Merry Christmas

At Christmas I no more desire a rose
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows.

~ Wm. Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost

What It's All About

From: A Charlie Brown Christmas ~ 1965

But--What About Evil?

It's been chilling to watch and listen to the discussions about the assassination of United Health Care CEO Brian Thompson. What is frightening is the often-sympathetic tone towards the cold-blooded murderer.

If one understands right from wrong and good from evil, then there are no "buts" in this conversation. Shooting a man dead--in the back, no less--is wrong. Period. There is no "but" after that declaration. The fact that so many people can equivocate on this is a sad testimony to the sorry state of our moral condition.

The father of two young boys has been murdered in the street, and that is evil. Period. There is no "but..." There is no appropriate launching point within that tragedy for discourse on the failings of the American healthcare system.

The case of Daniel Penny, who was cleared of all charges in the death of a threatening subway rider he was subduing to protect his fellow passengers, is another example of the ailing soul of our nation. In legacy media, Penny is often granted reluctant credit for "doing the right thing, but..." No. There is no "but." Daniel Penny did the right thing. Period.

It's not complicated. There is a right, and there is a wrong. There is good, and there is evil. Period. There are no "buts" about it.

Up from the Ashes

The bricks have fallen down,
But we will rebuild with smooth stones;
The sycamores have been cut down,
But we will replace them with cedars.

 ~ Isaiah 9:10

The historic and beautiful cathedral of Notre Dame reopened in Paris, France, this weekend. It displays the triumph of human spirit, skill, and determination over the raging flames that nearly wrought total destruction upon this iconic religious, cultural, and architectural treasure in 2019.

World leaders gathered for the inaugural Mass inside Notre Dame, including President-Elect Donald Trump. The photos show a brightly gleaming restoration that highlights the beauty of the cathedral's interior. The ceremonies included recognition of the Paris firefighters who risked their lives to save France's ancient and beloved landmark. That worthy tribute was especially heartwarming to see.

Paris Firefighters stand at attention ~ Notre Dame Cathedral

Thanksgiving

It's time once again for that purely American holiday, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day was founded by President George Washington in 1789. Down through the generations since that proclamation, the holiday has evolved into a festive occasion for food, family, fun, and football. In a healthy country, there is no room for political squabbles on such a special day.

Yet many families are fraught with ideological disagreements in the wake of the November 5 election. This is sad; worse, it is stupid. It is pure folly that political differences be given the power to rend a family or friendship. These close personal relationships are far more precious and important than opposing political views and should be nurtured and protected beyond any differing opinion. At least, that's my belief.

Certainly, I'm not alone in the sad reality that I've lost friends over politics. I'm always open to the return of people who have estranged themselves because we vote differently. But it appears their ideology will not allow a reconciliation, at least up to now. I'll still be here if they change their minds.

Meanwhile, I'm grateful for all my countless blessings and for the many wonderful family and friends I remain close to. And let's not forget to thank what Washington called "that great and glorious Being"-- 

...for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

 

Return to Ireland

At Christmas time in 2006, my grown children and I visited Ireland. It was a return trip for both of them, but it was my first time on the "Ould Sod." We spent close to two magical weeks in the western and southern regions of Ireland, exploring such wonders as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and Blarney Castle. 

In late October, I returned to Ireland for a family event. This time I was on the east coast, spending several exciting days in the capital city of Dublin and then continuing south to County Wicklow for the festivities and a subsequent vacation with family and friends.

This is not our grandparents' Ireland. Dublin is truly an international city now, bustling with industrial development and people from all over the world. In our whirlwind travels around town, we had cab drivers from Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as Irishmen. The hotel coffee shop was staffed by a Polish manager and a French barista. Everyone we met and talked with was warm, welcoming, and interesting.

The countryside of County Wicklow is stunning in its natural beauty. In two widely differing visits to the land of my ancestors over the expanse of two decades, I reached the same conclusion both times--Ireland remains magical.

View from Tinakilly Country House - Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Town of Howth - North Dublin

Powerscourt Gardens - Co. Wicklow, Ireland

In the Aftermath

I've heard reports that pedestrians in New York City are now walking the streets wearing MAGA hats. That's believable, and I hope it's true.

There is a feeling of confidence now among Trump supporters that was previously hidden. It's a collective sigh of relief, an aura of "Yay, we did it!" that surrounds conservatives in the aftermath of the November 5 election.

President-elect Donal Trump made gains with young voters. He also made inroads among Jewish, Muslim, and Catholic voters. None of these results should be surprising to people who were paying attention to world events in the days leading up to Election Day.

My opinion throughout the campaign was that, were it not for Democrat cheating, Trump would walk away with the election. Election results show that I was too fearful of vote rigging; "oh ye of little faith." The American voters turned out for Trump in full force, and it was enough to blunt the effectiveness of any cheating. Trump did indeed walk away with it.

While I have some reservations about a couple of his choices, Trump's rapid action to fill his cabinet posts has my full support. He's got only four years to mop up the current mess, and the clock is ticking. Let's get going.

Reflections After Elections

"...the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God governs in the affairs of men."

~ Benjamin Franklin, in the Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer

I was out of the country during the week of our presidential election. It was something of a relief to be removed from the intensity of media coverage. It also afforded an interesting opportunity to observe the deep interest with which foreign citizens follow our political events. There were many questions from drivers, waiters, and many other service personnel. Most of them supported the Democrat; having watched some of their media coverage, I understand why. Their "news" made MSNBC seem conservative.

Being several time zones ahead of the USA, I went to bed Tuesday night with a restless feeling that led me to awaken every hour or so to check the electoral college map on my phone. It was nearly dawn before I saw that Donald Trump's total had hit the necessary 270 mark. At that point I could sleep peacefully.

It was comforting and exhilarating to know that, as I had done, my fellow countrymen had voted overwhelmingly to change course. The change was not limited to the presidency but showed up in the Senate races results. The House of Representatives is still counting some races but has a whisper-thin lead for Republicans and looks promising to complete the sweep.

It has been less than a week since Election Day, and already so much has been said and written about the results that nothing new or noteworthy could be added here. There are two outstanding articles that I would direct you to for some of the most thorough and rational reasons why Trump's resounding victory unfolded as it did. Victor Davis Hanson provides his usual incisive forensic analysis in American Greatness, and in UnHerd, David Samuels offers a fascinating and insightful explanation of how Obama's hubris proved to be his undoing. Both pieces are well worth reading. 

Today is Veterans Day. Thank you once again to all who have served in our military. I believe that you especially, along with every American, will be safer now. 

Shifting Seasons

Can I sail through the changin' ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?

~ Fleetwood Mac

Early this month I began retirement. Leaving the working world was long planned for and anticipated, but there is a feeling of unreality to the event when it finally arrives. It is exciting, though, and quite fun--so far, so good.

It's delicious to wake up and not have to leap out of bed. I can loll for a while, listen to the news, and only get up when my internal coffee meter tells me it's time. There has been a lengthy round of festivities celebrating this new life chapter with family and friends, which has kept my days and nights wonderfully busy. Now there's upcoming travel and special occasions crowding the calendar.

So, I'll be taking a break from posting and hope to resume next month with reports of new adventures and experiences. After all, it's time to make way for a brand-new season.

Our People

Dolly Parton has donated one million dollars to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Her Dollywood Foundation is matching that amount, for a total of $2,000,000 in hurricane relief. As Dolly said, "these are my people."

And in the spirit of giving that is built into our national DNA, millions of Americans are donating what they can to help their neighbors in need after this overwhelming disaster. When donating, it's best to verify that your money is going to a reputable charity. I'm partial to The Salvation Army (low overhead costs), but most of us have our own favorite charity(s) that can be relied upon to deliver the most relief to disaster victims for the amount that is donated.

Americans don't often sit back and wait for the government agencies to lurch into action following a national disaster or tragedy. We can--and do--take care of our own. This is the USA. The victims of Hurricane Helene are our people, too.

The United States Constitution

Fighting Evil

By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.

~ Macbeth, 4:1

Today the Catholic Church observes the feast of archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These are biblical figures, all appearing in Holy Scripture. Gabriel is presented as the messenger, Raphael as the healer, and Michael as the defender against evil. 

In my opinion, Michael has the busiest agenda these days. I've often heard news and opinion commentators, local as well as national, describe the USA's current internal and global struggles as "spiritual warfare." I find myself agreeing. We are certainly in the days when the dominating cultural trend is to "call evil good, and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20). 

St. Michael is the patron of the military, police, first responders, Israel and Ukraine, plus all defenders against evil. It's safe to say he's got his hands full these days.

Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...

Predicting Humor

 "In America, anyone can become president. That's the problem."

~ George Carlin        

The comedian George Carlin (1937-2008) truly was ahead of his time. Reading his sharply relevant quips today can make one wonder if he was a kind of funny Nostradamus, predicting the challenges of our current events decades ago. But I think he was just a very intelligent, perceptive person who could see the freight train--and the ensuing inevitable trainwreck--coming a long way down the tracks.

My favorite routine is his hilarious diatribe on Earth Day and the world's imperviousness to humanity's impact upon it. He actually suggests Earth might use a virus to rid itself of humans! There are other monologues, equally prescient--like the one in which he discusses our "Owners." Even two decades ago, our present situation was obvious to Carlin.

Carlin's standup material contained so many topics that remain keenly relevant today. YouTube is a good source to find his performances. He was one smart cookie. If he was still with us, despite our national troubles, I have no doubt George would still make us laugh.

Constitutionally Unsound

Free speech is my right to say what you don't want to hear.

~ George Orwell

Today is Constitution Day. This might be an appropriate occasion to read that founding document, particularly the First Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech. This is especially true since we now have political candidates claiming there's "no guarantee to free speech" when it comes to "misinformation" or "hate speech."

Actually, that's exactly what the First Amendment guarantees. The Founders knew we didn't need a law to protect speech we agree with; we need to protect opposing, even offensive, speakers. Look up the case of Skokie, Illinois in 1977. The Supreme Court ruled that the Nazi party did have the right to march peacefully in a largely Jewish community.

Less than a half century later, censorship has crept into every area of public discourse. That in itself is frightening. But who are the shadowy gatekeepers appointed to decide what is "misinformation" or "hate speech"? That question has become truly terrifying. The reality of government agencies, educational institutions, and media outlets curtailing our right to free speech is evidence that our republic is in a very bad way.

The free exercise of religion is also protected in the First Amendment. While it's still permitted, a daily prayer for America may be in order.

 

A Win for the Good

On September 11, 2001, the Vigiano family lost both of their sons--one was a police officer, the other a firefighter. 

Speaking as a parent, it's impossible to comprehend the enormity of this family's grief. Yet anyone who has suffered a great loss knows that life goes on, one way or another, regardless of tragedy or sorrow. The young first responders who died left families behind to face the coming years without them. Several of those orphaned children have stepped onto their fathers' career path, including Joe Vigiano Jr. Joe Vigiano Jr. is a newly graduated NYC police officer.

The Bible tells us that in the end, God wins the war against evil. We may still have a long time to wait for that joyous outcome. But there are ongoing quiet battles being waged in the meantime by uncounted courageous individuals who are fighting to bring light out of darkness. The brave Vigiano family can proudly claim one of those victories.

September 11, 2001 ~ Never Forget

Honoring Grandparents

Tomorrow is Grandparents Day. Since becoming a grandparent myself, I've become more tuned in to this often-overlooked holiday, probably because of the artwork I receive from my grandkids in honor of the occasion.

My own grandparents are models of the previous generations that built our country. All of them were teenaged immigrants, fleeing their impoverished childhoods in Ireland for the promise of a better life in America. A century ago, immigrants needed their checklist in order before entering the USA. From their firsthand accounts, I know that my grandparents were sponsored into the country by relatives already established here, who met them at the dock and served as escorts and witnesses to their identity. They needed to prove a place of residency and a job awaiting them, as well as pass a health exam, before being allowed off Ellis Island or out of any other US port of entry.

Sad to say, that's not quite our current immigration system.

I never met my firefighter grandfather. He died young, in the line of duty at the scene of a fire during the Great Depression. My other grandparents are vivid in my memory, especially my two grandmothers. It seems the older I become, the more I remember them, their inner strength, and the wisdom of their ways.

I can only hope and pray that I may hold a similar sweet spot in the memories of my own grandchildren.

 

Songs for Summer's End

Labor Day weekend is upon us already, the occasion that by long tradition marks the end of summer. That seemed fast, yes? But as long as we're here, I think we should try to relax and enjoy the holiday as we were intended to do.

I thought it would be fun to put together a playlist in honor of Labor Day. It was easier than I expected. Below are my Top Ten Labor Day songs:

1. Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
2. Working in the Coal Mine - Devo (1981)
3. I've Been Working On The Railroad - Johnny Cash
4. 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
5. Workin' for a Livin' - Huey Lewis & The News
6. Five O'clock World - The Vogues
7. Uptown - The Crystals
8. Drill Ye Tarriers Drill - Tommy Maken & Liam Clancy
9. Work to Do - The Isley Brothers
10. Let's Work - Mick Jagger

No doubt there are plenty more. You could put your own playlist together--but don't work too hard. Then kick back, pop a cold one, and celebrate the hard-working American's designated day off.

Mischief Afoot

 Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what course thou wilt.

~ Julius Caesar 3:2

Okay, so the Democratic Convention is over and done. Praise the Lord, we can all now get on with our lives without being browbeaten, shouted at, lied to, and insulted. Where else except at the Dem's self-adoring pageant can you find mega multi-millionaires ranting their list of complaints against our dark and dangerous country?

Why, who has a chance here? Who can possibly get ahead if they start "way back there?" (Hint: Ask Justice Clarence Thomas how he did it.) Of course, the Vice President who had the presidential nomination handed to her without a single vote being cast for her believes that "everyone should end up in the same place."

You mean, everyone should end up owning four mansions like the Obamas? Oh no, I don't think Kamala Harris quite meant that. "Everyone" requires their exalted ruling class; "everyone" knows that.

But the media needed to pivot away from the VP with alarm and alacrity. News cycles are fast and unforgiving these days, and the American voters quickly moved on from the smoke and mirrors of the convention to today's story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspending his independent run for president and endorsing Donald J. Trump. 

This is a stunning and historic turn of events. The Kennedy dynasty has been solidly Democratic for nearly one and a half centuries. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is risking his extensive family relationships as well as his political career, not to mention his life. Just as Donald Trump is a target for left-wing lunatics, Kennedy now will also be. Both are men of courage, an invaluable trait sorely needed in our troubled and tumultuous times.

Although I don't agree with all his positions, I like Kennedy. He is smart, sincere, and determined to make a positive difference. He certainly made a big difference today in our presidential campaigns. It will be interesting to see where it all goes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorses Donald Trump for president

Objective Secure

Early this summer I stumbled across Green Beret Nick Lavery's story. I think I first heard him speak on Shawn Ryan's podcast (Episode #28). Completely captivated, I found and watched the entire interview on YouTube--twice. Also, I discovered an even more in-depth interview on Jocko Willink's podcast (#347) and watched that one, too--again, twice. 

I went on to order and read Lavery's book, Objective Secure. Discovering Nick's Instagram account, I immediately became a follower and sent him an IM--which Nick promptly answered. For his birthday, my son got his own copy of Objective Secure from me; he chuckles that I'm "a groupie." That's probably an accurate description. 

It's more effective if you hear and read Nick's story for yourself, but I'll say this much: this man should be dead at least a dozen times over. In three separate combat incidents, he was wounded by shrapnel, shot in the face, and had his right leg destroyed by enemy machine gun fire. The numerous medical threats and complications that accompanied his third, catastrophic injury, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation, defy belief. 

Also defying belief is the fact that Nick was determined to return to active duty as a Green Beret--and he succeeded, as a Special Forces Warrant Officer. The obstacles he needed to overcome were staggering. He is the first Special Forces combat-wounded, above-the-knee amputee to return to the battlefield. When you learn his story, you'll understand why. It's obvious to me that Nick is meant to live, to teach, and to inspire.

It's a comforting thought to know that such men as Nick Lavery still walk among us.

An Unlikely Alliance

There have been violent street protests against the unending influx of illegal aliens into their native land in the United Kingdom, including in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this weekend.

One must know a bit of Irish history to realize that seeing the British and Irish flags flying together in protest against their government's policies was an unimaginable sight for centuries.

People can only be pushed so far until human nature triumphs over trepidation, and the firm cry of "No more!" rings out. Much of the violence is wrong, but the message is not. Those in government power have been quick to blame their own people. If they would look beyond their ideological agendas and pay attention to their native citizens that they are duty-bound to represent, they might have a line of sight to begin reaching a solution.

Ireland's tri-color flag and the Union Jack flying side-by-side?

The Globalists should pay close attention and step carefully.

Republic of Ireland's Flag

Symbolic of ancient enemies united for Northern Ireland

United Kingdom's Flag

  

Not In the Games

The only correct actions are those that demand no explanation and no apology. ~ Red Auerbach

I haven't watched a nanosecond of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Nor will I.

A fleeting glimpse of online clips from the Opening Ceremony were enough for me to conclude that this particular Olympics was not worth my time. Drag queens recreating the Last Supper? Really? 

“There was never an intention to show disrespect to a religious group,” a Paris 2024 spokeswoman said. “If people have taken any offense, we are, of course, really sorry.”

Just a thought, but if disrespect was "never an intention," then it might have been wise to avoid a direct attack mocking that religious group's most sacred institution. It's safe for them to apologize now; their deliberate smear of Christianity has been accomplished. Christians aren't stupid. We can tell the difference between "freedom of expression" and a targeted insult.

I'm grateful I visited the Normandy beaches two years ago, because I'll never set foot in France again. Au revoir, blasphémateurs insensés. Now excuse me, s’il vous plaît. I need to get to Mass.

An Interesting Time

 I'm no youngster, and I've seen more than my share of interesting, chaotic, turbulent times.

The first upheaval I experienced was the President Kennedy assassination in 1963. In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy Sr. were also assassinated in quick succession. There were brutal riots between protestors and police at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year, and President Johnson announced his refusal to run for a second term during the ongoing carnage of the Vietnam War. I remember watching that special news broadcast with my father. (Dad's retort to the television screen was along the lines of, "Good! Leave now.")

The USA moved on to Richard Nixon, the Watergate scandal, and a presidential resignation. Jimmy Carter's unsuccessful presidency followed, with the Iran hostage crisis, gas lines and shortages, inflation, and the "malaise" of a discontented populace. Reagan followed and came close to assassination early in his tenure, followed closely by an assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. The end of the Cold War brought short-lived promise, but an ominous Russia rose again. And the alarming evolution and progression of an aggressive China is a whole other story.

The Clinton presidency brought its own sordid scandal. I've lost count of how many recessions I've cycled through. September 11, 2001, changed the world as well as the country--and not for the better. Technology took over all our lives in recent years, with its own devious pitfalls. In recent days, we've watched worldwide commerce come to a shocking halt when software fails. And that is a frightening place to be.

Last week a former president was almost murdered by gunfire while running for a second term. I think America has grown weary of the stealthy gunman do-loop being replayed so often.

And today, our current president announces--on social media--that he will not run for a second term, throwing his party into an uproar. After all, the election is only three-and-a-half months away. Think fast, Democrats.

This is just a random list of the "interesting" events that have populated my lifetime. I didn't mention the Civil Rights Movement, the NASA tragedies, or the Great Recession, among many other happenings. Yet here we all are, still alive, reasonably comfortable, and able to stand and fight for our own freedoms. Buried in all the societal, political, and economic chaos I find a sliver of hope that somehow, tomorrow may be better than today--if we are determined to make it so. That would certainly make life interesting.

The Shoe Drops

 "It’s time to put Trump in the bullseye."

~ Joe Biden, 7/8/24

What happened yesterday was not unexpected. After witnessing the ongoing, relentless, often lawless onslaught against Donald Trump for more than eight years, his attempted assassination was inevitable. I must confess that I've been waiting for it.

I'm sick and tired of the "both sides" argument. No, that's not accurate. The Right does have its fringe outlaws, but it is the Left that most often endorses, encourages, and perpetrates violence. Go back to the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting. That was done by a leftie. The BLM rioting during the summer of 2020 wrought deaths, injuries, and destruction across the country. And remember the screaming threats of Chuck Schumer against the Supreme Court justices, resulting in an assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Think of the image years ago of a severed head representing Donald Trump being held aloft by a left-wing "comedian." Just recently, look to the cover of a magazine showing Trump merged with an image of Hitler. This despicable tactic of demonizing an individual is straight out of Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals. 

We are in a new era now. There's no predicting where it will lead. But as surely as I was convinced that there would be an attempt on Donald Trump's life, I am equally convinced that Trump is being protected in a seemingly supernatural way. Call it karma, the Universe, a Higher Power, guardian angels, whatever you like. I believe God's hand is on this man. That doesn't mean I believe he's preordained to be the next president--that's up to the voters (legal ones).

What it does mean is that recent events seem to be aligning in Trump's favor. This was the summer we were supposed to be talking non-stop about the "convicted felon" running for office. We were supposed to be seeing him sentenced and possibly sent to prison this past week. The lefties were gleeful, convinced they had engineered Trump's end.

Yet what have we been talking about since June 27? Joe Biden's dismal debate performance and endless questions regarding his fitness for serving as the presidency. The ludicrous legal actions against Trump are falling apart or being postponed.

Hurl the epithet "dictator" at Trump as much as you like. When he was president, he followed the law. He protected our nation's borders, honored Supreme Court decisions, eliminated crushing regulations against business owners. When his term was up, despite his disbelief that Biden had defeated him, Trump left promptly. He did not even attend Biden's inauguration ceremony, in protest of the questionable election. And Trump knew his presence would be unwelcomed, so he left.

Joe Biden has ignored the Supreme Court ruling on canceling student debt. He has continuously broken his Oath of Office by allowing the unfettered invasion of our country by illegal aliens, aided and abetted by the entire Biden administration. He has corrupted our nation's legal system, a cornerstone of our liberty, for the sole purpose of destroying a political opponent--Donald Trump.

So, tell me, who is more of a "threat to democracy" or guilty of the title, "dictator"--Biden or Trump?

And yesterday, Donald Trump narrowly, perhaps miraculously, escaped assassination. To quote our national motto, In God We Trust.

"Fight!" ~ Trump 2024

Hitting the Iceberg

"If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.”

~ Joe Biden, 46^th US President

 

“Not even God himself could sink this ship.”

~ attributed to an employee of the White Star Line, owner of the Titanic

It’s never a good idea to pronounce God’s plans. So, I felt a small chill when I read Joe Biden’s quote declaring the Lord is “not coming down” to instruct him not to run for a second term. Such certainty regarding the Almighty’s course of action is too reminiscent of the famous quote about the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner being “unsinkable,” even by God.

You remember the Titanic, the ship that hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage and sunk—quickly.

I don’t know what will happen to the beleaguered Joe Biden presidency. But I know the sound of a destructive impact when I hear one. What Biden said seemed like what Titanic’s collision with an iceberg must have sounded like. For now, there’s no predicting how much damage was done and the depths it might reach. Only the "Lord Almighty" knows.

 

Titanic sinks - April 1912

America the Beautiful

Despite our country's wounds and conflicts, tomorrow we pause to honor the 248th birthday of our home, the USA. I, for one, am grateful.

Hard to Watch

It was like watching a slow-motion trainwreck
with Biden trapped underneath the train.

Say "Greatness"

Willie Mays, one of baseball's all-time best players, died yesterday. As a New York Giant, he was my father's favorite player. I grew up hearing about him. When the Giants moved to San Francisco, Dad's loyalty moved right along with Willie.

So, although he was a lifetime New Yorker, Dad rooted for the San Francisco Giants when I was a kid. He was a Willie Mays fan. In conversations about Willie Mays, he usually tacked on the descriptive modifier "the greatest ballplayer that ever lived."

When one reviews his stats, there's a good argument for bestowing that title on Willie Mays. He finished his career as a New York Met, circling back to New York. Suddenly, Dad became a Mets fan. He took me to a Mets game, and I remember how excited he was when Willie Mays came to the plate. "Say Hey, Willie!" Dad whistled, clapped, and shouted, a combination of exuberant behaviors I don't recall seeing from him at any other time.

Due to his manner of greeting people, Willie became known as the "Say Hey Kid." I worked at the Mets stadium during his last season and kept an eye on the player's parking field on game days. Occasionally I got lucky and caught sight of Willie Mays sliding out of his pink Cadillac with the "SAY HEY" license plates. I always felt a sense of awe in seeing him. He had been a baseball legend to me from my earliest years.

I saw him on the field at a Petco Park event in San Diego about a decade ago, and I felt the same thrill. So today, in bidding farewell to another vivid childhood icon, I have a wistful feeling. Rest in peace, Willie Mays. And please "Say Hey" to my father for me.

"The Catch" - 1954 World Series

Pod Help Me

Over the past few years, I have made an almost complete transition from listening to talk radio to listening to podcasts. I must confess that podcasts have become a bit of an obsession.

There are so many I want to hear, but so few hours in the day. I rotate the podcasts I'm following, simply because there is no way to keep up. But the complete list of the podcasts I alternate keeping downloaded in my podcast app reads like this:

1. The Victor Davis Hanson Show - Victor Davis Hanson*
2. Highly Concentrated Hugh - Hugh Hewitt
3. The Bible in a Year - Fr. Mike Schmitz
4. The Megyn Kelly Show - Megan Kelly
5. The Dan Bongino Show - Dan Bongino
6. Call Me Back - Dan Senor
7. The McCarthy Report - Andrew C. McCarthy
8. The Commentary Magazine Podcast - John Podhoretz
9. The Shawn Ryan Show - Shawn Ryan

*=Never miss one

I occasionally drop in on The Rubin Report with Dave Rubin and Getting Hammered with Mary Katherine Ham and Vic Matus, when time allows. But the recent discovery of Shawn Ryan has practically ruined my life. I don't know where my head has been, but I didn't know about this host of the No. 21 podcast on the Top 100 Apple Podcasts until I heard Megyn Kelly interview Shawn recently. His story is so fascinating that I searched his podcast, scrolled down the titles, and promptly followed his show.

Since that moment, my life is not my own. Shawn Ryan's first podcast was in December 2019, so I have a lot of catching up to do. I pick out the titles that intrigue me, and I listen. And listen some more. While I'm cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, driving, weeding the garden, or trying to get to sleep at night, Shawn keeps me company. His podcasts are long; most are two or three hours, but some are more than five hours. The listener has to plan manageable segments, but it's often hard for me to break away.

Shawn has a calm, quiet demeanor that belies his life experience as a combat veteran Navy SEAL. His conversations with other SEALs and special forces veterans are riveting. I've also listened to his talks with Michael Shellenberger, Jordan Peterson, Jim Caviezel, and Tucker Carlson. The story of his spiritual experiences that brought him to faith in Christ (Episode #63) is spellbinding.

I may have found the object of next spring's Lenten fast. Giving up all podcasts would be beyond my human strength. Let's not get crazy. But, like a pretend SEAL training exercise in endurance, I'd like to see how long I could go without listening to Shawn Ryan.

At Normandy, Yesterday

 

Today they look like harmless old men sitting in the sun. But inside each of these heroes still beats the courageous heart of a youthful US warrior who faced down unimaginable terror to take the beaches of Normandy in June 1944. 

Yesterday a few survivors had returned to that scene of brutal carnage to remember the day that changed the world and to honor their fallen brothers. It was heartwarming to see the veterans cheered by French school children. As I learned on my visit to Normandy two years ago, the French people have a long memory for the gift of their freedom, so dearly purchased.

Americans can only stand aside with profound respect for and gratitude to these remarkable saviors. When the last of them are gone, it will be a very sad day for our country. We shall not see their like again.

Destruction by Disagreement

The Left destroys everything it touches.

~ Dennis Prager

Mark Steyn, the brilliant commentator and writer, was once Rush Limbaugh's go-to for guest hosting his national radio show. He was a Fox News contributor and a best-selling author.

But he had some politically incorrect ideas about climate change and Islam, among other subjects. This was enough to activate the leftist machine to destroy him. The Lefties have done an impressive job. They've nearly killed him, and they're not finished with him yet.

After a dozen years of legal persecution, in recent years Steyn has suffered two heart attacks; the second one was nearly fatal. I saw a recent photo of him being pushed in a wheelchair. His once coppery hair and beard are now grey. 

Steyn perseveres and still writes insightful, often hilarious, always powerful commentary at his website, SteynOnline. In his most recent posting, A Republic? You Can Keep It, Steyn addresses the relentless persecution, trial of, and verdict on former President Donald Trump. It's worth reading in its entirety, but a key section appears below:

"I am about to begin my thirteenth year in the foetid septic tank of the District of Columbia courts. My finances are ruined, and so is my constitution. By the latter, I mean my health, not the United States Constitution, which is already dead. By contrast, I'm just about hanging on, although I very much doubt I will live long enough to be vindicated at the Supreme Court. Which is bad news for my heirs and relicts. As one of the lawyers taunted me last year, "This doesn't end with your death."

I'm sad about that, and would much prefer to devote the time that remains to playing music and enjoying the sunsets. I am worn out, and bitter about the books I'll never get to write because of the way American litigation has consumed what should have been my most productive years. I have a theological objection to suicide, but would not be averse to dying in my sleep.

And that's just with two rinky-dink cases on the go.

Trump, on the other hand, is barraged at all turns - here, there, state, federal, civil, criminal. He has been subjected to all manner of indignities - such as, just this week, having to sit in the crappy courtroom while the jury deliberates, which Judge Irving did not force me to do in DC."

We in the United States of America are in a dark and dangerous place today. We must take our perilous situation seriously. Like a bad heart attack, it can quickly become fatal.

Remember and Honor

The thousands of American troops who died on a French beach nearly 80 years ago were a crucial key to giving us the life we have enjoyed and prospered from ever since. We should all honor and respect their memory, along with that of every member of the US Armed Forces who has fallen in battle.

The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing is ten days away. The video below is only about two-and-a-half minutes long. That's a tiny drop of time to return for their sacrifice, but it's a fitting way to remember our D-Day heroes on this Memorial Day.

Normandy American Cemetery

A Millennial Saint

Blessed Carlo Acutis is on deck to become the first canonized saint of the Millennial generation.

A computer expert who died of leukemia at the tender age of 15 years, Carlo worked on websites for Catholic schools and churches and created an online database of Eucharistic miracles. His brief life story shows that he was precocious in his faith as well as in internet technology

This week, the Catholic Church recognized a second miracle attributed to Carlo's intercession. The Church requires two miracles to advance a candidate for sainthood to canonization. Both miracles involved healings of young people.

Had he lived, Carlos would be 33 years old now. Many of his generation describe themselves as "Nones," having no religious affiliation or particular belief. In Carlo, who has been called "God's influencer" and "patron saint of the Internet," we will soon have our first official Millennial saint. I believe that's something that will do our world good.

Carlo Acutis ~ 1991-2006

Letter to the Leftists

Dear Leftists, Communists, Marxists, Terrorists, and Anarchists who are currently roiling American life and culture:

Why don't all of you sit down for about five minutes and take a deep breath? More importantly, why don't you just shut up for a few minutes? All of you could benefit from listening, for a change.

You seem to have so many grievances against the United States. Well, it's still supposedly a free country. If life is so unbearable here, why don't you try leaving and going to a different country? Just a thought.

To the "university" protestors--how many of you are professional agitators? How many are faculty? You know, I'm from the 1960s. I understand protests. I even participated in a few in 1970. My issue was the vote; 18-year-olds were being shipped off to Vietnam, but the voting age was twenty-one. Not fair. I carried a candle, sang "We Shall Overcome," and marched down the center of the street with my classmates. We didn't break anything, throw trash everywhere, trespass on private property, scream hateful slogans at bystanders, threaten minority groups, invoke the destruction of the nation, make demands, or wave terrorist flags.

As at colleges across the nation in that era, we walked and sang, then we went back to our dorms and did our homework. Then, in 1971, the 26th Amendment was passed giving the vote to 18-year-olds. Go figure.

"From the river to the sea!" Do you even know which river and which sea you are screeching about? Do you care? It's doubtful. You are apparently focused on societal destruction, not specific problems.

A religious Catholic sports figure gave a talk at a private Catholic college commencement ceremony, endorsing traditional family values that have been proven positive for thousands of years. He is now under scathing attack from multiple left-wing sources, including nuns (yes, nuns can be lefties), and is facing petitions and calls for his firing. And you are supposedly the "tolerant" group? Give me a break. You cannot stand the thought of any challenge to your radical ideology. Your overreaction proves the flimsiness of your convictions. If you were secure in your philosophy, a commencement speaker with different beliefs would be just one more opinion in the national mix.

But you can't allow that, can you? You can't take the chance that there is solid validity to his views. Anyone recognizing a grain of truth in his remarks would threaten your cultural power. He's got to be taken down. This once again demonstrates your weakness.

A former US president is facing multiple indictments at the behest of our current president. We are told that, if elected, this former president will be "a dictator" and "a threat to our democracy." Please be reminded that our 45th president has already spent four years as our chief executive. During that term, he did not direct his Department of Justice to indict any of his political opponents; he followed federal law at our borders; he respected the Supreme Court decisions; he eased regulations on business; he kept the peace on the world stage.

News flash--we are living under a dictatorship right now. The current president dismisses the authority of the Judicial and Legislative branches of our three co-equal branches of constitutional government. Supreme Court decisions limiting the president's power on "forgiving" (read "transferring to taxpayers") student loans are ignored; the current president does what he pleases. By his inaction, he endorses the destruction of our national borders, in violation of both federal law and his presidential Oath of Office. Citizens exercising free speech he finds distasteful are arrested in their homes, usually at dawn and in front of their families, and dragged off in handcuffs. Josef Stalin would approve! The president micromanages the average citizen by dictating what cars we should drive and which cooking appliances we should use. He does all this damage to our liberties, and much more, with impunity. Welcome to authoritarian America.

So, to all the Lefties and fellow travelers who hate the United States and would rejoice in its downfall, ask yourselves--which other country would give you this much freedom to spew hatred toward our government and our traditional way of life? You know the answer. That's why you're here.

Sit down, shut up, and try to learn.

Signed,

A Loyal American Citizen