DANGER IN THE OFFING

 As King Trump and his Prince, Musk, continue to wield mace and broadsword against the federal structure, here' s something to consider. A young couple, both employed by the Federal government until last week are leaving the rural state where they had a home and careers. They'll move to Europe where relatives will help them establish new citizenship.

The rural community and the state where they spent their incomes and paid their taxes will lose those taxes and that income spent for schools, for groceries, for all the other things people in rural communities buy. Many businesses in town will suffer income losses. And whatever jobs the two adults performed for our government may be lost. Now multiply the number of terminated employees by the taxes and purchases from the retail markets. The effect on our economy by the loss of millions of federal employees has not been calculated, but it is not insignificant. There is more effect to our life than has been posed by the in-artful swing of axe and sword.

THE REAL NATIONAL ANTHEM

Congratulations to the AIR FORCE  Tech Sgt who sang our national anthem at the opening for the Dayton 500 Race, today, 2/16/25. It was a rare offering. I am so tired of the personal interpretations so many "singers" make in public performances. They butcher  the original melodic line and the intent of the notes, by adding their own flawed interpretation. He sang it as it was written and intended. Good!

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA CONCERT

 No longer able to attend concerts, I often enjoy the Orchestra concert via television. Fortunately, the Orchestra's television production staff is careful in its use of camera closeups. Friday evening, Concert-mistress Suzy Parks, clad in a loudly contrasting red wig and scarlet gown, offered up an incredible performance of G. Ortiz violin concerto.  If you can find a repeat broadcast, by all means possible, do sit down and listen to the stunning world class virtuoso presentation. The pieces is rambunctious, melodic, assertive, difficult and ultimately enormously satisfying. I'd even suggest the piece and performance was, by any definition, award-winning. In its conception the concerto is a  thorough lesson in the history of Mexico, from the earliest indigenous ruler through Spanish and now drug cartel rulers. At the same time, the beauty and complexity of the indigenous peoples, like the Mayan and prehistoric peoples, is called out in numerous subtle and complex ways. This performance of  an incredible concerto was simply mesmerizing.

INSURANCE COMPANY BOILER ROOMS HARASSMENT

If Mr. Musk and President Trump really want to do something positive for the American people, they'll muzzle the harassing insurance companies calling us constantly. Do Not Call program is useless. In one 8-hour period recently I receive 149 phones calls telling me my automobile and my home were out of warranty and about to fail. In more than 40 years of driving I have had one (1)auto failure while on the road. My house is in fine shape, well-insured and not failing. Ridiculous. Mr. Musk! Do something useful for a change. Muzzle the insurance companies calling us with false warnings!

ANOTHER NOT-SO-IDLE QUESTION ABOUT IMMIGRATION

 Been watching TV and reading about the years and years of activity and problems at our southern border. It is apparent from all the news and documentaries I've absorbed that many if not most people in Central and even some South American nations are unhappy. Economically unfortunate and too often living in dangerous circumstances. So I wonder, if, instead of spending money and resources on ridiculous and easily penetrated walls along our border with Mexico, perhaps, maybe , we should invest that effort in assertive efforts to improve the lives and governance of the people who live in Central American nations. A better life circumstance would, I suggest, substantially reduce the number of people trying to migrate north into the United States. Logical? What do you think?

CURRENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS, A RANDOM QUESTION

Well, it's early in 2025, and it's early in the news Trump administration. Most of you who read this blog know I used to be an educational or now labeled public television producer.  TV has been around a long time. There are a lot of experienced people in the field. There is also  good deal of research on how to use television effectively. Neither presidential candidate, in my not so humble opinion, used TV very effectively in the last campaign.

One example of my point here. (patience, its coming) A Senator in Minnesota makes it a practice, every year, to DO at least one appearance in every county in the state. Not a big, flag waving rally. She goes to a town or city and sits down with residents, looks them in the eyes and asks them what they need and want from Congress. Does she deliver on every need or request? Of course not.

But residents (voters) go away with a certain level of satisfaction that they are voting for a real person who 'sees' them. Yes, big rallies are fun, noisy and energizing but when it comes down to problems and solutions isn't it nice to know your candidate listened personally to you or your neighbor?

There's another thing. One on one through the TV camera can be Very Personal. Think about it. How does it feel when the candidate looks directly into the camera lens and says softly but firmly, "I'm running for this office because I want to help you have a better life."

AN HISTORIC DAY IN THESE UNITED STATES

Monday, January 20. It's an important day in America. Yes, it is the day of inauguration of our 47th president. It is also a day to honor the memory of one of the great humanists of our age. This is a national holiday to honor the memory of the Reverend Martin Luther King. He distinguished himself as one of the greatest  advocates of equal human recognition and rights for all of us. Take a moment to remember him, an advocate for ALL human equality, as we recognize the inauguration of President Donald Trump..