War, the economy, and growing inequality — Here’s a quote from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (at the World Economic Forum) that deserves a double-take: “Weapons are the way to peace.” If you only watch, read, or listen to the MSM (mainstream media, you may simply accept that statement as true. But if you read, watch, and listen…

Because we let it win — “Please, don’t believe anyone who tells you that you can’t fight City Hall.” This was something my father instilled in my mind when I was a child. Another one of his favorite quotes was FDR’s, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I was 5 years old…

You can’t wish them away, you greedy f-cks! — Thank goodness the above photo is not of my house, but this type of scene has been in my worries lately. …

And, I’m a person, so I guess that includes me — When I’m around people, simply conversing, I end up feeling exhausted. I can imagine how the salmon feels swimming upstream. It can’t be enjoyable to take that depleting route against rushing water, but the salmon knows that the feat must be accomplished for the salmon of the future. At least…

Sifting through propaganda is a life-long process — “You can’t handle the truth,” shouts Col. Jessup in the movie A Few Good Men. Col. Jessop’s speech serves to justify the horrible things that the military has to do to protect the freedom of the public. In real life, that whole speech is military propaganda for the American public…

Reading Braiding Sweetgrass — My early morning routine: coffee, NYT crossword, WORDLE, reading a chapter of a book. Up at 5 am, I quietly work through the daily crossword, before investigating today’s WORDLE. My time to relish the early morning quiet, and savor another chapter of my current book, Braiding Sweetgrass. This morning’s chapter…

Learning to observe Nature — “Puhpowee,” said my nephew, “that’s my new favorite word.” We were discussing the books we were currently reading, and the word puhpowee is from the delightful work, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Kimmerer, a decorated professor of botany, a scientist…

I’m blaming capitalism-run-amok — There’s not a whole lot of open space in my neighborhood. Most of us live in multi-family homes with backyards that are more or less parking lots. Here’s a story I wrote about my street, the photo is current. The Triple Decker How Immigrants to New England Achieved the American Dreamauntyjean.medium.com There are several “tot” parks with playground equipment within walking distance…

Recognizing the lies that bind us — A new year, and more beliefs to discard. More awareness of the propaganda that has previously escaped my awareness. …