Category: PAPA’S MISS/MASH (Page 1 of 4)

(First, if any of you noticed, Papa’s been quite silent. I began ths post nearly a month ago. No reason for the delay other than a lull in life. Or, as your great-grandfather explained after his family fretted for hours when he seemingly disappeared, “You know how it is.”) (Secondly, after writing the First more days have passed…now you really know how it is at Sight Point.)

I have always tried to read a wide range of media sources. It is becoming a bit difficult because many sources/sites began requiring paid subscriptions. It’s too expensive to access many/all. Reading only a few that might be affordable is not my cup of tea. It is restrictive. Too many folks already get their news/opinions from tunnel vision sites. I suspect most enjoy a sense of confirmation of their rigid beliefs as well as having an easy way to avoid the brain pain involved in thinking. Try to read/view as wide a range of material as possible. Even if you have strong views/opinions already, exposing yourself to counter arguements can’t hurt you.

One of the news sites that I don’t pay to get is the NY Times. I do get pieces and snippets from distribution reprints/summaries. Recently I came across a comment from Thomas Friedman of the Times on the Iran war. I have always enjoyed his writing and found his comments to be cogent and usually to the point. In what is best described as another “Yes, But” moment he says he is happy that the evil of Iran may be taken down BUT. The but being that he doesn’t like that in vanquishing/limiting danger to world peace it may/will help the Prime Minister of Isreal and the President of the US. He’s declared them to be terrible people. So, reducing a threat to world peace does not outweigh dislike for particular politicians/people? Hard to conceive why anyone makes that calculation but I fear many in our country may be so inclined. Isn’t world peace the ultimate goal of pointy heads? Of us all.

Papa smells an odor from the past when military victory was not considered important. It was hard to understand why so many Americans cheered the forces supported by the Soviet Union, Communist China or North Vietnam. Anti-American protests were seen by many as giving an enemy hope. Eventually, when Free Vietnam was not supported by Congress after a truce, millions had to live under an authoritarian communist country. Still do. So what (?) I assume is in the mindset of many aging protesters from the 60’s.

Many concur that Iran is a potential danger. As the writer indicates, Iran being taken down is mostly seen as a good thing. BUT. Yikes. We do need to consider the question of military action as being preventable. Or, necessary. Not easy. Action today will save thousands/millions of lives may be a true statement but impossible to prove. Does a nation, like Europe did in the 1930’s, wait for the proof of World War Two’s loss of millions of lives? Or, should military action have been taken once the terms of World War One’s end were violated before 1935-6? There was a pretty clear danger at the door. Let’s say 10,000 died in such a preventable action. The 1936 mindset might not have conceived what was necessary as compared to what was apparent to the thinking of 1946. There will always be second guessing on issues of foreign policy and world peace. Perhaps it is best to err on the side of caution rather than worry about who will or will not get credit for a successful action.

Time creeps along since I began this post. My Post-WW2 mindset doesn’t understand this on again off again cease fire-negotiations. Talk about flip flops. However, back to my point. I don’t need to understand. Boxing in Iran and/or eliminatimng them as a danger to peace is a good goal no matter how it is achieved. Or by whom. So, for right now, on the eve of July 4th I’ll be patriotic and cheer for a positive USA outcome even if it’s not apparently clear how this ends.

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For nearly fifty years Iran has been described as the major exporter/instigator of terrorism around the world. Stirred the pot in at least twenty countries. Even the main news media concedes that point at certain times. Politicians are quite certain about the evil of the theocracy that rules Iran. However, for decades nothing very concrete was done to stop the obvious threats to civilization. The Pooh Bahs of Iran want an atom bomb in the worst way. And, that in a nutshell is the problem. They’d use it in the worst way. Border on messianic type of thinking. USA and Isreal bad. Hard to conceive that there are Americans who might well agree despite all the history and evidence. Try not to get confused whether there is factually a good and an evil.

So, as you know, he US has stepped forward to try to halt the aggression. Now, many politicians and much of the media still say Iran very evil BUT. Do something to defang? Not so much. Especially if the voice to stop Iran is named Trump. For many I suppose it is a collision of two evils. Hard to support one evil doing a correct/needed/good action when he is so hated. Perhaps some need to view the current military action as by the USA in pursuit of a goal long held by nearly all politicians, not necessarily a conocted scheme of Trump. Is it possible that even he might be correct 1-2-3% of the time? (Papa doubts if the true haters could muster up a nod at 1/2%)

In Vietnam I saw various reports/investigations regarding combat operations on a near daily basis. Also, there was a death of a guy from our high school as well as a fraternity brother. There were guys I met/knew who were wounded and were POWs. During service itself I came across others during duty time that ended up scarred by that war. A month into the Iran war the casualties have been remarkably low. The whittling away of Iran’s power to aggress has been astounding. The military achievements seemed beyond belief. In contrast I recall one report that inicated the number of aircraft lost so far in Vietnam. The ratio, not the exact numbers, of my memory is what counts; but it was like 7000 lost and 3500 by enemy. There were a ton of accidents. Dead and wounded accounts were always disheartening. I know that the US has encurred loss in Iran. Minimal does not lessen the pain of families. But the cost to eliminate/reduce the killing machine of Iran is remarkably low to this point.

What is going on in the minds of so many Americans? An agreed evil that could slaughter many more thousands or future millions flips over to a big BUT. A vast number of politicians don’t applaud the skills of our service men and women. Express joy at our low causalty rate. Support the troops. No, rather it is point fngers about whether there was a clear plan by saying it’s a war of “choice”, a war that is so long; all of 28 days so far, gasoline now costing what it did in 2022 under Biden without a war, grousing that there s no clear off-ramp and just grumble because no matter how this turns out it will of course be wrong. Recently, I’ve been listening to old Vera Lynn music. It is remarakable how many positive/supportive tunes were turned out during the second world war. In Vietnam, “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is one of a few to recall. Different times. Much different support for troops/country in a war. Let’s hope that our military remains safe, that the Pooh Bahs can no longer cause havoc outside their borders, that Iran and its proxies move towards stopping the insane hate of Isreal and that real peace gets a chance in the Middle East. It’d be nice if the people of Iran could live under no Pooh Bahs or at least milder versions. But, that you and yours are safe from violence from the nut jobs is my hope.

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.

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.

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. )

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.

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.

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.

Well, it’s come to this for Papa. Whereas, once the year 2000, the start of a new century, seemed far off, there is a new calendar year setting a goal for me. I remember that in 1988 the year 2000 seemed way too far over the horizon. However, it was a dream goal back then. Fresh off my quadruple heart by-passes I thought I could vigilantly exercise and eat a sawdust diet to live for another twelve years. That dream of self discipline faded sometime in 1989. Missing a few days, weeks, months of dedicated physical effort got me back to reality. I’d need some luck to see 2000.

Luck must have kicked into high gear at some point because a new goal recently was set for me. It arrived in the US mail. I received a letter from the state of Oregon. Due to a VA disability finding I am eligible for free state park admission. One thing stood out to me immediately. Its 2035 expiration date. That tidbit finally brought a hard truth home to me: we are no longer in the 20th century. Even though it was a goal of sorts writing the date with a 20 still feels uncomfortable. I’m a 1950’s guy. Long term didn’t reach out this far for me, much less 2035. But, that’s a new expiration date. A new goal. (Not necessarily for me but at least for a card of paper.)

Free. Free anything sure got Papa’s attention. Even admission to state parks. The question now is how many times will the pass be used? Will it be torn with jagged edges tucked inside my wallet on the table next to my death bed? Or, will it be in pristine condition in the glove compartment of my car? Before it is too late I aim to find a state park and enter it for free. As life fritters away it is essential to have motivating goals.

At some point in time every kitchen runs out of essential ingredients. Depletion happens more quickly if one’s cooking specialties are limited. It could be claimed my menus are so limited that one particular meal is prepared and served more often than other main menu items. Pork Tenderloin is so easy to make which suits Papa’s culinary skill level. Plus, it comes in a handy four pack at Costco. Economical meat entree for sure. But, to prepare it herb crusted one does need thyme and rosemary as part of the ingredients.

The simple solution is a quick trip to the grocery store. My closest store does not have hand baskets or small carts. Because my experience tells me that I may encounter other items that are needed/desired or on sale Papa takes a cart designed to hold supplies for a six month trek on the Oregon Trail. Overkill for sure. However, I bring home the less than one ounce bottles of herbs along with twenty pounds of other stuff.

Oven is set for pre-heat and my attention turns to the searing process. All I need to do is open the bottles. I have the knife at the ready to cut the plastic wrap around the caps. I no longer use the larger mongo knife that cut my finger on more delicate packaging opening. Off goes the plastic. Unscew the cap. Wait a min ute. Another plastic shaker top needs to be removed so that I can get to another layer that covers the precious herbal contents. That layer has a tiny tab that flaps up. Teeny is actually a better description. Or, flimsey. The concept, I believe is to grip the tab and pull it off. A simple enough inovation. Except that the tab is slipperier than an eel in oil. Try as I might the old thumb and forefinger that was so important for evolution fails to grasp.

Time for the knife again. Cut, cut, cut until jagged edges of the protective layer are all that remains visible. Papa feels so good because of the knowledge that no evil doer had a chance to contaminate his supply of thyme. I can get on with cooking. As soon as the rosemary bottle is opened. Two more stabs and cuts with the knife. Perhaps it is a testament to human stupidity but Papa does try to surge forward without sharp instruments. Fool me once packagers and you’ll keep fooling me.

Brute force seldom works on packaging anymore, Knifes, box cutters, tin snips and scissors have to be nearby. Do good packagers tout hycientic issues and tamper proof concerns for the overkill by their industry. Thus, ultrasonic welding, blister packs and clamshell devices promote ever more dangerous sharp edged instruments for hand use. Try to open bacon or cream cheese without any stabbing/cutting actions. Perforated lines that never tear. Food is one thing but the worst cut suffered came from the impossible to open packaging of a toilet flapper. What is the societal benefit of stopping that item from being touched?

Again, fair warning: major in a packaging degree at college and you are out of the will.