64 Comments
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Linda Schenker's avatar

Remember also that we have the fate of our world in our hands. Do something then do nothing and then do something again

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Leoni McVey's avatar

Charisma is pure fiction, and so is brilliance. It’s the dummies who sit on the dais, and it’s the smart people who sit in the dark near the exits.

Lovely sentiment.

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Meredth Parsons McComb's avatar

As did my father.

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Brian Gillis's avatar

I've just read that the majority of Greenland is Lutheran

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Robot Bender's avatar

Not the "right" kind of Christians, according to Project 2025.

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Ryan Collay's avatar

Radical puritanical shits!? If 1/2 the folks on the Mayflower died, why do we give them much credit?

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Carol Schumacher's avatar

As a Lutheran myself I know trumpy hasn't a chance with

us. 😇

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Brian Gillis's avatar

Bless us I can only hope the orange fool will do himself in. But the number of sycophants behind him is truly disturbing.

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Carol Schumacher's avatar

True and so incomprehensible!

How can they think he is a good person? Let alone a good president. I don't get it.

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Meredth Parsons McComb's avatar

I asked, and got the predictable answer about the border. When I acknowledged that I too was in favor of secure borders, no war, and cheap eggs, and continued, “Are you willing to live under fascism in exchange?” his response was, “what’s so wrong with fascism?” I thought he was kidding, but no. Listen to a biography of Lindbergh and you may think those fellows in Germany nearly got it right.

They don’t think he’s a good person. He’s their Joan of Arck—all meanings intended—and he looks good on a horse. Doesn’t he? A lotta people say. He’s married a lot of beautiful women and he’s rich, and anyone says differently is probably fake news.

He’s often taken credit for solving problems which he himself created; I wish him well with eggs and war and so much more; cognizant we were imperfect before. Can you believe it, Carol, that viewing a continuum from legalization of homosexuality to pre-pubescent blockers as right would take more time than this?

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NMC's avatar

No way he'd ever look good on a horse (if any would bear the load). Not to mention he's surely afraid of them.

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Meredth Parsons McComb's avatar

What is “reality” to his followers? They’ve seen the CGI images and that’s good enough for them. Crusaders for Christ went mounted; he’s a Crusader for Christ; therefore, he’s a great horseman. Alternative logic to go with their alternative facts, and a media bubble of their own. That’s why it’s so hard make any inroads. Maybe the price of eggs will do it, but I imagine he’ll get them feel their poverty is Christlike. Patriotic poverty! Instantly achievable by giving him all your money.

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Carol Schumacher's avatar

Well, I hope they're ready for what he brings!

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Sy's avatar
Mar 10Edited

Trump is just another Zionist puppet. So, I don't expect much good to come from his 'watch.' The Demoncraps, via Balmy Batshit-crazy Biden et al, did so much harm, that it has forced the Republi-turds to at least do some good, or at least make it appear that they are doing some good. But, time will tell whether or not Trump shall have been much, if any, better than Biden. So long as there are Dual Nationals (with Israel) in the U.S. Congress and so long as there is an IRS and a Federal Reserve, I think not much shall change for the better. Let's not forget that AIPAC MUST be dealt with as a foreign agency that has FAR TOO much influence upon U.S. foreign policies and therefore MUST be banned from any 'overture making,' to any/all Congresspersons.

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Carol Schumacher's avatar

Hahahaha 😆

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James J's avatar

Hello Parents, This generation does need some serious guidance on the topic of "normal." As a retired psychiatrist I believe raising children with clear guardrails and much affection could help our young offspring find and stay on a path toward "normality." Thank you

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Ryan Collay's avatar

Ah guardrails, expectations, limits, consequences…for the little people, not Donny-John, nor JD. A clerk and a draft-dogger berating a hero…that’s ‘out of bounds’ and required a ‘time-out!’ For the toddler in charge and his minions and their demonic glee…it’s the toddler with a magnifying glass and ants…we are the ants at the moment!

One by one…

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Sy's avatar

How true... Just take a look at Maui and several other places mostly on the U.S. West Coast that have been DEW'ed or Lasered to death! Indeed their not using magnifying glasses exactly, but using much more modern versions of same!

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Kiki's avatar

So glad you are back

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Ryan Collay's avatar

Oh I smile…I had a delivery job and was in the produce section in the back of a grocery store making a delivery and the sign said, “I must be a mushroom, people keep me in the dark and feed me horse shit.” Someone has crossed our horse and written bull. I liked it, working in the back, making sure people has carrots and onions, gives you an ‘insight’ into the world.

This how things actually happen, no ‘smart’ people, few leaders, just worker paid to be clear about the overall point and making it happen…sure someone had to know about how many carrots were needed, and order them ahead of time…actual rocket science! Not just blowing up other people’s money for your fun and amusement! If there were no carrots one day, there would be hell to pay!

It’s why I hate Donny and his team…they don’t even care about the carrots, let alone actual people…really not one iota!

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Nick  Royal's avatar

Funny and interesting. Liked the comments about Bob Dylan.

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Jonathan Brownson's avatar

Being normal is abnormal these days...still better than being the roadside racoon...

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Utejack's avatar

When they raised the white cross to slay the lethargy among us; it was only ever all about the matter of degrees applied to the accelerator in charge of one’s speed....

Trumplestiltskin rode into town upon the wings of operation warp speed...

A long long time ago Ralph, (no not that Ralph who drove the Magic Bensonhurst Bus...the other Ralph) ...

The one who served the public a belt, (no not the belt from a bottle) but one for your seat..(and no that’s not the rhyming belt know for the beat)

Unsafe At Any Speed Ralph was the last best attempted leader to reach for control of the wheel in the promised land of good and plenty...

Ralph who most certainly has done more for the longevity of the common man; who actually saved more lives and gave the undertaker and his shovel their due rest.

Ralph is ..

The best of the lot of wanna be kings who have foolishly remained asleep at the wheel; while mine eyes have seen no glory from the back seat of this hurst; while the undertaker and his shovel have been traveling at Casey Jones speed, nailed to the white cross and dutifully burying the hit and run bodies at breakneck speed...the least among us, summarily left on the roadside paved by the constant contractors of conflict construction companies ...

I think I’ll set down in these bleachers and take in the 2025 E-God’s Sun and contemplate a path forward....

Forward into the warp? That’s a good way...that good old road to perdition?

Or....What was it Ramana said???

Go back the way you came... that’s a good way too...towards the within

Traveling Eternities road...what will you find there???? Perhaps the promise of The Real Self... Realization...

Is this the Beginning or the End of our travels... depends...

Do you have a Nisargadatta card in your deck to play???

I Do!

Get out of Jail Free Card says...

Find out where you were eight days before you were conceived and stay there...

As always Ralph... Thanks 🙏 for the warning ⚠️

✌🏼❤️🙏🕉

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Sy's avatar

A bit edgy, but clever.

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Utejack's avatar

I probably should have taken a file or some sandpaper to that commentary before sending it on it’s way...

I tried to capture the spirit of the late 60’s early 70’s when Ralph and Nader’s Raiders were busy engaging the government civically; as they took a stand in the middle facing the surrounding issues of those turbulent times. Their methods became effective and their solutions were gaining traction in the print press and televised media. Ralph was able to appear and publicly state the real concerns in a language that the working class could comprehend. He gave us the ability to share with our peers reasonable solutions to the problematic overreach of corporate corruption. Then Lewis Powell happened and the corporate power elite started to manage the media and Ralph became “cancelled”. He was right before our eyes giving us a good old fashioned civics lesson on public involvement in the decision making process that strengthened our common voice.

Ralph is still at it to this day and has written books about how to engage the system that dominates us. But, few are aware today of the power he spells out that we actually possess. He’s not even a memory in the minds of today’s youth. If you follow Chris Hedges, there’s a good interview he has recently done with Ralph. They cover a lot of ground and discuss a framework for the path forward.

Once again thanks for reminding me to tone things down... it helps to learn what the stuff that leaks out of me actually sounds like. ✌🏼❤️🙏🕉

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Sy's avatar

I recognized almost immediately that you were referring to Ralph Nader. I do not wish to discourage you in the least. Actually, I like the way you express yourself in something of a stream of consciousness manner. I also write from time to time, but not nearly as much as I once did. I focused mostly on short stories and an occasional poem or two. My first 'A' in any college class was in a Poetry and Dramatics class in, I believe it was, 1962 or 1963. I submitted a poem, as part of a class assignment, titled, 'Old men's Wars.' My prof strongly suspected that I'd plagiarized it from somewhere. NOT so, it was my original work. The prof then asked me if I thought I could write another poem on a subject that he'd give me and do it withing a short time... something like 10 to 15 minutes, while he awaited the outcome. I replied, I think so and did so. After that he believed that I was no plagiarist and actually had something of a gift for poetry. That seemed to have impressed the prof sufficiently to award me with an 'A' in the course.

Keep at it. Never worry about small errors. In plot development I like to let my characters develop as the story proceeds. They often seem to take on a real, but not necessarily predictable, personality.

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Utejack's avatar

Thanks for sharing. That’s a very cool story to have in your life’s file cabinet. I enjoyed the telling and you were fortunate to have an educator to verify what you knew in the deepest recesses of your consciousness. The “knowing” is the nature of the Divine.

I am always going to be one of those people in the room to encourage one to never doubt your talents. I get a thrill knowing others succeed. It’s such a joyful experience. So here’s my pitch...

Please share your thoughts and ideas. This world needs to read; and to stop watching and listening so much. I’m sure you have much wisdom to share. Help make this world a better place to live.

I do not consider myself a writer. You hit the mail on the head when you called my comment a “stream of consciousness”. I just start letting though threads spill out and I’m off on a tangent. I’ve never posted anything here on Substack..I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea; and there’s so much out there being said right now. Here’s another Dylanism that I think might apply to me... If my thought dreams could be seen... they’d probably put my head in a guillotine...

But it’s all right...

I came here from WordPress and besides books, Substack is where I read mostly. Occasionally I comment. But, those are generally words of appreciation.

I never knew Garrison had a site on Substack; but he came up in the feed and I never missed his radio performances; so I had to hear him out. He dragged that lengthy comment out of me. It’s his fault! ✌🏼❤️🙏🕉

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Sy's avatar

I am and long have been, in addition to several other things, an English teacher and tutor. As such, I genuinely enjoy seeing others improve and succeed. I always do my best to give 'atta boy's' (reasonable praise) to my students even if the improvement isn't all that great, it's still improvement!

Although I shall admit that I have often been misled and misinformed on any number of significant subjects and issues. However, once I've discovered my mistakes, I always: 1.) Readily admit to my error(s) 2.) Take responsibility for same. and 3.) Do my best to spread my better info to as many others as are willing to listen.

I do NOT AT ALL agree with Garrison Keillor's political views, but, NEVER EVER have I disputed his talents for story telling and his wry sense of humor. When I lived in Colorado I tried my best to listen to his radio (If i remember correctly the show was made available via NPR) show on Saturday evenings and consistently enjoyed them.

Just an aside, I think NPR's 'news casts,' probably should be read as, 'Not Particularly Reliable,' instead of National Public Radio. Gotta have a little fun when and where I can make it! ;-)

By the bye, do feel free to ask me whatever you'd like. I promise to always respond with the best information I have available to me at the time. I do not have any hopes of monetizing my site, so you won't ever have to worry about seeing any requests for you to sign up for any paid service(s).

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Meredth Parsons McComb's avatar

Nevertheless, wasn’t Ralph’s tally enough to swing the White House his year? Had Gore carried his home state, chads in Florida wouldn’t have mattered. Harris plus “all others” in Michigan would have won this time. Purity r us. Al Franken!

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Utejack's avatar

Yes! Unfortunately Ralph messed with the math...

I Am that Florida voter...I was canceled before it became a thing... but then again I query.. who is it that’s doing the cancellation... that’s just a mental concept... I shot back at the barbs of the early 2000’s with the awareness of knowing that we had to get out of the two party lane and detour towards more real choices... Yes, sadly I’m still waiting for the dawning of that day...

Frank Zappa put up this billboard by the roadside...

Perhaps this will wake the nodding minds up

Maybe one day we could see through the madness of this grand illusion that Frank Zappa so appropriately reminds us about...

“ politics is the entertainment division of the military industrial complex...”

There’s a veteran who characterized the 2nd coming of our current fearless leader as...

The Avenger Squad of God’s own problematic idiots!... For some reason it’s as good a characterization as I’ve seen... It made me chuckle and I like that...

A wise man once told me

“Everything’s Appropriate!”

I stopped trying to manipulate the waking state a long time ago... everything about this life changed when I started Self inquiry... who am I?

Here’s a bit of truth from Wahiduddin that came in his ‘Bowl of Saki’ today...

He’s one of the coolest people I’ve had the pleasure to read... People should sign up for his daily saki emails ...

“There is One Truth, the true knowledge of our being, within and without, which is the essence of all wisdom. Hazrat Ali says, 'Know thyself, and thou shalt know God.' ... The Sufi recognizes the knowledge of self as the essence of all religions; he traces it in every religion, he sees the same truth in each, and therefore he regards all as one. Hence he can realize the saying of Jesus; 'I and my Father are one.' The difference between creature and Creator remains on his lips, not in his soul. This is what is meant by union with God. It is in reality the dissolving of the false self in the knowledge of the true self, which is divine, eternal, and all pervading. 'He who attaineth union with God, his very self must lose,' said Amir.”

The ride of life in the grand illusion is described by Dylan so succinctly through a verse from his song Dignity... Bob, goes on a journey in search of dignity and makes this claim...

“I’m on a rolling river in a jerking boat”...

Buckle up... the seatbelt has always been needed and we actually are always strapped in... we just don’t recognize That. Slay the ego through self inquiry...Find out who you are, and there lies the True Promise of Security.

Then we can truly “love our neighbor as our Self”

And in my humble opinion... is what the world needs now... Love sweet Love.

Thanks for reminding me about the maths🙃

✌🏼❤️🙏🕉

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PEB's avatar

Felonald J. Truskolini must go.

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Lee Simmons's avatar

Talk about wisdom of the ages. Hit the nail on the head. Made me smile.

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Christine Cassidy's avatar

I thought "carpe diem" was Latin, not French. ?

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Sy's avatar

You're right.... it IS Latin! He was doing that (mislabeling the language) for the comic effect, in my view.

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John Cook's avatar

Taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace's work Odes. Wikipedia

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Mike Rourke's avatar

Mr. Keillor

Once again you made me laugh and even better you made my wife really laugh. Keep up the good work...by bringing humor into our daily life.👍

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Carol Schumacher's avatar

I'm one of the smart people so thanks for letting me know it's ok!

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Sy's avatar

Et moi aussi!

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David Kannas's avatar

"This is not normal" held in the hands of a Democratic representative snatched by a goon from across the aisle says it all. These are not normal times. We are required to act and hold back the dark tide that is headed by an orange tyrant without a brain but seems to think he is brilliant. Eric Blair would be appalled that he was right.

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Gregory Marchant's avatar

Thank you Donald J. Trump for exiting “U.S.” from endless wars and thank you Garrison for warm hearted, ‘n wise cracking stories.

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Gail Adams VA/FL's avatar

😂 Too bad he declared war on his own people.

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Nigel B's avatar

Gail, just a reminder, I don't think we are his people any longer. But I get your point.

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Gail Adams VA/FL's avatar

Hat tip!

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Sy's avatar
Mar 10Edited

I don't think it's so much Trump, but his handlers who have declared war upon We the People. And his handlers ARE the 'little hats,' guys, if you get my drift!

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PamTyree's avatar

You nailed it.

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PamTyree's avatar

You are so right

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Sy's avatar

I'm not so sure about the relieving us from the, 'endless wars,' part, but, hope you're right.

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