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Phil,

How true. The ultimate betrayl, but the dangers for the outspoken, intellectuals, opposing parties, artists, writers, or community leaders can be in real danger.

There is a proverb: “In the kingdom of the blind, the one eyed man is killed.”

Pretty much we think we will sell our house next year… I don’t think we will live abroad, but we will do a Walton’s and definately go for rural and now with enough land to be more self sufficient.

We will move forward… Life is very different for us today…

Cal
 
Life is exactly the same today as the day before yesterday, only one's mindset is different.
The problem is that the people with real means to leave can do so and then go about their comfortable lives somewhere else, effectively abandoning their community for the sake of self preservation. I understand that, but I'm also a revolutionary at heart and I know that solidarity is needed. Persons such as myself who are educated but on the edge of poverty, see those who abandon the cause as almost part of the problem. A kind of social third party voting block that has enough resources to never even be affected.
I would leave if I could, but I don't have a familial connection, an existing job, nor enough money to simply move anywhere. This ability to move is one of a high level of privilege which I'll never have, as 99% of us never will.

Phil
 
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I just got back from having my ass probed. The experience was not so bad. The procedure did not take so long, and more of a discomfort rather than pain.

I learned that I have to not do anything strenuous, but I can hit the gym as early as Monday.

My enlarged prostrate could be due to my serious amounts of time in the saddle biking.

I was told very little bleeding and I was a very good patient. It was a bit difficult to piss right after the procedure, but that difficulty waned.

I had a 12 section biopsy. Pretty much only two penetrations, but the depths vary. The penetrations are 180 degrees apart. The samples are performed by a spring snap on a gun like device that has a foot long needle. I was surprise by the low level of pain. The worse part was the penetration of my A-hole.

They flood you with an anti-septic before the procedure, and the course of anti-biopics is two different potent versions that are a before, after, and the next day spread into a morning dose and a different nightly does.

I post this because some of my friends here evidently are serious bikers, and pretty much men have about a 50% chance of getting prostrate Cancer as they age. It is highly treatable if detected in time. If it metastasizes it leads to bone Cancer which is often fatal. This is my public service announcement.

The urology department up here has a work load for up to 3 full-time urologists, they already were short one, and one urologist left to return to Europe, so now there is only one when the need is for three.

Evidently I see a shortage of medical care that I never saw or experienced before. “Maggie” also reported a shortage of dermatologists and extended long waits for appointments.

So with my limited sampling I’m seeing the thinning out that I saw in North Carolina where medical professionals are a shortage.

Our recent trip to the northwest Catskills informed us that local medical is limited to nurse practitioners, and to see a real doctor an hour’s drive is required or 40 minutes.

Snarky Joe’s comment about the further north you go, the more it resembles the Deep South rings true. For me this is hard to deal with because I have CAD, a rare disease, and also I’m accustomed to first-rate NYC caliber medical care.

Cal
 
Phil,

You enlighten me, and I thank you.

Please take note in an earlier post I used the word betrayal.

I don’t take that word lightly, your point is well taken. I have to consider things carefully. You speak a truth I have to consider.

You provide great dignity and honor. Your post resonates with me.

I don’t think of myself as a coward. BTW I’m calling myself out here.

Many thanks.

Cal

POSTSCRIPT: One of our friends is an African American woman. I can fully understand giving up after having spent sufficient time doing the heavy lifting of community organizing and activism. I know because I did that in NYC when Asians were a real minority. It is a heavy load to carry, especially an oppressed group. Our friend Christine has two strikes against her: she is black; and she is a woman.

Anyways I could never-ever judge her as being a coward, or betraying anyone. Sometimes people give up or quit because the heavy lifting they performed exhausted them.

Our friend Eugene wrote something today that might get him killed. He is a serious writer and journalist. I have to worry for his safety.

Anyways, sometimes it is not about money…

Cal again…
 
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Cal,

I don’t know if people our age need to flee. I think it’s just your empathy that is making it hard for you to see the suffering that is likely to take place. Face it we will be fine. We will take the good, what there is of it, and hope that in 4 years there will be a new equilibrium. It’s the following generations that will suffer the lost, the years, where progress is slowed, stoped, or even reversed. I already have one kid out of the country, and would help the other if needed. In this case it’s not help your self first. No one sees us as a threat we are just senior citizens. Help the ones who need the help.

Joe
 
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jszokoli said:
Cal,

I don’t know if people our age need to flee. I think it’s just your empathy that is making it hard for you to see the suffering that is likely to take place. Face it we will be fine. We will take the good, what there is of it, and hope that in 4 years there will be a new equilibrium. It’s the following generations that will suffer the lost the years where progress is slowed, stoped, or even reversed. I already have one kid out of the country, and would help the other if needed. In this case it’s not help your self first. No one sees us as a threat we are just senior citizens. Help the ones who need the help.

Joe
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Please, let me give you a different perspective. "Just senior citizens" will not give all of us a free pass. My spouse and I, both retired "senior citizens", are quiet and very private members of our local community, which is very fundamentalist and very right-leaning. Nevertheless, we are an out Queer couple, and known as such. No rainbow flags, no pink flamingos in the yard, and probably just as scruffy-looking as any of the other working class guys in the area. Nevertheless, known. I have no illusions about how that could play out if someone were to get a hair up their butt about the groomers and pedophiles living near their children. What's about to become very different will be the sense, after this inauguration, that the "good people" will have the right to act with impunity on whatever their particular bigotries might happen to be, without consequence. The winking, dog-whistle messaging is already being delivered. Do I need to say that I'm afraid?
 
Everybody,

I really am glad to have the space here. I think Snarky Joe is correct as always, I have too much empathy.

My understanding allows me to feel too much of the pain of others. Perhaps this could be judged by some as a weakness.

I know some of us are fine, but some of our friends truly are at risk.

Peekskill is an immigrant community. I foresee massive raids right here in my community. There are many illegals who are day laborers I see them assemble in the strip mall by my house by CVS.

Truth is I am more worried about others. Joe is right, I remain my brothers keeper it seems.

I also guess I am somewhat disappointed that we are experiencing a breakdown in the rule of law and violation of our Constitution.

It looks certain though that “Maggie” and I will pursue living more remote further north in New York. We want to detach and be more independent and self reliant. There seems to be a longing for peace, simplicity, and sustainability living in a more natural habitat.

I know I did my part in being a good citizen, and I did more than my share to selflessly help others and try to build a better world and society. I’m not giving up…

My sadness is for others. Tears…

Cal
 
Calzone said:
Everybody,

I really am glad to have the space here. I think Snarky Joe is correct as always, I have too much empathy.

My understanding allows me to feel too much of the pain of others. Perhaps this could be judged by some as a weakness.

I know some of us are fine, but some of our friends truly are at risk.

Peekskill is an immigrant community. I foresee massive raids right here in my community. There are many illegals who are day laborers I see them assemble in the strip mall by my house by CVS.

Truth is I am more worried about others. Joe is right, I remain my brothers keeper it seems.

I also guess I am somewhat disappointed that we are experiencing a breakdown in the rule of law and violation of our Constitution.

It looks certain though that “Maggie” and I will pursue living more remote further north in New York. We want to detach and be more independent and self reliant. There seems to be a longing for peace, simplicity, and sustainability living in a more natural habitat.

I know I did my part in being a good citizen, and I did more than my share to selflessly help others and try to build a better world and society. I’m not giving up…

My sadness is for others. Tears…

Cal
Click to expand...
No such thing as "too much empathy". And it's a tremendous strength, not a weakness. Ignore the judgements.
 
RG,

Please be safe.

Our friend VL Cox left R-KEN-SAW, because a law was passed that a medical doctor in that state has the right not to provide medical care under religious grounds. Pretty much this violates a MD’s oath to do no harm. Under this law it is alright to refuse treatment and a D-Nigh emergency medical care.

I know racism and discrimination, but that is another story…

Hate crimes mean I might have to kill someone in self defense. I already know that in a gang attack I have no choice but use lethal force.

Also know f I can help if you are interested in the Hudson Valley. PM me.

“Maggie” and I debate. I’m on your side that certain people will be emboldened. History has shown that extremist movements once established go the next step and escalate.

Cal
 
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Calzone said:
RG,

Please be safe.

Our friend VL Cox left R-KEN-SAW, because a law was passed that a medical doctor in that state has the right not to provide medical care under religious grounds. Pretty much this violates a MD’s oath to do no harm. Under this law it is alright to refuse treatment and a D-Nigh emergency medical care.

I know racism and discrimination, but that is another story…

Hate crimes mean I might have to kill someone in self defense. I already know that in a gang attack I have no choice but use lethal force.

Also know f I can help if you are interested in the Hudson Valley. PM me.

“Maggie” and I debate. I’m on your side that certain people will be emboldened. History has shown that extremist movements once established go the next step and escalate.

Cal
Click to expand...
Thank you for that very kind offer; I know and love the area. But for now, we've been making tentative plans in anticipation of today's bad news, and are considering a move to an urban area that would feel safer, since the red/blue, urban/rural divide is very strong here. Nevertheless, at age 72, who wants to turn their life upside down?
 
RG,

I do understand your position, and your fear. Full stop.

I’m simply saying that for some standing in place is possible. If we flee there is no hope.

I work with people who are harassed for speaking Spanish at job sites. We are talking New York City.

One incident really stands out to me, a project manager of ours was in Florida and addressed a store employee in Spanish and was rebuked by a manager who told her that she was not to speak to the employee in Spanish because they were not illegals.

This is what has already been unleashed.
Joe
 
A thought came to mind of my own personal austerity.

A phrase came to mind and that is “Austerity is Prosperity.”

I think I have reached the limit of material things, and I should be happy with what I have. Next year one guitar and amp and pretty much I’ll be at the saturation point.

Cal
 
Fact is that the U.S. is the 5th largest Spanish speaking country in the world as far as population. This rating goes by “native” speakers and does not include non-native Spanish speakers.

Old data was that at one time the U.S. was the third largest Spanish speaking country in the world.

Mexico happens to be the largest Spanish speaking country in the world.

Some people have to wake-up.

Next writing will get banned. Oh I forgot… Books are being banned…

Is there a history lesson here?

What happened to free-speach?

Cal
 
It seems there is a lot of uncertainty in the country right now. It is not the first time and it certainly will not be the last. We are children of a period of some of the most upheaval this country has known. But we are still here. I have been listening to an old song from those days lately that gives me hope. I would like to share some background on the tune and the song it self.

Paul Simon wrote “American Tune” in 1973, during a time of great political and social upheaval in the United States. The Vietnam War was raging, the Watergate scandal was unfolding, and many Americans were disillusioned with the government and the direction the country was heading.
President Richard Nixon had just been re-elected which Simon felt "marked the end of liberalism"

Simon himself was going through a tough time, having just split from his musical partner Art Garfunkel. He was also dealing with personal issues, including the breakup of his marriage and the death of his father.

It was against this backdrop that Simon wrote “American Tune”, a song that speaks to the universal struggle of people trying to find their way in a complex, ever-changing world.
We have all been through this kind of upheaval and we survived it. This too shall pass.

 
Calzone said:
Austin,

Many thanks.

“Maggie” and I talked about the relief that at least the Presidential Election is over. Pretty much it was a preoccupation that got overwhelming.

Cal
Click to expand...
Yes. The one (somewhat) positive thing about the outcome is that we won't have to listen to more "stop the steal!" nonsense, endure another attack on the Capitol, or have to witness angry mobs of quasi-militia types marching and rioting in the streets. Small consolation, indeed, but today, I'm looking for whatever consolations I can.
 
I don't buy the "this too shall pass" aphorism. In the 60s and 70s, the separate branches of government still were trusted as checks and balances on each other. With the return of the orange king, we already have in place administrative powers that are unprecedented in the history of this nation. The executive branch may be completely restructured, with the downsizing or elimination of key departments. Civil servants may be replaced with sycophants. Add to this the fact that the notion of active duty military being used for political reprisal has been mentioned and supported by the the electorate. We are already at a precipice of more rights being taken away, yet another strike against the apathy of "this too shall pass", as never in the history of this country have rights been taken away, up to the Dobbs decision, rights for citizens had only expanded. With this incoming administration and the radicals which will be hand picked and blessed, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a reversal of Loving v. Virginia, I'm willing to bet even Thomas would support such a decision.
No, "this too shall pass" is only good for the generation which is about to die, as it won't matter to them. To their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, we will be the ones who shoulder the effects of tyranny, and yes, one day long in the future, the ripples will pass, but I will be gone by then, hopefully due to old age. Until then, those of us who actually care, will be agitating and hopefully inspiring some of the milquetoast to do the same. Otherwise, they need to step aside and listen to their LPs in the day room.

Phil
 
The House is still up for grabs. If it goes Republican pretty much no checks and balances. The Supreme Court is already stacked. The Senate is already Republican.

So what I’m saying is things could be even worse and even more extreme. I would expect mucho hardship, an unprecedented extreme tyranny as Phil outlines, and economic policies that are disruptive that lead to an economic collapse if all three branches are dominated.

Remember trade wars, protectionism, and tarriffs made the collapse in 1929 into the Great Depression by 1934. This is the plan that is the economic platform that will be played out in our future. Mucho bad ideas.

Inflation will get entrenched and our deficit will grow. Stagflation, which I experienced, endured with inflation lasting from 1973 or so to 1982. Debt loads will compound the situation. This is why I think stagflation will be a problem. Stagflation is an economic slowdown along with inflation.

Then 4 years from now a whipsaw effect, but only after much economic destruction pretty much on the scale of China’s bad policies.

I kinda see a negative outcome of tragic proportions unwinding. To pay off our deficit which is on the scale of post-WWII you need prosperity and a growth rate on the scale of the Baby-Boom, or a technological innovation that is on the scale of the development of personal computers and cell phones.

Europe, Japan and Germany had to be rebuilt after being destroyed, but this was “broken window theory.”

Instead we have a population implosion, and an aging population. Don’t forget how the immigration policies will reverse population growth. No economy can grow without population growth. We are making pretty much the same policy that doomed China.

Simple example, the baby boom created the middle class, decades of prosperity, and the American consumer. Now do the inverse of that. Already the middle class has been reduced to the working class living paycheck-to-paycheck. Put another way the middle class is the working class.

There is a new model of imperialism and colonialism except instead of countries being imperialists it is individual billionaires of the likes of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk.

So while I enjoy the hopefulness of American Tune, I can only feel hope in my own personal situation, but all around me a level of collapse that might be called “The Greater Depression.” Will it eventually pass? Maybe if given enough time. The country I know and love will be forever changed and gone.

It was estimated that the U.S. was on a trajectory of having a currency crisis in about 20 years, where pretty much the tipping point will be where no one will buy our debt. Expect this tipping point to accelerate and be less years instead of 20.

Inflation already has impacted bond yields, and Mortgage rates are climbing. The reason is risk. The markets know that deficit spending will increase, our deficit will increase, and at a point it will be impossible to pay back. Expect higher interest rates to compensate for the risk of eventual future default.

So I see the clear future accelerating…

IMHO debt=slavery.

Cal
 
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