Today's MOZEN: A Fine Line

Words and photo by F LoBuono

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

This is what San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick told an NFL Media crew in a post-game interview as his reason for not standing with his teammates for the playing of the traditional pre-game National Anthem.

The public outcry in its aftermath has been swift, visceral, and, mostly vicious. His action has caused a firestorm, literally, as thousands have set his team jersey to the torch. Most people are incensed by their perception of the hypocrisy of a million dollar athlete who has reaped the riches of American culture while condemning it at the same time.

They have a point.

But, I would like to take this conversation in a different direction.

There is not only hypocrisy in such an endeavor, there is irony, as well. Like burning the Flag or any other desecration of it, not standing for our National Anthem brings out the very paradox of what it means to be an American. We prize freedom above all else. Time and again we have proven our metal by our willingness to die for it as a concept. We are willing to fight to keep that freedom. And, the Flag and Anthem represent that concept AND sacrifice. Now, here's the irony: The very ideal for which billions have given all, protects the freedom of his RIGHT to act his conscience. We, as a free society, don't get to choose someone else's sense of duty. Yes, even if that means the perception to millions of being an arrogant asshole. THIS is the irony and the CHALLANGE of American Democracy. It has always been there and always will be.

We, as a society, also have a right to our expression. If the people are outraged, then so be it. And, Mr. Kaepernick will have to understand that part of being in a democracy is acceptance of the responsibility for one's actions. Let's see if he will reap the whirl wind.

In the meantime, call him a fool, or selfish, or a hypocrite. But, also acknowledge the irony of his actions; they are not un-American. In fact, in many ways, they were ultra-American. It's what the sacrifice is all about. Those who know, know.

Today's MOZEN: No Doubt

F LoBuono

Doubt is an insidious force. It can work on the human psyche much as water that seeps into a fissure does to the strongest rock. It's hardly noticed at first. After all, what can mere liquid do to solid rock? But, the water is relentless. It works inexorably over time to slowly but assuredly ruin the integrity of the stone. Eventually, the water has its way and the rock is split.

So it is for people. At least it is for me.

Generally, my personality is one that many describe as "Type A". I tend to talk too much and too loudly. Simply put, I can be hard to miss. I've been told by my mother that I have always been this way. And, I see no real reason to change. I know who I am and I like myself. I'm pretty damned good at some things and suck at others. I have a VERY strong sense of myself. Being that way, overall, has served me well. Of course, some people are critical and I understand their reasoning. I could be a better listener and a healthy dose of humility is occasionally necessary. But, I believe that I'm truly at my best when I BELIEVE in myself and my ability to do ANYTHING that I set my mind to (except, perhaps, dunk a basketball).

And, doubt is the enemy of all that.

When I allow doubt to be injected into my mind-set and I lose confidence, I turn into a quivering mass of jelly. Instead of believing that if I do my best the outcome will ALWAYS be positive (and that does NOT always mean being successful), negativity and fear of failure of the most egregious kind dominate my thinking. I don't sleep well. I don't eat well. And, I don't FEEL well. It wears on me like the unrelenting water works on the stone. Over time, I'm bound to crack.

Despite what others may perceive of me, I am a deep thinker and I take things (especially important ones) very seriously. Even though I might sport a confident and jovial appearance, there are times when I am simply racked with doubt: can I do this or that? Am I truly good enough, etc.?  At some point, my thought process can make me appear as a dog chasing its tail - there's a lot action leading no where. So, what's the point?

Having confidence does not mean that you will never fail. But, it does insulate you from the doubt caused by the fear of failure that is so counter productive to getting things done. No one is 100% effective 100% of the time. Therefore, failure from time is to be expected but never feared. If we let doubt and worry drive our wagon, we'll never get anywhere. Knowing that failing is a part of life should be enough to dispel our anxieties. Besides, if you have confidence in yourself and your abilities added to the proper preparation to do a job, chances are you will succeed FAR more often than you will fail. There are few guarantees in life except this one: if you fear failure and let it dominate your thinking, you WILL fail. Doubt and anxiety will rule the day.

Go forth with confidence in everything that you do. You may not be perfect but, if you believe in yourself, you will be pretty damned good more often than not. And, that's good enough for most of us.

Today's Mostly True Short Story: When the Osprey Return

F LoBuono

Despite the fact that it was a blistering hot summer day, I was walking at a good pace. To protect myself from the scorching rays of the sun, I was wearing my broad-brimmed Panama Hat. Besides the obvious protection it provides, it looks cool as hell on me. I wear it low on my forehead, keep my head down, and just keep trucking along. In other words, I'm in my own little world and rarely get distracted by anyone.

I had just about reached the center of town when I heard someone say, "they're back". I glanced up briefly not sure where the voice had come from and what he had meant. That's when I noticed him. He's a regular in town and a little down on his luck. He was sitting on a bench in front of one of the retail stores. His clothes were dirty as was his face. I'm not sure where he lives but he's always around. But, outside of trying to bum cigarettes, he harms no one. I shot him a quick "hi" and continued on my way. Then, he said again - "they're back"! This time I slowed and asked, "who's back"? Excitedly, he pointed skyward and said, "the Osprey. They return to the same spot every year"! I followed his finger towards the azure sky and sure enough, there they were; two of them, soaring just above the village. There was no mistaking their bright white chests as they reflected the brilliant sunshine. They must have been a mating pair. Osprey are known to mate for life. Obviously, these two, as evidenced by their close aerial acrobatics, where well known to one another. Their flight was so effortless as they caught the wind off the water that they hardly had to beat there wings to stay aloft.

photo Graham Owen

I thought about pulling out my cell phone to attempt to capture an image of them. But, they were too high and moving too much for the camera in my phone to have made a decent photo. Besides, it was wonderful to simply enjoy them in the moment. They were there, real, and magnificent. And, for the brief period of time that I gazed at the fluid grace of their flying, simply enjoying them was enough. The camera never made it out of my pocket.

And, the Osprey went their way and I, mine. Just another day in Nyack.

I love this town.

Today's MOZEN: FOS - ALL

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Let's get beyond ALL the rhetoric from ALL the candidates by saying this: they are ALL just so full of shit. ALL of them. ALL of them make promises that they can't keep by saying almost anything mostly because they think it's what YOU want to hear. And, chances are that because they said what you wanted to hear, you'll vote for them. It's just a matter of is it the right shit for you?

Here's an example - the Democrats consider themselves to be more in touch with the environment then their Republican counterparts. In general, they support environmental issues like a ban on fracking and other initiatives to help reduce the effects of global warming. One of those platforms include greater recycling of non perishable materials, particularly plastics. I support them in these efforts. This is the shit that I want to hear.

Still, while working at the recently completed Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia the amount of waste material, particularly plastic water bottles, that could have been recycled and wasn't was staggering! Boxes and barrels placed outside of every work space in the venue were filled to capacity with TONS of plastic water bottles and emptied every hour or so for the course of the entire convention. This translated to tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of water bottles that where thrown into mixed garbage instead of recycling bins! Why? Perhaps, they were separated and recycled after the fact, but I doubt that - too expensive. Besides, it would have been much easier to have had them placed in recycle containers in the first place! So, why? Oversight?

At the end of every shift, I would do a little clean-up of our work space. In addition to the normal business detritus, I would throw away hundreds of half-used water bottles. Things would get hectic and people would misplace their water. Instead of trying to locate their original bottle (mostly futile), people would just grab a fresh one - they were FREE, after all. Understandable, but think of the waste! To try to do my part and minimize the waste, I would label my water bottle with my initials so that I could locate it and at least finish one at a time. But, I worked a long shift and drank a lot of water. That translated to a lot of plastic, no matter how hard I tried. The amount of waste was shameful.

So, how difficult would it have been for someone, some "Big Shot" in the Democratic Party, to put into practice what the Party preaches and given at least SOME thought as to what was being wasted, literally, during the course of their Convention. Make no mistake, the GOP's Convention was just as wasteful. But, the Republicans are not that interested in the environment - and make no bones about it. At least they're honest in their disdain for it.

If the Democrats want to talk the talk, they need to walk the walk - and, it's easier than you think.

Todays' Mostly True Short Story: Nyack People - The Big Yellow Dog

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It must be a common site around Nyack by now; me and Rexie taking one of our frequent sojourns into town. We're pretty hard to miss. Not too many people stroll down Broadway with a 117 lb. yellow lab in tow. Rex is a BIG guy. Pushing 13 years-old, (that's like 145 in human years), he is in great shape, especially for his size. So, we walk at a pretty good pace.

During the stretches of our walk where there is little traffic, human or vehicular, I let him walk off the leash. He really is a gentle giant and would never hurt another living thing - human or canine. So, he's no threat. In fact, he's GREAT with kids. He's so big that they can really latch on to him. And, he is incredibly patient. Allowing him off the leash gives him the freedom to sniff AND pee away. And, pee he does - on just about everything. Anything taller than an ant hill is fair game and a sure target. Of course, I DO control him - no peeing in gardens or on lawn furniture LOL! But, it's good for him to do what he does best. After all, he IS a retriever. It's in his genes.

Because he spends so much time sniffing and peeing, he often falls a little behind. It's never too far and he is never out of my sight or voice. So, I often continue on my pace and allow him to take his. At some point, he notices the gap and hustles to make up the difference. I never have to turn around because I can hear him, chugging away, like some kind of runaway freight train. He IS a BIG guy.

Well, one day, while he was in the process of catching up to me, I noticed a woman coming in the opposite direction. I always check people out to see if they might be intimidated by the dog. If so, I put him on the leash immediately. This woman appeared as no threat. As a matter of fact, she smiled, as most do when they see him.  As she approached, she came closer so that she could say something:

Sir, there's a large, yellow dog following you.

Without turning around as she passed and maintaining our pace, I replied:

Seems to be happening a lot lately.

Without another word exchanged, she went on her way and, we, ours.

I love this town.

Today's Guest Artisit: Cynthia Imperatore - How To Deal With Anticipatory Grief

Photo F LoBuono/Words C Imperatore

Cynthia Imperatore is a special human being in so many ways. One of the most important ones is her work as an "End of Life Doula". These people are the last-line, if you will, in the Hospice program whose special skills and compassion guide the dying person AND their families in the transition from this life to whatever lies beyond. It is a most spiritual calling and she does it well. Here is her response to a question about "Anticipatory Grief".

I have experienced it myself. In some ways, it was worse than the actual, just like anticipating a good event often outweighs our experience of the event itself. They are different terrains, or variations. Like climbing a mountain... As you look at the ascent before you, you wonder if you have the stamina, the strength to accomplish it. You may want to turn back. But once you start on the trail—though there are more difficult portions (of mountain or grief) that have you quail—you find that step by step or day by day, you can do it... This is the power of being present to what is, being present to the moment.

Guest Artist - Poetry by Ian Keeney "E-race My Name

E-race My Name

by Ian Keeney

Black

Hispanic

Caucasian

Asian

We are all part of the human equation.

African

Canadian

Brazilian

Russian

We come from the same Earth so what's the discussion?

Look into these eyes,

Recognize what it is you see.

Not the skin on the outside,

But what's on the inside of me.

I am your friend. I am your brother.

I am your equal, not your enemy.

We stand united as one power,

The human race, each a delicate flower

In a boundless potpourri.

Erase my face. 

Look at my soul. 

Then you will see me as a whole.

I am a doctor who heals the sick. 

I am a custodian who mops the floor. 

I built your house brick by brick. 

I fought for this country when we went to war. 

We may not look the same

But we look at the same sky. 

Don't look down at me or cast up your nose,

Look straight at me, eye to eye.

Latino

Filipino

Pakistani

Indian

Inside, humans are all of the same composition.

Native American

Native Hawaiian

Pacific Islander

Other

You may not look like me, but you are still my brother.

Today's MOZEN: Intangible

                                           

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Intangible.

The dictionary partially defines its meaning as incapable of being perceived by the sense of touch. In other words, it's the quality we see in a person or thing that goes beyond what is easily recognized. For example, we can see a person as tall, or skinny, or fair, or dark, etc. These are physically defining features. They are obvious. Intangible refers to characteristics that are perceived rather than simply observed. They are personality traits like humor, intuition, honesty, humility, intelligence (beyond education), tenacity, equanimity, empathy, and compassion, among others. When added to our physical peculiarities, they make us complete. They make us human! Without them, we are just a mass of cells. We most often choose our friends based on their intangibles rather than for their physical qualities - or, at least we SHOULD.

It's a word often heard when referring to political candidates. And, rightly so. Very few of us will ever get to know a candidate personally. We may get a chance to meet one. But, to actually KNOW one is an entirely different matter. We have to rely on what we see, hear, and perceive, mostly through the media, to form our opinions. Since, candidates regularly discuss their platforms for the economy, for education, for defense, etc. we can get an inkling as how they would run the Country. THAT is what campaigning is all about. So, we can ascertain something about their policies.

However, at some point, people want to know more about them - as PEOPLE. What makes them tick? How do they think? And, perhaps, most importantly, how do they FEEL, especially about important social issues? This is where INTANGIBLES come in. Does the candidate have more going on than just how to raise or not raise taxes? How do the things not mentioned in their speeches affect their decision making? Are they good under pressure? Do they have a value system in place that leads them down the path of justice and righteousness? Do they have a sense of humor? Are they tenacious? Can they be trusted? All of these things are important to judge in a candidates character. Because, without them, they cannot lead.

I do not KNOW Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. I can only form my opinion based on what I have heard concerning their policies and what I can PERCEIVE of their intangibles.

As for their policies, we can debate them another day. I would rather, at this point, concentrate on their intangibles. And, I can make this simple: Hillary may lack in some areas but Donald Trump possesses NONE of the intangibles that I would look for in a leader! None. Zip. Zilch. Zero. He does not speak well, i.e. lacks intelligence. He's not funny. He lies constantly. He lacks empathy and compassion. And, if he had ANY intuition he would simply shut the hell up. But, he can't - because he lacks the humility to do it.

In other words, as I would not have him as a friend, I MOST CERTAINLY would not have him as my President.

Today's MOZEN: The Summer Swelter

Words and photos by F LoBuono

If you haven't noticed, we are in the midst of a classic New York summer heatwave. And, it's a doozy. In our New Yawk vernacular we would say, it's not just the heat, it's the damned HUMIDITY! In fact, it's so friggin' humid that if you did pass out from the heat, you don't have to worry about falling down - the air is so thick it'll just hold you up! My friends who served in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam had a term for this type of heat that by it's very sound describes it most accurately: The Mung. Even the frequent thunderstorms that we have encounter haven't cooled us down one bit. Rather, they've just made the heat wet.

There aren't many who would say that they enjoy this type of weather. But, I am in that minority. In fact, in some ways, I actually love it.

First, my Sicilian heritage helps. I am dark-skinned and tan easily. I often tell people that I get dark so quickly that it begins as soon someone even shows me a photograph of the sun. Be that as it may, I relish being in the sun. I love to bask in it's power on my face and body. I'm like a giant solar cell that sucks up energy from its rays. So, to the embarrassment of many but me, I'm shirtless whenever possible. To me, the sun is light. And, light is life. I couldn't live without it. Of course, I take precautions to protect myself from it, too. Part of enjoying life in the sun is knowing when enough is enough. But, still, I love the feel of the heat. I even enjoy the sweat pouring out of my body. It gives me a sense of myself. I'm ALIVE.

Second, when the heat and humidity are this intense, Mother Nature wins. You just HAVE to slow down. Similar to a winter blizzard, the City takes on a completely different pace - one that is considerably slower than the frantic, frenetic one we must cope with on a so-called normal day. Just as the streets may appear empty during a snow storm, so it is in a summer swelter. Normally bustling streets can seem eerily quiet. It leaves you thinking, "where did all the people go"? In my mind's eye (or ear), I can hear the faint sound of a radio playing Janis Joplin's version of "Summertime" through and open window. Perhaps, you may find, as has been a NY tradition for ions, a group of kids cooling off at an open fire hydrant (although this tradition has faded). Being able to get to water is key - even if it's just a cold shower or a dash through the gushing water of a fire hydrant. The combination of cool water on a hot body is both refreshing and rejuvenating. I know that as long as I can get to water to cool off, there is no such thing as too hot for me.

Third, summer swelters like this one will almost assuredly produce thunder storms whose celestial pyrotechnics cannot be matched by anything made by man. Last night, around midnight, on my way home from work, I was treated to one of the most spectacular light shows that I have ever seen. The lightening exploded with thunderous claps behind the thick clouds and over the George Washington Bridge. The effect was to create astonishing shapes and forms that lit up the entire bridge and City. Then, the rain came in buckets to quench a thirsty world. It was almost as if I could hear the earth drink.

Certainly, this weather can be difficult. In some cases, it may even be deadly - if you don't respect it. But, that's another reason that I love it. You must or it will hurt you. But, if you do, at least to me, the rewards can be many. You just have have to accept it for what it and look for what it brings instead of what it takes away.

Guest Artist: The Final Dawn

THE FINAL DAWN
performed by Jerzy Jung
Written and Directed by Ian Keeney

https://youtu.be/ycLVVpYYTZ4

Guest Artist: The Final Dawn

THE FINAL DAWN
performed by Jerzy Jung
Written and Directed by Ian Kinney

https://youtu.be/ycLVVpYYTZ4

Today's MOZEN: I Love the Police. Really.

F LoBuono

From time to time, I feel it necessary to "qualify" some of my posts. As you may have noticed, I do not fear controversy and write with conviction. This, certainly, is not a fault. At least I don't view it as such. However, it can sometimes lead people to have misconceptions as to where my actual thinking lies. Although I would hope the real meaning of what I write is contained within the body of my posts, clarification can often help to speed the plow.

I do not hate the police. In fact, I love policemen. My father was one. And, I enjoy and respect the members of my local force - TRUE community policemen. They have helped me FAR more than they have hurt.

But, I do HATE the practice of systematic (and systemic) racism that runs rampant in WAY too many police forces around the Country. And, I detest the BLUE WALL of SILENCE that protects this corrupt system.

Well, that wall may begin to crumble.

Recently (Tuesday, August 9, 2016), the Justice Department (DOJ) published a blistering report that served as a scathing indictment of the Baltimore Police Department. A year-long study commissioned after the death of a young black man, Freddie Gray while he was in police custody, clearly showed a disproportionate use of police power against African-Americans. The report clearly demonstrated racial disparities in both stops and arrests when comparing whites and blacks. As an example, the report used the case of one black man in his mid-50's being stopped 30 TIMES IN LESS THAN FOUR YEARS - without a single charge being levied. Black individuals accounted for over 95% of all individuals stopped (410 total) at least 10 times over the course of the 5.5 years of records the DOJ reviewed.

And, that is not even considered the worst statistic.

The one that is quite telling is this: 91% of all individuals arrested for "discretionary"offenses like "failure to obey" or "trespassing"were black. A shift supervisor even made it easier for his charges to fill out the trespassing arrest reports of people found near housing projects by having them use a single term: BLACK MALE. The report continues with similar, alarming statistics (you can find the entire report on-line).

Really.

And, if you think that this ONLY happens in Baltimore, I have a bridge to sell you! I believe that this type of blatant racism exists in EVERY police force in EVERY major city in America. And, we see evidence of it EVER DAY.

Now, this does not mean that the police, including the Baltimore PD, don't do heroic things on a daily basis. They do. And, they do it from New York to Tucumcari. What is DOES mean is that there IS a problem and we HAVE to fix it - or, there will never be peace on our streets. There are FAR too many bad apples in that basket and they are spoiling the whole lot! The people have stepped up to cry out ENOUGH! It's time the good cops do the same.

This, I hope will be the beginning.

Today's MOZEN: The Reality Show Host

F LoBuono

Man, I'm just dying to write about something else besides politics. And, I have - just not enough lately. There's just too much going down and this election is WAY too important to not be involved. The fate of the world depends on our decision. It has always been that way and it is now more so than ever. In my 40+ years of voting I can't recall a more significant or divisive campaign.

Let's be honest. BOTH candidates, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, are polarizing figures to say the least. Ms. Clinton, although in my opinion infinitely more qualified for the Presidency than Mr. Trump, has issues with many voters in the area of trust. She has made conflicting comments over the years that have been used to her detriment. With a person who has spent as much of her adult life in the glare of the public arena as Ms. Clinton, changing opinions can be seen as evolving on many issues. Still, there are those who simply see it as a lack of character. They believe that she uses political expediency in a way that erodes her credibility. In other words, she'll say anything to get elected. There are those who flat out hate her. I understand the concern. Veracity is a key virtue in a leader. But, the vitriol is mostly unwarranted and fueled by the likes of Faux News.

As for Mr. Trump, for the life of me I just can't see the appeal on ANY level. I get the fact that he has tapped into the dissatisfaction of the working-class, white male voter. And, their discontent is well founded. The working-class, white male can rightly be seen as an endangered species. Still, even with that said, in my mind he offers NOTHING of any value. Nothing.

First, he does not speak well. His speeches are filled with nothing more than hollow promises said with poor grammar, a lame vocabulary, and personal platitudes. And, instead of fortifying his position with facts and figures he asks you to trust him by constantly repeating "believe me, it's going to be this way". Really. Why the hell should I? He LIES constantly. Fact finding sites regularly point out that HE and not Clinton has the most difficulty with the truth. And, if you challenge him on any of these issues, he displays the posturing of a classic bully: he gets LOUD and UGLY.

Many claim that because he is a billionaire (although we have to take his word on THAT too - he refuses to release his tax returns) he MUST be a successful businessman. He claims that he will use that acumen to Make America Work Again. However, his business FAILURES are well documented. He has filed for bankruptcy FOUR times. FOUR. Mega-mogul and former NY City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, has called him a sham and a CON (literally). Another billionaire, Mark Cuban, recently echoed Bloomberg's assessment. Economist after economist rail on his economic (or lack thereof) policies.

His fanatic and loyal followers constantly accept his frequent verbal blunders by saying (and believing) that "at least he speaks his mind and says the same things that I'm feeling". Well, and I do my best to avoid pejoratives, if you relate to the idiotic things that he says than what does that make you? I have many friends that speak their minds. I'd like to think that I do, too. But, they're not idiots - and, those that are I ignore! So, why should I listen to the biggest fool I know?

Although of least importance, I find him most unappealing physically. He is overweight and out of shape - not the type of man I see as a leader. If he can't even take care of himself, what can he offer to others? His hair is an elaborate "comb over" that, apparently, hides some type of baldness. And, his skin often appears orange and his eyes white giving the impression of some type of golden raccoon.

About the only thing I see him being successful at is self-promotion. He's damned good at that! With that skill he has managed to make the transition from TV Reality Show Host to Presidential candidate. The only problem is he STILL treats that lofty position as if he still IS a TV Reality Show host. If you see your President as a man who's greatest skill is saying, "Your Fired", and takes joy in doing so, then by all means, you've found your man.

Today's Mostly True Story: The Deadly Banana

F LoBuono

Security at the National Political Conventions is a necessary evil. Everyone who attends them understands this. But, make no mistake, evil it is. It's just a matter of degree. It's a pain in the ass at best and draconian at its worst.

I remember how difficult it was few years back at, I believe, the DNC in Boston. As expected, EVERYONE, despite how many security badges you may have (and, I always have plenty), must clear the so-called magnatometers or metal detectors before they can enter the venue. Of course, you are restricted as to what you can actually bring in with you. These include any sharp object or tool (they are left inside the venue and cleared by the Secret Service BEFORE the event begins), as well as water, and umbrellas among other seemingly innocuous objects (one of my crew mates had a bag of hard candies confiscated). Well, for some reason they had only 2 or 3 working machines for thousands of people who needed entrance. Therefore, the lines were extraordinarily long. It could take well over an hour just to clear security. Now, this may not seem terrible but when you factor in the 90 degree + heat and regular summer thunderstorms, it becomes a little more difficult. Then consider the fact that you are standing in the heat without water (remember, you can't bring any in with you) and no umbrella to keep you dry from the pounding rain, and it can become downright miserable.

However, perhaps the strangest restriction I ever encounter was four years ago at the RNC in Tampa, Florida. I was working the graveyard shift and, therefore, providing my own meals would be necessary. So, I added some snacks, including a banana to my backpack. As is always the case, the Secret Service rummaged through it. When they came to the banana, the officer said, "you can't take this in with you". Incredulously, I responded, "WHY"? He replied, "because it can be used as a weapon". Again, with disbelief, I said, "HOW"? "You could freeze it and attack someone with it", he answered. "Or, I could peel it and eat it as the piece of fruit that it is". My humor was lost on the agent - as was my banana!

Sometimes, the encounters are not so "innocent". Recently, at the just completed RNC in Cleveland, I had a confrontation with the TSA agent that was working my security line. And, it almost got very ugly.

It was the last night of the Convention and, after repeated trips through the security line, I was making one last run. I was wearing the same work vest that I had on for the many previous trips. It has many pockets for storage and areas to clip on some of the tools of my trade, like pens and earpieces, etc. On one of the clips I hung a small flash light that I use for many operations in the darkened broadcast areas where I work. It had been there for ALL of my previous trips through. Suddenly the agent proclaimed, "you can't take that in with you". In amazement I blurted out, "WHY? I've brought it with every time through with no issue". "Well, you can't now", was his curt response. With my voice raising slightly I came back, "why is this trip any different from the previous 50 that I just completed"?! "Because it is", was his curt comeback. I would not let it go - either physically or emotionally: "I am a technician and this is a tool of my trade and essential for me to do my job"! The TSA agent argued further: "all of your tools are supposed to be inside". "All of my 'sharp' tools ARE - this is completely different"! At that point a Cleveland police officer came over and said, "you need to calm down". I told him that I WAS completely calm but that I was not going to give up that flashlight! "THIS IS NOT RIGHT", I repeated. Just when I thought it might escalate to the point where I might get arrested, a TSA lieutenant came over and asked to see my flashlight. He turned it on and said, "it's a damned flashlight, give it to him"!

I suppose the moral of the story is that just because someone in authority says something is so, doesn't make it right. And, when YOU are in the right, stand your ground - no matter who says otherwise.

Epilogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPFIudX2UIc

Today's MOZEN: What Don't They Understand?

F LoBuono

The New Colossus
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

How easily we forget what Emma Lazarus meant when she wrote the epic sonnet that, since 1903, has graced the base of, perhaps, the greatest symbol of freedom in the world - The Statue of Liberty.

Even the title has deep significance: The NEW Colossus. Lazarus wanted first and foremost to establish a firm difference between this gigantic, fresh statue and the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. THIS was to be a NEW symbol for a NEW world - and a new way of thinking.

The Colossus of Rhodes was created in 305 BCE and bestrode the entrance to that City/State's Harbor. Legend has it that was built to commemorate a military victory by the city over the invading Macedonians. It is said that they smelted the weapons left behind by the fleeing army to cast the statue. It is also a MALE figure. Therefore, in a sense, it was warlike in nature.

Lazarus made an immediate distinction between the two by pointing out the Statue of Liberty is of A mighty woman with a torch. This gives the New Colossus a feminine energy, i.e. a matronly appeal. She is the mighty mother who welcomes all, protects all. Her flame is the imprisoned lightening, and her name Mother of Exiles. Again, it's a feminine energy.

Think about that for a moment: she is a MOTHER who does not JUDGE her children but, rather, welcomes them all with equanimity. She is the matriarch!  Lady Liberty, as she is often known, has room under her skirt for all of her children. Also, she stand besides our shores, not striding over them. Again, this no accident. She does not look to subjugate the land as the Colossus of Rhodes did. Her aim is to welcome, not dominate.

Then, Lazarus imbues an inanimate object with the very breath of life by giving her these immortal words that she cries with "silent lips": Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to be free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest- tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

When I think of these words, and truly HEAR them, and, then listen to a speech by Donald Trump railing against immigrants and immigration, I just want to explode. How can a man, and his followers, who make such a big deal of making America Great Again, be so far from the truth that is held in the words of Emma Lazarus and represent what it really means to BE American? It's a contradiction in terms that I may never fully understand.

He keeps saying that immigration brings in the WORST people, not the best. Mexico sends us rapists and criminals. Syria sends us terrorist. He claims that these are the people to FEAR and LOATH. Well, given the chance, I would like to ask him (and his followers) this: What part of "Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to be free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest- tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door"! does he NOT UNDERSTAND? The poem does not say "give us your elite doctors, lawyers, and scientists". That's simply not the aim of the great experiment that is American democracy.

I believe that even Mr. Trump would acknowledge the power of the Statue and its poem to represent the ideal of American Freedom. Then, how could he miss the point so COMPLETELY. Scientists, doctors, and the well-off, in general, are NOT the people referred to in the poem. They don't come, because they don't NEED to! They, in general, are not "the huddled masses". Of course, refugees come in all shapes, sizes, and skill level. However, most come here because they are out of options in their own lands. And, with acknowledged fits and starts, we have welcomed them.

There will be those who will say SCREW THEM. They don't "belong here - go back to the shitholes you came from". But, THIS is NOT the American way. Do they NOT remember, we are ALL immigrants to this Country? It is simply not in our hearts or our SOULS . It is not our ethos - at least, if you are a REAL American, it shouldn't be!

Adhering to the doctrine of INCLUSION is What Makes America Great - it always has - and it always will. I know that. When will Mr. Trump?

Today's MOZEN: Food for Thought - Literally

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It's a simple enough commercial selling the newest sandwich for one of the myriad fast food companies that have become staples of the American diet. This one is for Taco Bell. It's certainly not an offensive spot. It might even be seen as witty, especially in comparison to the other vacuous ads from some of their rivals.

At a trip to a Natural History museum, a visitor stares at the exhibit of a Caveman in the process of being crushed to death by the Wooly Mammoth he was attempting to hunt. The Caveman lies on his back, clutching a spear as the mammoth raises a huge leg to stomp him. As the visitor looks on in amazement, the camera zooms in to expose some type of food that he is holding in his hand. It's some kind of wrap or sandwich. He looks at the food and then back at the nearly trampled caveman in the exhibit and then back to the food again. The commercial's narrator explains that it was once extremely hard to get a good steak meal (obviously). But, now, Taco Bell, with its new steak wrap, makes all of that ancient history - literally. Its EASY to get a good steak meal if you would just go to Taco Bell.

A simple enough message. So, what could POSSIBLY be wrong with it.

Well, not everyone would look at it in this way (in fact, few would!) but, I see a problem with it. Some of you may know that I have done my best to stop eating meat. I've been at it for over four years now. I did so because I believe the way that food is processed in this Country involves extreme cruelty. Most animals that are destined for the slaughter house spend what little life they do have in horrible, inhumane conditions until they meet a most violent end.  Why should I view a pig in such a different light as my dog?  It's much more difficult to see it for the brutal industry that it is. It's easier to simply look away. People can choose to ignore this fact but I simply could not.  In good conscience, I could not write about love and compassion and be part of that system.

So, I made a very personal decision to eschew meat (I still eat fish - I'm working on it!). 

And, commercials like this one, as harmless as they appear, reinforce that message: you don't HAVE to look. All you need do is buy a clean, bloodless product. We will do all the slaughtering for you! There is NO DANGER here - at least to you. It's EASY! At least that's what the food industry would have you believe.

People have asked me, what about hunters that eat what they kill? I respond that, although I would prefer that people don't kill any living thing for their own survival, at least that is taking RESPONSIBILITY for ending another beings life. You eat what you have the skill, and the guts, to kill - just like that Caveman in the museum. If we were more connected to EXACTLY how our food is obtained, more people might think like myself and find other ways to get their nourishment.

When we make killing and slaughtering "clean" we lose the connection between ourselves and our environment. We lack compassion. Out of sight means out of mind. We don't see the suffering. So, we simply don't deal with it.

Paul McCartney, a vegan, has said that everyone would be a vegetarian if slaughterhouses had glass walls. I tend to agree. Open your eyes to ALL the world - and, make a difference where you see cruelty, greed, and violence - in ALL its forms.

The Most Dangerous Game

Original Movie Poster.
Words by F LoBuono

Many people are familiar with the short story, The Most Dangerous Game. Written by Richard Connell, it was originally published in Collier's in 1924 under the title The Hounds of Zaroff. Those who are not acquainted with it as a work of fiction are most certainly so with its many adaptations seen in films and on TV.

The plot revolves around two main characters: so-called Big Game hunter, Sanger Rainsford,  and his host/antagonist, a Russian aristocrat named General Zaroff. Rainsford, on his way to hunt Jaguars in Rio, has been washed away from his vessel and finds shelter on a mysterious island. On the island he is shocked and amazed to find the castle of the Cossack, General Zaroff. At first, they appear to be kindred spirits. It seems that General Zaroff is a Big Game hunter, too. However, he is bored with the "normal" hunting fair. He has hunted and killed them all. Now, he wants something more challenging. And, he has found it in the shipwrecked sailors that he lures to his lair. Zaroff seems to have found the perfect prey in Ransford, an avid fellow hunter who should provide the type of thrilling pursuit the Cossack craves.

Zaroff knows that although man does not have huge fangs or tremendous power or the stealth of the other animals considered deadly, he does have the cunning that comes with our high-functioning brains. Zaroff understands that this is what makes MAN The Most Dangerous Game. Rainsford is given a knife, some clothing, food, and a three hour head start in the jungle. If he can survive for three days, Zaroff promises him his freedom. Of course, no one has survived so far. I'll leave out the rest of the details for those who may want to finish actually reading this wonderful - and, important - short story. It is wonderful because it is well written and exciting. It is important because it deals in depth with human nature.

If you will allow me, I would like to develop this premise a bit further. Our ability to THINK on the highest levels separates us from ALL other animals. Some would say that other high functioning animals like whales and dolphins, certainly within their environments, rival our ability to organize our thoughts for use in complex problem solving and esoteric concepts like empathy and compassion. But, certainly, no one dominates the earth like we do. In fact, we have so much so that WE are our own worst enemy! Therefore, we must temper our thoughts with the knowledge that with such great power also comes great responsibility. WE are the shepards of our own destinies! When we are "right minded", i.e. we think with clarity, governed by acceptance and love, we use our impressive brains to advance the world in a positive direction. When we don't, the consequences are dire.

Therefore, we need to add a qualifier to our original premise: The Most Dangerous Animal on the Planet is an IGNORANT Human Being.

And, unfortunately, we seem to have an unlimited supply of those. . .

The Logic of the Trump Supporter

F LoBuono

Just when I thought I was out . . . they pull me back in!

I think that I know exactly how Michael Corleone in "The Godfather III" might have felt. Having just covered EVERY minute of both the RNC and DNC, I've been barraged by an seemingly endless tide of political rhetoric (I was going to say BULLSHIT, but I thought that impolite). It's making me (more) crazy! So, I thought that I'd give myself a break and leave that arena behind.

But, I can't. I just can't.

It happened again today. I was speaking with a neighbor about my experiences at the Conventions when he asked what I thought of both candidates. I answered honestly. Of course, I asked him his preference. With little hesitation, he answered "Trump". Then he qualified: "mostly because I don't trust Hillary". First, I pressed him on what he saw as a candidate in Mr. Trump. It was the standard GOP partly line, which is reinforced by the likes of Faux News, and goes mostly like this: "well, I don't like a LOT of what he says. But, I do like some of it". Of course, the some of it usually involves God, Guns, and Country. HE will make us safe again. HE will return us to "traditional values". Really. Next, I pressed him with simple logic: If you don't like A LOT of what he says, how can you support him at all? His answers at this point, as if the case with EVERY Trump supporter I have had this conversation with, lacked any coherent reasoning, AT ALL! They use much of the same bombastic rhetoric that is uttered by the man himself. It usually lacks ANY basis in fact or reason. It's ALL SOUND AND FURY, SIGNIFYING NOTHING!

It simply does not make any sense! But, then again, these people are showing their lack of AWARENESS by supporting a man who does not speak well, does not act properly, and shows an alarming lack of political savvy and basic human traits like compassion and empathy. What is so frightening about this is that it's not just HIM - it's THEM. He has given voice to the mobs' mentality of FEAR and LOATHING. Too many people have felt like him for too long. Now, they have a foil with which all can find VOICE for their petty prejudices and indiscretions. 

It's as despicable as it is terrifying. And, it is, sadly,  American.

At the Conventions, I had a number of deep conversations with some of the foreign correspondents. To a person, they ALL expressed their concerns, in the strongest terms possible, about the rise of Donald Trump and the possibility of his Presidency. Most ended the conversation with a quote from Winston Churchill: You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else. We can only hope, Sir Winston. Only hope. . .  

Today's MOZEN: A Free Spirit

F LoBuono

Calling people Free Spirits is a polite way of saying that you think they really are selfish assholes who have little time for anyone but for themselves.

That is all.