While I am sick and tired of being sick and tired with tribal politics and traitorous actions, let me offer a veritable potpourri of follies and foibles this Friday. In no particular order:
The Ukraine forces sank a big Russian ship or at least it is submerged. Russians say everything is OK and it is being towed back. I am reminded of the knight in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” who said after losing yet one more appendage, “It is a flesh wound.”
Republican appointed US District Judge Reggie Walton on Thursday called Donald Trump a threat to democracy, accusing the former president of instigating a mob of “weak-minded” followers to attack the US Capitol on January 6, Politico reported. While Trump did not offer a rebuttal, it is expected that he will call the judge a loser, Trump-hater and/or witch-hunter. It is also expected Trump will make no mention that Walton was appointed by a Republican.
Intel is proceeding with a new computer chip factory in Lorain County Ohio. Yes, that is in the United States, so you read that right. What I also find interesting is the community college started teaching microelectronics about nine years ago creating a workforce that could be drawn upon. Call me crazy, but that sounds like some excellent forward thinking and evidence when politicians stop bitching and moaning and start listening to people, good things can happen.
The Intel example offers a truism. Much change of significance occurs because of people and organizations getting together toward a common cause or idea. So-called leaders are usually followers, not unlike the buck leading herd of deer. People think the buck leads the herd to where they go, but observations reveal the herd will react to threat or noises and move with its leader following.
This is a key reason at the 2016 GOP convention, when the presidential candidate said “I, alone, can solve our problems,” that was just total BS. A good leader knows the best ideas come from those closest to the action, be it the customer or a process. In other words, the buck better listen to the herd or he and others might get eaten by the wolves.
We need to make our concerns and ideas heard by those we elected. And, we need to make sure they hear us. We also need them to tell us the truth and stop the tribal BS. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.
musingsofanoldfart 
Well said … “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I think most of us feel exactly that way — I know I do!
Jill, I definitely think we are not alone. Keith
you aren’t alone! But the Monty Python line did make laugh, so thanks for the smile.
Joy, many thanks. My boys used to recite the whole movie on long trips. It was fun. Keith
The Russian propaganda machine really painted itself into a corner. Firstly it said the Moskova was damaged by an internal explosion, denying the Ukrainians struck it with a missile….then after it sank in a storm said there would be repercussions and hit a Ukrainian missile factory….thus by by rational thinking are seen to be admitting they ‘suspect’ the ship was hit by a missile.*
Western naval military analysts have been pouring over that outcome, because in theory the Moskova should have been carrying enough air defence capability to shoot down anything to Ukrainians could have fired at it.
*Sounds almost as if Trump has found a job in the Russian Information services. It would be his style. (or lack of)
Roger, it amazes me how so many people don’t connect the “dots of contradiction.” I recall President Obama being called a Muslim and then condemned for being critical part of a highly progressive Christian church – OK, which is it? Keith
Contradiction Keith: The first thing that comes into the head of the irrational when pressed.
Roger, it has amazed me when folks like Senator Mitch McConnell argue a position when in the minority and then flip flop to the other position when in the majority. And, these are not rare occurrences. On the Democrat side, Senator Harry Reid would do likewise. Keith
Some of them, like all lesser politicians will say whatever they think will raise their profile amongst their target group. Others, do not just think.
In some cases I am reminded of Mark Twain:
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”
Roger, true, in part. But, I have always said about Mitch McConnell, he won’t go to the restroom until he has thought of the political ramifications. Keith
Note to Readers: A leadership consultant I used to introduce to our clients told me while traveling “A good leader deflects credit to other people, while a bad one assumes credit even when it is not due.” Think of this definition as you look at people in leadership positions. The best boss I ever had would ask us what we needed to serve our clients. He would not micro-manage us, but would help us if we asked him. One of his colorful lines is “our business is simple – hire good people and have them go see our clients.”
You sound exhausted Keith. It is funny how often pythonesque moments crop up in real life.
I thought of this quote when reading this post, even though I wasn’t a fan of her politics:
Do you know that one of the great problems of our age is that we are governed by people who care more about feelings than they do about thoughts and ideas.” – Margaret Thatcher
Get some rest and hopefully, some peace.
Amanda, the quote has merit. Politicians need to make decisions that must be fact and idea based. In today’s age even more so than in Thatcher’s, one will not get full agreement on any decision. And, some decisions may not be popular at all, but need to be made. For example, any idiot can get elected saying they will reduce taxes, but America has about $30 trillion in debt and an annual deficit over $1 trillion. The only solution will require both spending cuts and revenue increases, which will make many angry. But, short sighted politicians made this bed. Keith
The amount of debt the US carries is interesting, Keith, because until Covid happened, the incumbent government pretty much based its entire election campaign on being better economic managers and reducing the deficit Australia carries, which is really nothing much in fiscal terms for a developed country. Then Covid happened and the debt tripled or increased radically. There was talk of how it would take thirty years to pay it down…. we don’t hear much about reducing the debt now and the incumbent government is facing election again on May 21….
Amanda, here is the same. Parties talk about fixing the debt more when not in the White House. Keith
Very cool about the community college and Intel. Way to, yes, think ahead, and also to create good jobs for people. Lorain Co. isn’t far from my old stomping grounds, so this one particularly pleased me.
Thanks Betsy. That is cool it is near where you were. Keith