This Father’s Day is different for me. Why? I am a year older but was true in that situation a year ago.
The last 24 hours has caused me to question everything I believe or think I know. The present global pandemic and ensuring isolation and cloying anxiety and fingerlings of depression (plus some inner-most personal, tumultuous thoughts) created a need to examine my “here” and take a mental inventory of my “now” and ask hard questions about my very existence and my overall worth to myself, my family, my world.
A personal humanity laundry list emerged from my musings, not just for me, but for others as well. Take it or leave it, it’s now out there and my sunshine today is ultra-bright.
Happy Father’s Day to everyone.
We know first hand about the dilemma associated with race, this big story about how people go out of their way to be judgmental, mean-spirited even, to those who are different or who chose to be appear or act differently
Shame on those that see color before humanity, gender before value, sexual orientation before good deeds, religious affiliation (or atheism) before reverence for the emotions of the human heart, or nationalism over the needs of fellow human beings.
We are all of one creation…of that we should all agree. even if we disagree on a distinctive singular path.
That is a start.
Be kind today and every day after. If you do that and I do do that…it is the start of a movement that can change our world for the better.
Be kind. Today. Every day.
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In my seven-plus decades, I have participated in three protests: In 1967 I was one of 12 young college students to protest America’s involvement in the Vietnam War; in 1985 in Marshall, Texas, spoke to a “Sweep the Rascals Out” protest concerning bad government in general and in D.C. in general; last night, June 11, joined a peaceful protest in Prescott, Ark., with the aim of obtaining justice for all citizens, a Black Lives Matter event.
All masked-up and maintaining the suggested social distance, I participated in the event on behalf of my friend-daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Cleon, our three biracial grandkids, Bryan, Brayden and Marley, and our other four grands — Piper, Annie, Jordyn and Colton — plus our two biracial second-cousins, Mattie and Ann Marie.
I also wanted to stand up and be counted in the global movement aimed at ending injustice to black citizens in particular.
More than 35 people from as far away as Mena, Ark., 100 miles, participated in the protest.
Hannah Wiley, the young organizer of the protest, set the tone for the event by holding an eight minute, 23 second moment of silence in memory of George Floyd, the black citizen who died at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.
BobJean had planned on attending but deferred until the next protest due to working too long and too hard in the yard and wearing herself out.
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2. Amtrack cuts back service through Marshall to three times weekly.
3. 22 New COVID cases in Tyler.
J. Harris: Several counties are making or considering mandatory face masks for public places. I AGREE. Harrison County’s troubles are not over, but we are certainly lucky or doing something right lately. We need to remember that this is still the First Phase of the disease. Autumn and Influenza will be here soon. Flu shots will be more important to take that ever. Keep wearing your masks when out and about.
Researchers at the Italian National Institute of Health discovered the presence of the RNA of the virus in samples taken in the northern cities of Milan and Turin on Dec. 18, more than two months before the country’s first case was diagnosed on Feb 20. (NYT)
In this issue of JAMA, Fosbøl et al3 provide convincing evidence that ACEI/ARB therapy is not associated with ncreased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or increased severity of COVID-1
J. Harris: This is the third big study demonstrating that ACE inhibitors and blockers, very common and effective blood pressure pills, don’t cause or worsen COVID infections.
From Johns Hopkins:
1. Structure-based Design of Antiviral Drug Candidates Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Science) With no vaccine or proven effective drug against the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), scientists are racing to find clinical antiviral treatments. A promising drug target is the viral main protease Mpro,…showed good antiviral activity in cell culture…had better pharmacokinetic properties and low toxicity when tested in mice and dogs, suggesting that this compound is a promising drug candidate.
2. Numerous US states continue to report concerning COVID-19 trends. The New York Times analysis indicates that 20 states are reporting significant increases in COVID-19 incidence, based on a 7-day average. Among these states, 12 appear to be reporting record daily incidence over the past several days. Texas reported its highest daily incidence and COVID-19 hospitalizations yesterday as well as its second-highest test positivity since April. Multiple hospitals in Florida are currently reporting that all of their intensive care unit (ICU) beds are occupied. According to data published by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), 9 hospitals with a capacity of at least 25 ICU beds report no availability. Additionally, numerous smaller hospitals are also reporting zero available ICU beds, including 2 in Palm Beach, one of Florida’s current COVID-19 hotspots. Arkansas and North Carolina continue to report increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations. Notably, Arkansas is reporting nearly 4 times the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients as it was in mid-May and more than 7 times the number of active community cases.
(J. Harris: remember a couple of weeks ago when Arkansas was “bullet proof” and bragging about their lack of antiviral practices statewide).
What was Forrest Gump’s email password? 1forrest1
Two windmills are standing in a wind farm. One asks, “What’s your favorite kind of music?” The other says, “I’m a big metal fan.”
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A FBook friend and a well-informed observer and writer questioned my use of a certain verb in a recent post when referring to the fact the GOS “insists” the party is behind a balanced budget.
Just as the Dem platform always “insists” on the Equality of All People, the GOP puts business success over the rights of workers, even business success over human life.
This is from the 2020 Republican platform (which is the same as the 2016 version):
1. We believe America is exceptional because of our historic role — first as refuge, then as defender, and now as exemplar of liberty for the world to see.
(My reaction: But, but what about aslyum seekers? What about the rights of peaceful protestors? What about gays? What about Muslims?)
2. We affirm, as did the Declaration of Independence: that all are created equal, endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
(Yeah, right, whatever. Tell that to those in our country who are the living oppressed and who are favorite targets of conservatives — minorities, all, including women, members of the LBGTQ community, and interracial couples.)
3.We believe our constitutional system — limited government, separation of powers, federalism, and the rights of the people — must be preserved uncompromised for future generations.
(Limited government? I just threw up in my mouth. Separation of powers? See comment above. Rights of the people? “People” over rich people? “People” over big business? Get real)
4. We believe political freedom and economic freedom are indivisible. When political freedom and economic freedom are separated — both are in peril; when united, they are invincible.”
(It is a fact that actions by the federal government, positively or adversely, affect the country’s economic pulse. The elected GOPers in Congress, with one stalwart exception, seem to feel they do not have freedom to march along the best path for their constituents; they are attached mouth to buttocks of a lightning rod president who craves three things: Money, power and loyalty.)
5. We believe that people are the ultimate resource — and that the people, not the government, are the best stewards of our country’s God-given natural resources.
(No Republican, no voter, who can read or hear the spoken word cannot know this is three kinds of male bovine offal. The GOP is for big business wants over despoiling public lands, encouraging drilling for oil and natural gas, timber production and for grazing land for big cattle operations. Trump’s troops just re-approved the use of a cancer-causing insecticide for farmers, opened up logging on public lands, diminishes the benefits of non-fossil fuel sources — wind, solar and wave — thus protecting the oil and gas interests and approved “cyanide bombs” to kill predators, regardless of the damage is does to other animals, including domestic cats and dogs.)
6. As Americans and as Republicans we wish for peace — so we insist on strength. We will make America safe. We seek friendship with all peoples and all nations, but we recognize and are prepared to deal with evil in the world.
(This administration seeks peace as long as our potential enemies agree to do things “our” way. If some country “bobbles” in abject support of Trump’s ideas or demands, it becomes the nation’s enemy or next economic punching bag.)
To use a little contrived literary dyslexia, the U.S. is in a “melluva hess”. And the only way out is an affirmation of real American principles — the rights of ordinary people over the political and business gentry — in November.
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Dear Friends of Blue Frog Restaurant and Catering,
As we continue to evolve around and with the pandemic we want to provide you with some exciting updates!
BEGINNING Wednesday, June 17th we will offer our new LUNCH MENU (to go only) with the addition of DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS (to-go only) from 11am-2pm Monday – Friday. The new menu with your timeless favorites can be found on our Face Book Page or give us a call to receive an email or text copy. Daily lunch specials will also be offered as DINNER TO GO for your family of 2 or 4 (Dinner in a Bag). Order by 2:30 pm and dinner will be packaged family style for pick up between 3:30 – 5:30 each day.
Blue Frog Market Frig, take and bake, grab and go items open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5:30 pm. We are still offering curbside delivery for our guests who are not comfortable walking in.
Blue Frog Catering remains open for your small or large group needs, personal chef events, special order bakery and food items. Call or email us 903-923-9500 The Frog, 903-926-0836 Shawne (direct), bluefroggrill101@gmail.com.
The Alley Downtown (our outdoor dining area) will continue to announce evening dining events and/or live music events on a weekly basis through our face book page The Blue Frog. Also a great way to keep up with daily specials and changes.
Blue Frog Gift Cards are a great way to show your support for our business and are available for purchase. Give us a call or drop by the store.
Thank you so much for sticking with us. We have exciting things in the works and look forward to supporting each other during these challenging times.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, the City of Marshall received the June sales tax report. “I am happy to say that our overall report was lower than the previous year but better than we expected. However, we still have additional budgetary concerns moving forward,” expressed City Manager Mark Rohr.
As a result of the recent returns, the City of Marshall will enact the following provisions:
The Marshall Public Library will open at 50% of its total occupancy on Monday, June 22, 2020. The modified hours of operation for the library will be Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm. To maintain social distance, a limited number of computers will be available with adequate spacing between units. Children’s interactive exhibits and games will be closed at this time to follow best practices. Patrons may still take advantage of curbside service to protect the most vulnerable populations.
The following city employees will return from furlough: two library employees and the Main Street Manager on June 22, 2020.
Effective immediately, the Human Resources department has posted employment opportunities for one police officer, one firefighter, and two ROW staff.
The City of Marshall will continue to hold City Commission meetings utilizing a video and audio conferencing tool and a standard conference call. Instructions and direct links to view meetings or speak during Citizen Comment are athttp://www.marshalltexas.net.
“The City of Marshall is not in the clear yet, and all other budgetary modifications will remain in effect. Our revenue is still down compared to 2019, as we have trended downward for the last three months. However, I believe the adjustments we have made have prepared the city well for what the rest of the year might bring as we await the July report. I am thankful for the discipline shown by the citizens and city staff as we face the challenges the pandemic has presented to us,” stated City Manager Rohr.
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The 45th president of the United States believes he is a once-in-a-lifetime thinker, a modern-day Socrates who is bigly sophisticated, erudite and who handles the many problems, opportunities, unforeseen faux pas, malignant foibles of members of the human race and examples of his intellectual fraud (real “downright lies”) as part of a conspiracy against him and his administration.
Unfortunately for the American people and the global community, President Donald Trump is none of those things. Instead, he is a poor excuse for a human being, a self-proclaimed born-agin-and-agin Christian who repeatedly demonstrates he has no soul, a whiney, spoiled, slack-brained, excuse-at-the-ready man-child who demands loyalty and fealty even when faced with the facts that he offers neither to any person except, at least for now, selected members of his family and key, get-on-your-knees-and-worship-me aides and cabinet members.
Harsh assessment from a staunch detractor? Harsh? Assuredly. Staunch detractor? Yeppers. Do those two stances negate the facts concerning the failures of the 45th president? Absolutely not.
Trump, the president, the man, is not well. Listen to his words. Watch his actions in trying to do a simple task, like take a drink of water or walk down a ramp. He is a physical disaster-in-waiting.
His thinking process, his exclamations and explanations are not just suspect but downright bizarre. Make excuses for him if you must, but you cannot excuse his reasoning behind why the number of COVID-19 cases are climbing exponentially:
“We are doing more testing that anyone and that causes the cases to rise. If we didn’t do testing, the number would be close to zero.”
Nooooooo. The number of cases would be the same; it’d just be ostrich-head-in-the-sand time in the U.S. of A.
And, to get our mind off the dramatic increase in coronavirus cases in some states, due to opening up the economy (and, of course, that darn testing regimen), jobless numbers and deaths way north of 110,000), Trump this week called for $2 trillion in spending to upgradre U.S. roads, bridges and tunnels, seizing on the coronavirus outbreak and record low interest rates to advance one of his longest-standing priorities.
Speaking at his daily coronavirus briefing on Tuesday evening, Trump said low rates would allow the country to borrow cheaply to finance spending on infrastructure. He said none of the funds should go toward environmental initiatives called for in the Democrats’ Green Deal.
This is a good thing, regardless of who is sitting behind the Resolute desk in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington-on-the-Deficit. Infrastructure spending could help blunt the surge in unemployment and businesses failures expected to result from the coronavirus pandemic and economic shutdown.
Lest we have forgotten, a nati0nal infrastructure program was 0n Trump’s econ0mic battle plan for the U.S. since the early days of his presidential campaign. When this administration’s jobs numbers and overall ec0nomic report card continued the strong, upward trend started in 2010 f0llowing the 2008 recession, infrastructure improvement as a nati0nal policy was shelved. This was a calculated political gambit as center stage projects and scandals – THE wall, trade war with vari0us c0untries, dramatic changes to immigration policy, Iran, China and North Korea posturing and, finally, the global pandemic – sucked all the rarified air and vote-counting capital out of the political landscape.
Simply, what caused the president to resurrect the idea that an infrastructure plan would assist in his re-electi0n campaign, were the so-far-South-it’s-dark-24/7 polling numbers which showed Trump, the man, the policy wonk, rated slightly worse than a “creepy high school janitor who set up hidden cameras in the boys’ bathro0ms”, and only slightly better than “unseen dust bunnies under the c0uch”.
Now, as Trump’s poll numbers are tanking due to his mangling, miscalculation and mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, he chucks up one of his administration’s patented distractions, a real-life “shiny” moment:
“Look! Bigly jobs!! New, improved roads!!! Bridges and dams that w0n’t collapse!!!! Complements of President Donald J. Trump!!!!! MAGA!x6.
Where was this program three years ago when this administration was capturing and caging would-be immigrants looking for a safer, better life? Where was this “progress” plan when the president was trumpeting the “impenetrable” that an eight-year-old girl climbed in less than 20 seconds using a special tool – wo0den shoes that she wedged in the spaceds in the wall and scampered up like a money on a palm tree?
While the nation’s roads and bridges were deteriorating, and dams collapsing, inundating towns and taking lives, Trump was holding the promised infrastructure bill for the proper time.
The “proper” time, it now is clear, is when polls reported by Fake News outlets show him trailing challenger Joe Biden by double digits in some key states.
“What! I’m behind in the polls? Unleash the visible ec0nomic infrastructure programs plan!”
By electi0n time, vari0us roadways in key states will be sporting signs showing that “President Donald J. Trump” wants the American driving public to be safe on American roads.
And, once again, Trump is betting he can hornswoggle en0ugh voters to have an0ther f0ur years of power trips, ego-expanding proclamations that aid the rich and corporations and destroy blessed parts 0f this country and a chance to undermine the f0undation of democracy.
Will his bet pay off the first Tuesday in November?
Go vote and see.
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“Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities, by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Symbolism can take different forms. Generally, it is an object representing another, to give an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant.”
Great writers and poets often use symbolism as illustrations to present a message that may not be altogether clear.
For example, was Herman Melville’s Moby Dick really a great white whale or a symbol for something in that era’s society?
In the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” an albatross is the symbol of a burden the man must bear for his action.
President Donald Trump, or someone putting words in his tweeter,is a master symbolist.
On June 19th (Juneteenth), Trump is having a rally in Tulsa. In case you are isolated and clueless, June 19, in many states, is celebrated as Emancipation Day.
In Tulsa, Juneteenth is remembered for a very different reason: In June 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre claimed the lives of an estimated 300 African Americans.
According to Human Rights Watch, “More than 1,200 houses and 35 square blocks were destroyed in just one day. By the end of the massacre, the area known as Black Wall Street was decimated, and photos showed Black people lying dead in the street.”
Trump knows this history. In a statement, Trump campaign adviser Katrina Pierson defended the move.
“As part of the party of Lincoln, Republicans are proud of the history of Juneteenth, which is the anniversary of the last reading of the Emancipation Proclamation,” Pierson wrote.
Sure. Okay. Why Tulsa? Just why?
It’s symbolism of the most crass degree: Look what happened in Tulsa 99 years ago, and the president is holding a rally to push his re-election there… why?
Symbol 2: It was announced recently the 2020 Republican National Convention to designate Trump as the GOP nominee again was being moved from North Carolina to Florida, to Jacksonville to be precise. The date set aside for the start is August 27.
Ironically, perhaps, that date is the anniversary of the ax handle and baseball bat beatings of peaceful black protestors staging a “dine-in” at a city cafeteria.
The brutal attack that became known as “Ax Handle Saturday” occurred that infamous Saturday, The Youth Council of the NAACP was participating in a peaceful protest, sitting at a whites- only lunch counter until they were spit on and attacked.
Authorities stood idly by until members of a black street gang called “The Boomerangs” tried to help those being attacked, at which point some members of the police joined in the beatings.
The victims of the attacks ran to a nearby church, finding sanctuary, until the mob disappeared.
Does Trump know the history of these dates? To think that he does not would assume this administration is operating in a vacuum, or wants to ingratiate itself with white supremacists, racists and bigots. Or both.
Symbolism can be useful … and telling. Trump’s use of symbolism in these two cases illustrates he is catering to his white’s-only-need-apply agenda and skewed picture of how he views America.
All believers of what America should stand for in these turbulent times should pray for a better tomorrow where race is not used as a wedge to divide the nation.
A lifelong friend, a distant relative and someone I care about on an ethereal level blocked me on Facebook.
No warning. No explanation. Boom. Gone.
I am hoping it was a mistake because, for me, her smiling face is like a ray of sunshine after a hurricane.
Why the split? Freedom of speech and difference of opinion about the current state of politics in America, I suppose.
I was under the impression we were adults who could agree to disagree agreeably. I now to now assume I was wrong, that politics matters more than long-time relationships and familial ties.
I was so wrong, couldn’t be more
wrong-er.
While I believe the U.S. is walking on the edge of fascism, thus endangering our democracy, this dear friend is an Always-Trumper. I don’t understand a majority of those that feel that way and it’s obvious they don’t understand my viewpoint.
As a one-time history major with a love of historical novels about this country’s history and the key personalities who formed the foundation and underpinnings of the U.S., I clearly see the slippery slope to the mutated form of mini-fascism that Donald J. Trump and his chosen minions have erected.
In a democracy, brute force is not used to move peaceful protestors from a specific area so a president can move through the area for a staged photo op.
In a democracy, the nation’s highest law enforcement officer, who specifically is charged with representing the best interests of the citizens, does not do the express bidding of the top executive in direct opposition to best interests of the citizenry.
In a democracy, trusted global allies are revered and nations ruled by strong-arm thugs are watched closely with the well-worn adage displayed prominently — Speak softly and carry a big stick.
In a democracy, our freedoms (speech, religion, a free press, right to assemble and protest, etc.) are sacrosanct.
In a democracy, treaties which are designed to keep this nation safe are not not torn asunder on the knee-jerk whim of a chief executive.
In a democracy, no one —NO ONE! — is above the law, criminal acts are punished; power, money, status and title be damned.
Look around. Is the view of America today one that resembles the dictionary definition of “democracy”?
The definition of democracy is a “form of government in which the common people hold political power and can rule either directly or through elected representatives. An example of democracy at work is in the United States, where people have political freedom and equality.”
Is that American in 2020?
Political freedom? Equality?
Not even close.
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I’m writing to denounce the shameful spreading of misinformation by the Harrison County Republican Party Chairman, along with some of his fellow party chairs in our state, in posting the conspiracy theory that George Floyd’s brutal murder on Memorial Day in Minneapolis was a “staged event.” There is no evidence that the senseless, unjust killing of Mr. Floyd was staged. Normally, denunciation of such an irresponsible action should, as they say, “go without saying,” but, over the past few years, divisive, hateful, and untrue things have been said and spread with such frequency that they have become almost normalized. We must never allow the spreading of lies to become accepted or normalized. It tears at the very fabric of our civil society and democracy.
I write this from the perspective of someone who not only loves America and our founding principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all more than words could ever say, but also from the perspective of someone who has volunteered more time than I could ever calculate over the past 25 years to help bring progress and unity to a community and region I love. And when people spread falsehoods and conspiracy theories—and, I believe in this case, when they do it for partisan reasons—nothing but harm and hurt can result. It’s not only harmful to the grieving family who has lost a loved one, but also to a grieving nation who, for many of us, have hearts that break every day knowing the reality that racism, a scourge that has plagued our nation’s history from its beginning, still exists. The only way we’re going be able to end systemic racism is by working together, not by stoking division. As one of our nation’s mottos says: “E Pluribus Unum” Out of Many, One. That’s a very clear directive. We must do this together. We must do this with understanding, empathetic hearts, with steadfast intentionality, and with reality-based information.
In preparing a home-made sign to carry at one of the peaceful marches in Marshall this week, I thought to myself, “What would be a helpful and healing message to share?” I knew that the word “together” would need to be included and, as I wrote the words on the sign, I was filled with a deep sense of hope that maybe this time, finally, finally, we can bring about meaningful change—along with strong policies—to address this long-standing, profound injustice. Standing on the shoulders of the brave, resolute people who have gone before and for all who continue to work for the cause of justice today, I write these words of hope: “Let’s end racism now together. Let’s end racism now forever.” As the pandemic has taught us, we are indeed all in this together and I appreciate all people of good faith who are working to make much-needed changes successful so that our beloved America can be stronger and better now and in the future.
Christina Cocek Anderson
Marshall, Texas
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