Compilation of my short MORNING THOUGHTS.

Previously posted on my Facebook Page.

Before Howard Zinn passed away in 2010, he predicted a wide divide in U.S. society that would rival the Civil War years of the 1860s. Note the year, 2010. America had its first black president. The advent of Barack Obama as Washington’s chief executive should have narrowed the black/white schism. Not that the 44th Potus willed the crack. No. But how the skin color diversity was/is narrated, pursued, and handled from that point serves the antithesis of unity. 🗽👀🗽

Lest I’d be dismissed outright, I’d say it again: I don’t dig Donald Trump’s personality. But as chief executive of the United States, I have kinder words to say per policy. I must admit, the endless Trump murk mystifies me. Would his detractors hush when he’s finally jailed? In other countries, heads of state who crash the economy are sent to prison. Trump’s economy was fine. He was impeached for his Ukraine “stand” that was the opposite of 2022’s failed legislation. 

       And I repeat: What matters amidst the endless infighting in America is the weakening of Washington’s global clout. Refer to how President Biden was ignored per Russia sanction, lukewarm Summit of the Americas in June, and a divided U.S.-led G7 on current geopolitical realities. Per this subject, I am ready anytime to discuss/debate with anyone in a grownup, civil conversation. And please, don’t toss me links and memes, speak your (own) mind. 🗽👀🗽

The case vs Donald Trump is tossed at the U.S. Constitution, which requires new amendments. Ratified in 1788, the Constitution is replete with contradictions. You see, America was still an “infant” nation, not yet a global power, that time. More apt to call the Founding Fathers as Founding Twentysomethings. Many were 35 or younger. Not much political wear and tear experience yet, to craft the Bill of Rights that’d define America, from the 16th century to these days. 🗽👀🗽

I’d like to believe that life’s narrative wasn’t told this way decades ago. Well, I am a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, and then Chuck Bukowski and all those whiny rock stars of the `70s/`80s. But those were equaled or balanced by light and love, you know what I mean? But these internet days are indeed the Days of the Demon. Demonize men, demonize white, demonize Christians, demonize your president, demonize your donut. To demonize is The New Cool? 😈😵‍💫😈

Serena Williams, 40, will retire after the U.S. Open later this month. She should have retired last year as she fought off injuries. Nothing to prove anymore. Serena has won 23 Grand Slams, 2nd most of all time behind Margaret Court's 24. Or would tying Ms Court’s record please politics? (Margaret treads on unpopular politics.) Not about the $2.5 million U.S. Open top prize; Ms Williams is already worth $260 million. Commercial endorsement contracts? 

       Of course, announcement of retirement by a sports great before a major event means spiked TV ratings and court attendance. What if she wins, would that mean—1 more Grand Slam to beat Margaret Court, who is white—politically unpopular White? I won’t be surprised. Politics would push that one record-breaker. But if Serena loses? Fans would say, ah injuries—which is a no brainer. 🎾🎾🎾

The U.S. Open starts on the 29th. Not sure if former #1 Naomi Osaka is in. I am a huge fan but lately, I think, her overbloated drama gets in the way of her talent, amiability, and the sports of pro tennis in general. Maybe that’s how she is “handled,” per commercial endorsement, per political correctness? Then the intermittent entry of funk in the game drives me to ponder, are we selling Zolofts more than we are promoting sports to help youths cope up with how life is evolving? 😞🎾😢

Gatherings and me. I founded organizations, published/edited newspapers, and produced concerts. 15 minutes editorial meetings. On the backstage, I made sure stuff ran as planned. In family get-togethers? Silent on a corner, listening. Won’t talk unless asked. In friendship dinners? Quiet. I worked with R&D staff and political think-tanks. Quiet, taking notes. Unless it’s my 7 minutes to talk. Yet I wrote the speeches, official statements, and manifestoes. 🗣👀✍️

More trouble for President Biden. Per ABC News/Ipsos poll, News: “Americans maintain a sour view on the state of the economy and are pessimistic about its future course.” Economic murk hits us all. But “Left vs Right” blurs discourse. Memes that deny the crisis proliferate. Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, West Virginia, Kentucky. These states are labeled Red or Blue than ID’ed as poorest hence worse hit. Real problem in America: The divide that blinds people from reality. 🇺🇸😞🇺🇸

Aren’t we got enough of invincible superheroes and their counterpart badness to the max anti-heroes? Superhero-ness unrealism in cinema. So many! Hero-worship is equaled with villain-hate. Extremes. And reflected in real life: Vlad Putin is the anti-hero Plus+. And of course, Donald Trump is the most popular thumbs-down dude. Many say Justin Trudeau and Jacinda Ardern are super, too. Well, update your facts. Worse, a corrupt Volodymyr Zelensky, a hero? Nope. 😒🦸‍♂️😲

I learned a lot from life—and politics—sitting around listening to old folks talk around a bonfire after work or in those barbershop discussions. Then as I grew older, more incisive and randomly moderated conversations. In these internet/social media days: I spend an hour each morning in bed, reading my Homepage. But most that I get are one-liner “shootarounds” about stuff. Political, yes—but more on the line of shaming, dissing. Ah thank God/dess for dog videos! 🗣👀✍️