hope4grandkids

PURE JOY

October 13, 2025 / PAPA / 0 Comments

It was 4 A.M. when a familiar malady stirred Papa awake. So long as I was up I decided to switch on the TV and see if there were any news updates from Israel. The release of the hostages was underway. That small doubt in the back of the mind that something may go wrong at the last moment vanished. It was replaced by the sights of absolute joy on the faces of families on hearing the news. Those smiles beamed even brighter in the next hour as it became clear that all living hostages were coming home. And, did come home. What a wonderful day.

I thought about smiling more in the future. Happiness, which often resides inside, needs to be broadcast facially more often. How many times do we see over the top joy on faces arouns us? I’ve been lucky enough to officiate at weddings and look into beaming faces during the ceremony. That visual of sheer joy is often lost on the guests in attendance. That expression of happiness is the closest to what I was seeing on my TV screen this morning. I’m not sure where these digital images are stored, U-Tube I assume? Wherever, go and watch the embraces between the families. Watch the crowds on the streets as they wait and then hear the joyous news. It’ll give your spirit an uplift. It’s good to smile.

To add some zip to it, I suggest listening to what you describe as Papa music. Like from the 1950’s. Try the Nat king Cole version of “Smile”. Listen to the lyrics; good advice.

CANADA

October 10, 2025 / PAPA

When north of the border this summer a few American friends asked what Canadians thought of Trump’s talk about making their country our 51st state. Frankly I hadn’t paid much attention to it and I didn’t hear a lot of talk in the rural area where our cabin is located. The best line I heard was from a friend who said he’d not be sending me an invoice for work he did until they were a part of the US. Then I’d have to pay in US dollars. My response, if asked by locals, was that it made no sense for Trump or the republican party to want an extra state that would vote democrat. Canada is quite left leaning. For whatever reason Trump stirs things up whether it makes sense or not. Over a few weeks I did note subtle comments that indicated some Canadians were more stung by his statehood suggestion. Part of that was the “elbows up” attitude of their national election intended to stand up to Trump.

In any event, as a guest in another country, I do not feel comfortable being critical of their politics. Tariffs and trade represent real issues between our two countries. Canada is a more controlled economy. Certain sectors get protective rules. I don’t understand it but there are also some sort of trade barriers between provinces. Though I try not to be critical, I am surprised how easily citizens of other countries have no issue lambasting the US to one’s face. I found this to be especially true in Europe. Such conversations usually begin with a version of, “Oh, we are so sorry for you Americans.” Then we are told what is wrong with our system, policies or leaders etc. Knowing in my heart of hearts that I live in the best country in the world their attempts fail to get much more from me than a polite smile. I know that there are some American tourists who will join with a woe is us attitude. Not my cup of tea. Much of the world never quite threw off the shackles of the past.

Canada had its chance nearly 250 years ago. I remember a history lecture in which our professor estimated that about 1/3 of Americans were patriots, 1/3 were loyalists and 1/3 neutral or too busy carving out a life to care. Many loyalists went to Canada. A few may have gone back to England if they had the means. In Canada those loyalists faced a divide between Upper and Lower Canada for nearly another 100 years under English rule. Then Canada became part of a Dominion (Confederation) until 1982’s constitution. It’s taken awhile for them to get rid of King/Queen rule. Some chain links are hard to break; the UK Parliament needed to pass legislation in 1982. And, of course the Queen needed to sign off. And, it is not lost on me that King Charles made the trip over to open this year’s session of parliament. Even ceremonial ties are hard to cut.

I love going to Canada. I enjoy every moment spent with its citizens. I do not know why Trump mused what he did about statehood. On paper and in retrospect, it would have made a lot of sense 200 years ago. Choices were made, evolution occurred and nationalism has set in. Now? Not an easy outcome even if Canadians wanted to join the US. Papa does not see a union meshing too well. Their forging process was quite different. Best we just remain really good friends; especially with Cape Breton. (*This post was started in Canada but internet issues thwarted completion. )

FEDERALIST

October 8, 2025 / PAPA

Three of you are in high school and I hope you know that you have a front row seat in the constitutional questions being raised in Portland. (And in other states.)I recall having teachers who’d have such discussions in my day. I don’t know if that occurs for you. Before I get to Federalist 29, which is rather dry, first look at history. Local political leaders are saying there is no inserrection in Portland. All is mostly calm etc. No need for Trump, national guard or military in Portland. A NY Times reporter has sealed their concept by being filmed stepping out from behind a tree looking for chaos on a very calm looking street. Nothing to see here etc.

Now, as to history, look back to 1957 in Little Rock Arkansas. Democrat Governor Faubus was blocking implementation of the Supreme Court decision: Board vs. Brown. (I hope that is taughtin schools here.) No desegregation was emphasized by Faubus who used the state national guard to block 9 black kids from enetering school. Enter President Eisenhower who sent elements of the 101st Airborne Division into Little Rock to enforce federal law. He also federalized the state national guard away from cntrol of Faubus. All of this centered around one single high school. I’d bet that 99% of Little Rock was otherwise calm.

Other Presidntial actions in regard to deploying the military also has happened. JFK with Executive Order 11111 federalized the Alabama state guard when democrat Governor Wallace stood in a school house doorway. The whole guard for one guy. No riot mayhem there. Calm. Of course, Wallace was also obstructing federal law. In 1989 the military was deployed in he aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. Then in 1992 it was deemed necessary during the LA riots. There is a long history going way back into the 1800’s.

Papa may not be as sharp any more but the names of Justice Story or the Federalist papers still stir memories of law school. “I read a lot of that stuff,” comes to mind. Not going to do an indepth reading now but the gist is still there. States will argue that all is calm and under control by local authorities. The courts will decide. Is it still black letter law that the President has sole decision making whether an exigency exists? What is needed to implement federal law? Precedent can always be changed. However, for your purpose I hope that you do your own thinking about such issues, as dry as the readings may appear. Alexander Hamilton wrote Federalist 29. It deals with the military’s federal deployement. I think Justice Story goes back to the War of 1812. Next legal step at 9th Circuit.

A DAY IN HISTORY

October 3, 2025 / PAPA

An internet feature that highlights events from a date’s history caught Papa’s eye the other day. (Speaking of eyes there is a delay in this posting by a rest from viewing screens following eye surgery.) The event in question brought back a memory of a day I kicked myself for many years ago. It was 1971. I was in Vietnam. I was stationed as close to 100% safe as one could be under the circumstances. However, there were certain times in which Papa needed to exercise extra caution. Going off base was always one such time. I was more or less able to plan such trips as most times I had no deadlines.

Yet, deep into my deployment I lost my sense of caution when I made arrangements for off base travel. I didn’t pay attention. There was no emergency for me to travel. It was routine and could have been done on any day over a week or two timeframe. Yet, I picked that date in history for my foray. When I stepped out of my vehicle at the destination I was confronted by an enraged Top of the top and biggest sergeant in the military who demanded to know if I the dumbest guy in the military. I had driven through the streets of Saigon where there had been a series of explosions, ambushes and attacks. Several had been within blocks of where I stood face to face with the sergeant armed and ready in full combat gear. “We are under attack,” are words I can remember to this day. Of all days to stay on base safe and sound still nags at my conscience.

That day in history was the day of the Presidential election. A day the enemy was doing their best to disrupt. Yes, Top…Papa did feel fairly stupid that day.

DEBATE

September 14, 2025 / PAPA

It is mind numbing that a speaker was murdered on a college campus this week because his opinions irritate a segment of the population. The slaying makes a mockery of Papa’s old “sifting and winnowing” recommendation to you from Badgerland. An evil example that far too many of our fellow citizens have indeed closed their minds. That this week’s victim died trying to pry open minds on college campuses adds to the irony. It is scary that so many people fervently believe that they and their cohorts are 100% correct 100% of the time. Closed minds that are ripe for manipulation. True believers probably don’t see why another person can’t be wrong 100% of the time on everything. Conversely, it must feel good for them to feel correct 100% of the time.

Closed minded folks may be overdue for what Papa describes as a healthy dose of “So What?” Assuming the murder victim batted zero for a hundred and was preaching that up is down and black is white and that rain falls upward why would any rational person find those opinions worthy of intentional homicide? Ah, some will say, the problem lies with the fact that many people agreed with him. He had a following. Some internet nuts suggest that such accepted opinions justify violence against the speaker. What logic. Then is it okay to accept violence against those who heard his message and agree with his opinions? Might those supposedly misguided folks repeat/spread his thoughts? What about those cretins who only accept 40 or 60 or 70% of his philosophy? Off with their heads also? Could it be that it is difficult to quash ideas with a single bullet?

Not so fast some may say to Papa. He wasn’t takling about up being down or other silly examples cited above. True believers that the sky is falling in so many respects will claim the murder victim supported what they see as vile speech. He frequented college campuses to try to convince students towards more conservative thinking. In a manner of speaking he kind of went into the lion’s den. It was mostly speech and his presence that riled folks who are very uninterested in listening. Sometimes Papa may agree with only 10 or 20% of what a speaker says but the concept of violence doesn’t rear up in the dark corners of the mind. In such circumstance I am more likely to conjure up a question/retort of my own while listening. Kids at his rallies didn’t simply sit back and ponder responses to topics. He handed thema micrphone and engaged in back and forth conversations.

Which reminds Papa of high school/college/law school debate teams/sessions. All four boys in my family debated at various levels. It was fun. It was interesting. My entire career as an attorney/judge involved seeing more than one side in a dispute/argument. It would seem quite impossible to form a firm opinion or come to a reasonable decision if studying an issue from just one viewpoint. I remember classmates who were so ridgedly zeroed in that they never understood why they miss hit on certain course grades. If formal debate is not your cup of tea or offered in school be sure to approach your evaluation of political or cultural issues with an open mind. Use the old noggin not fists.

Seek out classmates, teachers and others who welcome open discussions of issues. It is always good to listen to a range of viewpoints. In the process of forming your own opinions and values, an open mind is vital to testing one’s conclusions. If you run into people who don’t openly engage don’t be discouraged. Many are so set in their opinions that they only want to enter discussions as a way to affirm their set in concrete views. Our country needs a ton of healing and I urge you to help by speaking calmly without harsh accusatory words for those with differing opinions. Tolerance for others used to be a cherished hallmark of being an American. Foster independent thought and accept that others will be different from you. The world is not going to go to hell in a hand basket if you don’t join 100% with the sky is falling crowd. Let them do the cynical worrying. When others say it’s best not to discuss certain issues in a social setting it may well be that they do not wish to have open discussions but fear that someone will not jump on their one note band wagon “discussion.” No loss there for you.

URI WHO?

June 13, 2025 / PAPA

Many years ago, when Papa was finding his bearings with the in-laws (YOUR blood relatives), the name Uri Geller popped up. It was undoubtedly at a “long table” dinner conversation. As background for you, many times family, friends and a wide assortment of passer-bys gathered for food and provacative conversation. At least at the time I felt the talk was stimulating. I naturally wanted to please. Papa was young and enthusiastic about education and having an open mind. But, buried deep inside me was a Mid-West anchor that had its roots in very different folks than I was starting to encountere out east. My hometown was decididly blue collar. Out east I wasn’t getting any vibes that my favorites of sports, history, movies or politics would be forthcoming.

Initially, I heard repetitive conversations about sex. I was all aboard with that subject, although it always felt like the doing should out pace talk.Along with sex, more sex and even more sex, other topics in favor were psychology ( Your great-grandmas profession), spiritualism, some arts and music and a tinge of the occult. Actually, much of it was very interesting to me at first. Open my mind etc. Different directions would be good for me. The topics were pretty far afield for me so I mostly sat and listened. However, that I was in the presence of what I’ve come to refer to as Woo Woo land was driven home to me one evening when I asked a simple question of a stranger seated across the table.

I received no response. The young man with straggly hair had a blank look on his face. I asked my question again. No response. Giving the benefit of the doubt I rised my voice a bit. After a few seconds he looked up at me, as if startled. “Did you ask me something?’ he offered.

“Yes, could you please pass the gravy?”

Reaching for the gravy he did not skip a beat and said, “I’m sorry. I transported myslf to India in order to check on a good friend. He’s having significant issues. I feel better if I can personaly see that he is okay at the Asram.”

Why didn’t I think of that flashed through my mind. After all, I have family and friends back home who needed watching over. Especially that one older brother. Expensive long distance calls were still a thing back then. Transporting one’s mind would have really helped stay in touch. Of course, Papa had no idea how this feat was accomplished.

No worry. All my questions would be answered. The table conversation became all atwitter about the young man’s spiritual ability. A few claimed the same ability but not on demand. They so envied getting away to India between courses at dinner. Papa’s foray into the intelligensia began to take an off ramp. Within minutes I was back on the smooth road of reality. That happened just about the time my dinner companions started to examine each others auras. (I never got the hang of that either.) Soon they were besting each other on the worst experinces from their past lives Beheadings, torture and serfdom had created great obstacles in this day and age for them. Until they captured and slew their inner demons. (I had missed out on therapy also.) Mostly I was silent during these types of conversations. Smile and nod while I enjoyed the humor of it. ( I will spare you the dazzling mirrors event from one memoranle evening. Too raw.)

But, it was all intersting and fun. Which brings me back to Uri Geller. His name came up at a dinner long ago. I’d never heard of him. Of course. The other attendees of that particular night were very much up to date with his mind bending of spoons and forks. So, when the Greta activist recently set sail for Gaza, Papa knew that the threat of knocking her off course had merit. I paid attention fifty odd years ago. (Or, does trivia simply get locked in?) Yuri Geller announced that with his mind he’d mess up the navigation system or twist the steering wheel or some such and thwart her getting to Gaza. Perhaps her ship was blown off course by mental powers into the hands of Isreal’s navy? I know of some dinner companions who’d have believed it.

Years later I now regret not learning the basics of mind over matter. At my remote cabin in the wild I could have diverted a beer truck up the lane and jostled a case or two off the back to land near my path. Through the years there were many magical things Papa was exposed to but never got the gist of mastering the inner workings.

FRISKED

June 8, 2025 / PAPA

In the past year Papa has flown out of Portland’s airport four times. As I have done in the past the presence of an artificial hip is relayed to TSA personel. That disclosure sends me to the larger body scanner at PDX. Each time my scan then fails and sends me to the next step. I get the full knee to waist and in between pat down. Or, what feels more like a squeeze down. No part of the process takes as long as the explanation protocol. Grasping can be done here or there in private. The jumble of colors on a view screen that reminds one of a Rorschach test is referenced but not understood by me or explained by them. Lots of color down there. Here is what part on the body will be touched and which part of the grabbler’s hands will go where; up and down and all around. Understood?

Okay, okay. Get it over with. Ever since 9/11 who is opposed to enhanced security? Not Papa. There are bad guys out there. Yet, an unsettling feeling has developed. In the past year I have also gone through the I have a fake hip routine at airports in Madison, Chicago, Boston, Raleigh and San Jose. Throw in Halifax and Vancouver in Canada it means six airports failed to give me the full frisk. Which raises questions. Is the scanner at Portland of a better quality or calibrated for extra security? If so, can’t even the bad guys figure out there are airports that are more inviting targets for nafarious entry onto jets? One might suggest that consistency in equipment or protocol at all airport screening sites is a desired goal. If it is willy nilly, is the traveling public as safe as possible?

Papa asks airport security why he only trigers a full monty alert in Portland. That turns out to be the one time he gets consistency across the board. However, the shrug of the shoulders response fails to inspire confidence in me.

BEAT A DEAD HORSE

June 6, 2025 / PAPA

Papa has said it before but today is the most significant historical date in the last century. D-Day was the start of the push to stop a wave of dictatorship violence that resulted in life and opportunity for millions. It is hard to envision what the world would look like if Germany and Japan had not been defeated. Interestingly, as America nears its 250th birthday, those two nations benefit greatly by enjoying a peaceful start of democracy. Not so sure other nations get the gist of individual freedom experienced here in the US. Our expeince was unique. The US threw off the yoke of Old World rulers and elbowed its way forward. (By the way, watch the movie “How The West Was Won” for some insight on America’s expansion.)

All the countries of South and North America had a chance at our form of individual freedom but only a few have succeeded. Most have had centuries of PooBahs. People and cultures love their PooBahs. Or, at least tolerate the same. I get a kick out of Trump giving Canada a third crack at being a part of the US. I sense leg pulling. Why would a supposed Republican want to add senators/representatives to Congress who probably have a deep leftist mindset? Loyalists fled north during our American Revolution and didn’t react to advantage in the War of 1812. They stuck with their King and to some lesser degree still do today. But, they are no loner a Dominion and independent since 1867 or 1931 or perhaps 1982 or somewhere along the line.

COLLEGE SELECTION

June 3, 2025 / PAPA

Most alumni are very happy with their college experience. That’s as it should be. Thre is no one right college for a person. There are all sorts of ratings by a wide variety of entities for universities. A person would have to try quite hard to get a bad education at most any college. The same mainly holds true for enjoying the college experience. Big, small, urban, small town. The school’s specialty might play a big part of course. Five or ten years later there are probably few regrets no matter one’s selection. Papa has only met a few folks who expressed remorse about their college years. Not to be judgmental but they also seemed of a type that were sorry for the flavor of ice cream selected when eyeing others’ selections. Two of you are starting the college search. It is not a time for anxiety or fear. Make choices/applications that are comfortable to you. You are the one that will be living the experience. Down the line the odds are that you’ll be just as happy as most alumni.

In a famous 1960’s movie a college kid is told there is one word for his future income/happiness. “Plastics”. Papa has one word of advice for college. “Balance”. One of the purposes of college is that of independence from home and family. On your own is a big step. Necessary and exhilerating in many ways. You pretty much become your sole boss on matters such as time, sleep, diet and friendships. Alumni mostly recall social events from university days. Trudging in snow or against driving rain isn’t memorable. Nor, is a late afternoon lecture or a night studying. You’ll remember the fun. However it is all important; it seeps in. The best college experience may be to have fun, gain some knowledge and perhaps a bit of wisdom.

Balance in life is also a skill/trait to develop during a college career. It will be helpful throughout years of employment. It is tricky to not get drawn away from focus. Too much social in school hurts study time. That is obvious but beware of the ease of being diverted. Get behind and the next issue to avoid is putting something off by minimizing a deficit’s importance. Putting one’s self in a deep hole and ending up just squeezing by and avoiding total disaster is a next step nightmare. Stay up to date. Hard work can sound arduous but change the emphasis to sticking with it. No need to set records of hours studied and sleep lost. Chug along and keep up. Balance.

Going off to college is a positive life experience. Not all young people have the opportunity that awaits you. Make the most of a chance to learn balance. Avoid pressure feelings/concepts/got tos and go with positive images. The world is not going to end if certain events/college admission/grades/goals are not achieved. The world will be better off if you do your best in all endeavors which will contribute a fair share to the world’s needs. I’m so excited to observe how you proceed over the next few years. You’ll all do well. Don’t fret. Don’t worry. Have all your fun. Stay in balance.

SILENCE

May 27, 2025 / PAPA

Hate Trump. Really hate Trump. Really, really hate Trump. Papa is giggling as these comments are typed out. I understand that Trump is disliked. I understand that people did not vote for Trump. I understand that people voted for Trump. I understand that some people blame everything not to their liking on Trump. I certainly understand that people were unhappy with governing by some of the Presidents during my 16 electoral choices.

Although not in my nature I even sort of understand how some people are riled up to a 100%, all the time, unrelenting hate of Trump. What is not very rationally understood is why some people shun Papa when he does not join in a Trump hate fest. Debate and the free exchange of ideas were a bed rock of my family when growing up, as well as during my political science/history/law education and in 58 years of practicing law/judging. Too many times since Trump’s re-election when the words “hate Trump because” are spoken, Papa’s natural instinct is to suggest something less than another’s 100% on a topic. For many years if the constitution, laws or historical facts are deemed distorted, Papa thought it was good to join in and advance a debate. Discussion of issues was a positive. I only recall being encouraged to do so. It was the process that Hlped formed more liberal ideas. However, what now happens on occasion is that any contrary contribution seems very unwelcome and judged as not having zealous 100% hate for Trump. It is not enough to recognize his personality flaws, to have not voted for him or to disagree with the vast majority of presidential dcisions/policies. One needs to be a part of the chorus. No exceptions.

This blog is for my grandkids and tries to target hope. It is the opposite of hope to wallow in the negativity that an all consuming hate of Trump engenders. When others do not appreciate any contribution that is not 100% they become the censors that squash free thinking. Previosuly, I wrote that it will be interesting if the democrats adapt enough to win more elections in the future. On the national level so far most of what Papa hears is an echoed version of the few who hate Trump without exception. I don’t hear much thought from the expressors of hate as to why he got elected. Hate Trump and those close to him of course and then lament how stupid all his supporters/voters are. Don’t disturb the comfortable embrace of hate based on a personal opinion of intellectual superiority. But, may Papa suggst that there are reaons out there why Trump won beyond others are not as smart as thee.

What Papa thinks is a series of opportunities to enjoy discussing the issues of the day become islands of silence. Don’t talk politics is an old cliche of course. In my 81 years I do not remember times or issues that I didn’t feel comforatble talking about differing political/social issues with others. Now, in the name of social peace silence is suggested for Papa. How hate for one man can so twist another’s freedom of speech is fascinating. Books will be written on the subject at some point. Plenty of material.

So, do your best to cling to an open mind. Read and listen to a wide variety of sources. Find folks of all opinions and beliefs to have open discussions. Draw your own conclusions from facts. Form your own values. Express your opinions. There is no one person or group that you need to conform with. Remain positive. Negative thoughts that scare are the gun powder of politics by both political parties; especially on their fringes. It’s just possible that the sky is not falling. Papa will continue to use this forum and pray that this time of hate fades so it feels comfortable that voices can be heard/tolerated.