I worry about the North Dakota protesters. Having grown up in South Dakota, I know how cold it gets in the winter.
I am also emotionally torn by the pipeline. Pipelines spill WAY less oil into the environment than shipping the oil by rail. Companies who fail to get agreement from all stakeholders often fail to admit that they have leaks from pipelines. Some of the oil destined for the pipeline is the dirtiest oil on earth. Just whiffing it once, sent me to the emergency room.
When I read that a veteran from Hawaii was going to protect the protesters, I was reminded of the Laura Ingalls Wilder book, 'The Long Winter'.
It is SO easy to freeze to death. Often, when you are freezing to death, you feel warm, go to sleep, and never wake up.
The prairie can be a very unforgiving place. The blizzard winds can be so strong, they will blow you off the road. Sometimes you can barely see your hand when you hold it up in front of your face.
Blizzards make your world into a white trap. You can not even go from tent to tent without a rope around your waist. I do not know how you go to the toilet without frostbite. When you can no longer feel your fingers, it means you have frostbite and will probably have to have the finger amputated. Frostbite freezes the blood, as the frozen part warms up, the blood does not reanimate, so gangrene sets in, your finger or toe turns black, and has to be cut off or the infection will kill you.
My blizzards were in SOUTH Dakota. NORTH Dakota is even colder and nastier in the winter.
You may be able to fight the pipeline.
You can not fight Mother Nature.
Trump won the election. You have lost this battle. Please stay alive so we can win the political war that is coming.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
TAKE A HIKE
Liberals and progressives need to get out into the woods, the beaches, the parks. Taking a hike on Black Friday is a way of saying that golden opulence obtained through oppression is evil.
If the weather is nasty, go to a museum, a bookstore, or live theater. I always enjoy the Dicken's Faire. (Buying hand crafted items is not opulent.)
Progress towards equal treatment of all citizens can be painfully slow. Sixty four years ago a secret hero of World War II was convicted of criminal indecency because he was a homosexual. He saved hundreds of thousands of lives through mathematical genius, but was denigrated and despised because of his sexuality.
Now we have gay marriage is many parts of the world.
Women got the right to vote less than 100 years ago. This year the US had a woman almost win the Presidential election.
Just 12 years ago, the US Supreme Court found that it violated the Americans With Disability Act for a judge to require that a disabled person crawl up the steps to his courtroom.
Sometimes people can say incredibly awful things, yet not really mean what they say. Sometimes people can say all the right things, but do all the wrong things.
I recommend that, instead of fighting over the election, we all discuss future shock*, and how it can affect society.
After thirty years, Trump tower is still beautifully maintained. It would be amazing if we could do the necessary public maintenance we have deferred for thirty years. Rusty pipes, deteriorated plastics, roads and bridges.... This list is endless.
It will be fun to encourage people to imagine what Trump could build in their hometown.
I am Thankful that I live in California, in the United States of America.
* Future Shock is a book written by Alvin Toffler, about a world where rapid change left people unable to cope, because all of the behavior patterns they learned when they were young, seemed to be no longer acceptable behavior.
If the weather is nasty, go to a museum, a bookstore, or live theater. I always enjoy the Dicken's Faire. (Buying hand crafted items is not opulent.)
Progress towards equal treatment of all citizens can be painfully slow. Sixty four years ago a secret hero of World War II was convicted of criminal indecency because he was a homosexual. He saved hundreds of thousands of lives through mathematical genius, but was denigrated and despised because of his sexuality.
Now we have gay marriage is many parts of the world.
Women got the right to vote less than 100 years ago. This year the US had a woman almost win the Presidential election.
Just 12 years ago, the US Supreme Court found that it violated the Americans With Disability Act for a judge to require that a disabled person crawl up the steps to his courtroom.
Sometimes people can say incredibly awful things, yet not really mean what they say. Sometimes people can say all the right things, but do all the wrong things.
I recommend that, instead of fighting over the election, we all discuss future shock*, and how it can affect society.
After thirty years, Trump tower is still beautifully maintained. It would be amazing if we could do the necessary public maintenance we have deferred for thirty years. Rusty pipes, deteriorated plastics, roads and bridges.... This list is endless.
It will be fun to encourage people to imagine what Trump could build in their hometown.
I am Thankful that I live in California, in the United States of America.
* Future Shock is a book written by Alvin Toffler, about a world where rapid change left people unable to cope, because all of the behavior patterns they learned when they were young, seemed to be no longer acceptable behavior.
Monday, November 14, 2016
LET PEOPLE LEARN
Many of the totally unacceptable things that Trump said, were said at the very beginning of his campaign.
Trump never apologizes, just like Gibbs on NCIS. However, when Trump no longer repeats an awful statement, that means that he has rethought that statement.
For instance, Trump has vowed to get rid of Obamacare. Now Trump is saying that he will replace Obamacare with a better health care system, and Obamacare will stay in place until the new system takes over.
If we always hold people responsible for 10 year old actions and words, then we should also give them credit when they say that they have learned better.
For instance, females really want to be able to drink and drug themselves into catatonic states and still be safe from unwanted sexual intercourse. I agree with them. I just do not see HOW we can actually keep females safe if they go home with, and take pills from, strangers.
I can understand children waiting months or years before telling of sexual abuse. I do not understand how adult women can expect to have a crime prosecuted if they wait for a year to report the crime.
Back in 1975, a magistrate told me that he would not assign me any criminal cases where the defendant was a male, as he could not live with himself if I got hurt by a client that he had assigned to me.
He then said that he would send me female defendants. I let this go, as I am unable to fix everything in the world.
Later, I discovered that I was getting WAY MORE criminal cases than other attorneys. This is because the magistrate was sending me ALL of his female defendants. This really helped my fledgling law office.
If you want to be certain that the US makes progress in solving social problems, you can help solve social problems in your own town. Volunteer to help "at risk" kids. Mentor women, without hitting on them.
STOP PROTESTING AND START FIXING those things you can fix. This election is OVER!
Trump never apologizes, just like Gibbs on NCIS. However, when Trump no longer repeats an awful statement, that means that he has rethought that statement.
For instance, Trump has vowed to get rid of Obamacare. Now Trump is saying that he will replace Obamacare with a better health care system, and Obamacare will stay in place until the new system takes over.
If we always hold people responsible for 10 year old actions and words, then we should also give them credit when they say that they have learned better.
For instance, females really want to be able to drink and drug themselves into catatonic states and still be safe from unwanted sexual intercourse. I agree with them. I just do not see HOW we can actually keep females safe if they go home with, and take pills from, strangers.
I can understand children waiting months or years before telling of sexual abuse. I do not understand how adult women can expect to have a crime prosecuted if they wait for a year to report the crime.
Back in 1975, a magistrate told me that he would not assign me any criminal cases where the defendant was a male, as he could not live with himself if I got hurt by a client that he had assigned to me.
He then said that he would send me female defendants. I let this go, as I am unable to fix everything in the world.
Later, I discovered that I was getting WAY MORE criminal cases than other attorneys. This is because the magistrate was sending me ALL of his female defendants. This really helped my fledgling law office.
If you want to be certain that the US makes progress in solving social problems, you can help solve social problems in your own town. Volunteer to help "at risk" kids. Mentor women, without hitting on them.
STOP PROTESTING AND START FIXING those things you can fix. This election is OVER!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
TRUMP IS OUR NEXT PRESIDENT*
I am an optimist. So I am going to be optimistic about the election.**
MARIJUANA is on its way to being legal.*** Hooray! Super duper cool!
Just after the election results were known, world wide markets started into a chaotic downward spiral. Within hours, Trump had calmed these markets, with the NY Stock Exchange having an up day.
He did this by promising a huge stimulus package. Finally, I thought, we can replace our dying infrastructure. Because if you think California's roads need upgrading, wait until you see the rusting bridges in the mid West. Trump may do good for the world by doing what he loves, building things.
President Obama is right, we need to give President Trump a chance to show that he has learned something over the last year.
And, finally, the tech industry, the film industry and the banking industry, all need to "clean their own houses." All of these industries are almost completely white males, with almost no females in positions of power.
* I REALLY did not want to say these words. I did my best to try to get Hillary Clinton elected. But the sad truth is, Trump supporters voluntarily voted. Clinton was bogged down while people complained about the inconsequential. The AGAINST TRUMP people KNEW they had to vote for Hillary, yet too many did not bother to vote. "Your vote does not count," said a famous kneeler. So now you know, NOTHING counts more than your vote.
** I have lived under many presidents, including the famous crook, Richard Nixon. But Nixon did something no one else had the courage to do, he opened diplomatic relations with a very isolated communist CHINA. The vibrant China of today is arguably partially the result of Nixon's policies.
*** I have seen many Presidents come and go. But the drug prohibition just kept getting worse. If you prohibit a recreational drug that is less damaging than alcohol, too many people refuse to obey that law. The worst result is that many people become very contemptuous of the rule of law. They think that if one law is criminally stupid, then all laws are criminally stupid. The continuous need for a supply of these recreational drugs causes the street value of the drugs to increase. The tax free profit causes violence, murders, and corruption.
MARIJUANA is on its way to being legal.*** Hooray! Super duper cool!
Just after the election results were known, world wide markets started into a chaotic downward spiral. Within hours, Trump had calmed these markets, with the NY Stock Exchange having an up day.
He did this by promising a huge stimulus package. Finally, I thought, we can replace our dying infrastructure. Because if you think California's roads need upgrading, wait until you see the rusting bridges in the mid West. Trump may do good for the world by doing what he loves, building things.
President Obama is right, we need to give President Trump a chance to show that he has learned something over the last year.
And, finally, the tech industry, the film industry and the banking industry, all need to "clean their own houses." All of these industries are almost completely white males, with almost no females in positions of power.
* I REALLY did not want to say these words. I did my best to try to get Hillary Clinton elected. But the sad truth is, Trump supporters voluntarily voted. Clinton was bogged down while people complained about the inconsequential. The AGAINST TRUMP people KNEW they had to vote for Hillary, yet too many did not bother to vote. "Your vote does not count," said a famous kneeler. So now you know, NOTHING counts more than your vote.
** I have lived under many presidents, including the famous crook, Richard Nixon. But Nixon did something no one else had the courage to do, he opened diplomatic relations with a very isolated communist CHINA. The vibrant China of today is arguably partially the result of Nixon's policies.
*** I have seen many Presidents come and go. But the drug prohibition just kept getting worse. If you prohibit a recreational drug that is less damaging than alcohol, too many people refuse to obey that law. The worst result is that many people become very contemptuous of the rule of law. They think that if one law is criminally stupid, then all laws are criminally stupid. The continuous need for a supply of these recreational drugs causes the street value of the drugs to increase. The tax free profit causes violence, murders, and corruption.
Monday, November 7, 2016
HAVE NO FEAR - VOTE!
Do not be afraid to vote. If you are fearful of voting, take your camera. The Federal Courts need photos in order to keep enforcing the voting rights act. PHOTOS OF LONG LINES WILL BE VERY HELPFUL.
If Sheriff Joe's men are at the polls, they will be extra polite or they will be in federal prison.
The reason that Republicans try to get unnecessary voter ID laws, and do not put polling places in minority areas, is that IN THE US NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO PHYSICALLY INTIMIDATE A VOTER.
NO ONE is allowed to use voting information for anything other than voting. (If you are a citizen, you can vote, unless you are a felon and then you have to check as some felons can vote.)
VOTING WILL BE PEACEFUL, but if trouble starts, be polite, sit down and hold up your hands. Do not leave as you still have to vote.
WE TAKE OUR DEMOCRACY SERIOUSLY. VOTER INTIMIDATION IS ILLEGAL, even if you are Sheriff Joe.
Find your polling place TODAY, and print or photo a map to your polling place. Google has a "find your polling place" ap on its front page.
The entire election depends on the number of people who vote. So I will make a deal with you.
If the Democrats win the US Presidency, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives, I will stop smoking tobacco. (It is best to be specific about promises you intend to keep.)
VOTE!
If Sheriff Joe's men are at the polls, they will be extra polite or they will be in federal prison.
The reason that Republicans try to get unnecessary voter ID laws, and do not put polling places in minority areas, is that IN THE US NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO PHYSICALLY INTIMIDATE A VOTER.
NO ONE is allowed to use voting information for anything other than voting. (If you are a citizen, you can vote, unless you are a felon and then you have to check as some felons can vote.)
VOTING WILL BE PEACEFUL, but if trouble starts, be polite, sit down and hold up your hands. Do not leave as you still have to vote.
WE TAKE OUR DEMOCRACY SERIOUSLY. VOTER INTIMIDATION IS ILLEGAL, even if you are Sheriff Joe.
Find your polling place TODAY, and print or photo a map to your polling place. Google has a "find your polling place" ap on its front page.
The entire election depends on the number of people who vote. So I will make a deal with you.
If the Democrats win the US Presidency, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives, I will stop smoking tobacco. (It is best to be specific about promises you intend to keep.)
VOTE!
Friday, November 4, 2016
"TAKE A KNEE*"
From the dawn of time, kneeling has shown more respect than standing. I fail to understand why kneeling for the national anthem is an insult rather than a respectful request for equality.
You have all misunderstood Black Lives Matters. Black people know that white lives matter, and blue lives matter. They are just saying that black lives ALSO matter.**
For too many years, we have all ignored the subtle and not so subtle barriers affecting minorities. We know how to fix these problems, but we just have not been doing it. We could stop judging police on the number of arrests, but instead judge them on neighborhood polling. The poll would ask people how safe they feel.
I will repeat my advice, that if a minority group wants change, they have to VOTE EVERY TIME. Politicians almost never upset a reliable voting block.
I have a dream that one day, ALL people will be treated equally.
* Quote from A Knight's Tale, as the Prince prepares to make the hero into a knight.
** I thought of Even Black Lives Matter, but that seems to be insulting. Black Lives Also Matter is better but not a catchy as Black Lives Matter.
You have all misunderstood Black Lives Matters. Black people know that white lives matter, and blue lives matter. They are just saying that black lives ALSO matter.**
For too many years, we have all ignored the subtle and not so subtle barriers affecting minorities. We know how to fix these problems, but we just have not been doing it. We could stop judging police on the number of arrests, but instead judge them on neighborhood polling. The poll would ask people how safe they feel.
I will repeat my advice, that if a minority group wants change, they have to VOTE EVERY TIME. Politicians almost never upset a reliable voting block.
I have a dream that one day, ALL people will be treated equally.
* Quote from A Knight's Tale, as the Prince prepares to make the hero into a knight.
** I thought of Even Black Lives Matter, but that seems to be insulting. Black Lives Also Matter is better but not a catchy as Black Lives Matter.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
VOTING FOR DRINKING BUDDIES
It is said that "W" Bush got elected because people saw him as a "good drinking buddy". The good buddy got us into the Iraq mess, among other disasters.
Trump is probably a good drinking buddy, He doesn't drink but he loves to chat with people.
Trump is proud to say:
NO MORE OBAMA CARE, which means that people who are already sick will not be able to get health insurance.
LET STATES HANDLE MINIMUM WAGE, which means some of you will get paid even less than minimum wage.
LET STATES HANDLE WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE, which means women in many states may die as they are forced to carry dead children to term.
LET VETERANS USE REGULAR HEALTH CARE, which means that the health centers for veterans may close, and veterans may not get the specific care they need.
TAX DEDUCTION FOR CHILD CARE, which effectively means you only get help with child care if you OWN a home. Many children will be unsupervised as their parents work.
LAW AND ORDER, means that illegal drugs will continue to make dealers rich, children will continue to be recruited as sellers, and violence will continue to escalate.
Many of you HATE the idea of a woman boss.
The saying, "Shooting yourself in the foot," comes to mind.
TAX DEDUCTION FOR CHILD CARE, which effectively means you only get help with child care if you OWN a home. Many children will be unsupervised as their parents work.
LAW AND ORDER, means that illegal drugs will continue to make dealers rich, children will continue to be recruited as sellers, and violence will continue to escalate.
Many of you HATE the idea of a woman boss.
The saying, "Shooting yourself in the foot," comes to mind.
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