There are many differences on many different issues between the two major political parties, but I believe both of them have the same hope when it comes to the economy. Democrats and Republicans both want a financially healthy country, and they want Americans to have enough money so they can live free of welfare. Both parties want all citizens to work, to pay their bills, and to pay their taxes.

This is common sense, so if you hear something different then you are falling for the fake rhetoric that is out there.

It bothers me because so many MAGA folks and other Republicans say that the economy is their number one issue when it comes to picking a candidate. And, I get it. These people are not wealthy. Most Americans are not. They are often scrapping by, and budgeting their money. They live month to month. One catastrophe (a medical problem, or a natural disaster, or losing a job) could change their lives. They could lose their home. They could find themselves out on the street, relying on the government’s help just to survive. They could overuse credit cards out of desperation and ruin personal credit ratings making it harder to get back on their feet. Lose a car and you lose a way to get to a job. Lose a house and you have no permanent address that is required for employment.

We all know people who have had this happen to them. It’s a real and a scary concern.

But we must remember, our country is based on freedoms and it is also our country that encourages capitalism. Work hard, and you will succeed. So, somehow our politicians have to figure out ways to reduce the pain of the poor, and to give people financial security, and yet keep business owners and their board members free to make the decisions for their companies. These top people want their businesses to thrive, because then they will make lots of money.

This is why I believe when a country like ours runs this way then we MUST have a moral backbone. We must have political leaders who want the business owners and the boards to CARE about their employees. We need to encourage them to see that well paid employees are happy employees, who will then work hard and who stay with the company. But how do we do it? How do we reward those who treat their employees well?

Well, one way is to require a minimum wage that is enough for a person to get themselves out of poverty, to get off of public assistance. Raising the minimum wage so that it reflects inflation (the rising price of housing, utility, food prices) is just common sense to me. If prices go up, then so must pay.

Another way to encourage business owners to take care of their employees is by giving them incentives in tax credits.

Now, if you have stuck with me here so far, you might be saying that small business owners cannot afford to pay their employees a living wage. My response? Then unfortunately they should not be in business. That is capitalism. They cannot be successful without taking care of their employees. They SHOULD NOT be successful without having a moral backbone and a basic concern for them.

Obviously, I am not an economist, or a psychologist, and I know I have a simplistic view about how changes can work. But, I do know, it is not fair for far too many Americans to struggle financially when others live the ‘good life.’ It is not fair that only some get to experience ‘The American Dream.’

What can we do?

First, I think we need to learn about the policies that each party has for ways to improve financial security for all. Which one has really tried to enact laws that will actually provide better for the poor? Pull them up? I also think we need to encourage candidates to state their economic plan. Too many candidates talk about wanting to make lives better without presenting an agenda of ways to make it happen. I can’t help but laugh at Trump’s so called ‘economic speech’ the other day and how he said he had to say something about economics because he was told to…. But, guess what? He never did.

Which party speaks about lifting people up? Which party wants to have the wealthy business owners pay more, just their fair share, in taxes? Which party wants to bring back a “middle class” of people, and get them comfortably out of poverty and back to work to pay for themselves?

Okay. Okay, yes I am partial to the Democrats. I think they grasp a better plan, and I think of them as the ‘peoples’ party.’ All people. But, like I said at the beginning of this musing, both political parties want to have a stronger economy and they want all Americans to enjoy the benefits of it. When we have a place to agree we must do it!

So, we can easily find and see the differences elsewhere (gun control abortion rights, civil rights, educational opportunities) with the two parties – but the economy is not one of them. Democrats and Republicans want the same thing. We must decide which one might achieve the goal better.

Today is the last day of the 2024 summer games, the Olympics, being held in Paris. Did you watch much of it? It seemed like the first week had a bigger audience because it was the gymnastics events, and it is always very popular. The second week had all the water contests and track & field. And, of course there were many other ‘games’ from soccer to basketball to rugby, and ping pong, volleyball, and archery, and more. I felt both male and female events were televised pretty evenly. I’m happy about that.

Sometimes hubby and I just left the TV on and we would walk by and watch a bit of whatever event was airing at that time. Because of that, it was interesting to watch a sport I never thought about before. It also made me think how there are so many people, from all around the world, that work so hard towards winning an Olympic medal. They have other competitions in between but for almost everyone just the chance to participate, and maybe win, in an Olympic event is the epitome of their work and all the time they put into it. It’s wonderful to see the happiness in winning, but as an empathetic person I also feel really sad for those who didn’t get a medal. Some didn’t by tenths of seconds.

Most sports are for young people. And most Olympic sports are not something that will turn into a career and be financially lucrative. Basketball and golf are two exceptions. So, when you think about all the time, and the energy, and money that the athletes devote to their sport, it really is quite amazing.

The Olympics took up a lot of our TV viewing time the past two weeks. I admit at other times I have pseudo-news channels on during the day, and we watch movies or stream TV series at night. Right now we are in the middle of “Presumed Innocent” with Jake Gyllanhal, and it’s a really good ‘who dun it.’ It’s based on the John Grisham book of the same name, and I think I read it a long time ago, but I don’t remember the ending. So, that’s good!

Speaking of reading, yesterday was International Day of Reading. I have two books going right now. I’m reading “The Huntress” by Kate Quinn, and “Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?” By Alyssa Mastromonaco. Two very different books. “The Huntress” is fiction but based on some of the third Reich leaders who escaped after the liberation in Europe. One in particular was a woman, yes, the huntress. The other book I bought just last week, because I think I mentioned earlier that I have been enjoying a podcast called “Hysteria” and Alyssa is one of the podcast hosts. She spent years working first for John Kerry on his campaign, and then on Obama’s campaign – and she stayed with him working in the White House. This book is her autobiography and tells of interesting antidotes from her time in the political world. She is a witty writer. I’m enjoying the book.

I don’t mean to be a ‘book snob’ or really just a person who wants people to read more. But, maybe I am. A case in point this morning on a FB post someone wrote that they blaming Biden for the high gas prices and they wanted Trump back so gas prices would be down again. I have seen this post before online and so I am guessing this thinking comes from some of the conservative rhetoric out there. So, I took the time, googled, and found an article on Gas Buddy, which is an independent, non-political company that monitors gas prices and everything going on in that industry. The article was very clear about how presidents, any presidents, do not have the ability to change gas prices in America. The facts are that it is a global industry, and there is much to consider, like how much is exported vs imported, how much oil is needed vs gasoline refined for transportation, etc., and what is really a simple ‘supply and demand’ equation that can lower or raise the cost. I copied and pasted the article and simply said she should read it. Again, no president on his (or her!) own can change the prices.

We have so much out there pulling us into one of the two sides – and much of it is false. We need to fact check everything. We can’t believe anymore words used, especially what is headlined, without diving deeper. It takes some effort. But we must do it. We can’t be pawns to the whole political game out there. It’s worse than a game… it’s destructive in many ways.

So…. READ!!!

At least then you can have a real conversation and not look like a lazy person not interested in knowing the truth.

New topic:

It’s August already. I feel like I usually do this time of year, and that is that summer has gone by too quickly. Many schools have started back, and yes, they are on a year-round tracking program, but still when mid-August arrives I wonder what happened to June and July? What did I do during those months?

Community band rehearsals start up this week. We get our Fall and Winter music. Lots of patriotic songs for Veterans’ Day. Then the wonderful holiday music for our December concert. If you are local and are interested in playing, let me know. I’ll meet you at rehearsal and help get you set up.

Football is about to start up too! Well, preseason NFL games have already begun, but come the first of September college football and the pros will be back on the field. It’s something I really enjoy! As I say every year at this time: Go Gamecocks! Maybe this is the year! Let’s do it!

Happy rest of your Sunday to my readers. Thanks for taking the time to check in with me. 😊 ❤️

Yesterday was a joyful day. Politically. I was already excited about Kamala Harris on the top of the presidential ticket and how she has brought renewed energy among all Democrats. Yesterday, when Ms. Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate I did a quick deep dig into him, and I got to say I really like what I see!

I think most people learned yesterday that he is a midwestern man, a military man, who spent years as a social studies teacher, and as a high school football coach. He became the teacher advisor for the school’s newly organized student group for gay individuals. Students suggested he run for public office and so he did. He then served in the US Congress before becoming the governor in Minnesota. The guy has a wonderful, varied background.

While governor he passed a law to make sure all Minnesota schools offer free breakfast and lunch to public school students. He knew how important being physically fed is required to nurture the mind. He cares for teachers and students. He codified abortion rights in the state, which means women’s rights in Minnesota can never be taken away. He stated yesterday that he and his wife used IVF for starting a family.

Yesterday I watched the rally in Philadelphia when Harris introduced Walz to the country. It was a spirited event! It was uplifting! The crowd was energetic. Both Harris and Walz spoke articulately about hopeful change and progress for America. At one point Walz said to the people there that Ms. Harris brings joy wherever she goes, and that was a lovely thing to say! I want a president who is happy, and one who is looking to making America better. I don’t see that on the other side. In fact there was not much happiness anywhere for a while. Instead there were lots of complaints. Lots of depressing rhetoric. Negativism. People were going low…. Feeling low.

Now I realize that there is a lot more to being a good president besides being a positive person. I think a president needs experience in government, in rational decision making, and needs to handle adversaries diplomatically. A president needs to represent us all with dignity, and a president needs to listen to smart advisors. When a president is open to learning then we all rise higher from it. Better choices are made.

Joy is a good thing! We all want to feel it and we want our leaders to serve with it. There is nothing wrong with feeling joy. I think about a book I recently read about feeling awe in life. We strive for it. The emotions of joy and awe are wonderful! The Olympics are happening now and we are getting to watch the athletes feel immense joy and awe.

So, I feel joy this morning. Politically, not everyday will feel that way for sure. The meanness is still very much out there. Just yesterday Trump posted on X calling many people (his opponents) nasty nicknames, as he usually does. People will still be vicious. Lies will be told. I stay off the media outlets that spew it.

But, I have got to say – man, it’s good to feel a little joy this morning. It’s nice to feel excited about future leaders, and that maybe, just maybe, we may be turning a corner on being better in our politics.

There has been all kinds of research done over many years that show that babies who hear music have greater brain development. Listening to music at a very young age stirs many different parts of the brain, including the areas where they learn about emotions. Babies and toddlers are human sponges and by putting music into their young lives it sparks their language and they learn audio patterns. Music is actually their first language, before understanding words.

I’m thinking about this right now because lately I have seen the beauty of music in the young lives of my own grandchildren. My 6 1/2 year old grandson twins have had music at bedtime for years. Their mama started humming to them “Somewhere over the Rainbow” years ago as a way to wind down, along with reading a bedtime story. When they got into bed and then heard the song (now it’s sometimes played on Mama’s phone – the Israel kamakawiwo version with a ukulele) there are big yawns, and eye rubs, as the boys cuddle into their beds.

At times when they visit here, I read a book called “Peace Train” to them which is a beautifully illustrated book of the words of the Cat Stevens’ song. After reading it we listen to the song too. Music is calming.

Oh, and over the years I have watched the boys ‘happy dance’ to all kinds of fun music! I continue to dance and I know the benefits that come from it, mentally and physically. Both the parents of the boys stress their own love of music through playing and enjoying it.

My 3 year old granddaughter has also experienced music from her earliest days. Her Mama and Dada play music in the car, all kinds, and she sings along. The other day her Mama videoed her totally into the music while she sat in her car seat. I will try and attached the video here.

Eyes closed, listening, swaying, feeling the music of Luke Combs while in the car. What a beautiful thing!

I admit that this Mimi is a big advocate of anything to do with music in a little one’s life because it was a part of my own childhood. I took piano lessons. I started flute in 4th grade in school and I played it throughout the rest of my school days. I was in concert band and marching band. It became part of my identity. And even now, as a woman in her 60’s, I have music in my life because it brings me such joy.

So, seeing my little grandchildren expressing themselves through music at their young ages makes me happy. I know it’s a life long love.

Start them out with “Twinkle Twinkle” (with hand motions) and other little nursery songs. Cocomelon is ALL music! Then there are so many wonderful musical movies for children out there, old and new. My little granddaughter loves to sing ‘bip-a-Dee, bop-a-Dee, boo!’ From Cinderella and lots of songs from “Beauty and the Beast.”

Music makes children happy! They feel it and they move with it. They do the hand motions and they dance! They giggle!

And remember: Music is a way for grownups to connect with their babies and children. Lullabys for sleeping, funny songs for teaching and laughing, songs with dance moves. Do it with them! It’s the best!!

The past month has me thinking about when people die. Not how they die. Or why they die. But WHEN they die and if it’s sometimes just a sad accident vs. God’s timing.

First, I think about my dad who died at the age of 97. Dad had lived longer than he really wanted to live. I remember hearing him call out to God to take him after he was hurting so much when he needed hip surgery at 96 years old. His quality of life had passed. He spent endless hours sitting with the TV on, dozing, probably playing memories over and over in his head, and waiting.

Then, last week tragedy struck locally when a 17 year old, a rising high school senior, and a basketball star, got caught up in a strong riptide in the ocean and could not escape it. It took a day for his young body to wash up on the shore.

Just the other day a man who had served our country proudly over in Afghanistan and Iraq, and had earned medals, took his own life by jumping off the bridge between my town Georgetown, and Pawleys Island. He had PTSD and could not stop thinking about the horrors he saw in war. He could not overcome it, and he could not find peace back home.

And last, we all watched the assassination attempt on Donald Trump that took the life of a man who was firefighter and a father. He was in the stands behind Trump at a rally. He was there to support the candidate and to share the experience with his family. He died sheltering them from bullets.

These deaths were all very different. All of them but my Dad’s passing were unexpected. At least they were to most people.

But, were they unexpected to God?

It’s been a conversation happening because Trump’s close call has some people saying ‘it was not his time’ and that ‘God has big plans for him.’ They believe Trump was spared for a reason, and directly by the Almighty. Some people believe we all have a clock ticking and our time is planned, and we need to be ready.

As a Christian, I agree that we always need to be ready. Don’t put off for tomorrow what we need to do today. Confess our sins. Say we are sorry when we have errored and hurt others. Use today for some good. Share the Good News of God’s promise for an everlasting life beyond our time on earth.

I cannot say for certain that God does not plan how long our time on earth will be. I mean, God doesn’t have to live on a linear line of days like we do. God is ‘timeless’ and all knowing. He sees the big picture and He also sees minute motions we go through.

We all have a personal relationship with God. I know you have heard this before. God knows YOU! And, He knows YOU are unique and different from everyone else. So, the connection I feel, my gut feel, with God, is one that says I am given free will and I make my own decisions. Some decisions might save me. Some might lead me to my death. Every day I make choices and some are for my own safety. Yet I know I can’t keep myself totally out of harm’s way. And I don’t know if my body, which seems healthy, will turn on me. I could get hit by a car – or I could have a stroke. The young man who went swimming for enjoyment certainly didn’t think a riptide would take his life last week. The dad at the rally didn’t know a shooter would gun him down on Saturday.

Did God know? If so, did God make a choice NOT to save them? And did God somehow push Trump by a fraction of an inch to save him a more direct and deadly hit?

I don’t know. I believe in divine intervention but I don’t think it’s always obvious or grand. I believe we feel nudges at times. I believe we can also have ‘aha’ moments too.

But is God behind the events that take our lives? Are we just God’s puppets?

I know God heard my Dad’s cries. Did God purposely wait? Did God see the boy in the riptide and not give him enough strength to get out of it? Did God see the man on the bridge fighting visions of horror, and let him hop over into the water? Did God know ahead of time the man at the rally was right where bullets would fly?

I don’t think anyone has the answers. I certainly don’t. But, I don’t think God just picks and chooses. What I do believe though is that when people do die that God is there. God is with the person ‘passing’ on to what is next. God is with the family and friends who mourn. God brings love to sad times. God gives peace when emotions are raw. God comforts. God gives hope. Ask, and you will receive it from God.

That is how we get through dealing with death whenever it comes.

Be it an accident, a planned finish, or a body wearing out in old age.

WHEN is not planned, but WHO is there when it happens and that means everything.

I really wonder if we, as such a divided nation now, are past the point of no return. I absolutely love “Phantom of the Opera.” It’s one of my all time favorite musicals. In it, the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is beautiful and haunting. One of the most dramatic songs comes at the end of the play and it is about reaching the point of no return. Some of the words are:

You have come here

In pursuit of your deepest urge.

I have brought you here

That our passions may fuse and merge.

In your mind you’ve have already succumbed to me,

Dropped all defenses, completely succumbed to me.

No second thoughts.

You have decided. Decided.

Past the point of no return.

No going back now.

Past all thoughts of right and wrong.

When will the blood begin to race?

The sleeping bud burst into bloom?

When will the flames at last consume us?

We are…

Past the point of no return.

Ok. The song is sung by the Phantom as his one last emotional moment telling of his desire to be with Christine. The Phantom is beside himself. He is crying. He is lost. But, as I listen to these words I wonder if we too have lost all our thoughts of right and wrong. We no longer allow ourselves to have second thoughts. No ability to change anymore. Are we past the point of no return?

It’s pretty depressing.

Truth has become really hard to find. Real truth. Facts. We have reached that moment of living in a time when nothing can be for sure. Our urges to win, our desires to be more powerful, to have it our way, have sent us down a road that we can’t stop traveling down. There seems to be no turning around. No pause even.

My last Marla’s Musing I spoke of how my heart hurt because we are in a place where even last Saturday’s tragic event, the assassination attempt, has become political, divided, full of theories, photoshopped pictures, and fake news. Since I wrote it I listened to politicians speak about ending all the dangerous rhetoric because words hurt. Mean words cause anger back. We don’t know if that may have led to the shooting. But maybe. I heard the politicians say it’s time to roll it back. That enough is enough. Right? Well, it lasted for about 24 hours.

We are right back to finger pointing, to blaming others, to creating fake theories, and whatever else that can be done. Low seems to go lower every single day.

So, what happens when we are at the point of no return? Where are we when are emotions always get the best of us? What will happen next? How can we ever agree on anything? Will we ever be able to trust again?

In Phantom of the Opera the love affair ended. The play reached its conclusion. The house lights came up, the audience dried their tears, and they walked out of the theatre together.

But this is real life.

Looking back in history I remind myself that we have been at the edge of the cliff before. We have had people unwilling to bend on slavery and civil rights, or on women’s voting and rights, and even on gun safety. These are life changing (saving) issues. And I am sure back then it felt like there was no turning back, and no way out either. Unfortunately there was bloodshed. But somehow our country moved forward. And, mostly, the right thing finally happened. And so, I hope that during this crazy era of Trump and MAGA and all the fake news and theories, all the lies and so many being fooled, and now finding it difficult to believe anything…. We will not be at a point of no return. Our house lights will come up. People will be exposed. A new morning will start. And, we will move forward.

I pray that our elections can save us.

I sit here this morning and I wonder how we are going to get through the next four months. My heart hurts so much. Yesterday we had a horrible thing happen; an attempted assassination of a past president and the Republican candidate for the upcoming election. It was close. Too close. Truly within an inch or two Donald Trump might not be alive today.

There have been lots of memes and jokes online already and I admit, I have found a few of them funny. But, but, but, it doesn’t take away the seriousness of what happened. We all need to understand that any kind of violence is totally unacceptable. We cannot let political divides change that. Violence is NEVER an answer.

As I am writing here, a post just appeared across my screen saying the shooter had explosives in his car. He lived with his parents, and used an AR-15 that was purchased by his father. Bits and pieces of information will continue to come in. The shooter was only 20 years old – not even a legal adult. He was a registered Republican. Maybe he left clues about what he planned to do. Maybe not. Maybe he was dealing with mental issues. Maybe he was bitter about something in his life. Maybe he just wanted to do something radical. We may learn more about why he did it or we may never know.

The good news is that Donald Trump was just grazed by the bullet. How he moved a bit at the podium may have made a difference of life and death. He should heal okay. I hope he does. But,we cannot forget that two others at the rally were killed by the bullets from the automatic gun. I believe two more are seriously injured. This young man shot at Trump while he stood in front of a stands full of people, without care of any of them.

I cannot turn on the TV right now because my heart and my stomach can not handle all the false narratives, all the speculations, all the blaming. The finger pointing. The meanness that will continue to spew. Before yesterday I thought we could not get any worse, but now I know that, yes, we can. It truly makes me want to cry. How are we going to make it through four more months?

Listen, Trump is not my favorite person – and he certainly is not my choice to be president again. But, what happened to him yesterday was horrible, and nobody should ever condone the actions of the shooter. Ever. As far as we know at this point Democrats were not responsible for it. Biden certainly didn’t plan it. Trump didn’t want it to happen. It was most likely the act of a lone young man, who for some reason did it.

I disagree on a lot of the Republican beliefs and I have read through what the ‘planks’ are for the convention starting tomorrow. It’s ok. I am allowed to think differently on their issues. And, I can be an advocate for things that concern me. One big concern I have always had is the ‘loose and free’ rights we allow for getting and owning guns. I have been vocal for a long time about innocent people getting killed – by drive by shootings, mass killings in crowds, road rage, and more. I have stated that I will not vote for any candidate who will not work towards better gun safety in our country and I continue to stand by it.

Look what happened yesterday. It was another in a long list of gun violence that might possibly have been stopped.

Will there be another political shooting before the election? I think all of us agree it could happen. With guns and irrational people. Anything can happen. It’s never good. Is this what we want?

I read an interesting article recently about how staying silent, providing no action, is acceptance to outcomes. It is allowing the violence to go on. So, are you okay with allowing the violence to go on??

Guns should never be a political issue to ponder. To debate. I believe that every Democrat and Republican should do whatever they can to keep all our officials safe. We should work towards a more civilized society. We should do anything and everything possible to keep our children safe!

Seriously, how are we going to make it through the next four months? And after that…. then what??

My heart hurts.

Woooo. I don’t know where to start on the past couple of weeks. Life cycles. The sadness of a father’s death. The joys of young grandchildren. I have experienced so much recently.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to me on the passing of my father. I was overwhelmed with the love expressed by cards, and online messages, by hugs, and more. I have a wonderful mix of family and friends who let me know I was in their thoughts and prayers. I thank you all very much for that.

Part of aging is having a parent pass on. We have all experienced it and if we are lucky it is when they are old. My father lived to the ripe age of 97 years old. He had been ready to go for a long time. So, when he left it was sad but also a blessing. He knew his good years on earth were past, and he did not like being a burden, especially to his oldest daughter.

So, memories of him will live on – in many ways. Mostly he will be remembered by what he taught, and how he helped so many people. He raised three kids, and they went on to have four grandchildren, and now six great-grandchildren.

Of those great-grandchildren four of them are my grandchildren. All four were here over the 4th of July week. Oh my!! There was so much activity and laughs! There was lots of love and silliness! When the little ones are around the rest of the world goes away. One day I didn’t even stop to brush my teeth until evening. Ha. Okay, hygiene is still important, but I’m just saying when the children are around this Mimi puts them before everything else.

The cycle of life was obvious to me these past weeks because with my father passing, his generation is gone. I am part of the oldest ones now. I realize how I am in that role, and I have made a cognitive decision to stay connected. I want to be ‘there’ for the young ones. I want to be able to relate to them. I want them to have fun with me like I have fun with them.

In past generations the age divisions and therefore age beliefs were obvious. I think these days (and maybe it’s just from my ‘older’ point of view) but I don’t think we have to have the same categories. It used to be that old people were unchangable. “Set in their ways.” Unwilling to try new things. “That’s how it’s always been done.” Back in my day…. Blah, blah, blah. Old people used to live in the past.

Life definitely has cycles. But they are not ‘defined.’ Not anymore.

I think old people who get stuck in a time from the past lose out on the ‘now.’ And they often don’t care about the future. Or, they don’t look for what joys the days ahead can bring.

As an older individual, a mother, and grandmother, I see my days now as a time to make a difference. I have more time to do it. I have freedom with that time. Thankfully I have endless choices on what I can do – for my family and my community. I am blessed with good health and I believe God has given me it for using.

Life has cycles. Once I was a child, a student, then a teenager, and a girlfriend. I became an employee, a hard worker, then a wife. I was blessed to become a mother, a traveler, a reader, a musician. I have been a daughter and a sister. Now I am also a grandmother. I am an activist. I am a Christian. I am a quilter. I am a dancer.

What will be next in my life? What will I add to my ‘being’?

I look forward to whatever happens as my life continues to cycle.

Well, if you watched last night’s presidential candidates debate with Trump and Biden you know it was a low point for the Democrats. President Biden seemed tired, old, stiff, confused at times, and he hurt his chances for re-election. It was cringe worthy. Hard to watch.

Trump spoke stronger and showed he had more energy. Unfortunately everything he said was filled with lies. He has an unusual ability to spew things quickly and sound like he knows what he is talking about even though it is false. He used a lot of his key phrases. The man is an expert of ‘probably, maybe, and we’ll see.’

We all have been saying for months “this is what we got??” Last night emphasized that we have two candidates that leave a lot to be desired, and in fact, it comes down to which one might be the least worst. Which one will make it through 4 years more?

Sometimes you have to put down on paper the likes and dislikes and see how they add up. So, here goes…

BIDEN POSITIVES: He has lived a life of public service in many areas of government. He is experienced. As president now he has led with calmness. He has put people in his administration who are smart, who work hard – and who stay. Biden supports issues I agree with such as gun safety, improving equality for all, women’s right for their own bodies, and legal abortion options. Biden and Democrats are stronger when it comes to moral and social concerns. He has gone through tragedy in his own life many times and it has made him caring. He also had a son in the military and therefore he puts the men and women of the armed forces top on his list of needs, physical and mental. Jill Biden is an asset. She is a smart First Lady who represents our country well. Pres. Biden is a man of faith, which supports his moral backbone. I think he doesn’t lie because he is a moral, honest man (regardless of what conservative media says.)

BIDEN NEGATIVES: He is very old. He seems quite frail. As I watched him I wondered if he might have early Parkinson’s Disease, something I am familiar with knowing. Biden is slow in his speech (but has also had a stutter issue all his life), stiff when he moves, has trouble showing emotion on his face, and at times gets flusters and frustrated. President Biden does not have a strong VP choice with Kamala Harris. I know why he picked her but I don’t think she has proven to be a good ‘back up’ and that is worrisome. I wish she didn’t act so political all the time. She doesn’t seem genuine. And, with Biden’s age, the VP has to be considered.

TRUMP POSITIVES: He is a schmoozer. He can walk in a room and control it. Trump is only a few years younger than Biden but he does seem to have more energy. I cannot imagine the extreme physical and mental pressure it takes to be a president – it takes almost above-human energy. Trump still gets riled up and spirited at his rallies. He likes to entertain. He leads by intimidation – some like that.

TRUMP NEGATiVES: Well, he is a convicted felon. He has more court cases coming. He can push them off if he becomes president and he knows that. He has made fun of serious judges and others of the justice department. In fact, Trump often makes fun and makes up childish names for people he doesn’t like. He is brash, and mean-spirited, and I truly believe he is a narcissistic psychopath. And, some will say that is what makes him so good. He will do anything to make himself look like a winner. And, therefore he lies all.the.time. He is like the little boy crying wolf in the nursery rhyme. You can believe nothing he says because the lies roll off his tongue so easily. We learned in his presidency that he is hard to work for because a large percentage of his administration left. He had a revolving door of staff members. I fear his ego when it comes to foreign affairs. He still has this belief that the US can ‘make it on their own’ in this world and I disagree. Our world has shrunk through communications, trade, international business, and more. We cannot be an island, left alone when world issues are ongoing. He has a cold heart. And maybe some people like that. I don’t. Trump has shown himself to have very little moral creeds. He is the ultimate ‘good ole boy’ and here in the south that is still secretly admired. He has a wife who has basically disappeared – and I don’t blame her. When it comes to party issues, be it immigration, gun safety, education, and more, I do not align with that way of Republican thinking. Oh, and I believe he fakes his faith. He truly believes he is ‘god-like.’

I haven’t even mentioned January 6th, and the Obama birth lies. And, making up stories about Ted Cruz’s father and belittling his wife, and how he kept going, going, going on the whole election fraud conspiracy theory. I also can not forget how he acted like a baby and did not attend Biden’s inauguration and welcome him to the White House, a tradition and a visual of a civilized change of leadership.

Trump has not announced his VP choice yet.

I could go on…

But, putting down the positives and negatives leaves me with my same belief that Biden is the better man and president. I will never vote for Trump. Never.

I do think this might be the time for a strong Independent to enter the race. The American people are ready for someone else. But, who? Who could be able to walk the lines of both parties, be younger, but presidential, and be intelligent (I still want a smart leader!), caring, and someone without lots of past baggage? Is there someone out there? It’s a big country! There has got to be someone out there! PLEASE!!

Because, what we got…. Biden and Trump, are very sad choices.

Today is a national day of recognition for the ‘stars and stripes.’ According to records that I found online June 14th was the day in 1777 when the Continental Congress approved the design for the new nation’s flag. Since then the flag has changed 27 times, adding stars as states were added to the union. Now we have 50 stars for 50 states, and 13 stripes for the original 13 colonies.

Banks are closed today. Post offices are open. Just about everything is ‘business as usual’ for us.

The US flag is seen everywhere in our country. Of course it is displayed in all federal buildings. But the flag flies over all public schools, in most classrooms, outside of businesses, and homes. I often see it flying on boats as they pass my house on the river.

The Stars and Stripes, in red, white, and blue, can be found on lots of clothing too. Team uniforms. Military uniforms. And it is available in variations on lots of clothing that anyone can purchase in stores or on line. Flags are worn on coat lapels and other pieces of jewelry.

Lately the US flag has become a political sign.

It’s where we are in this country right now. Some are even flying it upside down as a sign that we as a nation are in distress.

We have flown the American flag (right side up) on our property for years. When we moved here the owners before us had already put up a flagpole, so it just made sense for us to fly the flag. We also fly the State of South Carolina flag right below it since it is our home state.

In general, flags are decorations. They are symbols. They are a statement.

The American flag is about patriotism. It means we belong here. We are proud to be here.

It should be about unity.

We are a long way from that right now.

Maybe looking at the US flag today can remind us about it’s creation, about the hopes of the founders, about all the growing pains of our country (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and about how we have to have hope for our country’s future, to hope for a better union.