equipment out of the sunroom. And the roofers have finished so no more banging above my head. I have to say everyone I have dealt with, from Blackmon Mooring to Glenco Roofing, has been extremely courteous, kind and conscientious. I won’t say it’s been a pleasure, but under the circumstances they’ve made it the best they could. Now we wait for the insurance adjustor who will come a week from today—seems like a long time, but I’m sure they’re overwhelmed with damage in this area.

Now my rant, a rant that so many people have posted about that mine is redundant. But I can’t believe that Mitch McConnell said the NRA would have to approve any SCOTUS appointment. Did I blink and we elected LaPierre to office? It’s a blatant admission that the NRA is filling McConnell’s pockets. I cannot believe the United States people were dumb enough to keep re-electing this man. Living in Texas is bad enough politically, but I am grateful I don’t live in Kentucky and have to bear this shame. I saw today a post that said McConnell doesn’t realize the box that President Obama is building around him, and I think that’s true. Another post said something to the effect that, not to diminish the president, but outsmarting McConnell is not much of an accomplishment. What I like is the president’s patience waiting for his trap to spring. McConnell is like the rat who goes after the cheese. I shudder to think how his name will go down in history.

Blatant politicking: it’s another reason to vote blue this fall. I think we all have to pay close attention to what’s happening in the campaign and to get out and vote.

Okay, off my soapbox.

My only other comment is to say that I am still so tired. I think it must be an emotional aspect to the hail disaster. Jordan said the other day her eye was twitching—a stress sign for her; one of my eyelids is broken out and swollen—a stress sign for me. We will be fine, but it’s baby steps. She doesn’t want me to go into the back room with its uneven flooring, so she’s doing the laundry. Tomorrow, I’m going to get out in the world—PT in the morning, a lunch date, and dinner with neighbors. So glad for sociability.