Today's Mostly True Short Story: The Iranian

F LoBuono

It was a Saturday night and I decided that I needed to step out on the town, for at least a little while anyway. I've been a particularly good boy as of late, avoiding the allure of the rather formidable bar scene in Nyack. But, all work and no play can make Frankie an extremely dull boy. If I get too mellow, like fruit that's been kept too long, I have a tendency to ripen and then rot. Besides, a couple of buddies were playing at one of my favorite local establishments - a perfect excuse to shake off the cobwebs and look for a little action in town.

Their first set began at 9, so I left my apartment around 8 to get a good seat at the bar. I figured I'd grab a bite and some pre-lube before the music began. By the time I arrived, there was already a nice sized crowd. I found a good seat and settled in for the evening's festivities. After a good meal and a bourbon, the music started just about on schedule. As expected, the band got into the swing of things right off the bat. The crowd at the bar was full of energy and very appreciative of the great sounds being laid down.

Near the end of the first set, a friend from town came by to say "hello" and enjoy the music with me. She's a sweet person and we've been good friends for a long time. She has owned a very successful business in town and has been an integral part of the tight-knit Nyack community for years. She also happens to be an Iranian immigrant.

We greeted each other warmly with hugs and hardy "hellos". Then I teased her: Roxanne (to protect her privacy that is not her real name), I'm sorry, but you can't be here. She gave me a quizzical look as if to say WTF? But, before she could respond, I added: you've heard the President's latest Executive Order - NO Iranians. You can't stay here. In fact, you may have to leave the Country immediately! Of course, she knew right away that I was just teasing her. Still, it led to a more serious response. She said, Frank, can you believe this? What is happening to our Country? Iran is an ancient and historic country with a culture as great as any on earth - they will not take this insult lightly! Why is he sowing the seeds of hate and mistrust? I love the place of my birth, but I love America, too. It's almost as if they are asking me to choose between the two. Why can't I love both?

The evil that an Executive Order of this nature can create was obvious for me to see. Here was this beautiful women insulted and embarrassed simply because of where she came from. She is an American citizen now and in no real danger of being deported. But, still, that did not minimize the damage done to her or her family. First, there is the psychological harm caused by being made to feel that there is something within your native culture to fear. What does she tell her American born children - that their heritage is barbaric and less then that of America's? Then, there are the practical aspects of just such an order. Family and friends, many with plans already made, will be prevented from visiting. And, for what reason? Not one shred of evidence exists that an Iranian immigrant with a legitimate Greed Card or Visa has caused ANY harm to this Country. And, yet, they are treated like pariahs.

We tried to laugh off our disgust. The loud music helped. But, both of us knew that this was whole mess was the result of this Administration's Fear and Loathing of ANYONE who is not THEIR vision of who is an American and who is not. Despite the festive atmosphere, it was a sobering thought. Our Country has fundamentally changed and, unfortunately, neither of us thought for the better. Then, we said "good night" and went on our respective ways to an uncertain future.

Today's MOZEN: The Anatomy of Fear and Loathing *

F LoBuono

FEAR and LOATHING

It's a term that I use quite frequently, especially lately. Under the current conditions, it certainly seems to apply.

Or, does it?

When I question the root of a word or slogan, I often go to the dictionary to research the literal meaning. This is what I discovered:

1. fear and loathing(Noun)
   The type of anger and distrust generated when politicians or representatives of the American legal hierarchy (i.e. District Attorneys) clash, or disagree, with the people they are paid to represent, causing a threat to the people.
Origin: Popularized by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson in his 1972 novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and used widely afterwards. Source: Wiktionary

The late, great, iconoclast, Hunter S. Thompson, actually first used the term much early than that in a letter expressing his outrage over the assassination of John F. Kennedy (1964) . As stated in the definition, it became widely known much later through the success of his novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Thompson also used it frequently thereafter. However, as a phrase, it is not unique to Thompson. It has been used by many writers, including (possibly first) Friedrich Nietzsche in "The Antichrist". Be that as it may, the meaning, as conveyed by Thompson, is particularly apropos today:

The type of anger and distrust generated when politicians or representatives of the American legal hierarchy (i.e. District Attorneys) clash, or disagree, with the people they are paid to represent, causing a threat to the people.

With the plethora of controversial Executive Orders (EO) issued by President Trump causing mass confusion and conflict among the people, he has, indeed, created much Fear and Loathing. This is not to say that the President does not have support of a great deal of the Country - over 62 million people voted for him and continue to back him. However, there is a SIGNIFICANT amount of our fellow Americans who simply will not support these actions. And, they are doing everything they can to exercise their rights as American citizens by raising their voices in opposition to his policies. They see this administration as the very embodiment of Fear and Loathing, i.e. it does not have their best interests at heart.

I am not a political scientist or an economist. So, it is difficult for me to comment specifically on the administration's actions as an "expert". However, I do fancy myself as a keen observer of people and human nature. My work in TV news and as a teacher has trained me to look for things in peoples' behavior that may predict their actions. With this is mind, I will give my reasons as to why I believe they are causing so much Fear and Loathing and are, therefore, doomed to fail:

Simply put, they are mean-spirited in nature. And, laws built on such a shoddy foundation cannot stand.

This may seem like emotional babble but, it's far from that. There are consequences beyond just dollars and cents and "the here and now".

At the root of the Executive Orders is an ugly distrust of the nature of the people they will affect the most. For example, the EO issued to build a wall on our border with Mexico claims, mostly without merit, that the Mexicans who do cross the border illegally do so because of their nefarious nature. Remember, the President said, "they are rapists. They are drug dealers, etc.". Of course, most people of conscience know this to be absurd. And, besides the debate which questions a wall's effectiveness and who will actually pay for it, it creates a tremendous amount of ill will between two countries - and peoples - who are inextricably linked! Spreading this type of Fear and Loathing can take generations to repair.

The same can be true of the EO halting immigration from seven, predominantly Muslim countries. The administration has defended the procedure claiming it is only temporary, it is not targeting Muslims specifically, and it is in the best interest of the US. However, again, despite evidence to the contrary, the SPIRIT of the EO brings into focus the WORST nature of the people is intends to exclude. It does not take into account that the overwhelming majority of the people entering from those countries are simply desperate women and children. It also insults the Muslims from those countries who are already living here and are major contributors to our society. Once again, it does little more than create Fear and Loathing. It will not be easily forgotten - not only by those it effects the most, but all moral people all over the world. And, it creates mistrust that can be downright dangerous. We are already in a battle for the "hearts and minds" of young Muslims, many who already have a healthy distrust of American intentions. And, people really believe that this will not have a lasting, NEGATIVE impact? Really?

Violence against Americans is the potential long term effect of orders that debase rather than uplift, that exclude rather than include, that builds walls instead of bridges. Mr. Trump claimed in his inauguration address that he would be a Uniter and heal a divided Country. So far, they are words that ring hollow. His actions have not created unity. In fact, the have turned a seam into a chasm. Yes, he has his base that cannot be shaken. But, he also has a significant MAJORITY that simply will not accept his policy of Fear and Loathing.

Thank you Dr. Thompson (and professor Nietzsche) for your warning of a dystopian future. It is now up to us to win it back.

*The opinions expressed above are strictly my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of any other person or entity.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

F LoBuono

During contentious times like these it becomes of paramount importance to not only separate fact from fiction, but opinion from reporting, as well.

With that in mind, I offer this again -

DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed within this blog, TalkFrank, unless specifically noted, are solely my own and do not reflect those of any other person or entity that I may be associated with.

Thank you for your attention to this statement.

Frank LoBuono
Creator/Author

When You Think About It: Graffiti.

F LoBuono

New York City boasts some of the most intricate, and often artistic, graffiti in the world. It is usually as bold as it is enigmatic. Some of the images are huge, taking up an entire wall. And, they seem ubiquitous. There doesn't seem to be a train tunnel or overpass that isn't marked with one form or another.

So, answer me this: have you ever SEEN someone actually creating graffiti?

Because defacing private (or public) property is against the law, it is understandable that most graffiti artists engage in their work under the cover of darkness and by using great stealth. Still, I have traveled in these areas at ALL times of day and night for over 50 years and I have NEVER seen ANYONE creating graffiti. EVER. You would think that in the thousands of trips I have made at all hours in and around this great City I would have seen it at least one time - just once! But, nope. Still waiting. Like magic, one day it simply appears. Amazing!

Can anyone relate a story of having seen some of this art created?

Today's MOZEN: GIRL POWER!

     

Words and photos by F LoBuono

    
             GIRL POWER! GIRL POWER! GIRL POWER!

As a journalist I have worked the Washington beat, on and off, for nearly 15 years. I have been involved with stories at Capitol Hill, the Supreme Court and the White House. In other words, I have witnessed many of our Country's largest pageants and spectacles, including the Inauguration of two Presidents. All can be awe inspiring. But, I may have observed the greatest of them all this past Saturday (1/21/2017).

I was in D.C. to work with a news broadcast team to cover the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump and the Women's March in opposition of his policies that was to follow it. In an effort for total clarity, it should be noted that I do not support Mr. Trump's policies as they are currently proposed. I do not appreciate his approach to governing or to people themselves. And, my thoughts as presented here, are based on my empirical observations. The opinions expressed are just that - opinions. Others may have an "alternative" impression.

But, it may also be safe to say that I may be crazy, but I am neither stupid nor blind.

President Trump's Inauguration was, in a relative sense, well attended. There were hundreds of thousands of people in the city to take part in the ceremony. However, from my recollection and observation, it was far less in scope and enthusiasm than President Obama's was four years ago. And, I can say without hesitation that it PALED in comparison to the Women's March that followed it.

Because of logistics, I had to walk from my hotel through the heart of the city to my assignment near Capitol Hill, a distance of about a mile . I walked directly past the National Mall, the parade route, and the area at the Capitol where the Inauguration ceremony and, a day later, the Women's March, would take place. It afforded me a rather unique perspective.

On Friday, the day of the Inauguration, I walked through a crowd of mostly white, older people, many wearing red hats emblazoned with Trump's campaign slogan: "Make America Great Again". I did observe a fair amount of young people mixed in the crowd. There were even children, some wearing Trump themed clothing. I saw a group of Orthodox men wearing Trump embroidered yarmulkes. However, I can also say that the crowd was seriously lacking in diversity. There seemed to be a limited amount of Latinos and virtually no African-Americans. Now, this is not to say there were NONE. But, to my observation, they were so lacking in numbers as to be virtually non existent. The crowd was largely orderly and surprisingly quiet. About the only loud noise came from the hustlers selling Trump memorabilia. At a certain point, due to security, I could walk no further and decided to take the Metro train to Union Station. From there, I had no trouble in reaching my position near the Capitol.

The next day (Saturday), I woke to the sound of drumming outside my hotel window. When I looked out on the street, I saw hundreds of people already milling about. They appeared to be mostly women, but not exclusively. And, they were in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicities. When I came down for some breakfast before work, the hotel lobby was packed with women wearing the symbol of their cause; a hand-woven, pink "Pussy Hat". Many of them had hand-made signs bearing feminist slogans like "my body - my choice". Perhaps, my most noticeable observation may have been the mood in the room. It was one of togetherness, strength, commitment, and defiance. It was a powerful, palpable, feminine energy.

And, when I got on the street, that feeling was reinforced tenfold!

There were throngs of marching people in almost every direction. Some of the streets were so clogged with marchers that it forced me to backtrack and find another way through - only to discover those streets just as packed. The crowd was overwhelmingly female, but not exclusively.

Many men, also holding signs in support of the cause, joined in. The ethnic mix was also notable. It was CERTAINLY more diverse than the crowd in support of President Trump the day before. And, they were LOUD. Drumming, singing, chanting, and speeches filled the air. Yet, despite the enormous size of the crowd, I noticed NO violence and virtually no acrimony. If anything was negative, they could have been more organized. Many seemed confused as to where to march and where to stop and rally. But, I was astounded at the POSITIVE ENERGY that just exuded from the people there. It was inspirational - and, I am not easily inspired!

I eventually realized that the only way to get to my assignment was to walk around the perimeter of the crowd. It took a while, but I made it. From my position, high on a rooftop above Capitol Hill, I could see the huge throng assembling on the National Mall and over-flowing into the surrounding area. And, I could hear them - singing, chanting, speaking, cheering. This was simply not the case the day before. For the Inauguration, I could not see the crowd. Perhaps, it was not large enough to fill the whole area as the Women's March did. And, the only sound I heard then was of sirens. I heard no singing or cheering.

By my observation and estimation, the number of participants in the Women's March easily doubled those at the Inauguration.

Now, the significance of this is debatable. Do the numbers REALLY matter?

Well, they certainly seem to the current administration. The new President wasted no time in bloviating about the numbers and their significance.

Be that as it may, what IS important is for women to understand is that THEY HAVE THE POWER. It was so obvious to me that, if they can stick together, they will be the ones to change the world! Their energy, executed without violence, was as powerful as it was unmistakable. As macho as I can be, I was awed by their resolve, their gentle strength, and the force of their message. If women refuse to be moved, then they will not be. If you lead with that type of commitment, men will follow - we will have not a choice. The White House MUST listen.

Yes. You go girls!


Epilogue: I want to congratulate my many women friends and all the women from all over the world who exercised their right to to be heard. For what it's worth, I'm damned proud of you.

Today's MOZEN: Knowledge vs Wisdom

F LoBuono

"Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and information. Wisdom is the synthesis of knowledge and experiences into the insights that deepen one's understanding of relationships and the meaning of life. In other words, knowledge is a tool, and wisdom is the craft in which the tool is used".

What is so disappointing to me is that I have so many intelligent friends who show that they truly don't know the difference - by voting for and continuing to support Donald J. Trump.

And, this will be my only comment on today's Inaugural events.

Today's MOZEN: So, Why Should I Care?

F LoBuono

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemoller

This, my friends, is how it begins.

At first, we hardly notice.

We say, "what's the big deal? He made lewd comments about women. It was not MY woman. So, why should I care? He wants to build a wall. I don't know any illegal Mexicans. So, why should I care? He shut down a reporter. There are plenty of reporters. So, why should I care"?

Because, eventually, it will happen to you.

Caring is not easy. In fact, it's a lot more simple to not give a shit. It involves deep thinking and commitment. Awareness on that level can raise our blood pressure and keep us up at night. Quite frankly, it can be downright exhausting.

So, why should we bother?

Because, ultimately, by doing so, we make the world a better place, not only for ourselves, but for those around us, as well. Why this is such a difficult concept to fathom is beyond me - especially now.

We have elected a man who doesn't seem able to grasp this as a concept. In fact, in every word, in every deed, President-elect, Donald J.Trump seems to be the antithesis of the notion of goodness, kindness, and compassion. And, it happens right in front of us on a startlingly regular basis. And, yet, his followers continually find ways to dismiss his boorish behavior in myriad ways. He mocks a disabled man and his minions say, "no he didn't. He was only joking". Instead of building bridges between people, he wants to build a wall and have the people he wishes to exclude pay for it. And, his followers chant, "Build the Wall - Build the Wall"! He disparages our dedicated intelligence professionals calling them "fools and liars". His supporters say, "of course, they are". Now, he has decided that a free press shouldn't be so free anymore and refuses to answer tough questions from those he simply does not like. The partisan crowd agrees with him that the media deserves to be banished - especially if they should have the temerity to disagree with him.

When do we say ENOUGH?!!!!

Well, I have - a long time ago.

Friends that I respect have asked me to give him a chance. My response is this: when he shows me something, ANYTHING, that I can respect, much less admire, I will give him that chance. Until that time, I will resist him tooth and nail.

Until they come for me . . .

Today's MOZEN: Failure Is Not An Option

F LoBuono

I believe that I am every bit as frustrated with the current situation in America as most of my readers are.

And, for the people who actually do take the time to read my screeds, hopefully, I'm preaching to the proverbial choir.

The real issue is who is willing to listen and what can we really change if we do? People made up their minds a long time ago and, now, we are left with the consequences.

It sure as shit seems that, despite what the working-class voters for Donald Trump may have thought would happen, the rich and powerful now rule in ways we haven't seen since the days of the Czars. Greed, avarice, cruelty, ignorance, sexism, and bigotry are considered virtues while compassion, honesty, and integrity are seen as weaknesses. To be labeled an intellectual is now to be synonymous with arrogance. And, if you think that they (i.e. the Republicans) have your best interests at heart, I just may have a few more fantasies to sell ya'! So, we find ourselves often feeling deflated and asking things like, "what's left to say that hasn't already been said"? And, "what can we possibly do to change things"?

So, with the risk of sending too elitist, what's a thinking person of conscience to do?

Do we simply throw our hands in the air and give up?

That would certainly be the easy thing to do. Perhaps, it may even be prudent. But, would it be right?

I think not.

In fact, I believe the opposite tact must be taken.

Allow me to use a quote from the film "Apollo 13". When confronted with the possible loss of the mission and the crew, Mission Control Commander, Gene Kranz (as portrayed by Ed Harris), utters the legendary command, "Failure is NOT an option". It's implication is obvious: the situation is just too damned serious not to find a solution.

Those words have never been more appropriate than they are right now.

Failure is not an option.

In the face of a Donald Trump administration that continually and rapidly grows in idiocy and demagoguery, we must NOT pull back. In fact, we must remain continually vigilant and be even more proactive in our pursuit of our TRUE American ideals: justice for ALL, opportunity for ALL, equality for ALL. There are those who claim that these principals were always more theoretical than practical. And, they may be correct in saying so. But, they were goals to aspire to and strive towards until we actually achieved them. Now, they seem further away than ever.

Day after day, we are confronted by a leader who does not speak well, does not think clearly, and believes in communicating complex political issues in 140 characters or less!! He has even taken the time to "Tweet" a comment regarding a vapid, "reality" show, denigrating its host because the ratings lacked the vigor of those when he hosted the same program!

Really.

He has discounted the overwhelming amount of evidence gathered by our best intelligence professionals that the Russians hacked into our political Internet grid and influenced our election. Is Mr. Trump concerned that this Russian interference may have dangerous implications for the safety of our Country? Hell, no! He is more concerned that it might tarnish his victory, sully his reputation, and damage his ENORMOUS EGO. And, the hypocrisy doesn't end there. I can give many more examples of a man tripping all over his pride instead of putting it aside for the good of others. There is simply not enough time to list them all!

And, this is a LEADER? YOUR leader?

Unfortunately, the time to change that has passed. We MUST deal with him. We have to. And, remember, Failure is not an option.

So, what can we do?

We can be HEARD, especially on the local level. Express you concerns and displeasure to your local leaders - write them, email them, even TWEET them when you encounter something that betrays our ideals. Be present. Be loud and be proud. SCREAM if you have to. But, don't accept what should never be tolerated. And, vote! Use the power of the vote to elect those who support your ideals and counter the acrimony of the Orange Man. He was elected on a grassroots level. He can be challenged in the same way.

Failure is not an option.

Fight on!!!!!!!

Today's MOZEN: Dealing with a Bully

F LoBuono

When I was a kid, I was painfully thin. Well, it might be more accurate to say that I was downright skinny. And, I hated it. As I have written previously, virtually all of my role models were macho men. My father and all of my uncles were combat veterans. My sports heroes were usually the biggest and the baddest of the bunch. Naturally, I wanted to be like them. But, I was so damned frail! To compensate, I participated in every tough or violent activity I could. I played football. I wrestled. I boxed. And, I lifted weights to try to get bigger and more muscular. Nothing seemed to really work.

But, I was strong and tough - tough as nails, as a matter of fact. Where I grew up, and with the situations I put myself in, I had to be. If I wasn't, I might not have survived. The bullies were merciless. And, I hated to be picked on. I just wasn't going to take any shit from ANYONE. So much so, that I think that I must have gotten into some kind of a fight just about every single week of my youth. And, I don't think that I won any of them. I'm not THAT tough.

But, winning the fight was not that important. Standing up for myself WAS. This I was taught by my parents - both of them. My father would explain to me what he had learned when he was in the Service. It starts with respect - for yourself and for then others.

NEVER let anyone put their hands on you.

FORBID anyone to insult you or your family.

DEMAND the same respect for yourself that you give to others.

ALWAYS walk away from a fight if you can, but never lose face in doing so.

If these criteria are not met, be prepared to fight back - even against a physically superior foe.

And, I did - no matter the consequence.

I would come home from one of these encounters battered, bruised, and, often, crying. My mother would greet me at the door and say, "Frankie, what happened? Are you OK? Did someone hurt you"? She would dust me off, dry my tears, check to make sure that I wasn't seriously hurt and then ask, "do you want to talk about what happened"? And, I always did. I would explain that someone had made fun of me until I just couldn't take it anymore and I just HAD to fight back. Usually, he was bigger, stronger, and older so my chances of winning that fight were slim and none. But, I didn't care. Stella would always chide me to not get into so many scraps while at the same time supporting the fact that I was standing up for myself and what I believed was worth fighting for.

Therefore, it's safe to say I KNOW a bully when I see one and how to deal with him.

President-elect Donald Trump is a BULLY of the highest (or, lowest) order: an insolent, intolerant one with money. In other words, he has all of the abhorrent traits of an "ordinary" bully with the resources of a multi-millionaire. So, he doesn't even have to do the dirty work himself. He can pay others to do it for him. And, he does.

Well, I'll deal him like I have with all the bullies that I have encounter in my life: I'm not going to take his shit and I'm going to fight back in every way that I can - not with my fists but by having a voice and using it to defy him in every way possible. From my experience, the more you oppose one, the less likely they are to come after you. When I was a kid, I fought back so often, even after getting my ass kicked time after time, that the bullies simply stopped from shear exhaustion! They would say, "leave him alone. I'm tired of beating the crap out of him". Let it be the same with Mr. Trump.

I am not afraid.