First, this surprised me.  I googled “Marla’s Musings” and found that there is another Marla (Woodward) with the same blog name and her posts popped up.   If you are reading this post, I am not her, although thankfully she seems like a nice person.

I have several things on my mind today. Actually, I have a question that perhaps someone can help me with.   Most of you know that I have two pugs and I love them dearly.  We got Miss Honeybee 9 years ago from a breeder in North Carolina.   About a year or so later we ‘adopted’ Miss Daisy after she had been left on her own in Kentucky.  Both girls have been wonderful and adorable.  Of course!   But…  the past few months things have been ‘different.’   Miss Honeybee has not been feeling well and has gotten lethargic, wasn’t eating, and just out of it at times.  Miss Daisy has taken it upon herself to lash out, to attack her – especially Honeybee’s ears!  Daisy got a grip on one and an infection occurred from it.  It got bad.   I took Bee to the vet – and since then Honeybee has been on various medicineS.  Antibiotics. Creams. Oral syrup.    Here’s the crazy thing:  Daisy continues to attack Honeybee and always goes after her ears.  It’s been serious. Drawing blood.  Yanking. Biting.   I have learned to throw a towel over Daisy to get her to stop. I have to gently pull her off – and then I put her in time out.   My question:  WHY is this happening?   These two dogs have lived together for years and have been fine.  And even now they sleep together on our bed, and they have times they are fine.  But then Daisy gets this ‘crazed’ attitude and attacks!   I’m really not sure what to do.   I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 

Next on my mind:   So, the amount of false information spreading on social media is really starting to scare me.   It’s always been there but it seems worse now.  I just read something that a friend shared that was totally false and of course it was written in a way to provoke fear.   I know she posted it because she believed it.   That worries me.   Also, yesterday I responded to an on-Facebook question of the day that our local TV station does.   it was political.  Most of the daily questions are.  So, I expected some backlash….BUT!  I was asked By a ‘commenter’ if I ate lead paint as a child, and if I had a brain.  And, I had a number of other comments that we really unkind.   I’m not sure which is worse – the false info or the horrible way people respond.   Both are bad – and wrong.  But both also open my eyes to a sad thing about humans…  trying to ‘one up’ no matter what.  And, then typing freely (and sometimes anonymously) even without any substantial reason.

 

Maybe it’s the summer heat, and certainly the pandemic, and then all the political meanness – but we humans are not looking too good these days.

Did you see the sheriff who is requiring his officers to be mask-free?   And anyone who enters the building too?    Seriously?   What is wrong with him?

I need John Krasinski back with some Good News!!

I also need to feel the joy of coming together due to music.  The last hold-out music festival was just cancelled here.   I knew it wouldn’t happen – but the announcement two days ago made it final.   There is something so wonderful about people who are different in so many ways able to come together for the love of music.  In country music circles it becomes family.  I really miss it.

And, yes, I get mad about people not working together (wearing masks, washing, safe distancing) so we can bring concerts back – and To make it safe for local bands and choirs to meet and rehearse.    We are in such a terrible situation here in America, where some people refuse to do something to help the greater good.  To make schools safe, and to let the artists perform, and athletes to play.   I can’t help but think how selfish some are.  Or, how they have been given the false information (as I talked about before) and believe it.     It makes me want to cry.

Well, I can not end this post down in the dumps.

So, let me say:  Kamala Harris was not my first choice for Biden’s running mate.   But, I am glad to see this woman of color, well educated, someone who has served in the judicial system, and then in Congress, get picked.  She has worked hard to be here.  She is smart.  She is tough.  She believes in fighting for those who need help.   Biden needed a strong VP Choice…    and he got one.

Have a nice day.   Again, any help with my pugs??   Tell me please!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember as a young adult, first time living on my own, and getting really excited each day when the mail arrived.  This was way before email, or Facebook, or Instagram.  Back then there were only two ways to communicate with someone who was far away: the phone or through the mail.

Everything was sent through the mail: letters, bills, magazines, small packages, Christmas cards, store flyers, and more.   We had to go to the post office to buy stamps.  We waited in long lines at because everyone at some point in their week had to go.  The weeks before Christmas were the worst times as everyone bought special holiday stamps and then dropped off cards once prepared and ready to send.

Well, as we know it is not like that anymore when it comes to the mail.   My local post office has reduced its hours of operations and it struggles to compete with all the  electronic communications, and the other package delivery companies.   Rarely is there a line in the office and if there is one it takes  five minutes at most to wait in it for service.

The US postal service has always been around.   Hasn’t it?   It’s been around since the early days of the pony express when our country was just organizing itself.   It’s always been a big part of America.  In fact, the post office is what connected us to the whole world.

In recent years we have listened as some people say that the postal service is obsolete and just too expensive to run.  It is slow and not very reliable.   It can’t keep up with the competition.

There have been talks about how to save It, to somehow keep it going, for a long time.  The price of stamps has had to go up periodically to keep it afloat.   And, really, how much  money will we pay to send a letter?

Now, lately, the US Post Office has gotten into the middle of another battle.   As we find ourselves living in the Covid World, many people in the country worry about the November election and how best we can safely get out and vote. Voting is our right, and our duty, our voice, and one of the most important things we can all do in a democracy.  But, standing in lines, and sharing polling machines is now a dangerous thing to do.   This time to vote we will have to safely distance in line, wear masks,  and the machines will have to be cleaned between each and every voter’s turn.  It will make the process slower, longer, and it still might not completely delete the possibility of spreading the virus.

So , sensibly, for safety,  the idea of mail in voting has become an issue. A hot issue.  A political issue.  Some people say…no way! mail in voting ballots can be lost, or people will forget the postage, or there could be an element of fraud with false ballots sent in, or duplicated.  When in doubt, throw it out!   It will take too long to count and announce the winner.   And, yes, those are all valid points.

Electronic voting also has concerns beyond the worry of spreading the virus.   Voting machines can breakdown or malfunction.    Sending votes electronically relies on the safety of the grids.  Using the internet opens the chance of fraud through hacking.

Neither way is perfect and each way has concerns attached to it.

The American people want and need to know everything that can be done is being done to make sure we have a fair and accurate election.   It is August and we are only a few months away from Election Day.  we are running out of time to prepare for whatever way is decided.  And, let’s not forget that the voting procedures and machines are different from  state by state.   Does this sound like a potential mess?  Oh yes, yes it does!

I hear the talking heads on the pseudo news programs talk about bringing back mail in ballots and I think it can not be dismissed.   Political rhetoric aside. We need to get back to a simplified, and unified way to vote.  Even if the final count may take days.   We have to look at states like Oregon who have been sending out ballots that can be filled out and dropped off in mailboxes. They have been successful in voting that way for a good while.   I think they use specific temporary boxes just for ballots.  But we have the post office system up and running round this country – and face it, they need help.  Let’s use them!

It would alleviate the problem we are having this year with the need for poll workers, who are mostly older folks who do not want to take a chance getting the virus at in-person poll locations.

Ballots are mailed to everyone in mid-October.  People can then mail them back anytime up to and through Election Day.   The US Postal Service collects them and the Office of Elections around the country pick them up, counts, double checks, verifies, and the system works as it should.

Once again the United States Postal service and all its workers will become vital in the American way of life.

Will I miss going to the poll and pushing the buttons and casting my vote that way?  Getting my “I voted” sticker? Yes I will.  But for too long I have not liked ” early returns” and polls closing in the East before the West coast has voted. I have not liked gerrymandering and other ways to twist voting around.

I still believe my vote is all I have and I want it to count. Perhaps it will if I can mail it in, keep myself safe, and wait for the returns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone!   I had some glitches for a week or so and was frustrated about not being able to write and post.  But, I think everything is fixed now – so…  I’m back!

While I have been away the world has certainly been turning and churning.  So much to write about… oh, where to start?

“Living in a CoVid World” – we are into a new month and the end is nowhere in sight.   Some days I handle it okay, but some days not so much.  Going through summertime in CoVid world is what it is, but come September when things are supposed to start back up we will all be greatly effected.    I continue to feel for everyone in the education field – and for all the parents and students.   Personally, I’m going to miss my music endeavors that used to fill many hours each week.  I will also miss a regular college football season.  Will there be football at all?

Today I am heading out to get my hair cut and colored.  It’s my first time to a salon since early March.   I have used some root color a couple of times, but I’m in desperate need again.  The young lady who does my hair has moved to a new salon where she has her own little room and she has promised me it will be cleaned well. She will wear a mask – and I will wear a mask.

So, did you see the Axios interview with President Trump From this past weekend?   Reporter Jonathon Swan was amazing, and I applaud him.   Yes he did a good job, but our president showed his stupidity on his own.   You must watch the whole thing.

So this fall will also bring lots of pre-election craziness.  Are you ready for it?   I don’t know how I will get through it all except to try and rise above it, and laugh.  I used to not be able to watch Trump at all without getting infuriated, but I have learned to watch and laugh.  ( Most of the time.)    I still have a really hard time with seeing people who blindly support him, those who follow him regardless of what is right in front of their faces.   I don’t get it.  I never will.

On a related subject, we lost another inspirational civil rights leader with the death of Rep. John Lewis.   The tributes poured in – except from one obvious person.   I have admired Mr. Lewis for as long as I can remember.   I read his book sometime back and loved it so much that I bought copies and sent them to family members.   Losing him is sad, but during this time of the Black Lives Matter movement, he again  struck a chord.  How long it takes for change!   One thing I remember in his book were his words about having patience.  Big change can take decades, or generations.   But, don’t give up – and don’t get discouraged.

The Black Lives Movement has gotten so twisted lately.   I went to the BLM official website the other day and I encourage everyone to go there and read about the movement – how it started, what they believe, and how it spread.   It’s important to know the truth because unfortunately there are those trying to attach it to violent groups, or to political radicals.   That’s not who they are.  I proudly walked with local black and white members of my community in a BLM march, in a peaceful way, with no thoughts of destruction.    The movement is about promoting equality,  and about looking at our history with a more accurate eye.    I feel I need to say:  anytime someone says “but all Lives Matter’ and ‘blue lives matter’ there is a diluting of the BLM message.   Of course ALL lives matter – but RIGHT NOW, in this time, the focus has to be on the Black Lives that are too often discarded, or considered less, or given less chance for being a part of the American Dream.

I’m for all lives.  I’m happy that we have police out there for me.  I know they will protect me.   But, seriously, people of the black community can not say that.   They have seen, and heard, and felt fear when it comes to cops for decades.   Why?   There is a reason.  It’s not unfounded.      Yes, most cops are good.  Most became part of the police department for the right reasons.   But, face it – there are some that have there own racial issues, and they like having ‘power’ through the job, and they get away with it.    It’s time now for it to be called out.

It’s who we are in general.   There are great physicians, but there are a few that go into the profession for creepy reasons.  There are wonderful bankers, but a few get caught stealing – or get caught up in fraud.  There are amazing firefighters, but I have heard about a few that are arsonists.    Anytime, anywhere, whatever profession, there are those who should not be there.

Wooo…   I told you I had lots to talk about.

It’s hurricane season!   We dodged a bullet two days ago – but there is still plenty of time in the season to have more come our way.  2020 is a crazy year so I’m not relaxing about it.      I’m sorry about the people in the Northeast who had storm damage.   I saw many pictures on the news this morning of the devastation.

Which, makes me think:   We have to realize that the news people show the worst spots always.   Which they should.   But, it’s not always the ‘whole picture’… be it a storm, or a protest.    Cameramen and reporters look for the violent spots – and the violent ones WANT to be on TV.    Want attention?  Throw rocks into a store window. Grab goods out of the store.     It’s terrible and they need to be caught and arrested.  But, they are instigators and they do not represent all the protesters.

Good things right now?    Lots of reading, and plenty of outdoor time.   Catching up on TV shows and watching more movies than usual.    Gardening.    Amazon Prime.  Connections via Facebook and Instagram.   Pets.  Lazy mornings.   No schedules.   Wine.    Adult children & grandboys.    And hubby.

What’s on your list?

See you back here soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Testing testing

What the heck is going on in Portland?    I watch various news sources and I still feel like I’m unsure of the whole picture there.

Let me see if I can sort it out, and if I have some of it right.

Protests started in Portland, as they did around the country, when the Black Lives Matter movement started speaking up and marching after George Floyd’s death.   Yes, there was some violence.  It was bad.

Then, an area of downtown Portland was ‘taken over’ by protestors because they wanted to make statements, and to live without police threatening them, and they tried to be peaceful – and they were for a while.   Portland’s mayor decided to let them stay, hoping that those there would get tired of the situation.  “Let them do their thing.”   Yet merchants on those blocks were upset.  Traffic was redirected.

Unfortunately, horribly, there was a killing inside the cordoned off area.  City leaders and the police were feeling pressure to ‘do something..’

In the meantime, other peaceful protests continued in the city.     Out of nowhere, military looking forces showed up and started grabbing protestors and putting them into unmarked vans, driving them away from the area.  They were not looters.  They were not being violent.   I’m not sure what happened with them all.  I know some (all?) were released.     These non-descript, unmarked, military police were sent in to Portland by our president.   He has taken credit for them.  He is now considering doing the same with protestors in other cities.

Women (moms, grandmas, suburbanites, and more) have joined together to make human lines to protect the peaceful protestors.    These women were tear gassed.

How am I doing?   Do I have the facts?    Can someone tell me if this is what is happening??

So – the big issues are 1. The right to peaceful protest.  2. What happens when protests take over areas (remember the ‘sit ins’ in the 60’s?) 3. How much power do mayors have in these situations?   Can the president over-ride the decisions made by the mayor?   4.  Who are these unidentified police? Where did they come from?    My understanding Is they are not from state units of the National Guard.  5. When can teargas be used on peaceful protests?

Are we on our way to a secret police group that can swoosh in and take over?

This is a big issue.  It reeks pretty bad if it is.   Other countries that do this are not democracies, led by the people, for the people.  So…   This is scary stuff.    Has Congress addressed  it – and can they stop the president from making decisions on where to send the secret police?

We are trying to promote the Black Lives Matter movement, and I feel like this is stamping it down.  It is muddying  the water when it comes to who is involved, and what rights they have – and what is being violated.

Seriously, can someone tell me what is happening in Portland?

 

I am not an intellectual.  I got okay grades in school.  I could have done better but I know I am no genius.  I like learning more now that I am older than I did as a kid.  I wasn’t driven back then.   I didn’t always see the purpose behind some of what I was taught and what I was told to memorize for tests.  Now – I wish I could have retained what I learned better than I do.  But, I like to think I have made it through life with common sense.   I think I can see a situation for what it is.   I think I can read a person pretty well too.   Why do I say this?

I’m just a regular person really.

I don’t have a unique or amazing talent.  I don’t say the right thing all the time.  I sometimes forget things – which is really frustrating.   I wish I was better in a lot of ways.

Yet – I’m an open book.

I don’t have any reason to hide anything.   So, I live without fear of people finding out about me.  In general, if anything, I think they would probably find me uninteresting.  I don’t spy – or steal – and I try not to lie.  I don’t have an alter-ego. I don’t live a double life.

I like being that way.   I really can’t imagine the amount of work it must take to have to cover-up, or purposely lie – and then always hope not to get caught.

So, when I say this, as this pretty normal person that I am,  I don’t get what all the fear and the making up of fake news is about.  It’s seems so complicated – when it shouldn’t be.  So unnecessary.  And, really, I think the dark theories and the undercover stories that seep out are usually made up.     We have become a people of disbelief. We have become a people of thinking others are always out to get us.   And in turn, we feel good sometimes when we get them first, and we get a better deal.

Some will say it’s the media who has made us so fearful, so into making sure we are not found out.   Of course it’s the times we  live in.  Crazy times.  And, there is no doubt that today’s instant, lightening fast, speed of disseminating news is a part of it.   But, what if it was all truthful news?   How fast we got it wouldn’t really matter.

This post is about how so many people out there, normal people like me in many respects, seem to have this ‘bogeyman’s gonna get me’ view all the time.   They live to    Try and hide themselves and their info, because they constantly think someone is out to get them.    I never knew so many people were out there With this mindset but I see them all the time now – thanks to social media.  They are so scared of getting stomped on.  So worried that personal freedom will be taken away.  So annoyed by the fact that they can’t hide what they want to hide.

Hey – don’t live that way!!

Be open and be honest.  Then you don’t have anything to worry about.

Freedom isn’t freedom if you worry about things being taken away all the time.  Freedom isn’t freedom is you don’t trust people.   Freedom isn’t freedom if you can’t be yourself and not have to hide a part of you.

You know I’m going to make this political.  Remember when I said I’m not that smart, but I think I see things?     Why was I able to see 3 1/2 years ago what would happen to this country?   It made common sense to me back then:  a man who had failed in business many times, who used people for his benefit, who openly lied, and who never saw the real good in people.   It was there – right in front of us.  He called people names, he even ‘stalked’ his opponent in a weird way on the debate stage.   You didn’t have to look hard at all.   He showed himself before ever being elected.

I admit I don’t get why citizens want to be fearful… why they want to believe that poor people want to take away their jobs, and their freedoms.  Why walls need to be built and children need to be caged.   Why being a country on it’s own is better than living together in good relationships with other countries.   I mean, why?    Can’t we stop worrying about tit for tat?   Stop thinking every other country is stealing from us.   Stop thinking that we need more.  We deserve more.

Just be content.  Be honest.  Be real.  Still believe in truth.      Look to be fair.   Want equality.

That’s what matters.      You don’t have to be a genius to see that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These days are certainly up and down.   I have to admit that there are some days where I think humanity is so, so sad, and that we don’t have a chance.  The CoVid pandemic and the BLM movement has brought out some really disappointing  responses. I continue to shake my head and think God must be looking at us and He is wondering why His message hasn’t gotten through.    And, I know I am responsible for that.

I scratch my head and wonder what more I can do.  I live my life best I can trying to follow God’s message of love and peace. I try to be an example.  I use social media to try and pass it on.  I write here too.    I safe distance. I wear a mask in public.  I try to do what I can to keep others safe.

Thankfully not every single day depresses me.  I have some days where I like my slower lifestyle and I like to think I have been given a gift of time.  My hubby passed around a list of positive things that have come from Covid life.  There are plenty:   More reading, gardening, some upticks for companies -like on-line shopping, swimming pool sales, food delivery, and more time with pets, and close family.   I have always had an appreciation of nature and I think we all look around and enjoy it more now.

Back in March when this all started I don’t think any of us realized how long we would be living in a “Covid world.”   Now, though, I realize that it’s not going away anytime soon.  It’s scary.   Living with Covid around during summer is one thing, but to have to live with it in the Fall will be extra tough.   I can not even imagine what  anyone involved in our schools and our children must be going through.    There is NO easy answer.    I do know though that our lax-ness during summer is not helping.   I also know our government is not doing enough to prepare for what is to come.

We here in the US will be struggling a lot longer than other countries because we have not cracked down hard to slow the spread.   And, I find it sad that those who tote their love of freedom in America are the very ones who will take away so many freedoms as we move forward.

Remember the Alanis Morrisette song “Isn’t it Ironic?”   Well, a new verse could be about Americans who oppose being told what to do being the very ones who will make it worse – who ARE making it worse.   Isn’t it ironic?     Freedom lovers are keeping us from being free.

So – up and down we go.     Up go our positive numbers of infections. Up go the death numbers.   Up in the air is our hopes for the Fall.      Down the road we travel without a unified plan.  Down go so many business and companies that can’t stay afloat during this time. The longer it goes on the more that will go down.    With it      Emotions continue to go up and down, up and down.

Like animals on a Merry-go-Round we go up and down, and around and around.   It seems like we are stuck on the ride.  Unable to stop it. Unwilling to change.

Until we come together for the common cause to wipe out the virus we will be living this Covid life.    It’s depressing to think we probably won’t be able to do it.

 

 

 

 

I’m not a teacher – but I know a few.  I know how dedicated they are to children and to the pursuit of a good education.   The ones I know, who have taught me and who I have befriended as an adult, are very hard working, and compassionate, and go way beyond the Call of Duty.    They are loving people.

Teachers do what they do without needing applause. They certainly don’t get paid tons of money, and sometimes they use their own money to buy items for the students.   Teachers are required to do ‘continual education’ themselves.

In recent years, teachers have been required to attend classes about how to handle an active shooter in the school.  They have to look out for unstable students, and keep straight which parent has custody rights, and more.

Now, today, our president has threatened to withhold federal funding to a school system that does not open on time this year, this strange, crazy, scary year of CoVid 19.   Our president in a 6 line tweet has added stress to already Very concerned teachers,  most who had to flip quickly to e-learning this past spring.    Our president is dangling needed money in front of school boards and administrators.   Without the money, schools will not have enough funding to run properly and to pay teachers.

Already our teachers and students have had to change, and adjust, and keep going – without being in the classrooms, and without some of the daily learning Structure.

Now this.

It is unbelievable to me that our top leader has the gaul to ‘nonchalantly’ toss out the threat of holding back money.

Everyone – teachers, Administrators, boards, students, parents, and everyone else – wants our country to offer the very best public school system possible.   It’s for all of our advantage.   Educated children will become adults that contribute.  School is  NOT just fun and games.

So….  hey.  How about a country–wide mandate that everyone wears masks in public?  We need to shut this virus down!   Require quarantining – with consequences when abused.    Bring it all on NOW!  If not, we will never keep our schools running.  We will get positively affected People – and spreading it through a building.

It’s not fair.   It’s  not humane – to know you can do something to stop the virus,  but just don’t feel like wearing masks and distancing.    Summer will be over and tough decisions will have to be made.  Our president once again showed his ignorance, and his lack of compassion, and his lack of seeing the whole picture.    His tweet today  effects millions of people.

Teachers:  I love what you do. I feel for you.    We NEED you!    I support you.   I pray for you.

Hi everyone.  Some of my family is arriving today and I know I will not be online as much over the holiday weekend.   The grandboys will be here, and they are my first priority.

So, let me say now:  Happy Independence Day!   Happy birthday America!

I hope you all have a safe holiday weekend – and that you enjoy what you can during these unusual times.   Most towns have cancelled the fireworks displays and parades.   Depending where you live you will not have access to restaurants and beaches.   Around here, in South Carolina, most of the places are open again.   It’s rather scary that this might be a weekend of partying people, uncaring about safe distancing, masks, and such.    So, please be careful.

I love America!    We are SO BLESSED to live in this country.   We should celebrate who we are – and do our best to be united in the love of this land.

I’m going to spend this weekend thinking of ALL that’s good. I’m going to focus on the amazing positives: the beauty from sea to shining sea.  The shores, and the mountains.  I’m going to think about how we are the only country in this world that is  truly considered a melting pot – and that our founders wrote of equality and fairness to all.  From the beginning hope was instilled into the country.  People flocked here from Europe – and Asia.  Africans were brought here.   America then, and now, is a place that has offered so much – that people from around the world have wanted to be a part of this American Dream.

We are a country in progress.  We are changing. We muster our way through rough times.  We disagree – and we debate.      We go through natural disasters.  We don’t just survive – we jump in and help each other.  We live together.   We watch out for our neighbor.

We are good.  We are caring.  We love our freedoms.

We must never forget, at least once a year, that yes, the United States of America is a huge, diverse, blend of people who want to live in peace.   July 5th can be about going back to look at issues to make us better – but this holiday weekend is all about celebrating our founders, and celebrating all that’s wonderful about our way of life in America.

 

 

 

 

After the experience on Facebook where I had over 100 comments on a single post, I have felt so conflicted.  Here’s the thing: I use this blog, and Facebook, as a place to express myself.   I am not a public figure.  I am not an elected political person.   I said long ago that I liked using social media to put down my opinions, and to tell my story.   I am an open book.  I have nothing to hide.  I like living that way.  I show my faults.    I like knowing that this website is for me – to pass along my thoughts on issues important to me.

I truly try to bring up concerns to further a conversation.   You all who have been reading my musings for a pretty good while now  know the particular issues I write about – and you therefore know who I am.  I’m fine with you knowing me.  The good and the bad.

I care about:

better gun control and ways to lessen our country’s love of them.  I want to end senseless killing by guns.

BLM – I finally get it.  I’m still learning but I realize that diluting the topic with “All Lives Matter” and “Blue Lives Matter” is painful to the black community. They are trying to get equality (which they have never had) and we just keep changing the conversation.   I feel really bad about it.

Attributes of the president of the United States.    I do not believe in just ‘results’ of the office. I want a leader that can show what is good in America: respect, honor, honesty, equality.

Our other elected leaders.   We have many wonderful ones but also many that just keep getting re-elected til that’s all they know.   I worry about our voting system too.  It needs improvement.

I will always talk about …     Music.   Faith.  Hope.   God.

But, since Sunday (into Monday) I have held back.  I have wanted to repost a few things – but I didn’t. I have wanted to make a comment.  But,  I have been disheartened. I have this feeling that my writings are being scrutinized.   I don’t like it.  I’m being stifled.

I think about famous (and not so famous) writers who have been out-spoken.  They wrote anyway.   People had a choice whether to read or not to read.   Obviously, there is a limit if someone writes about an individual threat or violence.  It used to be that defaming a person and purposely writing lies was wrong.   It was called out.   It’s not that way anymore.  Welcome to the world of tweeting.

America has the Bill of Rights, and we have the freedom of speech.   There are some out there who love to remind us of it all the time.  (“Don’t tread on me – I can do what I want to do, say what I want to say.”)   It applies to everyone.    Even if you don’t like it.   We need to be responsible about it, and we need to accept the consequences of it.  Again, I do.   Some say to me to just talk about fluff.     I include fluff…    but I am more than that.

How long will it be before I feel I can freely express myself?  I don’t know.  We sure are all edgy. We are very divided.  People lash out.   I know, I know.   Some will say I have too.    Sincerely, I do NOT want to lash out – but I do want to talk and write to maybe open minds.   I want to debate respectfully.  I want to call out inequalities. I will try my best to do it without using bad language (actually I don’t curse – never have, never can. I think it lowers a conversation.)     But am I blunt?    Some say I am very blunt.

Let me end this with – I feel ‘stuck’ and maybe a bit unimportant if I can not speak out.  Right now I feel like people are telling me to shut up and stop being me.    it doesn’t feel good.     I’m sensitive about my heart and my writing.   I want to make a difference and I have used my writing For a long time.  Now I feel like I can’t.

Wait…    Here’s some irony.     I think I just did.