November's End

 It's the last day of November.

Well, it is as I write this.

These blog posts stay available for as long as my blog operates, so some of you may be reading it at a radically different time.

Maybe in that different time, the virus has been reigned under control by vaccines and good behavior.  Ok, maybe vaccines.  We are in a world of hurt right now because EVERYBODY IS IGNORING IT.  At least around me, here in South Georgia.  It's a real nightmare.

Thanksgiving break is through.  Alison left for work today.  I will do so in a little bit - I'll start at the church and then go to my day job.  Benjamin is at home, preparing for his online finals.

Somebody may come today and chop down the oak tree.  It is not well, and it will be better to remove it than have it crash on our house.

President Bone Spurs cling to the illusion that he won the election.  Some may be sucked in by this, but most are seeing more clearly how truly crazy Trump is.  At least, I hope so.  I guess it's time to give up on some people ever waking up.

This is short.  I got a late start writing.

Tomorrow starts Advent.  And then, in four weeks, it will be Christmas season.  

Peace be with you!

T. M. Strait

The Promise and Perils of the Politics of Hope: Saturday Political Soap Box 262

 I am grateful beyond measure that Biden/Harris won the election, and the Age of Trump will be coming to an end.  Over 80 million people voted for Biden/Harris, winning the popular vote by over six million, and by inverting 2016's electoral college vote - what was Trump 306 Clinton 232 was Biden 306 Trump 232 in 2020.

But...

Close to 74 million people voted for Trump.  They took a look at the two candidates and voted for the fascist wannabe, the racist con artist, the misogynistic narcissist, and said, "Oh, yeah!  I'd like a big second helping of that!"

I am grateful that the Senate will be adding two new Democratic Senators, Mark Kelly of Arizona and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.

But...

We left in place Moscow Mitch McConnell, Lyin' Lindsay Graham, and Susan Effin' Collins.

I am grateful that Georgia turned Blue, something I had grown skeptical of ever seeing.  I look forward to the Senate runoffs, where we could send John Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, two Democrats to the Senate.

But...

Georgia is a distinctive baby blue, a very thin margin of blue, and the Democrat's record in statewide runoffs has been abysmal.  The Republicans will be way woke and will turn out en masse to nip this in the bud,  Every single Democratic voter...EVERY SINGLE ONE WITHOUT EXCEPTION...will have to turn out to even have a ghost of a chance.

And if both seats don't turn Blue, McConnell will be left in charge of the Senate, and all the great hopes of the Biden administration will go up in smoke.

Biden does not want a political civil war, a cultural divide.  He wants to reach out to and include Republicans.  With a divided Congress, it will be our only chance to get things done.

But...

I see no evidence that Republicans are willing to compromise on anything.  Because 74 million voted for Captain Bone Spurs and seem to be most loyal to him, there is little reward for actually trying to govern the country.  McConnell will be inclined to repeat the same strategy of complete defiance he used at the beginning of the Obama administration - he was rewarded for his obstinance by huge seat gains in 2010 - why would he do anything differently now?

Biden will return to the correct belief that the gravest crisis facing the world is climate change.  

But...

74 million people voted for a climate change denier, showing they don't really think it is a serious issue. That is a lot of resistance to work through.

Getting rid of Trump was the minimum needed to put democracy back on track and check this country's descent into fascism.  There are many roadblocks and perils to restoring genuine hope to this nation, but none of it is possible without that first step.

But...

The threat is still out there.  A Senate either controlled by McConnell. or one so deeply split as to be ineffective. A House with a reduced Democratic majority.* A Supreme Court with a 6-3 uber-right majority.  74 million people endorsing Trumpism.  And Trump and his nastiness are not likely to go away, as he will probably escape convictions for his many crimes and take over a television network (like Newsmax or OAN).

Yes, it's not all puppies and roses.  But without Trump losing, things would be even darker.

As Superman would say, "We fight the neverending battle for truth, justice, and the American Way."*

Once again into the breach, my fellow Progressives, my friends of all stripes who are committed to the restoration of American Democracy.  

The neverending battle continues.

* the loss in House seats was strictly Blue dogs and moderates.  Progressives GAINED seats, and every single candidate who supported Medicare For All won re-election.  Being Republican Lite is NOT the answer.

**these are things Superman said, but I may have paraphrased them together.

31 Minutes of Thankfulness 2020 Edition

 

31 Minutes of Thankfulness 2020 Edison

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

I hope everyone gets to celebrate with family and friends!

I have about 31 minutes before I start on other Thanksgiving prep.  I'll take advantage of this brief gap to update my new edition of thankfulness.

Yesterday we had our Thanksgiving brunch with Alison's father, his wife, and Alison's stepsister, and young son, Graham.  It featured a sausage casserole, hash browns, a bacon/apple/cheese biscuit, and a lemon/blueberry pound cake. Today we have a Thanksgiving meal with Doug and Paige, and it features an organic free  range turkey that they are bringing with them, dressing, and squash casserole. 

So that's how much time I have to do my version of the 31 days of Thankfulness I see so many of my friends doing on the Facebook machine.

So here goes!

1)  I am thankful for Alison and Benjamin.  We have a beautiful family, and it so comforting to be loved and supported.  Benjamin has started his second year at college!  He attends Georga College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia.  He is going gangbusters in college, even better than I anticipated. Like all of our college students, he is doing the best he can to cope with the pandemic and has faithfully followed all protocols to keep himself and others safe.  He has switched from Psychology to Computer Science as a major and is taking it to it amazingly well. Alison is beautiful and patient, practical, and loving.  She has been outstanding at her workplace, focused on helping to provide nutritional meals to students, whether they are attending school or are homebound during the Pandemic.  She has helped Benjamin immensely in dealing with university bureaucracy and keeping Benjamin on track in school work and college admissions.  

2) I am thankful for my two older boys, Douglas and Gregory.  Douglas is an environmental scientist in Atlanta.  Gregory is living the family dream, working in Hollywood in the movie industry.  He has most recently been the editorial colorist on the TV show For All Mankind. His workload has been reduced because of the Pandemic, but that is slowly coming back, including a special COVID-19 episode of the CBS series All rise. I couldn't be prouder of both of them.  I am grateful that Doug has a beautiful wife, Paige, and both are working from home and have done much to set up their new home, including turning their suburban home into a centerpiece for suburban farming and environmental soundness (including solar panels). I am grateful that my older boys have taken so much to Benjamin and have been great mentors and friends to him.

3) I am thankful for my loving parents.  My mother, who passed in October 2008, taught me the power of unconditional love.  My father, who passed in September 2013, taught me more about responsibility and hard work, and about the true meaning of Christianity, than anyone else I've ever known.  I think of them often and miss them terribly.  I am grateful for the love and memories they have given me.

4) I am thankful I have a loving, caring sister.  Carol and her family have always been supportive and kind to me.  She did so much for my father, I am so grateful.  I am excited that she is now a Grandmother, with four (count 'em - four!) grandchildren.   Carol and Mike now live in the Grand Rapids area and live closer to her daughter and grand-daughters, Bailey and Morgan.  And now her son and daughter-in-law also live in the Grand Rapids area! 

5) l am thankful for my church family.  Grace Episcopal has been essential in our family's spiritual and social life, and I am appreciative of the connections we have made and all the support and Christian fellowship they have given us.  No church in the area has done more to stay safe and start services up in a protective and caring manner as Grace has.  I am thankful for everything that Rev. Kit Brinson has brought to our church, and it has been a joy to watch it grow, diversify, and become the hands and feet of Christ in our local community.  

6) I am thankful for my work.  I'm not going to pretend that accounting is something I love to do.  But my employers and co-workers have made it to be as pleasant an experience as it can be.  And I love that I am now "60% retired," working only about 15 to 18 hours a week.  It has helped give me the space to write more and help me where I have finished two novels, History of the Trap and Crowley Stories: Swamp's Edge, and the short novella, My Europa.  I have in the neighborhood of a  million words on my blog, The Strait Line.  Crowley Stories: Swamp's Edge is now on Kindle and paperback form.  I also added A Christmas with Pegasus as an eshort, with a great cover by Kennedy Brice. Sales have not been sensational, but those who read my stories seem to love them and want to know where the next book in the series is, and that's the highest compliment I can get.  I have finished but not marketed The Extra Credit Club and am working on the second of the History of the Trap series.

7) I am thankful that I can act, at least well enough to participate in community theatre.  Getting on stage and feeling the audience's response has been one of the great pleasures of my life. I have been unable to perform this year due to COVID-19, but I am looking forward to returning.

8) I am thankful for the theatre groups in our area and everything they do to contribute to the area's arts.

9) I am thankful for the Okefenokee Heritage Center. I appreciate their support of artists in our area, particularly writers.

10) I am thankful that I have taken the time to develop this blog, The Strait Line.  It is named after a school newsletter my father had as a school principal, and whether it is good or bad, it has been a tremendous joy to me to get back in the habit of writing.  I have made over eighteen hundred blog entries, and my blog traffic has now achieved total page views exceeding 381,000. 

11)  I am thankful that Joe Biden is now President of the United States, and Kamala Harris is the Vice-President Elect.  The fact that the Presidency had been taken over by such a racist misogynist con man buffoon saddened me to no end and made it difficult to sleep at night. It is exceptionally disturbing to know I have friends who voted for Trump twice.  Nevertheless, I am grateful to soon have such an intelligent and caring President assuming office on January 20th, 2021.   I am simply grateful every morning I wake up, and that foul creature occupying the White House has not put an end to life on Earth.  It makes you realize how precious every day is.

12) I am thankful that Obamacare has survived its challenges, and even though I fear for its future, I still believe it can provide the stepping stone to greater things. It is a vital step forward to universal health care and towards a more equitable, fiscally sound, and morally decent system.  If the Supreme Court is foolish enough to repeal Obamacare, then all it will do is galvanize the public to bring about Medicare For All that much quicker.  All the efforts against it have only made Obamacare more popular.  I pray that people will see through this charade and move us back on the path towards the only morally and fiscally responsible healthcare system, single-payer, best implemented in the USA as Medicare For All.

13) I am thankful that virtually all countries and many corporations, states, and local governments recognize the gravest threat facing our planet, climate change/global warming will finally start to be addressed. and that the incoming administration will make it an American priority once again.  We have little time left to mitigate, and I pray we do not waste it.

14) I am thankful that even though the progressive agenda may not be moving as fast as I want, at least the promise of a better future holds.  I am incredibly grateful that in the last election, the Progressive Wing of the Democratic Party grew.   Many of the new representatives are Progressive Democrats, not Corporate or Blue Dog. The Progressives are articulating many of the positions vital to me and forcing the media and the Corporate Democrats to give these issues at least a passing thought.  They are laying the groundwork for what I believe and pray will be the Progressive majority takeover in 2022.  The House has passed a record amount of legislation, but the DO NOTHING SENATE, led by Senator McConnell, blocks it all.  I am thankful that the President was impeached, even though the Republican Senate failed to do its job.  At least we have that on the record.

15) I am thankful that I still can seek out and find liberal friends to talk to in this conservative area. Yes, Biden got only 13% of the vote in my home county, the same percentage as Hillary Clinton. Nevertheless, thanks to social media and other contacts, I can find like-minded people and not feel so alone. I am grateful to have supported Elizabeth Waren in the primary and Joe Biden in the general. I am grateful that for the first time in American history, we will have a female Vice-President. 

16) I am thankful that I can read and enjoy the pleasures of the printed page.  I know that some people laugh at my elaborate method of randomly picking new books to read, but it gives me great pleasure, which is the most essential part.  I am currently reading Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick, a story of the American Revolution focusing on George Washington and Benedict Arnold.

17) I am thankful for the television streaming services we have and the features that let me watch the programs I want when I want to watch them.   I am also grateful for the high-speed internet that makes streaming so practical.  We just finished the first season of Santa Clarita Diet and the first season of Ted Lasso. We are in the middle of The Undoing, The Amazing Race, and Fargo. 

18) I am thankful for pets.  We have four beautiful dogs, Dachshund mixes, who are loving and have long, waggy tails.  Well, our newest, Boss-A-Man, maybe more chihuahua and Pomeranian, but he is marvelously sweet, and I'm glad I get to spend more time with him in my semi-retirement. We also have a cat who is, on rare occasions, sweet, Skitty.   

19) I am thankful for the movies.  I love storytelling of all kinds, and there is still nothing like going to the movie theater.  With COVID-19, we have been seeing more movies from home.  The last movie we saw at the theater was Doctor Dolittle, back in January.

20) I am thankful for continuing medical advances that help extend and improve the quality of life.  I am at the edge of being diabetic, but I will fight it off with everything that I have.  Well, after Thanksgiving dinner, of course.

21) I am thankful that communities still come together sometimes to support neighbors in crisis, like with sick children or suffering a fire or other tragedy.  This has been tempered by the immature and self-centered reaction many have had to COVID-19, but many understand the gravity of what we are facing, and I pray for the best.

22) I am thankful for those friends I have discovered or reconnected with through Facebook.  I am most grateful to Benita Vierke Collins for her friendship and her efforts, and at reconnecting with the Bridgeport High School Class of 73 (and adjacent years), including such friends as Coleen Hitsman Anegon, Dona Bow Kilbourne, Lisa Whitehead, Karen Iffil, Pete Pasterz, Sandy Lurins (whom sadly lost her life this year), and Linda Arnst Spayeth (who has been so supportive of my writing efforts).

23) I am thankful for the great joy comic books have brought to my life.  I have been a fan and collector since I have been 5 years old.  Recently, Superman has been rebooted yet again, but the results have been AMAZING, with Lois and Clark married with a son.  Action Comics and Detective Comics have been restored to their original numbering, and I couldn't be happier.  Many Marvel Comics have a secret Legacy number on their front page, and I am grateful for that. 

24) I am thankful for Christmas and the opportunity to express such joy and love to others.

25) I am thankful for the peacemakers, all the diplomats, and others who spend so much time and effort to make the world a better place to live.  I pray that we give them the space to do their best in all the hot spots worldwide.  I am thankful that the Biden administration will put grown-ups back in charge of diplomacy.

26) I am thankful for the first responders, who often put their lives on the line for us.  This year that includes firemen, police, medical providers, and retail workers, including grocery store clerks and food service workers.

27)  I am thankful for ketchup, the condiment of the gods. I am grateful there is a low sugar version that I can use at least some as I fight off diabetes.

28)  I am thankful for Cherry Coke, the nectar of the gods.  I am grateful there is a Stevia (Zevia) version.

29)  I am thankful for colder weather, so I can go out sometimes without having to worry about the gnats.   I love our porch and am grateful to enjoy without buzzing around my ears. That's not every Fall/Winter day here in Southeast Georgia, but it does happen often enough to celebrate it when it does. 

30) I am thankful for God, and for love.

31) I am thankful for Jesus Christ, who resides in my heart and urges me to love God, love my neighbors, and do everything I can to make this a better world.

Time's up!  On to Thanksgiving festivities!

Thanksgiving ala Pandemic

 

Look, I'm going to try to be overly judgemental here.  But, please, do what you can to keep you and your family and loved ones safe.

Confirmed cases are rising across the country, as is the number of deaths.  We may not have yet hit the peak, and bad behavior at Thanksgiving could make it even worse.

Obviously, this should not be the year of large, maskless gatherings held indoors with people in close proximity.

I can't over lecture because we will have some small gatherings, but we are using every precaution that we can.  

This morning, we will have brunch with Alison's father and his wife.  It will also be attended by Alison's stepsister, and their toddle son.  It will be outdoors, with separate tables and masks as much as possible.  These are all people we have been around before.

Thanksgiving Day, my middle son, Doug, and his beautiful spouse, Paige, will be at my house for a brief visit.  They will be our only visitors. The work from home, and have used the utmost caution, and we will continue to do so as they visit us.

After Thanksgiving Day, we may have a visit from Alison's Mom, Rose.  She wears a mask and will sit more than six feet from the rest of us.  These are tentative plans. If she does not feel comfortable, we will send her food, and Alison will visit her.  Alsion has been around her more often than the rest of us.

Is this a perfect plan?  I don't know.  But I daresay we are using more caution than most.

Until a vaccine becomes common, we still have a few more holidays to get through.  If we can just be cautious a little while longer, I think it will pay off in the health and well-being of those around us.

Stay safe.

Love, 

Tom, Alison & Benjamin

Porch Week!

Porch Week!

Alison has the week off, and I have a huge chunk of it, so it's the perfect week to enjoy our screened-in back porch!

Alison has a book, her iPad, a rocking chair, and Boss-A-Man on her lap.  Does life get any better?

Well, it is chilly for a South Georgian, about 50 degrees, but always better cool than hot, I always say!

Cocoa Bear contemplates a major league back yard wander.  But what to do?  The outdoors looks so inviting, but Mama is on the porch.  Do I leave Mama?

Wait!

SQUIRREL!!!

Enjoy the outdoors, Cocoa Bear!

Oh, my stars and garters!

A giant bird is thinking about landing on our bird feeder.

I hope not!  It could crush it!

What a bright and beautiful morning!

Thanksgiving Week is here.

The weather is cool and crisp.

The sun is shining, and the birds are chirping (well, not the big one - that one's pretty quiet).

We have plenty to read.

Benjamin is returning home from college today.

The Biden transition has begun.

I know it's a tough one with the pandemic reaching terrible heights, and we must use caution, but there is still much to be thankful for, still much to love and care about.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

 

There are Red States and Blue States: Saturday Political Soap Box 261

 

Yes, Barack.  I guess there really are red states and blue states.

More accurately, there is an urban/rural divide.  The more city centers in your state, the more likely you are to be blue.

Take a look at our New Blue states, Georgia and Arizona.  Both are largely due to the Atlanta Metro area's growth in Georgia and the Phoneix metro area in Arizona.

As the Democratic Party's wont, some are wallowing in the inability to make significant gains in the Senate and in losing a few seats in the House.  The big to-do centers around the conservative/corporate Democrats' belief that it was the Progressives who destroyed the chance to retain and gain.  Yeah, the seats lost in the House were all by centrist Democrats, but facts don't matter- feelings do.

The fact is that the Progressive Caucus retained and gained.  The Squad is not only back, but it has also gained a few members from Progressives who won primaries and then the general.

Today's Soap Box will focus on the Senate.  

It was not a divide between Progressives and Corporatists that determined the Senate outcome.

It was the Red State divide that is becoming more and more impossible to cross.

Here to wit:

Deep Red

Of the 20 states that voted 55% or greater for Trump, there are 38 Republican Senators and 2 Democratic.  If you were a Republican Senator from these states and you ran in 2020, you won. It was sad and upsetting to see such disgusting examples of humanity like McConnell and Graham romp to victory, but their red states vote tribe over self-interest.  

The only turnover in this group was the defeat of the outstanding Democratic Senator from Alabama, Doug Jones, in favor of a football coach who doesn't know the three branches of government and thinks World War II was fought against socialism and communism. Red states rule.  Common sense drools.

This was the only turnover for the Republicans.  

Deep Blue

Of the 14 states that voted 55% or greater for President-Elect Biden, there are 27 Democrats and 1 Independent who caucuses with the Democrats (that's Bernie Sanders of Vermont).  In this group, there was one turnover - in Colorado, John Hickenlooper beat Republican Cory Gardner. 

Medium Red

There are four medium red states - Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Iowa.  They represent a significant chunk of the population.  They also represent a big chunk of the Senate's red wall, with 7 Republican Senators and one lone Democrat.  Sherrod Brown of Ohio is not only a Democrat but also a Progressive.  Would he have won had he been up this year?  Probably.  Democrats need to take a lesson as to how he does it.

Light Blue

This group of nine states has had a few wander into the red in some Presidential elections but vote blue most of the time.  This group has 15 Democrats (including 1 independent who caucuses with them) and 3 Republicans.

Democrats won here.  The bitter exception is that Maine Senator Susan Effing Collins won reelection in Maine.  That result was probably the most disappointing of the whole election.  Maine has some red areas but overall is a blue state.  There was a good chunk of people who voted for Biden and then voted for Susan Effing Collins.

It's the only result that defied the blue/red divide.  And it may have cost the Democrats control of the Senate.

Light Red

Yeah.  This is just North Carolina.  And yeah, it's got two Republican Senators, with one Republican incumbent narrowly winning reelection.

New Blue

As mentioned at the top of the blog, our new blue states are Arizona and Georgia.  Yes, the blue line in these states is very thin, and only time will tell how the line holds. But I believe over time, demographics will out, and they will get deeper blue.  

Arizona had the other Democratic turnover and now has two Democratic Senators.  Georgia has two Republican Senators (and they are all-star gems of corruption and Trumpism), BUT both did not win outright and will be in runoffs with their Democratic opponents on January 5th.

I ain't gonna kid you.  Democrats have had a grim modern history in state runoffs, and both sides are going to be on high alert.  I can only pray.  The Senate is 50 to 48 currently, and whether McConnell remains in charge hangs in the balance.

The Bottom Line

We have 25 red states and 25 blue states, and there are now only six states with split representation (one Democrat and one Republican).  That means we have a set starting point of a 50/50 split.  We may see closely split Senates for the foreseeable future.  It's going to be very difficult to command the type of majority needed to get stuff done, particularly with the filibuster. 

The 25 blue states represent 57% of the US population. Once again, Republicans are boosted by electoral divides that benefit them and allow the minority to have outsize representation.

So, the bottom line is that Democrats running as Republican Lite will do them no good whatsoever. In red states, they will pick a real Republican over a pretend Republican EVERY TIME.  

The only choice is to be bold Democrats, marshall your vote, and run everywhere.  It's no shame proclaiming your ideals and not winning.  At least the red states are being exposed to the Progressive message, and in time, some will shift blue.

Demographically, I feel that Texas and North Carolina will turn blue over time.  When that happens, Republicans will lose all grip on power. There are no states waiting in the wings who will turn consistently red.

Study Sherrod Brown of Ohio.  Study what Stacy Abrams and allies did in Georgia.

We can do this.

Time is on our side.*

*except with climate change.  Every delay there gets us more and more screwed.

Sunset Over Beaufort Wednesday Wanderings

This was last week. We took a short mini-vacation in Beaufort, South Carolina.  This is the view of the sunset from the deck of our vrbo rental.  Vrbo stands for vacation rentals by owner.  I don't think it's completely independent.  Somewhere there is a big corporation making some money - shared advertising resources, maybe?

Anyway, it was a great time.  The place we stayed in was very nice and relatively secluded.  The town was quaint, not super crowded, and all the stores and masks required signs, which everyone followed without fuss or muss.  There were no contradictory snotty signs that said this was store was not going to 'inforce"* the city ordinance, as I have seen in both Waycross and Milledgeville.  I didn't even see the waiver of liability signs that tell customers that they can't sue if they come into your establishment and get sick as a result.

It's a shame when you feel safer on vacation than you do at home.

----------------------------------------------

How are you, Tom?  Thanks for asking.  I continue to have knee and foot pains, but their severity has been reduced.  If I'm cautious, I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

I'm using a medicine/salve called Voldemort**, and I put marijuana*** on my foot (until I runned out- now I'm going to go back to my dealer****).

I think I've figured out that my condition is aggravated when I sit too long in certain positions.  This would explain why it happens more on vacation, where I have long car rides or plane trips.  

I don't think it was the car trip to Beaufort - that was less than three hours away. I think it was the five days glued to the desktop waiting for the election results to come in.  I really wanted to be there when Trump officially lost the election.  Ironically, it happened when I had finally given up and had gone out for a short walk.  

If only I had interrupted for more short walks, I wouldn't be as messed up as I am.

For the whole election chronicle, please see my whole series entitled "Sort of a Live Blog."

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I won't dwell more on the election here, as I have plenty of other blog stories about it.  Suffice to say, it has consumed me this month.

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The Michigan Wolverines are terrible this year.  And...so what?  This is not the year for records and championships.  This is the year for just praying that the students, staff, and others involved remain safe. Should Harbaugh be replaced?  Not something to deal with this year.  The students need continuity now more than anything else.  I have a feeling Harbaugh will find another opportunity at season's end, and Michigan will be spared having to outright fire him.

---------------------------------

COVID-19 spread and destruction are worse than ever right now. They warned us that if we did not get a handle on it by now, that it would rage in the Fall.  It was ignored in many areas, and lo and behold, it is now raging out of control.

It has been demonstrated over and over, in different states and other countries, that mask-wearing, social distancing, testing, and contact tracing can bring this under control.  In some cases, lockdowns may be necessary.  

This is not an issue of personal liberty.  This is an issue of personal responsibility, of giving a damn about your fellow man.  I am so disgusted by those who've turned it into a political issue.

----------------------------------

I am reading Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekov, a play set in rural Russia.  It's in the public domain, so I'm thinking of updating to recent times and place it in South Georgia, with the goal of it being performed by a local theatre group.  

What I need to do is find an editable PDF version that will allow me to make changes.  To rewrite it from scratch might take me forever.

And I don't know if I want to sit forever in front of this computer to do it.  Not after what I've been through this last week. Viva la get up and stretch my legs more frequently.  Hopefully, I've learned my lesson.

----------------------------

Benjamin should be home early next week!  He still will have a couple of finals after Thanksgiving, but those will be online, which he can take at home. Then he'll be home until mid-January.

There was an outbreak at his college earlier in the semester, but that settled down after the College President threatened to crack down on those who were going off-campus for large parties. Benjamin has been super careful since Day One.

--------------------------------

Well, I won't bore you anymore.  For those who keep up with my blog, I appreciate you more than you know.  I'd share my writings even if it was just me and you and a dog named Boo, but it's nice to have reading friends.

Wanderingly Yours,

T. M. Strait

* seriously, a business in the area proudly displayed a sign that spelled enforcement as inforcement.

**Voltaren - sorry, it's not as funny as calling it Voldemort.

***Before I'm reported, I'm talking about a Hemp rub.

****by dealer, I mean Amazon.

Living the Blue Life: Saturday Political Soap Box #260

 

O glorious day!

O frabjous day!

The Jabberwocky has been vanquished!

------

I know that's not quite the Alice In Wonderland poem, but it served as a wonderful jumping-off point.

I waited for days and days.  I did not want to miss the news I had been longing to hear for the last four years.

I sat near the television or desktop constantly.  I tried to sleep some, but it was very difficult.  I was having trouble with my blood pressure and my heart rate.  Even as it became increasingly obvious who the victor would be, I still stressed and worried.

Finally, on Saturday, I broke my vigil to take a walk. When I got back, I saw they had announced that Biden was the President-Elect!  I was able to rewind the TV to the moment it happened.

One of the health things I have discovered recently is that I tend to get knee and leg pains more when we're on vacation.  Why?  My best analysis seems to be that if I'm seated too long, like in a car or plane, it causes the cycle to begin.

Sure enough, Alison and I took a mini-vacation starting Sunday, and my knee pain was immediate and intense.  But it was less than a three-hour ride to Beaufort, South Carolina. Why would that cause so much trouble?

It wasn't the car ride.  It was sitting frozen for almost five days waiting to hear the magic words - Biden is President-Elect!

I was so happy for my sister in Michigan to be part of a blue state again.  Anyone who watched the news can see that they're many anti-mask militia-types in the state, but I am so relieved they did not have the political clout to keep the state red.

Georgia?  Georgia was an unexpected blueberry on top.  I hoped that Georgia would start being competitive, but I was startled how soon it would happen.  It was the first election since 2002 using the new voting machines (that leave a paper trail) instead of the Diebold machines.  Using Diebold, no Democrat had won State-wide office.  Despite voter suppression efforts by the Republicans, determined Democratic-leaning voters slogged through every attempt, including waiting in one for hours and hours.

I have a lot more to say about the election, but I'm still recovering from my leg pains, and my time on the computer is limited.  I am getting better, though.

There is so much to talk about - the moronic stubbornness of Trump in accepting reality, the potential loss of the Senate and the importance of the Georgia Senate runoffs,  the loss of House seats and how PROGRESSIVES ARE NOT TO BLAME, whatever the hell Parler is, COVID-19 and how it has not magically disappeared like some of my right-wing friends thought it would, and on and on and now my foot hurts, and I'll say goodbye for now,

Welcome to the Blue Life!

Are You Ready For This? Saturday Political Soap Box #259

 7:15 AM

Wow.  Good news is I slept.  Especially since not much changed while I was in dream zone.

Current Biden margins:

Georgia: 7,248

Arizona: 29,861

Pennsylvania: 28,833

Nevada: 22,657

Pretty much the same, except for a nice little increase in Georgia!

I have come to the reluctant conclusion that I can't stay be the desktop or TV and wait this one out.  It is my hope to be watching the moment Biden hits or passes 270, but I can't get like I did yesterday.  I got way too anxious and dizzy.  So I'll probably be taking even more breaks.

9:23 AM

Two hours later.  Nothing new to report.

I haven't said much about the fury and selfish squallering of Trumpelthinskin.  Even many of his Republican allies are trying to distance themselves from his rants. The sad truth?  This vile man will continue to throw feces at democracy until he is out of office.  Actually, he probably will keep flinging even Post-Presidency, but at least he will have no official power.

11:43 AM

For reasons I won't go into, we have a probable Trump supporter in our house (it's ok - they're helping Alison).  I was starting to get too anxious, so I went for a walk, and when I came back...

JOE BIDEN IS PRESIDENT-ELECT!!!

THE BLUE WALL HAS BROKEN

THE GLASS CEILING!!!

VICE-PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS!

g

Go ahead, David "Chicken" Perdue, keep mispronouncing her name.

See how that helps you in your RUNOFF!!!

I have backed up MSNBC so I can see the moment, but I can't play it until our guest leaves.

I did go back to the bedroom for a KICK-ASS MIME PARTY!!! Quietly playing the song Are You Ready For This!!!

I have a whole series of posts, like an election diary, if you want to check them out on The Strait Line.  Bookmark it TODAY!

Road to President-Elect: Sort of Live Blog 8

 1:07 PM

An official from Nevada trying to explain why they're so slow.  Anyways, they won't announce new votes until 4 PM or so.  And they will only be a portion of what's outstanding.

1:29 PM

Pennsylvania lead is now 13,371.

2:13 PM

Pennsylvania lead now 13,550.  Oy, this is slow!

2:43 PM

Arizona now at 41,302.  

3:46 PM

I am having to take a health break.

5:31 PM

Health break is done.  I think my BP and dizziness are better.

Georgia lead now 4,163.

Pennsylvania lead now 14,536.

Nevada lead now 20,137.

Arizona lead now 39,400.

Results from Alleghany County in PA delayed until?

Biden will speak at 8 PM.  I'm not sure that it will be 270+ when he talks.  That is disappointing.

6:34 PM

As we get closer to Biden's speech, we have glacial progress towards state counts, mostly in favor of Biden.

Again, I am not sure we are going to have an announcement of going over the top tonight, not before his speech.

8:14 PM

Biden speech is delayed - no new states officially declared.

Pennsylvania 19,491

Nevada 22,657

Georgia 4,039

Arizona 36,835

9:27 PM

We're in about the same place.  Steve Kornacki keeps trying to find paths for Trump and he's wearing me out.

Pennsylvania  21,705

Georgia 4,289

Arizona 29,861

Yes, Arizona is tightening.  Not sure if the pace is enough.

9:41 PM

Pennsylvania 27,390

So, when is it enough for them to call Pennsylvania for Biden?

10:53 PM

Biden speaking. He is very comforting, reassuring.  Talking about problems like Covid, the economy and climate, and centering on real solutions.

"The duty of care for all Americans.  That's the job."

Election to 270 #3: Sort of Live Blog 7

 9:01

Biden takes the lead in Pennsylvania!

They have not put Peensylvaniain Biden's column, but it just seems like a matter of time.

Biden now leads in four of the six outstanding states!  

I would like to give a major league shout out to Stacy Abrams!  More than any other person, she is responsible for Georgia being on the brink of going blue!

9:07 AM

I've switched to CNN. They are bland, but at least they're not Republican Lite.

Secret Service protection around Biden.  They are putting in place some air space protections.

It's getting real, folks.

I think we'll finally have a decision today.

9:22

I am stunned that Wolf Blitzer is still on CNN.  Didn't he start with them in 1979?

I guess the theory on not calling Arizona is that the nature of their Blue Maricopa County remaining is somehow...more Trumpy?  I'm confused as to what is out in Arizona?  Mail-in ballots or same-day ballots?  Why would same-day ballots not be counted yet?

10:05 AM

Pennsylvania lead expanded to 6,737.  Just a little drop of news, but it is good news!

10:40 AM

Georgia Biden lead now at 1,579.

Pennsylvania and Georgia in drip mode. Arizona and Nevada still in sleep mode. North Carolina is in a cryogenic sleep chamber.

11:11 AM

Arizona Biden lead shrinks a little - to 43,779.  But they are saying that Trump is not winning new votes in enough margin to take over the lead from Biden.

Pennsylvania lead now at 9,027.

Balancing CNN and MSNBC.  CNN has Trump at 213, MSNBC 214.  The difference is one district in Maine.

Mark Kelly wins Arizona Senate Seat!

Senate Dem 48 GOP 48!

11:34 AM

Nevada lead increases to 22,076!

I just want so much for Trump to be in my rearview mirror.

Pennsylvania lead now at 9,746.

12:53 PM

Pennsylvania lead now at 12,390.

Starting a new blog Post...

Election to 270 #2: Sort of Live Blog 6

 10:02 PM

Started with a new blog entry.  Other was getting too long.

Not sure who'd gonna see these.  I haven't reposted to Facebook or Twitter.

But for the mighty few who read these - thanks for putting up with me, as I wander through this marathon election process!

I'm not upset.  We are trying to do this in the middle of a Pandemic.  McConnell refused to give money to states to help improve the election process.

Every state is different, so it varies each place, and we have to respect that.

10:25 PM

The talk is that outstanding vote in Clayton County, when reported, will put Biden in the lead in Georgia.

Clayton County was represented in Congress by...John Lewis.

I'm speechless.

10:35 PM 

Biden continues to close in Pennsylvania, now within about 35,000 voted.  A big batch of votes is still expected from Philadelphia.

11:12 PM

More Pennsylvania catch up.  Biden within 26,132 votes.

Senate GOP 48 Dem 47

11:47 PM

Not sure how late to stay up.  Not sure if anything decisive will happen. Not sure how many more votes will be added until tomorrow.

Tried to watch MSNBC for a few minutes and listened to James Carville, but soon I was screaming at the TV.  He started blaming Progressives for why Democrats didn't do well in the Senate and lost ground in the House.  Tired of blue dogs.  You know, if you offer people a choice between Republican and Republican Lite, they're going to pick Republican.  I'll take my chances with Progressives, James.

12:11 AM

Well, this is interesting.  Steve Kornacki was going home, with Ali Velshi replacing him, and then suddenly, Kornacki was back.  He didn't want to go home because he felt some things were going to be happening in the next few hours.

Still haven't decided how late I'm staying up, but ... I'm up for now.

1:18 AM

Nothing of significance, so I'm going to try to get some sleep.

Which can only mean one thing...

6:17 AM

The best part of waking up 

Is seeing Georgia

BLUE!!!

A small lead?  Yes, just 917 votes, but a lead nonetheless.  I pray it holds, but even if it doesn't, this is truly a moment to cherish!

7:00 AM

Once again, Morning Joe has become unwatchable.  Blaming Progressives for not doing better in the Senate and House.  It's like listening to Carville cranked up to 11. 

I'll do a fuller analysis in a separate post, but on the surface, nothing seems further from the truth.

The white working class isn't identifying with Trump because of policy - red states have been passing very progressive ballot measures.  They identify with him because of TRIBALISM.

The only new count I see was the switch of Georgia from red to blue.  That must have been Clayton County.  Everyone else went to bed.

7:52 AM

Ok.  I'm going to go to another blog entry.

Election to 270 #1: Sort of Live Blog 5

 7:20 AM

I'll probably keep this up until most major news sources show Joe Biden with 270 or more.

I did get more sleep, feeling it was close, and that Biden had more pathways than Trump did.

But it's still not sealed yet.

The two counts I'm watching remain the same as last night -

MSNBC 253 Biden 214 Trump 

AP  264 Biden 214 Trump

The difference between the two counts is Arizona.  More vote came in last night, but Biden maintained his lead.  Since it's mail-in, in a county that is slightly Democratic, I am optimistic.  

The same holds true in Nevada.  The block missing is mail-in/absentees from a heavily Democratic county, Clark County (Las Vegas).

The same holds true in Georgia and Pennsylvania.  The vote is still being counted, and Biden continues to close the gap.  Biden is now just 18,000 votes behind Trump in Georgia.  I remain a little skeptical, as I know who controls the voting process in Georgia, but we'll see.

I can't tell about North Carolina and Alaska.  North Carolina hasn't really changed since election night, and I'm sure what their problem is, and what is expected to come in.  Alaska is just a mystery. Half their vote is in and Trump leads 62% to 33%.  What's left to come in, and is there like a super-liberal part of the state I've never heard of before?

Currently, as of writing this around 7:30 AM, Biden leads Trump by 3,486,642 votes.  That's a larger popular vote lead than Hillary's.  Biden also has not just the plurality of votes but also the MAJORITY (50.5%).  ALSO, he has the largest number of votes of any Presidential candidate in history.  And there are still millions more to be counted, mostly in Biden territory. In any other nation on Earth, this would already be a done deal.  Thank you, slave-holding states, for the archaic Electoral College.

2:18 PM

Back home from work.

Some election chatter but I just closed my door.   I figured if Biden got 270 or more, I could have a Kick-Ass Mime Party.  

One of the biggest problems in discussing politics is not just them but also me.  I tend to get aggravated and emotional, and there's too much chance of me losing my cool.  I don't want to be that way, but I'm smart enough to recognize I am that way.

I can't really tell that much has happened.  A little bit of Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Pennsylvania vote has come in, but not enough to be called.  

Georgia is getting incredibly tight.  Biden now only behind by 13,220 votes!  I would live it if I could be living in a blue state.  I don't know how much vote is left.

My sister in Michigan, who has been able to watch more closely than I have, says it maybe tomorrow or even Saturday before we know.  Oy!  More time for Captain Bone Spur's craziness!

4:25 PM

Feeling a little queasy.  No decision yet - not sure when it's coming.

I can't keep staring at the sun.  I have to break away from this.

I will update when I can.

5:47 PM

Biden now behind Trump in Georgia by 9,525 votes.  I don't know how many remain to be counted.

No other significant movement.  Oy.

I did post a message to a friendly FaceBook group about what I think Biden should do.

I have an important suggestion. The second that a major network projects Biden with 270 or more electoral votes, Biden needs to move like he is the nominee. He should be called President-Elect and he should immediately announce his transition team. This is the strategy the Bush Jr. team used in 2000. It's time for Democrats to play hardball and be assertive.

6:41 PM
See how by copying something my margins have moved.
We are not watching MSNBC much because we have had our fill of Steve Kornacki.
9:47 PM
Getting closer.  Oh, so closer.
Georgia is within 1,902 with mostly Democratic counties out.
Arizona has tightened slightly, but Biden still leads by 46,287.  Kornacki is driving me crazy with this one.  Is Maricopa County which is in BLUE Republican or Democratic?  He can't seem to make up his mind.
Biden has rapidly closed on Trump in Pennsylvania going from several hundred thousand votes, down to 41,962, with A LOT of Democratic votes yet to be included.
Nevada must of quit and gone to bed or the casinos or whatever and won't report again until tomorrow.
I've heard that North Carolina might not report until November 12th.
There was some thought that Biden would speak tonight, but as of now, they've rescheduled for tomorrow.
Oy, my heart!

Election Continues Afternoon November 4th: Sort of a Live Blog 4

 12:03 PM

Well, here I am.

I took a shower.  I would love to read or take a project or binge a fun show, but I cannot stop thinking about this.  I can't look up until I know we're ok.

12:08 PM

Still lost in why someone would vote for Trump.  Many of the people around here say it's abortion, but that's just an excuse. It's not even any political ideology - socialism, capitalism, whatever.  It's tribalism, pure, and simple.  They see they're losing their grip and they're doing everything they can to stay in control. And they are manipulating our system in order to preserve it - that's why the extreme emphasis on the Supreme Court.

And yes, there's a religious element to it, but ultimately, it's no form of Christianity I recognize. It's just another badge the tribe wears.

12:34 PM

At some point, when I was busy not looking, MSNBC courageously projected Hawaii for Biden.

Biden 227 Trump 213

1:30 PM

I may leave for a little while and consume lunch.

Nothing much to report other than Biden widening his lead in Michigan, and his national vote lead - already has received more votes than Clinton or Obama did.  He may have received the most of all time.  I'll have to check.

2:18 PM

Nice homemade meal.  Now on to see where things are.

AP has projected Wisconsin to Biden.

MSNBC has forgotten they have an electoral map.

So AP now 248 Biden 214 Trump

Ok, now MSNBC joins the Wisconsin parade.

237 Biden 213 Trump

MSNBC is still holding out on calling Arizona.

3:09 PM

I guess the Trumpers are out in Philadephia, maybe to try and stop the count.  Is this a great country or what?

Maine giving one electoral vote for Trump

MSNBC 237 Biden 214 Trump

4:25 PM

Heard Biden. Very good, very Presidential, wanting to work with Republicans.

That's a nice thought.  I'm very skeptical.  But that's a nice thought.

I'm not really very Kumbaya right now.  Millions of my fellow Americans voted for a racist fascist, a Covid Superspreader,  a man wanted them to drink bleach, who delighted in separating families and keeping kids in cages, a man who violates his oath of office on a daily basis.

Hard to reconcile that in my head right now.

4:30 PM

MICHIGAN HAS BEEN PROJECTED FOR BIDEN!

MSNBC 253 Biden 214 Trump

Another Blue Brick in the Wall!

Now it's AP that's hesitating.

5:39 PM 

Biden has now received over 3,000,000 more votes than Trump.  That exceeds Hillary's margin.

AP hasn't given Biden Michigan, MSNBC hasn't given Biden Arizona.  Consolidate the team, man!

I'm tired.  Sometimes.  I still can't let this go.  I'm planning on working at least a few hours tomorrow, so that could be interesting.

6:00 PM

AP just added Michigan to the Biden column.

AP 264 Biden 214 Trump

He just needs Nevada and it's a done deal.

On MSNBC, I just listened to a guy who is their most experienced Nevada political reporter. He says the ballots that are out are mail-in ballots in Clark County (Las Vegas), a county that is heavily Democratic. If Arizona and Michigan hold, which I believe they will, that will get Biden to 270. Everything after that is gravy.

Nevada will not report that vote until tomorrow.

Sigh.

I'll start another open blog, but that one could run awhile, as it will take Pennsylvania a dew says to finish counting.

Hang in there, people!