Your great-grandfather was City Clerk of the fourth largest city in a state. One of his main jobs was to conduct elections. My memory may be faulty (that’s getting to be a common theme) but I believe there was a staff of four or five people in his office. Every eligible voter had an opportunity to vote and I know he was very proud when election day went smoothly. By election day I mean DAY. Polls opened at 7 A.M. and closed at 8 P.M. I believe results were pretty much totaled by 8:30 or 9 at the latest. I never saw my father stressed by election mishaps, delays or anyone standing in line at 8 PM.

There were absentee ballots. Provision was made in the law for individuals who could not get to the polls on election day. For example I voted absentee when I was in the military as well as in college. Nuns come to mind as they didn’t go out in public and voted from the convent. And, there were persons at nursing homes or individuals who otherwise could not physically get to a voting precinct. I do remember negative comments about some local candidates or their coherts visiting shut-in voters to offer help in mailing their absentee ballots. I believe one candidate who lost by a close count grumped about the issue. No proof but suspicion that a “nice person” did more than collect and mail the ballots. It was a situation ripe for influencing a voter. We are talking about local candidates and minimal local impact. However, in the back of my mind a red flag is raised on the more recent issue of extensive “ballot harvesting”.

The entire issue of voters not getting to a polling place on election day has never made much sense to me. Make the effort. Of course, the comeback is that some people can’t get off work or have emergencies that prevent voting in a constrained timeframe. Understood. To Papa weekend voting or a three or four day window to vote made sense in such circumsatnces. However, in many states, even graeter opportunity to vote has developed. Early voting! Sometimes for weeks. How much time is needed to go vote? I’ve never liked the early vote concept. (What if a candidate actually did beat their spouse and it came to light before the election but after I voted?)

Ultimatiums have consequences. Papa now lives in a state with all mail-in voting. No polling stations. No poll workers. At first, a “secrecy envelope” for the actual ballot was provided. Then a “secrecy sleeve”. Then, a third step of “trust us completely”. Voter mails ballot and they’ll count. Except when they can’t. Papa’s county had errors on the bar code of ballots in the tens of thousands. One more leap of faith. Our ballots were looked at and then new ballots were “hand marked” exactly as we intended to be counted. (As you will learn in life, government is remarkably at 100% accuracy.) Those repacement ballots had good bar codes. Election DAY was about a month ago and the count goes on. Remarkably, to me, most state residents are blithily unconcerned that my vote is potentially not secret.

Compounding voting issues, “nice people” from a certain BIG TECH icon decided to help administer government run elections by infusing cash to help the process. Semi-Privatization of the government election process was actually accepted by cities and mayors across America. We’ve come a long way since great-grandpa and his staff must have struggled without outside help when the city had 10,000 LESS in its population. And, of course, no computers.

Claims of election fraud are not new. A great story of cheating is told in “The Great McGinty”, a 1940 movie. I highly recommend it. It is filmed in black and white for my more sensitive grandchildren. 2020 of course is a year onto its own with allegations of election improprieties. And, not on a small local scale such as during my youth or even on city/state levels in McGinty. Now, it is national. Extreme voices are loud over blanket mailing of ballots, harvesting, yes/no on voter ID, and tech money in conducting elections. As with the “nice” person helping with an absentee voter in 1960, many of 2020 inovations don’t always feel right. Except now they are on a much bigger scale. And, most importantly, grumbling about the process is by a losing candidate who is most charitably described as paranoid. Yet, that paranoia was also fed by accusations of a stolen 2016 election.

Register to vote. City official keeps an up to date voter list. Take the time and go to a poll; been seen; have your name checked off the list; vote during a reasonably expanded window of access if need be; have legitimate absentee voting; ensure a secret ballot, and count the vote in a timely manner. All the ever changing rules supposedly intended to expand voting seem to needlessly raise suspicions. Suspicion tends to undermine the integrity of all votes. An established process, done correctly and consistently, year after year still sounds good to Papa.

When I was a youngster, World War Two was at the forefront of the stories told, movies viewed and play acting I did with childhood pals. The significant impact of that conflict’s victory still overwhelms. It is impossible to underestimate how important it has been to individual liberty. In the 1950’s my understanding of Memorial Day centered on the word sacrifice. I understood its meaning for Memorial Day. However, I didn’t have a personal connection to any soldier who did not return home. I had met veterans, been to the American Legion and VFW posts and watched our city’s patriotic parades. I enjoyed being around grownup veterans. At the end of May it felt right to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

I have a specific memory of watching parades that included veterans. World War One veterans rode in open air automobiles while younger soldiers marched. That made perfect sense to me. The men in the back of those convertibles looked really ancient. I miss those parades. Parades with veterans seem more rare now. I still buy my poppies. Communities/cemetaries have ceremonies and speeches. Picnics are often offered. But, what would it be like to go back to my hometown for one of those old fashioned parades?

That thought is the time when I realized that I am way beyond ancient. In 1954, my young eyes saw WWI veterans who were removed from their war by 35 or 36 years. My own war is now 51 years in the rearview mirror. (But, Papa’s spunky, don’t you think?) Perhaps it’s best that there is no parade around here for us really old veterans. It’d require flatbed trucks with recliners I suspose. Time insists on marching on.

Yet, something other than arthritis has changed for me after all these years. The word sacrifice still comes to mind. However, I regret to say I have a connection to a soldier I knew who did not return home. A fraternity brother. As I remember him I will also be glad that, remarkably, I do not have any other close connections to soldiers lost in our nation’s wars. May Norm rest in peace.

I first encountered this word in 1973. I was a young attorney and the use of the word was a red flag. Without years of professional experinece I had nevertheless spent tons of time reading Supreme Court opinions. That is what much of law school is about. The thought “A Stretch” popped into my mind as I read the Roe V Wade opinion. It seemed to be a search for an elusive “right”. A shoehorn exercise of justification to some extent. Time has revealed how much turmoil that discovered right caused our nation. Ultimately, the limited “right” created was elevated to unlimited status in some political realms. A liberal reading of Roe did not create a right so personally exclusive. Yet, Roe’s “right” is now claimed to be inviolate by many.

A draft opinion of a possible reversal to Roe has been recently leaked. Outrage that a few justices can overturn a sacrosanct “right” mirrors the rage that prevailed in 1973 when the other side of the issue was incensed that a few justices dared legalize abortion in all states. Times change. but not the anger. Many are again unhappy with an impending ruling on abortion by the US Supreme Court. It is a stain on our times that a provisional opinon was leaked. So much for serious folks at the highest lvels of government.

In 1973 I was young and abortion in my mind centered on unwanted pregnacies of unmarried couples. At least in my circles, most sexual couplings happened between romantically linked individuals who liked each other and usually had each other’s interest at heart. The possibility of an unwanted pregnancy loomed large for both man and woman. However, being too young for marriage did not stop youngsters from taking that ultimate risk. It was young love without bounds and most couples were stary eyed enough to believe that they could make the best of a bad situation if it did arise. And, many did. Many more were happy when that situation was avoided.

A fellow in his 80’s once told me of his life changing event when just out of high school. He hoped to go to college. He impregnated his girlfriend. As was so often the case in those days a marraige followed. No college for either of course. His father-in-law got him a job at a foundry. It was brutally hard work. It wasn’t his ideal but he stepped up and took responsibility. He moved on to other employment and rasied a family.

His tale was what youngsters in the 1950’s and 1960’s feared possibly awaited them as a consequnce of reckless or unlucky love making. There were variations of the story of course. Many such marriages happened. A few medically dangerous abortions resulted. Some mediaclly safe, legal abortions happened. Of course there was abandonment by the male in some circumstances. Homes existed for the woman to have a baby in secret. Adoptions.

Then came much better, more reliable birth control. Oddly, rather than simply reduce anxiety over the risk of pregnancy for young lovers, better birth control opened the door for promiscuity. Or, so it appeared to Papa. The revolution happened quickly. Suddenly young lovers were replaced by casual couplings short on romance. A caring relationship that included healthy sex often became unnecessary. Sex could occur not only without anxiety over a pregnancy but also without a seemingly responsible care in the world. Abortion became a backstop in the event birth control failed. A legal backstop. An increasingly acceptable backstop with the passing of years. Youngsters may have coupled but there was less linkage between them.

Somewhere along the line a sense of seriousnes over the consequences of sex has been eroded. No matter how you cut it, a pregnancy is still possible with most couplings. Society has also pretty much been saying to men that you don’t have to step up to the plate. That is a dangerous message for the male sex. So, frequent sex and increased abortions continued. I readily admit that I am old fashioned. It is hard for me to think of being a father alongside a mother towards whom I didn’t have feelings of respect or caring for their well being.

However, the issue in the here and now revolves around the possible change to Roe v Wade. The loudest voices are for all or nothing. Life at moment of possible conception versus abortion up to the day before birth. I suspect that most Americans fall in between those extremes. That of course is where Roe tried to land with its trimester analysis. My youthful view on the consequences of an unwanted pregnacy still sways me, There is something to be said that a life should not be brought into this world if a mother and father cannot provide the required love, nourishment and guidance a child needs. A reasonable next step is that they can decide when they are ready to so provide. And, unfortunately, in my view, it is often the sole choice of a mother because the father is out of the picture.

The rights debate evolving from ROE v WADE has not only been contensious but it is very lucrative as a political fund raiser for both political parties. My memory of course is faulty but I don’t recall either party being so extreme prior to Roe. States were debating changes to abortion laws ( ABA’s Model Penal Code) and I think republicans and democrats were fairly equally split on the issues involved. It wasn’t a one party issue either way as I recall. But, the politics became too good to pass up I guess. Without Roe let us hope that states can sort out a rational policy not based on either extreme. Rape, incest and life of the mother as well as viability exceptions need to be debated. Perhaps rather than framed as a rights debate it’d be better to weigh a mother’s interest in not carrying a pregnancy forward versus the state’s interest in protecting an actual, soon to be life. Some advocate for a shorter timeframe to decide while others (UK/24 Wks-NZ/20 Wks) are longer. But, 8 or 9 months seems an unreasonable amount of time to decide/choose.

I fear that the political parties will not resist advoacting/fundraise for a national policy. For or against some kind of one size fits all federal policy that so often has supposedly proven invaluable to the well being of the nation. Not a good prospect to get away from the extremes.

It is appropriate that this day has a special connection to Wisconsin. Papa loves all things that even hint at Badgerland. Although not officially founded and named as such, it was Gaylord Nelson, along with a republican representative from California, who promoted a series of “teach-ins” in 1970. The concept evolved into an annual event.That California connection is okay,. After all, that state’s popular link to the wilderness is identified with a man with a U of Wisconsin background. A guy by the name of Muir.

Earth Day grew out of those 1970 rallies. Some news accounts lay the actual founding to a rather unlikely character who was involved in organizing a massive rally that day. There were plenty of folks in that era with experience in political/social marches. To Papa many such activists seemed to possess a flittering quality to their passion. Small buzzing bees flying from one issue to the next. However, Gaylord NIelson was the real thing when it came to conservation. He was a solid man fom a small town up north. In those days hunting, fishing and conservation went hand in hand. I remember the State Consrvation Department having a wonderful nature/wildlife exhibit building at the State Fair.

1960 was a year I remember well. My junior year of high school ended on a bittersweet note. But, then I was thrust into activities that seemed adventurous at the time. I made two out of town trips on my own. They made me feel grown up. I went to Badger Boys State and then to a conservation event/seminar for students in Green Lake. It’s shaky now but my memory is that then Governor Nelson spoke at one of those gatherings. Perhaps I only recall a television interview/speech but taking care of Wisconsin’s resources was always a favorite subject of his talks. So, somewhere I heard him. His message stuck.

Conservation was important in our lives. I recall a growing interest from a grade school organization. (Foresters?) Then there were cub/boy scouts lessons and the most glorious of wildlife lessons; summers “Up North”. I keep using the term conservation because clean air, water, abundant wildlife/fish and green scenery is to be preserved/protected. Today it has become too political for my taste. As if we have no decent air quality, no clean water, limited wildlife, (despite what look suspiciously like deer/rabbits destroying Nana’s garden.) and ocean water so bad that when I see a lobster twenty or more feet below it must be an illusion. Negative, negative. Dire, end of the world, predictions that feeds politics that already has too many issues to divide us. Proving it takes two to tango, there is of course a polar opposite political position. Bicker, bicker.

I still remember your great-grandfather commenting that the enviroment seemed so much cleaner than when he was a boy. He said that around 1970 when the EPA and other enviromental laws were passed during the Nixon administration. But, progress doesn’t mean that conservation work should stop. It’d be nice if that work could be accomplished in a cooperative manner. I hope you enjoy the outdoors and that it moves you to press onward to always do your part in conserving what we all enjoy so much.

This is a tenuous connection but that is nothing new in Papa’s head. I was thinking about the utterly monstrous war crimes being committed in Ukraine. News reports have forced most of the world to face the reality that peace for all is in grave danger. The atrocities Russian/mercenary soldiers have committed are beyond the pale. I hate to even call them soldiers. A properly trained military exercises dicipline to the greatest extent possible. The law of war is an important part of US military training. In a prior post I discussd involvement in war crime investigations in Vietnam. In my opinion the US did its best to follow the law. Our forces didn’t always succeed but it was not for a lack of setting down clear markers of conduct in combat. We expected compliance with the Geneva Conventions by our members. And, we investigated our own violations. In some cases disciplinary actions resulted.

My thought of the Yalu goes to a hope that the stark visual evidence of Russia’s depravety wakes up the leaders of the western world. There seems to have been a bit of a slow walk in reaction to this “in your face” invasion. More like they have a hope it goes away soon attitude. What some might liken to a fear of failure that paralyzes leadership. More strategic decisions are certainly needed at this point. Perhaps the obvious butchery will push the west towards not accepting an outcome that in any way rewards Russia for its actions. When the weight is on the back foot but bold rhetoric is used as a balance, only a timid policy often exists.

It is hard to imagine that an action of the US/NATO will further irritate Putin. Under the circumstances Papa can’t conceive of why Putin’s demeanor is of great concern. The guy is as angry as anyone has a right to be. He demonstrates it on a daily basis. He has to have a heart of stone to watch images of horror and press onward. If the US policy continues to be sanctions, long and hard thought must be given to any quick/full release in the future. If weapons supplies continue to be subject to hand wringing over offensive/defensive definitions, prolonged bloodshed seems probable. A Russian conquest may even be possible. Ah, breathing room for those of a 60’s mentaility until the next time.

Dictators don’t give up goals. After the second world war communists were on the march across the globe. Much of Europe fell captive to Russia/Soviet Union. Countries were divided; east/west and north/south. After communist North Korea attacked South Korea, the US/UN pushed back. However, some claim the US/UN fell asleep. That a warning fom India was ignored. At any rate, the communist Chinese counter attacked across the Yalu river and battles raged for three years. At the end of the war, after horrendous loss of human life and a flood of refugees, a North and South Korea still existed.

It may take more astute advisors at the White House to formulate a new policy. Ukraine is asking for some big boy weapons to drive back the Russians. Not an unreasonable request if our policy is to stop the current invasion and prevent more in the future. But, if the West promotes a goal to just stop the war and perhaps create another East/West split or some sort of DMZ for peacekeeps, keep in mind that a third way backward exists if China (still of an entrenched communist dictatorship) weighs the risks and steps in to help Putin. Neither country is our friend. It’d be best to keep an eye on both. Especially be alert for an ongoing economic “intervention” on behalf of Russia to promote stability; Yalu River style. Unless the US demonstrates more spine there is little reason for China to help stop the war/conquest. Dictators are on the march again. It is high time to recognize that reality.

Many of Papa’s memories revolve around World War Two; both its learned reality and its myths. Much of history is infused with myths. That is especially true regarding heightened nationalism and perceived heroism of combat. It was impossible to grow up in my hometown without knowing the pride of General Billy Mitchell. I walked all the way to the Paradise theater on my own to watch the movie “The Court Martial Of Billy Mitchell”. He was the guy who advocated for air power to save America.

And, what better tribute could an image have for me than a flock of B-25 Mitchell Bombers taking off from the deck of the USS Hornet to raid Japan. It was in another movie, “Forty Seconds Over Tokyo.” The “Doolittle Raid” surprised the big wigs of Japan’s military and put a bit of fear in them as well as the populace. Eighty years ago this month. Some say it forced the enemy to keep some fighter groups home for protection. Drained away resources needed elsewhere. Others say it even had an impact on Japan’s decision to attack at Midway. (Not a good experience for the empire.)

Initially the US did not brag about the Doolittle raid. Most news of the attack came from Japan’s reporting. No one knew where the bombers started from. Bombers off an aircraft carrier was not conceivable. Most assumed the planes took off from China or a close by island. FDR, our President, joked that they may have originated in Shangri-La, an imaginary place from a book/movie “Lost Horizon.”

Today all this comes to mind with news reports of a daring raid on a military installation/depot INSIDE Russia. All kinds of Russians have swarmed into Ukraine to inflict horrific destruction in the last month. If it is true that Ukrainian forces carried out today’s attack, then it is a well deserved and a surprising poke in the nose for the Russians. So far there is a bit of cat and mouse over who did the attack. (Ukraine or Russian “false flag”?)

A rather deserving chink into the invincibilty armor of the Russian military if choppers swooped in from Shangri-La. And, the birth of a possible myth. Which would fit in nicely alongside Putin’s dream of getting dear old Mother Russia back to its glory days. (Having sat through Petrovich’s lectures, Papa’s memory doesn’t recall too much glory in its history.)

(SIDE NOTE: Shangri-La was the theme of our 1960 Prom. Based on the idylic fantasyland; not on air assults. Yes, Papa went to a prom with a nice young lady willing to be seen with him in public. I rtransported to a high school gym.)member the hidden charms of the Himalays