hope4grandkids

ADULTHOOD

January 23, 2026 / PAPA

Two of you turn 18 tomorrow. Papa will spare you the cliches. A clear but cold winter night’s drive across town to St. V’s is still a vivid memory. As was being told to return 2-3 hours after the fact for our first viewing. Thank goodness for Uncle Todd but that sounds familiar so I probably re-visited that thought for a prior birthday. Bubbly was had.

Two items to remember at age 18. Register to vote. Register for the Selective Service. There was a time when the Selective Service registration was of greater import. All the men not only had to register but at some point nearly all had to deal with the military draft. It was termed the military obligation. Coming out of law school, there was a booklet with each graduate’s biography. Looking for employment etc. Nice photo. Accomplishments. Prizes. Honors. (If any beyond my nickname.) And, lastly, the not ready for employment phrase, “Military Obligation Unfullfilled.” Subject to being drafted. Or, a possible voluntary enlistment. Or, not yet successful in seeking out a reserve/national guard unit. There was no getting around the long arm of a probable military stint.

On the register to vote side there is an unspoken obligation involved. Take it seriously. Put some effort into who’s who between candidates. It’s your vote. It isn’t owned by any candidate, any political party, any organization, any interest group, or any other cultural/ethnic/national entity. It’s yours. No one else’s business what you do with your vote. Do your best to tune out all the doom and gloom. Every election you will be told it’s the absolute most important election ever/ever! The city/county/state/country has never gone to hell in a hand basket as now. Ever/ever!! Plus, too, the sky is about to fall.

Political corruption is also touted to be really bad compared to our pristine past. Yet, in 1939 “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington” seemed topical for the times. As did “All The King’s Men” in the 1940’s. It is recommended to watch these two black and white films. Yet, Papa likes his political corruption with lots of humor. For that watch “The Great McGinty”. Humor can be a trusted friend in all things; great or small. Have a Happy Birthday. Do good. Proud of you guys.

PROTESTS

January 19, 2026 / PAPA

Today is a good day to remember when I was first became aware of acts of courage in pursuit of principles. It was the Greensboro lunch counter sit-ins. At a Woolworth store. At that time we had “dime stores” and Woolworth was one of three in my city’s downtown. And, they each had a lunch counter. Our local drug stores had soda fountains/counters. It was via national television that the fact of serving “whites only” in a dime store in North Carolina was brought home to me with enough force to capture my attention. I recall thinking how brave the young students were to remain seated after being refused service. I admit wondering if I’d be brave enough to stand on principles as was being depicted down south.

The sit-ins were an example of various calls to action in the Civil Rights Era. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 followed many years of struggle. I just remember being so impressed by the dignity of the stoic students who were obviously not well received. For some reason it had more impact for me than large marches/protests. I saw a disticntion between being on the fringe in support of hundreds/thousands compared to being one of a handful of kids isolated and alone in a hostile enviroment. It had a big impression on my awareness and sense of fairness. I think Woolworth’s changed their policy soon afterwards.

MLK fashioned protests after Ghandi. Peaceful protests; words often used in today’s news but rarely duplicated by quiet dignity of purpose. I do not feel stirred by the clamor/chaos of crowds hurling insults/trash/bricks/fireworks. Perhaps the eagle eyed members of the press overlook the high volume of quiet vigils/petitions/civil discourse that floods our nation. However, somehow I suspect everyone is in cahoots to stir the pot without real purpose except to rile folks into a state that is ripe to be lured into voting for the glimmer of hope candidates/parties who promise calm. Papa finds it hard to pay attention when my 1960 memory of doing it correctly lingers in the mind.

NOTHING

January 9, 2026 / PAPA

The youngest rascal often asks: “Papa, what are you doing?/What are you thinking?/What do you plan for tomorrow?” Invariably, I respond with “Nothing.” Now we repeat each other when asked what is wanted for lunch, dinner or on TV. Nothing has become a fun word game. However, nothing can also be very serious. You three older boys should take special notice. You are new drivers and starting to experience forays into newer sections of town and county. Within the state and then interstate will naturally follow.

I begin by discussing a possible traffic stop by law enforcement. It’s a dreaded experience. Visions of parents finding out may well exceed the negative of monetary fines or points on one’s driving record. Consquences are often not fun. Unjust consequences can feel even worse. And, who is without the sin of thinking life is not fair? At times, of course it is not fair. But, remember if stopped by the law, the is the absolute worse time to let emotions rise up within yourself. It is also the ideal time to do “NOTHING”. The time to address consequences, unfairness or emotions is later. Polite needs to be your first thought when approached under any circumstance. Cooperate is a good second concept. Trust Papa, you may also be unlucky and meet one of the few law officers who may well be the worst your mind can imagine. Doesn’t matter. Swallow harder and be polite/cooperative. No sass. No whining. You and your parents can sort things out later. (Of course if one has actually commited a criminal offense there is the right to remain silent which translates to….nothing.)

Interaction with the police may not involve driving and a traffic stop. Papa had three such events while in and just after my high school years. During two I think there was a legitimate inquiry into some kind of foolishness near a park and at a ball field. The third I always suspected was a cop just out looking for something or rousting teens. I taught law courses at a local college for police science early in my career and interacted with many police officers while doing criminal cases. It’s clear that by training they will come across as in control but I’d say nearly all I’ve met were very decent men and women. That does not exclude the possibility of a bad apple. It is the bad apple that makes the “nothing” policy critical. Yet, that could also be true of a nevous Nellie or a person having a bad day or under dangerous circumstances/surroundings.

The tragic death in Minnesota this week plays the major part of having this topic in mind. Fifty-eight years ago a much more physically limber Papa graduated law school and was admitted to the bar. Trust that there will be a long passage of time before all the facts of the Minneapolis incident are known. Just as is true now there will continue to be allegations and counter allegations based on or in despite of facts. What the news media, politicians, activists or blow hards say does not matter for the purpose of this entry; except that it is a sad example of my do nothing rule. It is difficult to understand why anyone physically gets close to an active police action/arrest/potential fray/intervention in an intentional manner. For your good/survival resist the “do something” temptation on issues that are not as clear cut/rightous as vast numbers of folks on both sides claim.

SPORTS BETTING

October 24, 2025 / PAPA

Remembering 1963. That is the actual year I want to recall after Papa double checked his memory to disuade himself of 1962 as a point of reference. Time for Papa to think back because of the recent news of gambling indictments with NBA connections. Gambling and sports is not new. Baseball had its Black Sox incident in the 1920’s. (Say it ain’t so Joe.) College basketball in the early 1950’s had its share of the limelight out east. Shady dealings even touched the near perfect “Ivory pure” Packers in 1963. The star of the team, the Golden Boy, Paul Hornung admitted to betting of football games. (Never against the Packers.) His bets ranged up to $500. He was suspended for one year as was Detroit Lion Alex Karras who was not as contrite. Hornung’s biggest issue in 1964 was not getting off suspension by the NFL but back in the graces of Coach Lombardi.

In recent years Papa has marveled at the ease in which the desired barrier between sports and gambling was being erased. Squeaky clean as the NFL was trying to project itself in 1963, it was turned on its head with this century’s version which is often sponsored by betting services and programing. It didn’t take a brainiac to know that betting on outcomes of sporting events was inviting trouble. A missed free throw here and there. A fake injury at a citical junction of a match. Or, as in The Harder They Fall (1956…black and white) out right bribery. Different methods, same aimed for result equals corruption. It makes one wonder. With all the adoration and money why would any pro risk cheating? Sports is awash with dough. Much is being bet on outcomes. Why wouldn’t participants be tempted to skirt the boundaries of morality/laws? Pollyannish to assume bets are all on the up and up. Or, that a team or league is immune from corruption. The 2025 sports betting/gambling scandal is nothing new. Just a ton more money is involved.

Time for Papa to sit back and wait for other such shoes to drop. In the meantime, I’m sensing that there might be a spring or two left in my step. If there is betting on an Octogenarian Pickle Ball League, is it too late to learn the game?

“F” WORD X 9

October 20, 2025 / PAPA

Papa recently had a post op appointment downtown. The drive to and from passes the ICE facility. It’s entry gate has been closed in the past. There is always a smattering of pickets nearby during the daylight hours. My last visit was an exception because the access gate to ICE was open when I pulled up to a stop sign across the street on my way home from the medical appointment. This time I saw several vehicles inside the facility lined up to exit. A young woman then walked in front of the open gate and stopped. She looked down at her phone as she stood in the way. Some pickets moved in her direction to help block the driveway.

Papa made his right turn and drove briefly before stopping at a red light. My windows were closed and, of course Doris Day/Dennis Day type music was playing. Noise from the picketters could be heard. In my rearview mirror I could see vehicles slowly exiting through the ICE gate. A few officers walked out and formed a path. The young woman no longer fiddled with her phone but was yelling at each vehicle along with others. The red light was fairly short before I could proceed south but I was able to hear nine distinct “Fs” words as I waited. Not a big deal. Rude and crude. Not sure of the point. However, I was soon on my way out of Portland; a shell of a city compared to what I knew from 20+ years of work downtown.

On reflection, I wonder whether the years of local turmoil has lulled the city leaders and citizens into a bit of a delusional state. What I saw was mild. Costumed protesters recently adds purposeful silliness to the antics. At night however the crowds grow bigger. Noisier and allegedly more aggressive. Hard to tell at times because local news is focused on tear gas/smoke deployed but quite short on possible reasons it was used. Noise ordinances, if any, are not enforced. According to local tennants the sounds, including via amplification goes all night or at least until the early morning hours when the protesters leave. Fireworks, flashing devices and blinding lasers are used. Streets blocked at times and any ingress/egress from ICE brings out officers to clear pathways for vehicles. On and on, night after night and all is always described as peaceful protests by locals. I feel that it doesn’t seem unreasonable to limit the noise during certain hours for nearby neighbors, or for protesters to stay on the sidewalk and not impede traffic. And, since ICE has a legitimate role to play in law enforcement, perhaps spending less resources on protecting a federal facility is rational. However, I doubt if such limits would be described as reasonable by many locals. Theirs is a different world.

The use of lasers by protesters is interesting. Some have supposedly been pointed at government helicopters. That is dangerous if flashed into eyes of pilots as has been reported. At one point handbills were passed out encouraging such targeting with lasers. The possible threat was taken serious enough that the medical hospital/facility Papa drives to and from closed its Medevac heliport to be on the safe side. An extra 30-60 minutes by ambulance would be needed for outlying patients in need of emergency transport. The only followup news I’ve seen thereafter was a report that no accidents/emergencies popped up that were impacted by the no Medevac helicopter fly rule that weekend. All’s well that ends well it seems. Is Papa crazy to think that such a threat just might continue beyond one weekend? Perhaps local officials feel it was simply a weekend one off.

I planned to publish yesterday. However, I knew that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision might be out soon. Today the unsurprising ruling was published. I urge you to read it; especially the portion that discusses the violence that regularly has occurred near the ICE facility. The lower windows are indeed still boarded up. (Looking alot like downtown Portland.) It’s hard to get reiable news around here. I was surprised that the facility was closed for weeks due to damage. (Papa needs to stay home Summers?) Or, that 25% of the total Federal Protective Service is at Portland working 12 hour shifts/ 7 day per week. Incident after incident that might curl the toes of some but probably feels patriotic if targeted against (ICE?)…really Trump and that washes all sins.

PURE JOY

October 13, 2025 / PAPA

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.