A suggestion for Evangelicals (and others who feel the life of a man named Jesus) set a pretty darned good example for all.

I hope there are many others in line behind (or in front of) me to subscribe to Christianity Today for their courageous stand. Broader than a political or religious stand it is a moral one.

Most poignant TV pix of the World Series thus far...............

..............to me was the shot immediately after the 6th game - and before he was interviewed on world TV - was Strasburg cradling his young child in the dugout. Great to see true male emotion, and that picture was only rivaled by the one in the game after his last outing when he was being embraced by the shark and Sanchez. 

The final life lessons by this 93 year oldster from the world series

I know "It ain't over until the last out" but who cares, win or lose, its been a great experience for true baseball fans.  Thus, first, the most important of all the 13 lessons I've pondered regarding this years Nats team:

9.   More important than winning or losing is playing in the game!
10. Baseball, including its sister, softball, is a truly unique game involving people representing a wide variety of individual body types, skills of individual performance as well as sacrificing for the team.
11. Unfortunately when sporting events that could involve the whole family come into conflict with economic concerns, economic reality wins out.
12. Is it not the only sport/event in which one can fail to execute a skill 2/3 of the time and still be considered extremely successful.
13. The importance of leadership in building morale has been totally exemplified by a committed leader (Davy) through apparent integrity, commitment. perseverance and trust.  How vital are these characteristics on the world scene.

I'm sure YOU could add many more but I am done.  I hope there are two more nights of viewing (how I'd love to see a day game again), but life goes on and I'll find other things to Rant about.

Here is a quicky and (for once) brief thought

For the past 20 or so years I've often been asked "How do you keep your apart youthfulness?"  And while acknowledging the the importance of genes, my first tendency is to respond with something like, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING AROUND AROUND YOUNG PEOPLE!  And this is but one of the many that I treasure from my latest blog..

Thanks for sharing. My dear grandmother passed around 95 and I often went to her for advice. Growing up in the depression she had such an incredible account of what it was like during those days. She would often speak about segregation during her time and how incredible it was to see a society shift in their views in such a short time. She still kept her lifestyle of saving food scraps out of fear of food waste and even had two large balls of yarn and aluminum foil to show how they used to have their own recycling back in the day. She was an incredibly sharp and thoughtful woman at her age and it was an honor to have learned the things I did from her.

level 2

dcretiree

1 point·20 hours ago

Thank you! I can identify with every aspect you report about your grandmother. I' almost feel like I know her and that we would concur that the best days can be ahead if we continue that trajectory of working hard TOGETHER for progress. I'm sure she would revel with me in the almost forgotten song, Ah sweet mystery of life.............." And what is the pay off, the last line of the song divulging what the mystery is? It's "Love and love alone that rules the world." Tune in to hear Nelson Eddy and Jeannette McDonald sing it.

Continuing to learn life's lessons at 93 from the World Series

I spent six hours yesterday afternoon at the Washington's National Stadium, but luckily didn't get into the game. Of course I hadn't planned to. Even if given a ticket, I would turn it down. You see, when you are “handicapped” and drive a scooter over torturous terrain with curbs and potholes, one doesn't want to risk turning MY scooter over on me again in the darkness.

But quickly here are three lessons from yesterday. In preparing them, I'll give up the pleasure of going again tonight. And in all candor, yesterday was totally exhausting for theses ancient bones so I hope tonight the results are better and I'll stay up until the end. If these have ANYTHING near the response from the first five, you'll continue to get more as the mood insists.

6. You can't count on “Miracles” happening with regularity

But of course, that is obvious. But is it? We already had several baseball miracles all season long as we overcame a horrible start and ended with a miraculous string of victories. We even now have to get ready for another miracle, THAT WE MIGHT NOT WIN THE SERIES. Such a lesson, but miracles are the subject of religion – or is it spirituality – and already there are those who think I talk about that too much. I'll save that for a continuing blog about spirituality, worship and religion when I finish THE BASEBALL SEASON! As those who really know me, know that those topics consume me on a par with sports.

7. Is it worth risking one's life to play what is “merely” a game.”

Of course this is one lesson I didn't learn before the game, it is what flashed into my mind the moment I saw the expression on Ryan's face as he lie on the ground. It was certainly reinforced by the picture in today's Post. How I wished I had studied philosophy so I could share insight into this and the (I guess its an existential question: Is it worth risking my life to live.) But there I go, religious/existential overtones. But for now simply in all our sports what is the real purpose of involvement.

A more simple lesson might concern looking at the sports world generally. Have we sold out the fun aspect of sports in the name of perfection, excellence, a possible scholarship and trophies rather than play?

And since time is limited before the next game, here was – for me – the overwhelming emotion of the six hours:

8. Amazing how sports can bring the community together

Of course I said that in Lesson 5. And up-front I must admit that concerns with racial disharmony have been a life-long passion of mine and my entire family. However I personally experienced it in a way than I had never previously and certainly from that found in The Washington Post's article today, “At Nationals Park, A divided DC unites.” (And I bow to no one in my admiration for the paper proclamation, “Democracy Dies in Darkness.) Their “unification” concerned those attending the game, affording expensive tickets and concerned with the unification of forces as disparate as political parties and dissonant media viewers.

Briefly here was the audience I wondered if I would see: the historically racially divided city black, white and Latinx.

Arriving at 11:00 A. M. I was almost totally surrounded by Black and Latinx workers preparing the scene. As I approached the ticket booth I felt at home with a group of fellow Michiganders of varied hues hoping to get tickets at face value.

But the next five hours were spent in both causal and deep conversation and in being photographed, quoted and interviewed. And this is the mix I saw and feelings I had that almost overwhelmed me.

The festive, friendship one sees in the media are totally accurate. On a personal level I had warm and friendly relations with EVERYONE While the crowd was hundreds or so white to one, my “close contacts” were about 15 white to 7 minority. I SHALL CONTINUE TO BE IN CONTACT WITH 1 WHITE 6 MINORITY. And shared meal at Zimmerman's Restaurant with three who had previously lived in the area.

What the Nationals/Astros baseball game taught this 93 year oldster

There are so many things. I hardly know where to begin, but here (in some, hurried detail) let me begin with the first:

1. The importance of young and old working together!  The picture on the front page of the sports section of The Washington Post, shows the enthusiasm and vigor of America represented by Soto at 19 years of age. The underlying headline and tribute acknowledges the persistence and perseverance of Zimmerman, approaching 40 years of age!

And immediately I'm compelled to show my age and profession to use this first "teachers lesson" to apply what sports can teach a divided America today.  I'm tired of "Make America Great Again." I'm tired of hearing about the greatest generation. But most of all I'm tired of the divisiveness I see around me. Even the Democratic Party has fallen into divisive structure with young against old*. To me the true Spirit of America is found in cooperation of  young and old together. I'm embarrassed to use that term "Greatest Generation" as my age qualifies me. As I look back, I recall a generation that tolerated lynching, that condemned people for expressing love in ways the "majority disapproved."  I PERSONALLY FEEL I OWE THE FULLNESS OF MY 34  YEARS - and counting - TO THE LESSONS TAUGHT ME BY YOUNG PEOPLE. I truly believe that if we continue to move forward as young idealists point us and recognize our past (yes) sins and failures, we truly can approach greatness.

So that is the major lesson that "rang my bell."   And since I got it off my chest, I'll add a few more thoughts about the game, but hopefully get your responses of what YOU saw and learned

2. How easy it is to second guess a manager. Five months ago David Martinez would've been fired by many. Today he is a genius! How would you have used the relief staff yesterday.

3. Amazing how sports can bring the community together. Or is it simply superficial? How can wwe make it more than that?

4. I had feared that baseball, known to my generation as"America's Game" had lost it's appeal and was no longer that.   I know of few families who get up early on Sunday morning or go out late on school evenings to have their children play America's sport.  They almost all seem attracted to a "bigger round ball."

5. And what about a newspaper that  can have  at my doorstep seven hours after the game beautifully written essays about what occurred so recently. How casually we have discarded the printed page. As a closing reminiscence I recall that my lower middle-class family through the depression years subscribed to both the morning and evening local newspaper.

What a game - GO NATS

ALSO MAY BE SEEN {almost weekly) AT www.ronlehkersrants.blog spot.com

*I'd love to tell you of whom I think might be ELECTABLE meeting that young/old requirement, but feel this medium prevents my doing so.

Another lesson from an immigrant*

*I hesitate to use the word. Given the present president, it almost has a negative connotation in contrast with what our country has stood for in the past.

Sitting next to my Uber driver, Johnny, in the front seat of his Impala, I knew I would learn something about Africa. I of course failed his quiz about the location of Uganda, but I did learn a great deal about him, Green Cards and his view of America.

I was quick to learn that he came to the United States to attend college and continued to renew his Green Card as required every five years. He became a teacher of computer science at a local high school and has raised a family of four children all of whom are also going to college. Continuing our personal conversation, I commiserated by stating that I felt it a shame that it was necessary for him to have a second job. "On the contrary" he stated, "I do it because in my culture I feel a responsibility to make more money to take care of my extended family members. That's the way we do it in our culture."

I also ask about the citizenship process for him in our country and he stated that every five years he had to report for green Card renewal and if one's records were clean, one could apply for citizenship. When I ask why he would choose to have citizenship he stated that "anyone would be a fool not to do so.”

Having picked me up at my Unitarian church, he informed me that he was Christian. Upon returning home, I discovered that 87% of Uganda is Christian.

I was most appreciative of having Johnny reaffirm my belief in the basic tenets of our country, and I can only think of Frank Sinatra's rendition of The House I Live In, and its closing lines

And the people that I meet,

The faces that I see

All races, all religions,

That's America to me.

Something still to say at age 93!

I thought I had said it all when I turned 90, and I answered some thousand or so questions on Reddit's, Ask Me Anything! The Washington Post even called me an "Adorable Reddit Guru" (until they discovered the word “adorable really didn't apply to me! See:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-intersect/wp/2016/01/22/meet-the-adorable-90-year-old-who-has-become-a-reddit-guru/

Now at 93 years of age, I've noted three things that lead me to believe my work isn't done, that there is something I want to share with anyone who might be interested.

1. For the past two years I've been a weekly participant with 25 men approaching my age in my apartment complex considering topics ranging from world climate change to pondering the meaning and purpose of life. These DC retirees amaze me with their sensitivity and insight into the complex problems of a rapidly changing world. I'm more convinced than ever that we oldsters need to be in dialogue more with the “idealistic younger generation” that I see in world-wide demonstrations and causes.
2. I've had increased opportunity recently to converse with people with different political, ethnic, racial, religious orientations than I. and therefore I recognize more completely how important it is for each of us to seek more opportunities of this nature.
3. And quite personally, as I again begin to ponder the meaning of MY LIFE, I feel compelled to have my insights heard by anyone who might care to tune in.

Thus, in a few days in an unannounced Rant, I will tell the story of my recent conversation with a Uber driver who grew up in Uganda. I hope you will tune in regularly as I occasionally vent my views. You'll make my day if you will engage in “Comments” so we might dialogue.

Ron

So here's my blog - always available at www.ronlehkersrants.blogspot.com

If I were king!

I would have all America read:

Ted Koppel's editorial in today's Washington Post (July 30, 2019") " I know I'm right about America."

Just go to

www.washposttedkoppell

The fight for soul of our Nation. - as found on the sports page!

Insight into America from the sports section of the newspaper

I've long felt that some of our greatest lasting lessons have been provided from and through athletic competition. I feel the lessons are legion in today's extremely critical period when the moral fiber of our country is being tested. The following account from today's Washington Post, July 26, 2019 says so much. The story relates to Mariano Rivera who was recently inducted by unanimous vote into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rivera had been criticized in an editorial for his continuing support of the President in an appearance in "Fox & Friends."

Rivera: "He was a friend of mine before he became president so because he's president, I will not turn my back on him? No. I respect him. I respect what he does, and I believe he's doing the best for the United States."

Being told of the criticism Rivera, "as he did during his acceptance, cited his Christianity as the basis of his support.”

Rivera: "When it comes to Israel, as a Christian, if my Savior Jesus Christ, he's a Jew, okay? So how am I going to turn my back and say, 'Oh, I won't support Israel'?"

Of course everyone has the right to state their beliefs, but I believe it is extremely important that we learn to weigh statements from our "heroes" as well as the many valid and unsubstantiated statements found on the social media.

At 93 years of age I am more concerned than I have ever been about the future of our democratic republic. I know that I have felt and expressed that there comes a time that we seniors are past our prime and should pass the torch to future generations. However I fear that too often important lessons from the past have not been heard, and I feel an urgent drive to convey previous lessons for consideration in making critical decisions.

AND I FEEL THE URGENCY OF THE CHOICE WE WILL MAKE IN THE ELECTION OF 2020!

We pay for what we value

Why is it that some pay $1,000 per hour for a good lawyer and yet balk at paying $300 - $500 for a good psychiatrist or clinical psychologist?

Money and power!

I'm beginning to despair.

I'm confused! 

Am I really to believe that the conceiving of a child by rape or incest is really God's desire?

Two local issues of national importance

I continue to be amazed at how little attention we give to "minor issues" until they become major national concerns. In today's Metro section of Washington Post,  two of these are written up as a D. C. concern. The first is front page and relates to the death of the cyclist on a busy thoroughfare. The second is more hidden on the third page and is entitled "In a rare move, teachers at a charter school try to form a union."

1. Were we a country truly attuned to solving problems, we would've long ago realized that there are a variety of vehicles that have neither been accommodated well on either the sidewalk or the roadway. I've only recently discovered this since I am now in a motorized scooter for the physically impaired. Even in privileged Cleveland Park sidewalks do not accommodate me, bicycle riders who are afraid of street traffic and motorized scooters whizz by while potholes fully distract us all.  Perhaps the bike lanes should be expanded to also accommodate this type of electrical vehicle.

2. I was involved in public school education in almost every conceivable job from kindergarten to higher education for over 30 years and I've been retired for an equal amount of time. Since retiring my interest in young people caused me to volunteer in a Charter School. I was both heartened and perplexed by what I saw in this new educational venture. Heartened by the fact that a large segment of our inner city youth in the District of Columbia had an opportunity for educational choice to meet their needs. But, among other things, I was most concerned by the toll taken on the teachers by the demands placed upon them. I wondered, how long this might last, until forces brought something to light that I saw evolve many years ago.

We saw the problem coming long ago. In 1951 as a young (age 25) high school principal in Michigan, I knew that the success of our school in helping students depended upon our teamwork as a instructional team. Within a few years the labor/management model was one of the major factors in destroying that team approach. Principals were perceived as a part of management and often forced into an adversarial relationship with teachers. What actually was needed was a new model, an approach that insightful educational leaders advocated at that time.

Like many, I offer no solution. But it 93 I would like to know that my country is honestly facing the problems that are present in a modern changing society. And I think the first step is looking at them fully and honestly. Thus I continue to have my say as long as I am able.

Methodists take heed,

Methodists take heed

when church creeds,

again ignore human needs.

It's happened before! The formal doctrines of many/most/all churches, developed by the hierarchy, fail to take into consideration the changing dynamics of their members who seek to live a life of commitment to the welfare of ALL humanity. At 93 years of age I distinctly recall a previous example that occurred in the Methodist Church just over 200 years ago. Obviously I wasn't living then, but I know well the stories of the schism – one far less dramatic than the present one. It well illustrates the present dilemma and trauma of religious institutions.

Jacob Albright, born in 1759 was the son of German immigrants. As a devout Lutheran, he failed to find solace in the teachings of that church in the death of all but three of his ten children. But he was so inspired by Circuit Riders of the Methodist Church that he wanted to share his "Good News" with fellow Germans of his community. In 1793 he was accepted as an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Church. However he soon discovered that his limited ability to use the English language, coupled by the inability of his listeners to understand English, made it obvious that this preaching would be more effective using the German language. However that was contrary to the ruling of the hierarchy of the church, English must be used! Thus he struck out on his own in 1800 by going from house to house, from community to community to console and bring the moral teaching of Jesus to communities. In seven years the first steps were taken to form a new Protestant denomination, The Evangelical Church. I know because in 1925 I was baptized into that denomination and remained in it until it reunited with The United Methodist Church in 1968.

Methodists take heed

when church creeds,

again ignore human needs.

It's happened before! The formal doctrines of many/most/all churches, developed by the hierarchy, fail to take into consideration the changing dynamics of their members who seek to live a life of commitment to the welfare of ALL humanity. At 93 years of age I distinctly recall a previous example that occurred in the Methodist Church just over 200 years ago. Obviously I wasn't living then, but I know well the stories of the schism – one far less dramatic than the present one. It well illustrates the present dilemma and trauma of religious institutions.

Jacob Albright, born in 1759 was the son of German immigrants. As a devout Lutheran, he failed to find solace in the teachings of that church in the death of all but three of his ten children. But he was so inspired by Circuit Riders of the Methodist Church that he wanted to share his "Good News" with fellow Germans of his community. In 1793 he was accepted as an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Church. However he soon discovered that his limited ability to use the English language, coupled by the inability of his listeners to understand English, made it obvious that this preaching would be more effective using the German language. However that was contrary to the ruling of the hierarchy of the church, English must be used! Thus he struck out on his own in 1800 by going from house to house, from community to community to console and bring the moral teaching of Jesus to communities. In seven years the first steps were taken to form a new Protestant denomination, The Evangelical Church. I know because in 1925 I was baptized into that denomination and remained in it until it reunited with The United Methodist Church in 1968.

The last thing young pe

The last thing young people want

from someone 93 years of age

is a sermon.

However, my years of experience as an educator have proven to me that young people are eager, yea yearning, to see dramatic societal changes in the American lifestyle. As a historian respecting the knowledge of the world and life that science has brought over the past 500 or so years, I would compare the need for change today to that wrought by Martin Luther 500 years ago when a religious world was shaken by the Protestant Reformation. And I as a layman see it as a question of Faith vs. Works.

What is needed today

is another Reformation of the church!

And for me this begins with a realization that, "like all religions, Christianity is man-made."

I realize that this "sermonizing" is a far cry from my usual "ranting and raving." Yet I find it necessary to be perfectly honest and admit that it is a topic that has long held my interest. However in reading the last chapter of Warren L Hickman's book, "Can Religion Survive Worship" I was mesmerized by that statement, "like all religions, Christianity is man-made.

Unfortunately I found the first 26 chapters of the book quite tedious, soI can't recommend its purchase.  But the last chapter blew me away.  It succinctly drives the message home to the non-– theological reader. From checking Amazon's assessment of reader interest in books, it might appear that I'm the only reader of the book. But because I am so struck by its relevance I'll have more to say about it in the next few of my Raves. Perhaps this blurb from Amazon might even whet your interest so there will be a surge on the market.

"Will main line churches disappear within twenty five to forty years as religious authorities now predict? What is behind this crisis so suddenly facing religious communities? Why does the chance of survival of religion decline as a nation becomes more highly developed? The book Can Religion Survive Worship clarifies the difference between worshiping the messenger and studying the message. If rituals, processes, and procedures are put aside, what is to become of churches and clergy that have existed primarily to preside over those rituals, processes, and procedures? What, if any, will then be the vehicle carrying the message? Warren Hickman has thrown down the gauntlet. It needs to be picked up.

Darn it! i'm with Joe

I'm 93 and ever since I turn 65 I've hugged every person who looked liked they wanted to be or needed a friend.  And what about all those Europeans who touch both "cheeks"?

It must not be lost - Jazz, that is

It will take me longer than a week to react to the response (and non-responses) I received to my two assertions:

1. That all religions are”man” (human) made, and
2. That all religions reflect their social milieu and that Christianity specifically needs another Reformation if it is to survive as a positive force for good.

In retrospect, I must admit that is quite a grandiose expectation. But do it, I MUST! But I will do it as an educator and not as a theologian.

But first another topic that has attracted me since the early days of the Lucky Strike, Hit Parade, a radio show of the '40's and 50's.

With the over abundance of music available today, I fear that some lesser known sources will eventually atrophy because of disuse. Here are three things, I'd like my children – and all G_d's children to know about.

Tippin' In - Erskine Hawkins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3NLONR9JcM

Wildroot – Woody Herman and Neal Hefti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCBLY1GRfk

While those two are little known and appreciated numbers from the 40's, I, as an inveterate Jazz lover, am concerned that most young jazz aficionados have not had the opportunity to hear the little known small Jazz group The Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

Stanford University has archived the music of this group which performed from 1948 – 2007. This includes the almost 400 National Public Radio one hour programs recorded by the band at the San Antonio River Walk. (What a privilege for me to grow up in that city and hear him through the years.) The programs are hosted by many jazz greats from Jack Teagarden to Joe Williams and pay tribute to most all the outstanding musicians from Louie to Fatha. If you love small groups or want to know more about jazz,you will be ecstatic with:

http://riverwalkjazz.stanford.edu/

.I'd be the #1 R***skins fan if..............................................

Snyder would do two things:
1. Change the name, and
2. Give Kaepernick a chance.
At 93 I'd change my loyalty from the Lions to ?????????????, and buy my first ticket to see his/our team play.

My educaton at Uber University

Beyond enjoying the ride with Uber or Lyft, I have appreciated the education I have received sitting next to drivers who hail primarily from Africa and Central and South America. Ignoring conventional practices of cell-phoning, I attempt to engage them in conversation about each of our heritages so  I can learn about other cultures. Recently two of my favorite topics "just happened" to be worked into the conversation.

The aging process:
I was taken somewhat aback when my driver from Mozambique did not respond in the usual way when I "just happened" to mention that I was 93! "My grandfather lived until he was 117," was his response. I was delighted that he was loquacious enough and the ride expensive enough so I could learn what he perceived as the reason for such longevity. "Every day he would get up at dawn and walk 30 minutes East to see the sunrise. There he would express gratitude for the fullness of his life. He would then slowly return home taking an hour and a half to greet friends and family. He had no stress!

Religion:
It didn't take long for my lifelong infatuation with religion to be rekindled when my driver said that he grew up and lived much of his life in Sierra Leone. OMG thought I.   I haven't thought about Sierra Leone since my childhood days as a member of  the Mission Band and Little Heralds in my San Antonio church. "Tell me," said I, "Did the pennies and nickels we saved and gave the missionaries so they could bring Christianity to your country do good or cause problems?" Taking his right hand off the wheel, he made a downward motion with his thumb, and said, "In a country 80% Muslim it has resulted in nothing but endless conflict."

I find it fascinating that while religion has played a major role in providing me to my life personally,there are two conclusions that haunt me.

1. Throughout  human experience, religion his played a major role in bringing conflict and war, but it is only through a proper understanding of religion the world's problems can be managed.

2. All religions are creations and expressions of human design and an differ in evolving social milieu. It is in the tenants and practices of all religions that are grounded in love and kindness that life can be given maximum meaning.

The obvious solution for Nancy and Donald

It's all so simple! If only egos and politics could be put aside. And best of all we could solve a problem that has been a major nemesis (and promise) for America since its inception. Drumroll please! Appoint a panel of experts whose careers have been established in this field for their lifetime to come up with a solution within 30 days (or some specific appropriate amount of time). Both sides would commit to adopting their recommendations regarding where and how money should be spent. And certainly this would include a specific recommendation on where walls might be needed to be torn down and where walls might be built at new locations and the type of wall or barrier or fence for each locations.

Perhaps the "New World" will set an example for the "Entire World" for the way to solve vexing problems.

I was fascinated that a few days after publishing this,Karen Tumulty of the Washington Post had an editorial following the same line of thought. Indeed she advised the legislator to "take this opportunity to find a more rational way to discuss border security which is a goal that both parties say they want." The article then goes on at length to forcefully show the importance of using the knowledge they provide in solving difficult problems. 

Why I just have to blog at 93! And really! Two possible positive results from the government shut-down

It's been almost a year since I sent my two blogs out on a regular basis, and I've discovered how much I missed doing it.   I discovered that for me in order for life to have meaning, I still need to try to make a difference, to be useful. It's the way I have tried to live my life and old age now presents added new problems for continuing that life-style.

And my personal adjustment is compounded by seeing my beloved country (in my view) renouncing its slow but persistent 93 years of progress toward the goals of justice and equality for all that we have always given lip-service to.  The polarization and hostility is like nothing I can recall in my lifetime.  AS A HISTORIAN AND EDUCATOR I have long felt that we have too often failed to learn the lessons of the past and that this is even reflected in the loss of meaningful communication between the young and old today.  Even at this old age, the experience I had  communicating with young people via Reddit and other such magical devises in my early 90's convinced me of its value: both for me and many of my youthful followers.  This inter-generational equality driven, honest and respected (both ways) communication, I believe,  is something that has been lost in our modern, complex, social-media and computer driven society.

Rather immodestly, I could cite scores of responses of how my two blogs and Reddit's AMA have been of value to young people ranging from fostering a marriage to constructive disagreements to life-supporting advise and insights. 

Thus I am at it again, perhaps most of all for my own well-being,  Both in this blog of rants and in my culture blog where I call attention to the free things that are still available in the city.  I don't intend to publicize it in the future.  I hope you will check me out periodically on the internet because I'll keep writing as long as I am in a reasonably good frame of mind and hopefully have a reader or two in addition to my family.

So here goes

Living in Washington DC I know full well the harm of the government shutdown. Many of my neighbors are affected, but I realize most of them are not experiencing the trauma of those living in less privileged areas of the city or the surrounding area.

Yet I woke up the other night thinking of two benefits from the shutdown. Lessons we have often seen before, but unfortunately, too often, it takes dramatic incidents to awaken us.

1. The extreme importance of government in all of our lives. And this applies to those who claim they have no use for government (but proclaim, "I want less government in my life, but don't take away my Medicare or social security") as well as those of us who complain about potholes.

2. The fact that most Americans live on wages that cause  them to live from payday to payday just to provide the basic necessities of life.

I don't know how much longer this "need to be useful" will be so paramount in my life, but I hope you'll stay tuned to my blogs to see if there is anything we can talk about.