hope4grandkids

A Grandfather's Perspective

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NEWS

November 16, 2021 /

The one area in which there is a glaring difference for our respective generations is with the receipt of news. Good luck on finding reliable sources of the news. I find it extremely difficult right now. However, don’t expect that the US has historically enjoyed solid gold credentials for truth, justice and the American Way from its media. Current day media may believe they stand for truth but I wonder if journalism schools stress objectivity enough. In today’s digital information age it will be harder for you to sift and winnow. Too much is not necessarily a good thing.

When I was young we received three daily newspapers at our house. (Milwaukee Sentinel a nd Chicago Tribune in the morning and the evening Milwaukee Journal.) I admit that my main focus was on the comic stripes or on the sports section. But, for whatever reason I was also interested in politics and current events. I remember “The Joe Must Go” movement; the Soviet invasion of Hungry; the Nixon/Kennedy debates. I heard people say that the three newspapers were identified as republican or democratic. For the life of me I had a difficult time discerning the political leanings of the three newspapers. I also saw no great discrepancy between news stories in Newsweek, Time or US News And World Report which our house received weekly. I believe national TV news initially consisted of 15 minute segments and we received some news from movie newsreels. My mind was a sponge of sorts for news but I don’t recall that I felt manipulated or steered in any particular direction by the media.

In 1968, circumstances arose in which I was able to watch the three major TV network news cast in succession. For 3 or 4 months in a row I watched 1/2 hour segments each of CBS, ABC and NBC on basically the same news of the day. 1968 was a year of great turmoil. LBJ decided not to run for re-election; Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King were murdered; there were riots in many US cities; there were presidential primaries and conventions; all with the Vietnam War and its protests as a backdrop casting a black cloud over America. Lots of news to report. Watching these outlets I never had the sense that I wasn’t getting an accurate telling of the events of the day. After months however, I did get the impression that there was an element of bias via adjective laced descriptions of the exact same facts. Against today’s version of left vs. right on a 1 to 10 scale I placed the networks between 4 1/2 and 5 1/2 on any given day. I felt good about that as news reporting had seemingly come a long way since its “yellow journalism” days. I felt comfortable that I was receiving legitimate facts from all corners.

Through the years it became increasingly clear to me that news reporters are inclined towards being newsmakers. Now the bias in the media is easily identifiable. Worse, I’ve lost faith that I am getting reliable facts in reporting. Slanted bias and conflicting opinions can be handled. But, knowing the truth from the news media is like sorting through trash bins to get accurate information. I have over twenty favorite links to news sources on my tablet/computer. Those are my starting points for research in some cases. Except when rain is reported and it is actively raining against my window, I try to verify “facts” that are reported to the best of my ability. It is no longer a matter of sorting through bias/slants; it is a search for reality itself. Reporters and news sources outright lie. Plain as day they have no shame. I make my judgments in that regard. You must do so also. Use your noggin. Think for yourself and be cautious about “news”.

However, probably the greatest danger comes from the narrowing of the mind of news “viewers”. If a person is placed on the 1 to 10 scale mentioned above, many if not most consumers, confine themselves to news sources within 1 to 10 with which they agree. So, lies are accepted without question if consistent with a position on the 1 to 10 scale. No need to think further. This was brought home to me when someone repeated a lie to me about a verifiable news fact. When asked, this person did not cite any basis for the belief in the lie other than to say, with a straight face, ” I have the best news source.” Don’t look further. No need to sift and winnow in that brain. The dangerous part of rigid thinking is that it precludes discussion within the citizenry. It is not unhealthy to debate and have different opinions. By the way, debate team in high school was useful. And, people wonder why a philosophical divide exists in this country as folks blindly rush to occupy slots 1 to 10.

News, opinions, provocations, outright lies and re-writes of history will swamp you. I find a lot today that is outrageous. You may or you may not agree with that opinion. Stay strong. Keep an open mind. Think for yourself. But, pay attention to current events. It is very important to stay informed as a good citizen; especially when it is time to vote. You need a good grip on factual information in order to exercise that precious right/responsibility.

YURI WHO?

October 18, 2021 /

April 2020

Papa was a senior in high school in 1961. On April 12th my glide towards graduation was interrupted when news of the first man in space broke. Yuri Gagarin, a Russian, made that flight and I for one squirmed at the thought of attending classes the next day. The United States was already engaged in a series of “cold war” competitions with the Soviet Union. The “red menace” had loomed over much of my childhood. We were aware that incineration of all we held dear could occur within minutes. However, I for one did not go to school the next day with fears of nuclear bombs raining down on the Mid West.

Instead I felt trepidation at the prospect of a scolding disguised as a lecture from our science teachers. I remembered shame being attributed to an entire classroom of my chums in 1957 because the godless Soviets had launched “Sputnik” before the US had rockets that were reliably consistent in leaving launch pads intact. Newsreels often had images of rockets blowing up within seconds of ignition or wobbling off course when only hundreds of feet in the air. Our country’s pride in Vanguard rockets evaporated with the rockets’ 70 plus percent failure rate. An especially severe math teacher took us all to task for losing the battle of being the first to orbit a satellite. She demanded we all excel at math and engineering to catch up with the Russians. “Count me out” I thought while nodding my head in agreement. (Teachers are so much more happy if they believe students are listening.) I was taking her math class so that I did not have to take math in college. I had a social science degree in my sights. The three or four kids in class with pocket protectors and a working knowledge of the slide rule contraption took her rebuke to heart. Later I overheard them enthusiastically discuss the nuts and bolts of low level elliptical orbit achieved by Russia that put our Vanguard program to shame. Mind boggling to me so I turned my attention to social matters. (i.e. Girls)

A lesson here. It was not the first time nor would it be the last time there was a gnawing and clenching of teeth over the need to light a fire under an issue of life or death consequences to America. The “sky is falling” pessimists are alive and well. Keep your own counsel. Some of my generation’s “nerds” undoubtedly contributed to research that improved the science of rocket propulsion. Eventually, the giant step of moon landings. It will be bright young students from a current generation who will develop a Covid vaccine. A life saving vaccine will not come from politicians who claim “to follow the science.” And, in another sphere, I’d place my bet for improving the environment on scientists of tomorrow. Celebrities, politicians or a fear mongering teenager from Scandinavia may have loud voices but I’d bet their scientific knowledge is miniscule compared to that of individuals who will actually provide solutions.

WELL, WELL, WELL

October 18, 2021 /

MARCH 2020

This message goes beyond Papa’s old joke as suggested by its title. I discovered there is no longer a need to traverse any parental conduit to reach you. My oldest grandchildren have access to their own e-mail account. Watch out for Papa’s stream of conscious wisdom. Once you become addicted to e-mail it’ll be like I have a highway into your heads. Unfettered access. Don’t buy into the belief that aluminum foil over your skull can block out dangerous concepts. A very doubtful proposal; although I’d love to see you all wrapped up with foil turbans.

I miss everyone. This Covid 19 virus is a pain. All kinds of free time and I can’t go near you. This would have ben an ideal time to hunker down and watch Papa movies. Yes, even black and white films. I spend much of my time reading about so many scientists at America’s great universities , hospitals and research centers racing to uncover treatments and a vaccine for Covid. It boggles my mind and jolts the imagination. Medical progress seemed to take so long in the past. I told you about the lengthy wait to develop protection against polio in my youth. It was such a blessing. Nowadays, it is full speed ahead. I believe a Covid vaccine will be developed sooner rather than later. Keep positive thoughts along with a healthy measure of faith in the dedicated researchers. I try to keep that in mind when facing the high cost of medical treatments and medications. Extensive research facilities are required when developing new treatment drugs.

No school or virtual school is odd. But, perhaps patience will be developed as we all wait and wait. Love, Papa

Purpose Of Blog

October 18, 2021 /

For My Grandchildren And All Other Interested Grandchildren

I hope to share random thoughts intended to amuse and enlighten. Most importantly, I want to encourage you to do your own searches for fun, joy and clarity in this wonderful world. It’s going to be a great life for you.

First, right from the get go, actually well before any giddy up, Nana and I waited and waited, desperately wanting to see who’d pop up to claim the titles of grandchildren. You have been very much loved. Each and every one of you. Holding you for the first time was a thrill. No, Papa did not drop you. One thing is crystal clear to a grandfather: handle with care. It is akin to carrying a precious piece of porcelain. Although you have become or will become too heavy to carry, you remain priceless.

Please do not expect a flow of wisdom from a great sage. I will simply be writing my musings. You have a brain. Use it in pursuit of common sense. It is a worthy quest. Be aware that the least common thing is common sense. When you have the chance, read the plaque affixed to Bascom Hall at the University of Wisconsin that encourages “sifting and winnowing” in search of truth. I’ve always received inspiration remembering that inscription. Your life will be enriched if you perceive, analyze and come to independent conclusions. You will discover no shortages of opinions and judgments others quickly draw from reputed facts and fictions. Be on guard. Many voices can sound quite persuasive though they are heavily dependent on magical thinking or the product of outright deceit. It is up to you to sort out fact from fiction. Strive to make critical thinking an essential part of you.

Remember that the old adage of “taking things with a grain of salt” remains valid. That may be mostly true of strangers but occasionally should be practiced with everyone; including me.

It is quite common to hear that the current generation is going to hell in a handbasket. Don’t fret. It is not the first time this particular opinion has been expressed. Sometimes it is shouted with such vehemence that many lose all hope. Never lose hope. I have hope in the future because I have hope in you.

Covid Anxiety March 2020

October 14, 2021 /

                                                           

In a separate writing of musings that I am preparing to give you, I claim that you have brains. And, to use the brain to pursue common sense. In regard to Covid 19, anxiety of its unknowns is natural. Perhaps a historical perspective is in order.

Contagious outbreaks are nothing new. In the past they created feelings of no defense when they seemed to hit without logic or reason. I know that it is hard to escape thinking about such matters. My brothers and I were in that boat in the 1940’s and 1950’s. However, we didn’t have as much knowledge at our fingertips as is true today. Movie newsreels depicting kids in iron lungs was very disconcerting. Yet, I remember we didn’t dwell on it too much. There were too many fun things to do and talk about. So, when Covid does cross your mind, try to keep your thoughts proportional.

Polio was our scary scourge. For many years its cause was not known. In 1908 it was discovered that a virus caused it. Outbreaks occurred mostly in the summer months from July through September. Outdoor activities were often restricted. There was a belief/myth that a chill got the virus active. I remember an imposed half hour period under the bed covers following a bath. It’s a funny image now; hiding under blankets from a virus. At times, temporary emergency hospitals were created, including inside tents, to accommodate patients. Quarantines existed. If diagnosed, a child was separated from parents for 10-14 days; including needing to view each other through windows as is being seen on TV now. I remember my mother walking door to door collecting money for the March of Dimes. The donations went towards research for a vaccine. In 1952 over 57,000 cases were diagnosed in the US with 3100 deaths.

Then, after all those years, a vaccine was found by Dr. Jonas Salk. He became an immediate hero in our lives. I think he got special permission to field test 2 million kids around 1954. I can’t recall if I was a part of that but I do remember getting the shot around that time frame. A heavy burden was lifted from America’s children.

Today, our medical research abilities are far ahead of those polio times. 1908 to 1953!! They’ll have a Covid 19 vaccine if needed next year in all probability. Effective treatments sooner than that. Wash hands and distance and it will all be behind soon enough. A good feeling; especially at my age. Time will pass for you. It can seem to go by at a very slow pace at your age but there is an end and it will be sooner than feared. Who needs fear?

SOCIAL DISTANCING

September 18, 2021 /

April 2020

Six feet apart seems to be the current wisdom for avoiding spewed Covid. If the average sidewalk is five feet wide, one of two walkers who pass each other must step aside. Seems easy enough. If both step off the edge of a sidewalk then a seven foot gap is created. But, what if there is no sidewalk situation? Innovative minds suggest:

  1. Two muskies
  2. Three badgers
  3. Three upright beer kegs
  4. Five kringles
  5. Fourteen bratwurst

There is a theme here. A place where a sense of humor is appreciated. Finding some fun in this time of Covid. And, so proud when one of you had a quick reply: Hockey Sticks end to end!

Hang in there! Scientists are hard at work for a vaccine.

FAMILY

September 18, 2021 /

       April 2020

This is the root of all good in your lives. There may come a day when you think Papa is crazy to write this sentiment. Like during the teen years when brains get overwhelmed by hormones and a pressing need for individualism. Keep your powder dry. Easier said than done but something to keep in mind. Growing up can be a bit frantic both for kids and parents. It’s nature’s way. It’s usually a good journey. At times easier for some than it is for others. Schoolmates and peers may find their passage to be bumpier. It’ll be important to understand rough times experienced by others. Be empathetic of course. All teens experience washboard roads. It’s a passage that will bind many together. However, be careful of those few who may become overwhelmed by their individual problems. You do not need to be caught in the chaos of their wake. If you see danger signs in others (Drugs, bullying, declining school performance, rage) separate and stand back. Becoming involved in the turmoil of others is usually beyond your ability to help. Tell your parents. They can decide on if or how to help.

If you find yourself in your own struggle of concern, make a bee line to your family. Parents, grand- parents, aunts/uncles. (Even siblings!) Don’t hesitate out of fear or shame. The family will always be there for you. That is your anchor. Best to stay on course via your own navigation but if a course correction is needed allow it to happen. With family support, get after the concept of good that needs to be pursued. It’s hard to go wrong if one always strives towards the good. And, you are the person who defines your good. (No need to be overly restrictive.)

There is no right way to be either a parent or a child. Perfection is not the goal. The family unit is your support system. A bit like college when you transition to adulthood. You’ll be licking your chops to raise a ruckus once in a while but the family/college will be nearby; safety/training wheels to fall back on during rough times. Count yourself lucky. Others don’t enjoy all the love and support given by family. You’ll understand that a bit better as you engage with peers who differ from your current social/economic situation. Many are not as fortunate as you. That does not make you better than anyone else. Just luckier than some. Make the most of whatever family gives you towards a start in life.

LIBERTY: MAY 2020 Castles, Cathedrals and palaces are fresh in my memory from a trip to Europe. Someday, if you visit that continent, you’ll be amazed at the magnificent architecture. There’s big, bigger and stupendous sizes. Elaborate, often gaudy, structures are tourist destinations. Once occupied by Kings, Queens, Lords, Cardinals, and a bunch of other self-designated poohbahs. I admire that such structures were built without power tools or modern cranes and hoists. I envisioned years, decades and even hundreds of years of sweat and toil by workers on single projects. For the greater glory of God, princes, or culture creates a mix of conflicting emotions for this observer. Positives and negatives are on overwhelming scales. The end results were often spectacular in terms of architecture. Presumably such projects provided a livelihood for workers as well as patronage for artisans. The good. But, could the resources have been better spent for the common good of the people? A question that may have been asked by only a few at the time. Bad? Or, unknown? The contrasts between a continent shackled with centuries of autocratic rulers and our America is stark. We may be less than 250 years old as a free nation but most of Europe’s experiment with democracy is just approaching 100 years for some and less than that for many. England, of course, is the exception. I wonder whether all those years under the yoke of dictators embedded a form of submissiveness in European cultures. Acceptance of government ministries and leaders based on position? Unconsciously placed an upper class upon pedestals? A go along to get along mentality? Whereas, America was forged in the spirit of fierce independence. Individual liberty became the hallmark of a pioneering spirit during westward expansion. “Manifest Destiny” is poo pooed now in many academic circles. Such denigration is a part of the surprising popularity of burdening the grandeur of America’s history with negativity. Keep focused that, unlike so much of the world in 1776, America’s Revolutionary War did not end up with mindless rule by royalty. We traded birth right for a representative government. There hasn’t been a shortage of Sluggo politicians but America’s probably completed 50 % of it passes. It seems in recent vogue to claim that every fault of America’s past is attributed to a fatal disease in its founding. I for one completely disagree. Faults in the past? Of course. Mistakes in the past? By the ton load. But, it always helps to think long and hard about the world before 1776. More good, more innovation, more benefit to the average man and more salvation from dictators has been accomplished by the American people in conjunction with its government than has occurred in all of pre-existing mankind. And, continues to outshine most of the rest of the world. America’s sins of the past can’t be traced solely to 1776; its sins are of particular times and events. Cumulative but usually corrected with effort. One of the hallmarks of America is trying to get things corrected. There has been lots of progress and change. Some of course believe change has been too slow and some want to apply the brakes. Cooperative consensus vs. chaos is how some might describe it. There has always been a tension between the concepts of rugged individuality and the common good. Often a healthy push/pull. However, Rigid Collectivism can cause great discord if it seeps into America. Last century’s world had its flirtation with radical socialism/communism. Despite the damage the concept has done there is never a shortage of characters who embrace one of its versions. Steady progress or chaos; perhaps one revolution is sufficient for our country. (At least until a better idea than individual liberty for citizens who govern by and for the people is spawned.) Beware: lots of good intentioned know it all types may cozy up to being bossy. There is never a shortage of folks who think they know better than you. You will experience normal ebbs and flows of political thought during your lives. It seems total craziness exists today. Personally, I think America in the 60’s was more chaotic. I feel positive about the future however. I base that on natural optimism but also in what I see from my descendants. You and your parents give me hope and comfort.

September 18, 2021 /

SKILLS: February 2020 If there is one ability to develop and cherish it is reading. Reading can offer pleasure during rewarding alone times. And, once mastered, it opens the doorway to knowledge in many fields. Knowledge is good. To obtain wisdom from reading it is important to comprehend what is on the page. Fast may give rise to bragging rights but understanding what was read is more vital. When I was in high school “speed reading” was all the rage. President John F. Kennedy, a hero for me at the time, was purported to be a speed reader. I believe there was a course (Woods?) that was the talk of our English classes. I think it had something to do with seeing the first and last words of a sentence and filling in the blanks somehow by eye scans. It seemed to me that all of the ballyhoo over speedy concepts gave nothing more than lip service to retaining what was read. Understanding what is read is crucial. I can only speak from my plodder experience, but retention is the goal for whatever reading speed you develop. It is not always a race to see how fast a book is read or how many books are read. It is no shame to re-read passages so that knowledge sinks in. Don’t worry, too much knowledge will not explode your brain. Education is not confined to academic works alone. Reading short stories or novels for pleasure also provide valuable insights into life. It is especially interesting to learn the perspectives of others. When I was younger there were many magazines that contained novelettes or essays. Many magazines now seem headed to extinction. Yet, in your digital world there remains an abundance of folks putting words together. In my youth there was even a “girlie” magazine that contained three to five serious articles, including fiction, in each issue. Plus, great cartoons! When you do read, I’d suggest selecting from as wide a range as possible. Broad horizons of subject matter has never killed a cat. In that regard there are people who will advise that certain writings are dangerous. Be cautious with such warnings. While some writings may indeed be dangerously irrational, harm usually results from confining one’s reading only to the same ditch of narrow thought. Political, cultural and social commentaries do exist that are channeled towards specific biases. Most often they rely on fear. Be cautious when reading certain writings but do not be afraid to read “different”. Just be aware of traps of intolerance and constrictive thought. One never wants to be a stooge. Leave that to the many who are willing to accept that moniker. It is hard to think of any book that will warp a mind if it is subjected to rigorous thought by the reader. It is up to you to sort out the good from the bad. And, the excellent from mediocrity. I find it useful to pause before jumping on any bandwagons. Sometimes one’s peers quickly go off in one direction; embracing what is popular that day. Some spurts are silly such as clothing styles of the 70’s. Haircuts are always prevalent as a means of seeking uniqueness while crunching together in mass uniformity. Etching ink into one’s body is a ritual beyond my capabilities to understand. Yet, there are more serious bandwagons to avoid; those of the mind. Recently, many people appear squeezed into narrow tunnels of beliefs. Such as those based on exclusion of others by generating fear. When you hear words similar to “all of them are…” or “only we understand…..” or “…..is/are so stupid….” or “things would be better off without…..” allow red flags of caution to rise up in your mind. And, exercise special vigilance with those who shout “the sky is falling” the loudest. I’d advise tilting to the positive side. It is hard for me to remember the title of books from my youth. I remember getting books from my grade school library or our city’s public library in the 1950’s. I often focused on biographies of sports figures or historical characters. Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Chip Hilton series, Huck Finn, Last Of The Mohicans, Treasure Island, Count Of Monte Cristo, Robinson Crusoe, Paul Revere, George Washington, Kit Carson, and August Derleth books about Wisconsin come to mind. (My mother mentioned being in college classes with Derleth at UW.) Later in life books that I’d recommend include: The Rise And Fall Of The Third Reich, Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged, The Conspiracy, A Soldier’s Story, 1984, To Kill A Mockingbird, War And Peace, (Stamina needed) -Moby Dick, Crime And Punishment, Gone With The Wind, (More Stamina please)-The Sun Also Rises, Plato’s Republic, and Grapes Of Wrath are examples. Each of such books/authors opens the gate to more and more books. Never ending. I also read tons of history related materials. Understanding history helps with many issues.

September 18, 2021 /

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