Keep your eye on the prize …

It’s being discussed and debated endlessly, by TV anchors and pundits, by newspaper and magazine reporters and journalists and in living rooms, offices and bars all over America: “Is Joe Biden too old to be running for President?” Before Biden announced his candidacy, the question was, “Is Pete Buttigieg too young?”

With all due respect, I think these folks are missing the point. It should never have anything to do with age, but this year, in particular, I think it is a distraction that could prove to be very costly. I think the only question anyone should be asking is, “Who has the best chance of beating Donald Trump?”

Maybe you think that age is relevant, but I don’t. Because it’s highly doubtful that the next President will be elected based on age, just like the current one wasn’t. Lest anyone forget, Trump is no spring chicken

A desperate plea …

I watch the news in horror everyday. I still can’t believe that such a vile, unscrupulous, self-serving, demented, dangerous man could have been elected in the United States, of all places. 

In part, it’s due to an electoral system that made it possible, despite his losing the popular vote. One also cannot overlook the shockingly enormous number of Americans who share his sick, twisted and ugly beliefs,

Heartbreaking …

Another 59 people have lost their lives for no reason and 527 more have been injured. This time the massacre of innocent people happened in Las Vegas, at a concert. The shooter had at least 10 guns (many of which were automatic rifles) with him and another 18 were found at his home. He also had hundreds of rounds of ammunition and explosives. Many of the guns were purchased legally.

It seems that the NRA, the GOP (who have been bought and paid for by the NRA), the President and all those gun-totin’ Second Amendment-loving Americans think having the right to bear arms makes America great.

And that, my friends, is the real tragedy.

Instead of my usual blog post, today I’m going to turn this space over to Jimmy Kimmel, the comedian and late-night talk show host who has taken on the role of being America’s conscience. God knows America needs one.

Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue here. It will break your heart and it will make you angry. And if you live in the United States I hope it inspires you to take on your government, and the NRA. Enough already.

You can do this.

 

 

 

It’s been two years since I wrote Santa and the world’s still in a sorry state …

This past weekend, as I ruminated over what I’d write today, I remembered a post I wrote exactly two years ago. It was a time of hostage-takings and beheadings, hatred and brutality, lost lives and shattered hopes and dreams.

Despite it not being “my” holiday, I’ve always enjoyed Christmas, or at least the “spirit” of it. The sound of children laughing and the joyful feeling in the air. The sight of houses draped in twinkling lights; and bejeweled and bedecked Christmas trees placed prominently in front of living room windows, so even passers-by can admire and enjoy them … the scent of freshly-baked cookies and pine cones … toasty fires and hot chocolate.

But in December of 2014, I was having a really hard time getting into it. When so many people, the world over, were struggling and suffering and in so much

For Canadians, a time to count our blessings …

Yesterday was Thanksgiving in Canada. It’s when we pause and reflect, to remind ourselves how fortunate we are, to be grateful for all we have. But this year, at least for me, it’s taken on even greater significance.

I could be wrong, but I don’t remember a time when the world was in worse shape, in more turmoil.

Natural disaster after natural disaster, decimating cities and towns and villages, destroying homes and taking lives, leaving nothing but sorrow and rubble in their wake. Discord everywhere you turn — at home and abroad, between rich and poor, men and women, gay and straight, black

When is enough, enough?

I really think we’ve sunk to depths we would once have thought unimaginable. 

It’s bad enough that the republican nominee for president of the United States has lied and cheated his entire life … that he has bent the rules to suit himself … that he has left countless people holding the bag … that the only words that come out of his mouth are vile, vicious and frankly, libelous … that he insults, bullies, threatens, taunts, incites violence and instills fear … that he advocates torture and the use of nuclear weapons … that he cozies

Politically speaking …

…it’s no picnic on either side of the border these days.  Here in Canada we’re getting ready to elect a new Prime Minister, or nightmare of all nightmares re-elect Stephen Harper, our current PM; and the U.S. is awash in presidential hopefuls.  All I can say is, God help us all.

Last Thursday night was election overload.  The leaders of our four parties

Here come the brides (and the grooms) …

… and all their two-and-four-legged ring bearers.

I was kinda tough on the US last week.  Not trying to be mean or nasty, just expressing my feelings.  And they’re still my feelings, in case you’re wondering.  But since then the US Supreme Court has made some really good decisions, at least in my opinion.  So I think it’s only fair I mention it.  Can’t just dish out criticism without giving praise when it’s due, can you?

To be honest I wasn’t so sure they (the judges) had it in them.  But they did and both President Obama and the American public ended up having a very good week.  About time, if you ask me.  Joy has been in short supply lately.

Gay and lesbian couples are now finally free to get married in every state in the country.  All 50 of them.  Hallelujah!  

But while I’m on the subject of marriage, how is it that polygamy is okay?  Not to