As we approach the Independence Day holiday this weekend, it would be fitting to talk about the “Revolution” that is happening today, 244 years after we gained our independence from Britain during the first American Revolution. In my opinion, today’s revolution will be seen historically as coming from the killing of George Floyd and other black citizens by the police during this terrible pandemic in America. We have had many protests and demonstrations over the years, but this one just feels very different. Not to minimize what happened to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, and all the other blacks that died from the plague of racist cop’s, but the pent up emotions from folks trying to deal with the restrictions on our daily lives in an attempt to manage the Coronavirus has just reached a boiling point. Lots of people are out of work, so they have more time to consume the “news” on media to see, hear, and read about acts of injustice. Rather than coming home from work and sitting down to dinner and enjoying a relaxing evening in front of the television or hopping down to the corner watering hole (that is closed because of the virus), they now have time to act. We are seeing the results of these actions daily, some good, some not so good. The good: social issues that have been prevalent in society for ages are being addressed, like racial discrimination, economic inequality, and political corruption. The bad: cities and property are being vandalized and destroyed by people who are not part of the movement for improvement, but are interested only in promoting nefarious acts. And then we have a president who during this most intense turmoil, sits up at night tweeting about Confederate statues as being “beautiful,” criticizing the mayor of New York for painting “a big, expensive, yellow Black Lives Matter sign on Fifth Avenue, denigrating this luxury Avenue,” and doing all he can to rally his base and cause divisiveness or instill fear by retweeting crap like “white power!” I’m hoping that the current ‘revolution’ is going to lead to more cooperation, sharing, and working together for a better future and away from the chaos, hate, infighting, and social divisions that we have been experiencing. Our survival is going to depend on it. Have a safe July 4th !!!
A few more tidbits happening today. 1. A New York appeals court cleared the way for a publisher to distribute the tell-all book by President Donald Trump’s niece, Mary Trump. So, as of right now, what could be the most fascinating read of the summer, is back on. Yoo Hoo!! 2. The Trump campaign may be thinking about canceling the rally in Jacksonville, FL to avoid a Tulsa-like humiliation. Trump appears to be “down in the dumps,” according to some of his aides. 3. James Carville, a Democratic strategist, says there is a significant chance that Trump will drop out of the race and predicts that Moscow Mitch is going to turn on Donnie. 4. There could be some very powerful men “shaking in their boots” after the FBI finally found Ghislaine Maxwell, the alleged child sex trafficker and abuser in league with Jeffrey Epstein, and arrested her. The big question? Will she live to stand trial or end up hanging from a rope like her compadre.
Oregon is joining many other states in setting records for the number of reported cases of the virus, as we hit 375 yesterday. That is the highest daily report since the beginning of the pandemic. Soooo, keep washing your hands frequently, socially distance, and wear your mask. Be responsible. Don’t be like the four arrogant Oregon State Troopers who don’t think they have to follow the new orders for wearing a mask when in the public. Again, enjoy your holiday. Ziggyman
Mountain Man Musings 