REFLECTIONS ~

Today we are sharing words from an article read this past week in the Washington Post,

shared without permission, but with full credit.

Unfortunately, one can provide links to Post articles, but unless you are a subscriber, links will not open.

I found this story moving, important and so lovely to read, I've only chosen

some words, a few paragraphs to highlight.

Much, so much, has been out there, across all media, and rightfully so, about the

Reflecting Pool.

I believe because, more than any other of the president's vanity projects this is a

metaphor for all he has done, continues to do, and may do going forward if not stopped.

Philip Kennicott joined the Washington Post in 1999.
He is a Pulitzer Prize winning writer covering stories on 
art and architecture, classical music and culture.

______________________________

The delight of a reflecting pool is the illusion that there are two buildings framed in the picture, the real one built on terra firma, and the watery one that may seem on several glances to be just as substantial.  The doubling can be scattered with the faintest trace of wind.  And in that there is a poetic conceit of transience, a reminder that everything we build and make and do is fleeting.

The urge to put your hand in the water is almost overwhelming.  If a reflection in water hints at the ephemeral nature of all man-made things, it also gives the visitor a curious power, the ability to dispel the image with a stone or the flick of a finger.  Nature has offered us a double, but we can make the double disappear ...

Now, the pool is the story.

There are good reasons not to swim or wade in the pool - and both actions are forbidden by law - but arresting people for putting their hand in the water is grotesque.  And it repeats a now familiar and maddening pattern of events during Trump's second presidency, alienating Americans from cherished institutions and beloved places.  Touching water is innocent, but now it is a Trumpian crime ... 

People had come to see Lincoln, to stand where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech, where Marian Anderson's voice soared above hate and division on a spring day in 1939.  The view from the memorial's inner chamber is one of the finest man-made vistas in the world, full of promise and possibility and just enough of the sublime to make you think that perhaps humanity can rise above tawdry things like greed and cruelty and chaos.

When the air is calm, particularly just after sunrise, and the pool offers its most pristine surface, the pool suggests another kind of power, and one too often dismissed or ignored.  It is easy to disturb the surface of the water, which suggests one kind of agency.  But we also have the power to leave it alone, to let it reflect back at us this fragile sense of perfect beauty.

In that, there is perhaps an even more telling metaphor.  So much depends, in life and in government, on the collective agreement to preserve and protect, to leave beautiful things alone if they are self-sufficient in their beauty.  Collectively, we can stand back and let everyone enjoy it.

It only takes one person immune to the magic to disturb the image.  And Donald Trump knew a pool guy.

Thank you, Mr. Kennicott

I HAVE TO ~

 

We are always up early, mine Mommy having coffee, reading the Washington Post on her phone, me having my breakfast, then usually sitting under her chair cause she likes that my tail brushes across her feetz.  This morning tho, she was talking, out loud ~ and a lot, l thought maybe I should listen, so I sat in the other chair and paid attention, well, a little bit.

In my years here, I've learned lots of words ~ I know "paws down", and of course, "no, no".  I really like "good girl" and think I don't hear that often enough, but I digressed, meaning to say all of this talking she was doing, she was kinda sorta reading to me something she said was impawtent from whatever she was reading in her WAPO story ... I'll let her speak, OK?  Meowz.

Junie, it's all about a mind reset, something that takes humans awhile to do, but can be done.  This, from "I have to ~ to ~ I get to."  Usually, I'd think, "I have to clean your litter box", my mind reacting with some stress, some anxiety to get a chore done.  But, if I can work to begin thinking "I get to clean your litter box", my mind will begin to see this as a privilege, a good thing because I'm caring for another little being important to me.  Instead of thinking "I have to design posters for our drama group this week", change the thought process to "I get to design posters," because I know it's a fun group to be part of and all enjoy being together.  Apply "get to" instead of "have to" to so many things ... such a simple thing.  Do you have to vacuum, no, you could let it go ... if you get to vacuum, your home is refreshingly clean and you feel better.  

And just one more ~ passing by the stranger on the street or in the market?  Do you look down, in this fractious world of today?  Consider thinking, the mind reset, "I get to", I get to look up and smile or nod.  You don't have to, but it isn't so hard to do.  Endorphins will flood the brain, those feel good chemicals.  The stranger may or may not return your smile, your nod.  But if they do, for that one second in time you each "get to feel good" and two worlds have become a better place.

Well, mine Mommy, I didn't understand all your words, 

but I kinda sorta think I understood a few.

So, do I get to have a treat now?

We'll work on this together, dear,

you may not fully understand yet,

purrhaps a treat later. 

PRAYERS

 USAF KC-135 Air Refueling Tanker [AFP/Getty Image]

It is now confirmed

that all six of our soldiers

have been lost in this tragic war time accident.

Please offer prayers for our

service members and their families.

 It is called a "dignified transfer".

A baseball cap?  Cheap merch from your online store?  

Self promotional grifting yet again?
Seriously?  Dignified?

Saluting?  You never were in the military, remember?  

Only those who have served, who do serve have the right to salute.

The rest place hand over heart.

A pretender.  A fake.

Dignified?  Not and never.

NO COMMENT

 

GOP DJT SEC DEF BIBI ETC ETC IMHO

 

MARCH 1, 2026

So maybe you're not one to protest, to march, to hold high a banner.  That's OK.

So maybe you don't want to write a letter to the editor, publish your name.  That's OK.

So maybe you don't want a political sign in your yard, a bumper sticker on your car.  That's OK.

So maybe you prefer not to donate to political candidates.  That's OK.

So maybe you think it's best not to talk politics with family, with friends.  That's OK.

So maybe you voted one way ~ maybe you now kinda sorta regret that vote?  That's OK.

So maybe you did not vote?  That's NOT OK.

It's often said "this is the most important election ever" and one might think

that is a cliche, but it isn't because each and every election is important.

Exercising one's right to vote in each and every election is important.

We are where we are today because of "numbers".

Numbers of persons who did not vote.

And as a side note: just consider the news of the past 24-hours, we have an administration

that has taken us into war: wag the dog.  Do not be deceived: 

this is a war likely in the planning for many months, 

without congressional approval, without an end game, as a distraction,

again by an administration unable to address any issues or problems that 

need solving within its own borders, one incapable of governing

with a mentally declining madman at the top.

So.  Early voting has already begun for primaries in many states.

It will pick up throughout March and the following months,

with most being held in June, then a few more throughout the summer.

Midterm elections draw fewer voters traditionally, yet they represent the

foundation for all elections and are vitally important in our own communities

where we elect those who will often go on to higher office, but in the interim

have an impact on all that takes place in our home towns.

You can click this LINK to find when your state votes:

2026 STATE PRIMARY ELECTIONS

So much is at stake.

Every vote counts.

Do not say to yourself "my vote just cancels out another".

No excuses.

There are some possible risks to these midterm elections, to their security

and legitimacy.  It may be simple rumbles-and-rumors at this time,

but nonetheless, this is the one opportunity to make your voice heard and

whether your choice is Independent, Republican or Democrat it is

"your choice and your voice".  Use it.

Below, four generic VOTING BADGES.

We offer these to all in our blogging community, copy/paste, post to your

blog sidebar, to show your support for VOTING 2026.  Thank you.

WEDNESDAY WORDS [With A Warning]

One year ago yesterday, January 20, 2025, the United States inaugurated and put in power a man-child who over the past 365+ days has done more damage to our democracy that most combined who came before him.  

For one brief moment, we will set aside the actions and the destruction to focus here only on the "words".  Volumes of words: lies and exaggerations too many to count, documented even when he often follows with "I never said that".  Words of misogyny, words of hate, words of incitement, bullying, threatening, vulgarities, demeaning others, an endless tirade of venom from an uncontrolled and dementia raddled mind.  One need not hold a medical degree to know the so-called "light in his attic" dimmed long ago, and now it is totally dark up there.  The switch is off now and it appears there is no one who is yet ready, willing or able to step forward and stop him.  

On January 7, in a lengthy interview with several reporters from The New York Times, and many of the White House staff present, when he was asked if there were any checks on his global authority: Donald J. Trump replied:

"Yeah, there is one thing.  My own morality.

My own mind.

It's the only thing that can stop me."

Of all the horrific and unconscionable things said by Trump over time, these are without doubt the most dangerous and frightening words spoken for they hold a measure of truth: who will stop him?  This man who has no morals, no values, no character, no foundation as a decent and good human being.  This man whose mind has no guardrails and is not now, never was, functioning with intelligence, empathy or any interest in serving his country or the people of his country.  Who will stop him? 

UPDATE: If anyone took the time to sit through his weaving, wandering self indulgent presentation from the White House press briefing room yesterday, more power to you.  Most of us who've been in the workplace have often been asked to do our own annual "self" job performance review.  Well, he offered up his own, of course with an A+ grade, though his employers [we, all American citizens] are most likely to downgrade that to a F, and search for whatever measures possible toward termination!  Are there any?  

I'll not demand equal time to rebut all the lies and exaggerations, others can and will do so.  I will simply choose a few that stood out [a/k/a particularly amused me] and seemed appropriate for a response.

"I signed an executive order to bring back mental institutions and insane asylums."  Well, golly gee ... over in Southeast DC sits St. Elizabeths, a now abandoned federal psychiatric hospital.  John Hinckley, who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan was housed there for many years. Golly gee ... do a quick rehab, it's close to the White House, friends 'n' family can visit, reserve a room there for him, could be ready by say, Valentine's Day ... 

"I think God is very proud of the job I've done ..."  Well, yeah, sure, of course, without doubt.  Seriously.  You need to take some meds.  God is ready to send you that 9th level when the time comes.

"To me a town, it looks better when you have military people - these are big, strong guys."  We are warned.

One more time.

Who will stop him?

WHERE IS BLUE?

I will continue to meow out loud until my blue is back. 

We need blue.  

 

CAPTIONS - COMMENTS - CURSES - CONTROVERSIAL

And likely to offend some.  With a small "sorry".  And yeah: yet again with all the disastrous political news of the past week [amend that to the past 17 days] this probably doesn't even qualify for "rumpt's top ten" list but it was one that kinda sorta was the most fun to play with when it came to "art and words".  So, look down if you dare, read on if so inclined and comment [in any which way] if you want, or not!  We took the liberty of including a few of our own.

"Just a little more gold for your oval, you deserve it, sir"

said the gifter to the grifter.

"But, I want the $1.19 million, too ..."

___________

Throughout 2024, as this man-child who would be king, openly sold himself, so needy and desirous of winning the Nobel Peace Prize [now watch as he'll beg for a Super Bowl ring, an Oscar or even a Masters "Green" Jacket], with every press briefing from the White House press room, his little blonde marionette would echo his pleadings, sing his praises and promote shamelessly that, of course, he was the only choice for the NOBLE Peace Prize.

Please note:  Yes, she usually, most always called it the NOBLE Peace Prize.

This is referenced here because it adds another layer of disgust [plus sarcasm and humor to this whole story].  

The NOBEL Peace Prize is awarded for, among many other positive things ~ promoting peace, human rights and democracy.

The word NOBLE is defined as ~ showing fine personal qualities or high moral principles and ideals.

Donald J. Trump has done nothing that qualifies him for the NOBEL Peace Prize and looking at what he is currently doing in the United States of America, doing in other countries and threatening to do ~ it is absurd to think he would ever be eligible for any peace prize in the future.

Donald J. Trump personally is not, never has been and never will be a man one would define as noble in any way shape or form, he has no morals, no values or ideals beyond his own self importance, needs and wants.   It was a sad day for this country when he was elected to office.  A tragedy that goes on day after day.

JUNE 14, 2025: A COMMENT

Yes, we did. 

And 36 years later, we are adding fuel by the hour.

Destroying everything, destroying the future, their future.

Letting it all burn.  Letting it all happen.

__________________________

Today, we honor and respect the United States Army, all who have

served and continue to serve as it celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Today, Flag Day.  Though as a nation, we have often fallen short of

the values, morals and high standards for which it stands, 

we continue to place hand on heart for our flag.

Today, we stand up, though cannot stand personally with the tens of

thousands of our fellow citizens who will march in protest,

representing "NO KINGS", from East to West and North to South

against the injustice and immoral actions of the current administration,

in the White House, the Cabinet and in the halls of Congress.

Today.  Rain on the parade.

 

BECAUSE SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN

 

Sunday evening, March 23, at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, Conan O'Brien received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.  An annual ceremony honoring American humor first began in 1998 and has continued every year since, except during the pandemic years of 2020/21.  

Here, sharing a direct quote from a story in this mornings Washington Post 3/24/2025, written by Travis M. Andrews, titled: 

COMICS ROAST CONAN O'BRIEN, TORCH TRUMP AT KENNEDY CENTER'S TWAIN PRIZE

Twain was suspicious of "mindless American might," O'Brien said.

"He loved America but knew it was deeply flawed."

Quoting Twain, he said,

"Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and

your government when it deserves it."

Posting and commenting politically.  It is often said that two things can be true at the same time.  I believe this absolutely applies to the statement above, and so rewriting for this time and place to say: "now, in this time and this place, we can be patriotic, we can and must support our country in every way possible ~ yet, not be supportive of the government we have, for it does not deserve our support." 

Whatever "label" you choose: Democrat, Republican, Independent, Liberal, Conservative, Progressive, Moderate choose: Fight, not flight.  Every individual, every institution, everything that has made the "United" States united ~ united, strong, powerful, productive, and once a place of freedom for all ~ is being ripped apart every hour of every day.  Silence is not golden.

 

 

 

MONDAY ~

 JUNE, YOU LOOK A LITTLE WORRIED, SWEETIE . . . 

I've been reading the news on our 'puter.

You know I luv polka dots.

But I'm not sure . . .

Are those polka dots, or

bullet points?

KAKISTOCRACY

My country tis of thee,
yesterday ~ I felt so ashamed of thee.

___________________________________

Three years ago this month, our country stood strong, together, in support of Ukraine against the aggression of Russia.  Yesterdays behavior, actions, and words by the two men elected to serve as President and Vice President of the United States of America brought shame, embarrassment, disgust and instilled deep fear among good and caring Americans.

Elected November 2024.  Sworn into office January 2025.  Awarded a "cabinet" of equally unqualified secretaries over the weeks since.  Appointing the unelected "X" man to do whatever chooses to do, whenever he wants, to whomever he wants.  This is kakistocracy (n): a government by the least suitable or least competent citizens of the state, the least qualified and the most unscrupulous.  Easy to check all those boxes.

Silence is not golden.  Not now.  Pay attention.  Every one of us has a voice.  Call, write your congressperson, your senator: local and federal.  Once, twice, again and again.  You may not yet have been personally impacted by what is taking place each and every day, but that day will come.  And in the "six degrees of separation" theory, there is someone, or more, in your circle who has been damaged already.  

Remember This:  

 

As of July 2023, the total voting age population in the US was: 262,083,034

Total number of voters for Trump, November 2024: 77,301,997

Approximate % of US citizens, over 18, who wanted Trump to be

President enough who voted for him:

29.5%

That means approximately 70% did not vote for him.

There was no landslide.  There is no mandate.  Unfortunately, way too many "sat out" this election, and we are all paying the price for that negligence.  Too many more were swayed by mis-and-disinformation.  There's no easy fix now, no turning back the clock.  And no rest for the weary.  And no turning out, turning off the of news and information either ~ as exhausting, upsetting, angering and depressing as it may be, it is vital and critical to stay tuned in, stay informed.  Each of us has a voice, albeit small, but together it becomes loud and louder.  And it will matter.  

Those fighting in Ukraine should have all their tomorrows.

We fighting here in the USA should have all our tomorrows.