Top reasons to vote Kamala Harris for President.

 

I'm usually not political, but this election is just too important to stay quiet. I voted today, and as I waited in line, the man in front of me voiced his opinion that global warming isn't really happening.

I thought about giving him my two cents but didn't. I wanted peace at the polling site, unlike Trump, who is constantly sowing division instead of pursuing unity.

I wanted to say to the climate denier a few choice words such as: How is your snowblower? or What about the floods in the Carolinas, Florida, and Spain?  Wildfires in Canada and California. Coral reefs bleaching, and soon, coffee won't be available because it's too hot to grow, but I held my tongue. Instead, I thought sharing my top ten reasons for supporting Kamala Harris for president instead would be a good idea. Here they are.

1) She believes in global warming and wants to pursue legislation to help the planet. Trump doesn't believe in climate change and pulled the US out of the Paris climate accords. It was eighty degrees yesterday in New York for Halloween. How hot does it have to get before people take notice and realize that it's not just cyclical, but that we are responsible.

2) She is much younger than Trump. Let's face it: being president ages you, and he is almost eighty. It's time for him to let go. 

3) She doesn't have any impeachments, felony convictions, or jury trials for assault or defamation of character. If anything, as she has said, she usually convicted people of their crimes as attorney general.

4) Vice President Harris believes in a woman's right to choose. Trump stacked the Supreme Court and overturned Roe vs. Wade. Good luck getting an abortion when it becomes illegal nationwide. I know someone who had to go to Puerto Rico for one. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

5) It's time for a female president.  Other countries have done this. Israeli, India, England. Why not us? It's time. 

6) She is mentally stable. She doesn't verbally weave or go off-topic, but more importantly, she doesn't threaten to attack her enemies with the DOJ.

7) January 6. Remember? Trump said it was just a demonstration. Yes, one where people died defending the capital, and were looking for Nancy Pelosi and had a gallows for Vice President Pence.

8) Mass shootings are at an all-time high. The Second Amendment is important, but so are common sense gun laws without loopholes, such as no background checks at gun shows. Vice President Harris knows this and will help fight the NRA.

9) She doesn't believe in conspiracy theories or make up more lies than I can count, like Trump has done.

10) Vice President Harris has also called out hate in America. Trump said there are good people on both sides after a hate rally in the South.

She also doesn't dehumanize Americans/Puerto Ricans. Our country was founded on immigration. It's wrong to call other countries garbage or shit-holes or air conspiracies about immigrants eating someone's pets. Wake up. Do the right thing. It's not about being woke; it's about being human and caring about each other.

We are a country built on diversity. Let us work together to iron out our grievances.

Do the right thing and vote for Kamala Harris because She can make a difference.

Post 211: The antidote to depression

It's sunny outside, but I'm not sure if I feel the same way. Lately, more often than not I'm feeling down.  I mean maybe I shouldn't feel that way because technically I'm off for summer vacation from my other job. I do have a part time one teaching a college class. Which is cool except I haven't done zoom in four years.  I tell everyone it's a learning curve, and on the bright side I did figure out how to turn on my camera on my computer (F10) (I watched a video online) Thanks to the content creator. So, hopefully, things will improve. 

I also feel very, very tired. I don't know if it's the new medication I am taking for a health issue or not, or just the change in routine. Hopefully, my body will adapt. If not, I guess I'll just have to suck it up.

Back to depression. At this very moment, I don't feel so bad. But if dwell. I suppose when we dwell, it makes us unwell. But more important, is what we focus on.

Things I would like to improve on

1) Relationships. Sometimes, I see people in relationships and get angry and jealous. and let's not forget sad. I know what it's like to be in a relationship. The good and the bad. I miss those days. I wonder what will it take for me to meet someone who has the traits I seek?

2) Health

3) Finances

I've read that the antidote to depression is action. Yesterday, after spending most of my day inside because of the poor weather I went for a short walk, and spent time sitting on a bench.  I read somewhere that amongst some hunter-gatherer tribes in Africa they experience no depression.  It's been speculated that this is the case because they:

a) A lot of time in the sun

b) are very physically active

c) Get a lot of sleep

d) spent a great deal of time with each other. (Family and friends)

I just returned from walking with my mother and brother at the park. I have to say it made a difference. Three out of four of the above. I also went to a local historical site called Cedarmere and watched the water from the porch while drinking a latte. Pretty relaxing too, and a good distraction. I know that distraction isn't problem-solving, but it can make us feel good in the short term/

The Japanese talk about forest bathing. How spending time in nature lowers our stress levels. I would argue it doesn't hurt to boost our mood, too. Food for thought.

Post 210: Fatherless on Father's day

What do you do if you are an adult who could be a father but isn't yet? You haven't found the right person or don't want to be a parent.

How does Father's Day affect you? Truthfully, I find it a bit painful. I have to say I am a bit jealous sometimes of those with families, and I wonder when I will be able to enjoy the trials and tribulations of parenting. I have no illusions. I know being a parent isn't easy. I hear all the stories from my colleagues at work and from my siblings and friends. So I applaud all the mothers and fathers out there.

But now that my father has died, it seems as my family ages, we celebrate life events like Father's Day less frequently. Instead of a BBQ, I am planting trees for him or going to the cemetery to honor his memory.

I am 57 years old, and I wonder if someone will ever do the same for me? I wish I had a crystal ball, but I don't know.

All I can do is honor my father's memory and the great man he was and acknowledge my friends and family who are fathers. I think jealousy is dangerous, and the antidote is sympathy for all the challenges parents go through, and to share your appreciation, happiness, and love. 

Happy Father's Dad!  and to all the fathers out there.

This message was sent late, but better than never. I hope the same can be said for me some day.