Papa missed another one. I did provide a chauffeur service to and fro. Not my cup of tea for several reasons. I believe I’ve mentioned before that the movement in favor of integration was a positive. The dislike of Trump is a given but not something that I see generating a positive movement. He’s bad, he keeps being bad and he will always be bad is a message that fails to stir my juices. Negative yes. Positive not at all. It would be nice if a positive alternative was being promoted. Perhaps protesting is therapeudic for some.

Which brings me to the point that I not only prefer to engage in something positive but that I am especially cautious of joining in a mass gathering without a clear understanding who is organizing and supporting same. In small ways the negative goes beyond hate for the man. Who or what would be supported if I pick up a sign? There were a few mixed messages that I saw on signs today. There is a slickness involved that I can’t escape. That cynicisim, fear and despair prevade the messages does not inspire Papa. That is why “hope” is in the title of this blog. As bad as the Presidents have been during your lifetime there continues to be plenty of sunshine ahead.

On my drive today, which included a stop at the post office, I did learn how to spell vulgar words that start with A, F and S. Mature signs all. I resisted the urge to stop and inform one guy that there is no E in dictator. Most of the folks seemed happy with waves and smiles. Yet, one elderly woman’s face showed anger as she pumped her sign in my direction when I stopped at a traffic light. Although white haired now, I had a fleeting thought whether she cut her protest teeth alongside a young woman who spit in my direction in 1972 when I walked through San Francisco airport as I came home from Vietnam. Today’s lady bore the same agitated expression of contempt that is seared in my memory. (She’s out there somewhere.)

Memories. I admit that they may overly influence another reason I was a no show against kings. For nearly 50 years Iran has been the main supporter of terrorism in the world. Killed many Ameicans. The main aggressor in the Middle East. Trying to stir up trouble across the globe. Bad guys. Probably years too late from my view that the US is now engaged with Iran. The goal is to finally stop the Pooh Bahs dream of nuclear destruction. Cut back on its missiles and put a stop to all the nonesense of creating chaos. Just go back to being run of the mill corrupt Pooh Bahs that don’t care about its citizens. Leave the rest of us alone. So far so good on the military front. Not a time for me to give even a sliver of hope to Iran by standing on a street corner against a US President. No matter the President. It’s looking like lack of support in America is the best hope for the terrorists. As was experienced in the 1970s when Free Vietnam was abandoned by the lack of support by Congress. I saw a smattering of signs today for Hamas/against Isreal/opposing military action in Iran. Not my cup of tea. Thus, don’t exactly know what No Kings means to all or possibly will be assumed by those overseas hoping to continue as Pooh Bahs. A wide range of negative messages that make for disjointed communitcation.

Time to admit that it’s not only from protesters that I learned the F word today. After a glorious Badger hockey victory that carries team to Frozen Four an excited young player blurted out said word on TV in describing teammates desire to win. All this king stuff aside, it was a great day for hockey! So, with all this said and done, Papa believes he has his priorities straight. Be a good driver and a loyal fan.