Current Thoughts

War anywhere is always a frightening scenario, but especially in Europe.

Ukraine is no pillar among nations, but it is no threat to Russia and this war will end badly, not just for those involved, but for the entire world.

Let's hope it ends before someone does something really, really stupid and ends life as we know it.

And, lest we forget, there's China and N. Korea to worry about, too.

Justice for one must equal justice for all.

Liberty for one must equal liberty for all.

Equality for one must equal equality for all.

Otherwise they are just a lies.

This is true for racial, socio-economic and religious matters, as well as others.

Stop looking for people or peoples to blame for your problems when those same problems affect them, too.

You can't fix illegal immigration without fixing legal immigration.  Families should not be kept apart by arbitrary borders,  bureaucratic red tape and/or nationalistic prejudice.

Visas should not take years to obtain in order to come here, they should take weeks.

For tourists, family, work, whatever.

It shouldn't be so difficult that people feel desperate enough to come here illegally.

It should be easy.

But, when you do get a visa - overstay that visa and you get sent back.

Vote for the person, not the party.  Be idealistic but also realistic.  Vote for people with integrity, who will govern by seeking honest and fair compromise, not for people seeking power and domination.

Racism and fascism are antithetical to the ideals of democracy, just as religious intolerance and singularity is.  No religion should dominate in a democracy.

Voting should be easy and verifiable.  If you believe in the concept of a state and/or

national voter ID card, then make it readily available and free to every damn citizen.

Stop believing all the bullshit.

Can't believe it still needs to be said, but climate change is real and is here and only getting worse.  Take your head out of the sand.  Do what you can by thinking about your daily choices.

It may seem futile, but every little bit helps.

Walk, ride a bike or use public transportation whenever you can.  Recycle.  Reuse plastics/glass/containers/baggies/etc. as much as possible. Stop dumping shitloads of trash for the sake of convenience.  Do we really need single servings of butter, ketchup, salt, pepper, mayo, mustard, relish, salsa, soy sauce, etc., wrapped in individual packets?

OIL / Fossils

We will always need oil to make the things we need and use. What we don't need it for is powering those things we need and use.

It's a global economy whether you like it or not. Stop blaming the president (any president) for market changes, inflation, etc. They (presidents) may have some control due to policies, but they do not control global markets and commodities.  Gas is a commodity. Grains are commodities. Prices fluctuate because of markets, supply and demand, etc. It's called Capitalism.

We are currently in a global downturn spurred by war, pandemic and supply change/disruption. Inflation in the US is below the global average. You really want to help yourself and your community? Buy local, shop and eat at independents/mom & pops, etc.

Know where things come from, how they are made (child/slave labor? environmentally sustainable?) and how they got here/there.