Post No. 208: Desperately Seeking Solutions; When There Are None - At Least Not Long Term

 

© 2023, The Institute for Applied Common Sense™

 

I may be the most conflicted black man in America – situated somewhere between the towns of Hope and Pragmatism, USA. 

Reeling from having viewed the savage beating of Tyre Nichols, yesterday I called one of my former partners whose father was a civil rights icon.

I told him I was visiting a local shop, where 1 of 5 black people I encounter per week in my latest Southern California home, generates his version of southern fried chicken. Neither sushi nor saag paneer would do. I needed to perform an immersion back into time.

I considered having Jessica Alba and Halle Berry work with me to produce some entertaining, dancing video for this post, but they were not immediately available for the price I was willing to pay.  However, I do have a musical selection, if you can make it to the end.

I often tell the story of how my parents and I were traveling in the Deep South in the mid-1950s, and stopped for gas. Being a thirsty 6 yrs. old, I saw 2 water fountains, one clean and sparkling white, the other dirty and grimy where I suspected mechanics washed their hands. 

I gravitated to the clean one, but before I could take a drink, I felt my Father’s hand snatch me by the rear collar, while shaking.  He turned me around while trembling, and whispered, “Don’t you ever do that again!” 

Suffice it to say, I’ve long known my place in America, along with the real deal.  While I didn’t envision that black mechanics working at the station might come out to whip my ass (and that of my Father), perhaps I should have.

About 3 years ago, as the 2020 presidential election approached, I started a Facebook group page, Black Baby Boomers Who Remember, which was later changed to Black Baby Boomers Who Seek a Better Future for All. 

All I wanted to do was share accounts of segregation with young people, and encourage them to vote, thus emulating the efforts of the old NAACP, which my Father held so dear.  I called myself following in his footsteps.

What I found most fascinating was that Black Baby Boomers spoke of the “good old days” and how solid our little villages were, despite being sprinkled all throughout the Deep Segregated South. I realized that many of us were “conflicted.”  

I had three, deeply held, but controversial positions.  One, that racism will never be eliminated, being DNA / gene driven for survival evolutionary purposes. Two, that we need to talk less about the past (while recognizing the importance of history and repeated patterns), and come up with some new, creative approaches for tweaking our system since humans do not change in the long term. Three, having had a little legal experience, I argued that those in power have the ability to give, and the equal ability to take away.  I developed a mantra – watch the debate on abortion, and you will see what is about to take place in the civil rights arena.

I found myself surprisingly emotional over the past couple of days.  Not about anything specific; just things in general on the planet.  But I’ve thought about three things the most: (1) how sad I am that my Mother only lived to 52 and did not see America at its optimal best; (2) how happy I was that my Father lived two weeks shy of 97, and saw America get better during his lifetime; and, (3) how happy I am that my Father, a WWII vet, died before he saw this world seemingly descend into chaos, again.  While it might not have surprised him that 5 black police officers beat the crap out a 148 pound black man, it might have destroyed his optimism, and the optimism he shared with me.

Thus, the conflict in me runs deep, and arguably should in us all. Ain’t nothin' new, as Marvin noted in 1971 in What’s Going On. 

Lest there be some confusion on the part of the "twisters" out there, I love this country with all of my heart, soul, and every fabric of my being.  Our aspirational documents are works of art and science.  They don't get any better and are considered marvels by every freedom-loving creature. It is we humans who screw up the system in the application of whatever we come up with.  Just look back 5,000 years.

The best that we can do in the short term (our lifetimes) is to engage one another, despite our fears and apprehensions, and recognize that for complex issues, there are no real solutions, and definitely not simplistic ones.  There are only trade-offs.

With that mindset, we just might maintain some modicum of optimism and generate some longer lasting, more effective band-aids, before we go out. 

 

 

Post No. 207: An Unusual Post for Me

 

© 2022, The Institute of Applied Common Sense, LLC

 

I'm a major fan of Turner Classic Movies. 

Watching "Giant," for the 2nd time in 4 weeks. If you thought that the O.J. case touched on and revealed many contradictions in American society, check out this movie.

 

Class, wealth, racism, extreme inequality, tolerance, the lunch counter long before Woolworth's in Greensboro, greed, addiction, revenge, matrimonial loyalty, hubris, intolerance, politics, prejudice, religion, patriotism, the flag(s), regional pride, miscegenation, family, a tropical storm, arrogance, comeuppance, the role of women in society, and how people can change as they age, starring a guy who would ultimately "die of complications related to the virus known as AIDS," and a white gal who married 8 times, and ultimately became best friends of one of the more unusual black cats in the world of entertainment, too much reality (and not enough in the way of conspiracy theories) not to mention all 14 of the 7 deadly sins,

 And all of that within the first 20 minutes.

AND THE MOVIE which Will Smith  studiously absorbed before deciding to hit Chris Rock in front of millions....

Simply Special.

 

Post No. 206: If Only Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were Like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

 

© 2022, The Institute for Applied Common Sense, LLC ™

 

Earlier this morning while I was watching CNN Headline News, I saw a banner appear containing the phrase, “Are We Taking Out the Trash Incorrectly?” Initially I did not take the issue very seriously, expecting a light – hearted humorous segment to follow.

 

However, much to my surprise two “experts” on the subject suddenly appeared to expound on the best practices associated with taking out the household trash. There was, I must admit, an occasional oblique allusion to the need to reduce the transition of bacteria or disease.

 

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that in addition to Susan Hendricks snickering, the two experts were working hard to suppress their laughter. It made me question whether anyone should take them seriously while performing a routine straight out of the Abbott and Costello playbook.

 

But it did get me thinking. I have often suggested that because of our seeming inability as citizens to really solve the true mysteries of the desert, we take the easy route and focus on the trivial. But then again, one million of our citizens might quickly disappear (like magic) due to some exotic viral complication, unless we approached this with caution.

 

But that’s unlikely.

 

So, it was with a great deal of excitement, that I discovered a potential solution to all my societal concerns. Let’s say that one disgruntled state sends problems to which it does not wish to devote resources, or people who they regard as problematic, to another state.  Factor in the target dump off location  which is very carefully chosen based on whether the destination jurisdiction is Republican or Democratic. After all, that’s just about as good as any other determining factor when confronted with complexities.

 

The more and more that I thought about it, if Amber Heard or Johnny Depp had simply just bused the other to another city or state based on the political party affiliation of the current mayor or governor, they could have saved all of that moolah spent on that nasty divorce litigation, not to mention the cost of the appeal. Plus, Amber could have avoided a punitive damage award.

 

But then again, that would not have fared very well once the mayor or the governor of the very carefully chosen target city or state was removed from office.

 

I will say this: the concept forces one to consider the stark differences between Republicans and Democrats about the role of government in our nation, and the role of the United States as the leader of the Free World.

 

1.Can we realistically take care of our own on some basic subsistence level?

 

2. If we took all the wealth in our nation and divided it up equally between all citizens, what would that amount to, and would it make a difference?

 

3. Should we open our borders to the disenfranchised and the homeless, and the poor of the world?

 

4. Should one poor person be allowed to come in for each rich person we allow to come in?

 

5. Should border states bear a disproportionate share of the burden associated with people who wish to enter our country?

 

6. Should there be an equal percentage of blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, and South Pacific Islanders allowed in each year?

 

The reality is that we do not have answers or solutions to any of these problems. The fact that our operative governance model is "rule by current committee," and we cannot plan beyond the next election, makes governance even more difficult.

 

However, as an elementary schoolmate of mine reminded me, paraphrasing Thomas Sowell of Stanford, "With complex issues, there are no solutions; there are only trade - offs." That’s what happens when folks get a world – class education.

 

My solution? Eliminate all the frigging politicians! They are all liars, even if not by choice! :) We need a Constitutional Convention to update our governance model and tweak it to repair the broken parts of our vehicle. Take the chance to identify the 3 parts of the system which work, and produce new, innovative approaches. But I doubt that will happen because we are humans.

 

This 1932 Packard has just about travelled its last mile. It's time to trade it in, or upgrade, before it breaks down in the backwoods at midnight on the way to the family reunion. Nothing persists forever, except Mother Nature. And we don't control her....

 

So, you might ask, what is the applicability of all of this to the proper way to dispose of something posing complexities for you? For all those things for which you no longer have a need or the motivation to address, just wrap em' up, make sure that you use a 6 mil Glad brand trash liner, and take it over to your neighbor’s patio.  But only if you suspect them to be a member of the opposite political party. That approach should work as long as that neighbor continues to live in that house in your area.  I guarantee that will be longer than one political party is able to maintain control of the presidency and the legislative branch. At least you can depend and plan on that.

Thank you, Susan. Watching you snicker made my day.

 

Post No. 205: I Have a Newfound Respect for 7 - 11

 

 

© 2022, the Institute for Applied Common Sense

If only our nation’s leaders were as sharp as 7 – 11 executives.

 

I’ve alluded to the importance 7 – 11 has played in my life- particularly during my return to Southern California.

 

I considered naming this post, “Things I Learned, or Had Affirmed During the Past Few Months.”  However, after reflecting on my trip to 7 -11 a couple of weeks ago, I thought that I should pay tribute to the true source of the inspiration.

 

I have lived in numerous locations and patronized different 7 – 11s to get a sense of the demographics, while trying to figure out where I should land permanently.  My Father taught me to look in the classified ads to gain a sense of a community.  In my effort to use more cutting-edge technological tools, I simply go to a 7 - 11.

 

I missed this refuge during 16 years in North Carolina, since they are few and far between.  The Southern California store which I first visited always has two clerks, and an amazing array of “junk.”  You’ve never seen so much sugar assembled, of every imaginable color, consistency, price – prompting patrons to spend hours perusing 5 aisles, seeking that one, special, fuel injection.   Imagine a junk food version of Walmart SuperCenter.

 

When I first visited that property, I made a foolish comment to one of the clerks regarding the scientific marketing approach to everything that was in the store, having just read an article about warehousing and inventory. She disabused me of that notion rather quickly.  She said bean counters were constantly changing their approach, which she regarded as a waste of time.

 

I routinely find the homeless at these locations, since the clerks are always willing to engage them. The clerks themselves are an interesting bunch, prepared to deal with virtually any calamity which might pass through the door.  One of the clerks was a man about 21 years of age, who wore a Bruce Lee T – shirt.

 

As is my wont, upon encountering 20 something folks wearing shirts of some kind reflecting 1960s and 1970s icons, I asked my classic question, “And what does a young fella like you know about _________.  You are too young to know anything about Bruce Lee, or perhaps Bob Marley?”  Yet, they always reveal that I am the fool.  My latest clerk simply informed me, “I learned how to fight from Bruce Lee.”

 

He went on to describe his matriculation watching Bruce Lee films (or videos).

 

I refrained from watching videos for the past 14 years, not wanting to waste my time while they buffered up, and I suffered the ads.  I heretofore argued that I could read text 4 times as fast.  Despite being a member of the Triad Audio Visual Group for years, I continued to express my resistance to videos.

 

But them something significant happened about 2 months ago.  I discovered the healthy line of foods put out by 7 – 11. In particular, I found a green colored, cold pressed, not from concentrate drink, and fell in love with its mint flavor.  It occurred to me that instead of bitching and moaning about how people didn’t share my values, I needed to embrace the times and make a change.  I needed to reach across the 7 – 11 aisle and find the healthy products and start watching videos.

 

Then I realized the 7 – 11 executives were way ahead of me.  They started their healthy drink line 4 years ago.

 

Amazing what one finds when one takes time to leave one’s comfort zone and check out what others have to offer. Over the past couple of years, I’ve encountered people who, in pursuit of the goals of comfort and security, are no longer to even venture near a rabbit hole.  Knowing that I am still willing to at least entertain the notion of alien abductions, without Dana Scully being around, is perhaps the most important thing that I have learned about myself over the past several months – I’ll just keep on looking out for them.

 

Now I appreciate that the clerk may have been wrong about the waste.  Being willing to entertain those who think differently just MIGHT be a good thing for an old man as I approach 71 years on the planet.

P.S. Those of you still interested in viewing Gillian Anderson on occasion might check out The Fall.

 

Post No. 204: And Now for Something a Tad Radical - Before We Implode or Russia Attacks (Whichever Occurs 1st)

© 2022, The Institute for Applied Common Sense

I've had many problems during my soon – to - be 71-year-old existence on the planet.

It’s my mother’s fault.  She forced me to read anything and everything on which I could get my hands, and consider all points of view, even thought I may have vehemently disagreed with the positions of others.

And then to compound my wackiness (God knows she tried), when I asked a question, she would never answer it.  Instead, she would point to World Book Encyclopedias (which she sold in her spare time), and say, “Go look it up, and then come back to me with your question.”

Thereafter, she forced me to attend engineering school where I slept through the acquisition of an industrial and systems engineering degree.  Consequently, I think that everything in the physical universe can be fixed or tweaked, while conceding that humans cannot.

Now that we've had some time to appreciate the significance of the 4th of July, and perhaps ignore it, we peaceful citizens need to make an overwhelming statement as we approach the next presidential election. Simply put, it can't be close the next time around. 

 

No frigging 51%- 49% BS so that the disappointed can perform their rendition of a Marx Brothers routine. 

If: (a) Democrats are willing to "adopt" Liz Cheney (or write in her name); and (b) we can garner the support of moderate Republicans and Independents, we may be able to reach 70% - 75%.  (I know what you are saying, "Silly boy!")

 

Complicated? Yes, but can anyone suggest another pragmatic way to assemble 70% of the popular vote so that the next President has a legitimate mandate?

 

Biden can't do it. 

 

Harris can't do it. 

 

Trump can't do it.

 

DeSantis can't do it.

(Check out the pictures and ask yourself why they are always wrapped in the flag.)

There is simply no way that we will have peace if either party runs with their preferred candidate. We ordinary everyday citizens have more power than we realize, and we need to defy and tweak the system that has been forced on us. (That’s the engineer in me standing on my shoulder.)  We don't have time to form a viable 3rd party.  We may not be able to get around the primary impediments forced upon us.

 

However, we can try to cross party lines and occupy the middle, where (I firmly believe) there is a commonality of interests.  There is no way to get to 60% - 70%, unless we tweak the system, and form a "peace coalition." Can't be done by either party separately.

For all of you naysayers who disagree with this goal, PLEASE tell me an alternate SOLUTION.  If not, spread the word #LizCheney4Prez. (Mitt Romney is my 2nd choice but Cheney has been standing up more recently, and Liz and Prez both end with a z, which may be more important than we are willing to admit.)

Our country was founded through a balancing of competing interests so that we could all live as one people - citizens of one country. There has always been a "tension," and always will be should we continue to exist.

 

A wise former partner of mine once said, “A good settlement / compromise is when all parties walk away somewhat unhappy and partly dissatisfied," and I later added, "...not when one side bullies the other into submission through some type of power." 

 

P.S. 1: This post is well under 750 words, which my now departed mentors horse - whipped me about repeatedly. That leaves time for you to watch one of my favorite movies about the power of ordinary citizens. 

P.S. 2:  You Can't Always Get What You Want