Today's MOZEN: Trump and the Savant Syndrome

F LoBuono

Few arguments are won through insults. So, the challenge, for me at least, is to find a way to make my point with passion but to do my best to avoid pejoratives and ad hominem attacks.

However, there are times when the only way to be effective is to throw caution to the wind and tell it like it is - especially when it's YOUR blog.

So, with that in mind, I'll be blunt - brutally so.

Our President is a moron. Wait, that may not be entirely accurate. Perhaps, Savant would be the better description. The term, as I wish to use it here, was popularized in the 1988 movie, Rain Man, staring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Playing brothers, Hoffman's character is an autistic man who cannot function in most normal ways but shows an incredibly brilliant acumen with numbers. This condition is known as Savant Syndrome.

So, it is with Donald J. Trump. He exhibits such poor abilities in most areas like speaking, spelling, and accuracy. He just can't seem to do anything right - except promote himself. And, this he does brilliantly!! His skills in self-promotion are downright extraordinary. And, it becomes apparent with each appearance he makes. Every time he speaks to his base, WHAT he says is FAR less important than HOW he says it. He speaks like your average, run-of-the-mill Joe - just like the people he panders to, i.e. The Base. Apparently, they are easily insulted by people of high intelligence, calling them arrogant elites. They don't want to be talked down to. So, instead of looking to be enriched, educated, and inspired by a person of great learning, diction, and conviction, they settle for a poorly spoken buffoon who, because of his own shortcomings, makes them feel better about their own.

Certainly, no one should be made to feel inferior to anyone else. That's absurd. But, since when is it elitist to try to raise the lot of others through inspired, informed speech? Why should we not look to our leaders to be exceptional human beings in every way? Why should we wallow in the mud with someone who is best suited to be there instead of raising our eyes to the heavens, encouraged by someone with the courage and skills to take us there?

Instead, Mr. Trump will continue to throw raw, red meat to his base where, like a pack of howling dogs, they will gorge themselves on the scraps offered. Unfortunately for them (and, US), they are too ill informed to know just how badly they are being duped.

There is a fun internet meme that's been circulating for a while. I believe that it is appropriate to use in this situation:

You can't tell people that they are dead - because they are dead. It is the same with stupid people. They simply will not understand what you are saying. Because they are stupid.

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Conversations with Stella

Frank and Stella

Stella: Frankie, what's the weather supposed be like the next few days?

Me: Well, Stella, they are calling for rain beginning tonight and to continue into Wednesday - could get heavy at times.

Stella: Gee, we've had such lousy weather. I guess we'll have to stand some more.

Me: That's true. It has been crappy. But, the last 2 days have been really nice. And, it's supposed to clear by Thursday afternoon - just in time for my birthday. You know the weather always gets nice for my birthday. All the flowers are booming, too. They also explode with color at this time every year for a very special reason.

Stella: And, why is that, Frankie?

Me: I've always figured that it was nature's way of welcoming me into the world - sort of celebrating! And, ya' know Stella, you have to have a pretty healthy ego to feel that way. And, mine has always been pretty strong.

Stella: Well, Frankie, that's true. You've ALWAYS had a healthy ego - right from the very beginning. Of that, there is no doubt. And, don't go changin' either. We wouldn't have you any other way.

Today's MOZEN: Birthday Reflections

F LoBuono

In exactly one week from this posting, I will, hopefully, celebrate my birthday. It is a rather nondescript #63. Certainly, it's not one of the so-called biggies like 50,60, or 70. Still, it gives me pause to reflect.

I certainly don't feel like I'm in my 60's. And, fortunately, with the exception of my almost pure, white beard, most people say that I don't look it. Most importantly, I really don't feel old, either. Sure, I have the mysterious aches and pains that come with aging and I ain't running any marathons, either (but, then again, I never did!). However, I posses a certain vigor that, at times, can put younger men to shame. I suppose my lifelong hyperactive nature is finally good for something!

When I was a young man, I used to think that someone in their 60's was quite old. Now, of course, actually being a sexagenarian, my overview has certainly changed. And, it's not just physical either. Having 60 plus years under one's belt certainly gives one the perspective of experience. And, I'm proud to say that I have had a bunch, both professionally and personally. My work has allowed me to witness, firsthand, some of my generation's most historic events like a launch of the Space Shuttle, the election of our first black President and a Pope, among others. I've been married and alone. I've been poor and financially stable. And, I've been lauded and cursed. Mine has been a full life so far. Certainly, my desire is for it to continue for as long as I able to make things happen.

As part of my reflection, I have come to terms with the fact the older I get the more death I will also experience. Just within the last few months I have lost 3 contemporaries whom I loved very much. My mother is 94 and my dog 14. Many of my friends who still have their parents are in danger of losing them, too. Plus, some of them have their own age related infirmities, as well.

In the long run, to me, this means that we must prepare ourselves on a daily basis to live as fully as possible, as intensely as is feasible, and love as profoundly as is obtainable. We need not fear the inevitable. But, we must face it, not only for ourselves but with those around us. The only thing truly permanent about life is its impermanence. So, laugh while you can but don't be afraid to cry, too. Make your life as full as you can for as long as you can. And, the rest will take care of itself.

Today's MOZEN: The Tail Waggin' the Dog

F LoBuono

Suddenly, for an Administration that prides itself on the overuse of intimidation as a negotiating tactic and whose bluster borders on the psychotic, they seem to have added a strange new word to their lexicon: Compassion.

Yes, you heard that right, compassion.

You see, there have been reports of a poison gas attack perpetrated in Syria by the Russian and Iranian supported Assad regime against rebels fighting to overthrow him. The gas killed many, including innocent women and children, in a most horrific fashion. Video from the attack was disturbing to say the least. Blaming Assad directly, the world was rightly outraged. An imaginary line in the sand had been crossed. Using chemical warfare to dispatch one's enemies would simply not be tolerated. Action would be taken and, of course, America would lead the way.

Now, on the surface, who would argue with any steps taken to stop a barbarous dictator from brutalizing his own people? Joining the U.S., France and the U.K. launched aircraft and missile strikes against specific targets inside Syria. Initial reports indicate that the missions were successful in destroying their targets with minimal loss of life.

So, what's the problem?

Well, I have a few.

First, and perhaps most importantly, what difference does it make if children are killed by so-called conventional weapons compared to those murdered by chemical ones? And, Syrian children have been suffering and dying by conventional means for years now. Isn't one violent death as disturbing as another? Why should our interest to "save the children" have peaked now. Has our President truly discovered compassion?

Perhaps.

But, there are those who would argue that this has happened because our President is in dire straights at home with many salacious scandals and needed a distraction - one that would make him look both powerful AND empathetic. And, what better way to accomplish this than by throwing red meat to his base than with screaming fighter jets and booming rockets punishing a despot?

But, without a follow-up policy, what have we really accomplished? Will the civil war there be brought to a halt? Will the children stop dying? Unfortunately, I think not.

Then, there is the issue of our involvement in a country nearly 6 thousand miles away and that has been involved in a violent internal conflict for many years. Yes, it seems noble to want to save innocents but is it truly altruism on our part or something more nefarious? What will "Nation Building" get us? It certainly did not work in Iraq or Afghanistan. And, it won't work here, either.

Next, there is the issue of the cost. The US alone is reported to have launched at least 118 missiles into Syria. Assuming that they were Tomahawks (our weapon of choice), that would be a total of over $162,000,000 spent to punish Assad. $162,000,000. Now, no one likes to put a price on saving a human life but, just for context, it is said that it would cost only $55,000,000 to repair the water pipes that are the cause of the toxic water inflicting the children of Flint, Michigan. So, in other words, we have PLENTY of money to exert our influence in a foreign country but not enough to save one of our own cities.

In the final analysis, we have a slogan to describe this type of scenario: The Tail Waggin' The Dog.

And, it ain't right. . .

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Easter Bells

Photo courtesy of Holy Virgin Protection Church

Let's face it - it's been a crappy Spring so far - cold, grey, blustery. And, today was pretty much the same with the exception of a bit more sunshine. It sure has gotten to wear thin. But, today, I was determined to not let it bring me down. The first Nyack Street Fair was scheduled - the perfect excuse to quit complaining, get the hell out of my apartment, and take a sojourn through town and the fair.

Walking at a brisk pace to match the weather conditions, I reached downtown in almost no time. Broadway was loaded with vendors hawking their wares to thousands of potential customers. I suppose that many people felt as I did and needed to get out, evidenced by the packed streets.

I eyeballed some of the merchandise but did not feel compelled to buy anything - I have too much stuff anyway. But, I was hungry and did stop to buy a crab cake for 8 bucks. It was pretty good, too. I was also lucky to have had a good supply of dollar bills with me which I used to place in the buckets of the VFW, the American Legion, the Soup Angels, and the VC/Nyack Indian Little League Team. After having satisfied my curiosity, satiated my hunger and fulfilled my philanthropic endeavors, I decided to head back to my apartment.

One of the reasons that I choose to live where I do is because I believe that it gives me the best of two worlds: when I want activity, it's just a few blocks into town. When I want peace and quiet, I get it by walking back out and into my quiet neighborhood. So it was today.

I crossed the village line between Nyack and South Nyack - Cedar Hill Ave. - and the mood changed almost instantly from the hustle and bustle of the fair to the bucolic quiet of a neighborhood. I went a few more blocks when I heard them: bells, church bells. But, these were not the booming church bells most of us are familiar with. Rather, they were more delicate, like wind chimes, but more powerful and melodic. The sound was drifting down from the hills above and flowing towards the River. It was then that I realized that I was listening to the distinct sound of the bells of an Eastern Orthodox Church.

The Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church is located on Mill St. in Nyack, just a few blocks from where I was walking. They were in the midst of celebrating it's most holy day - Easter Sunday. And, their distinct bells where singing with joy! The bell tower at the church is very different from those located in the Western Christian churches in town. Instead of a large bell located in a brick or stone structure, the tower at Holy Virgin is open and airy, with many different sized bells instead of just a single (or two) large one. They are also played differently - like an instrument with the operator pulling a series of ropes tied to the bells. He also uses his feet attached to others via pedals to add to this symphony of sound. The combined effect is a complex and appealing cacophony of rings and tinkles.

For such a delicate harmony it still stood out against the competing street noise. In fact, it was almost as if it gained volume when it rolled down the hill and reflected off the Hudson. It must have lasted about 3 or 4 minutes as I continued my way south and towards my apartment. Then, as suddenly as it had started, the bells were gone. But, that's OK. The effect they had on me made my whole day. It's the simplest of things that can make living here so wonderful. You just have to listen . . .

Today's MOZEN: A Tale Told By An Idiot.

F LoBuono

We are all guided by a set of principles - or, at least we should be. We most often define this as morality. Many associate those fundamentals with religious doctrine. That's fine. However, one can certainly be governed by a set of ethics that doesn't involve some type of religious influence.

Call them what you will - morals, scruples, tenets, codes, etc. - without them, our lives would be mayhem.

This is why I find the current Administration so infuriating. Beyond the politics, in spite of the partisan bickering and the constant churn of top officials, I just might be able to tolerate, if not support, this regime if it had ANY integrity at all. As of today, I have not been able to detect even the slightest amount.

Before we get to the man in charge, let's review those nominated to key Cabinet positions: from Michael Flynn through Anthony Scaramucci to Rex Tillerson (and, others too many to list here) it has been a parade of one misanthrope after another. Mr. Trump made the campaign promise to Drain the Washington Swamp. Well, he is actually doing it - his way - by filling it with the most disreputable characters first and then firing them! It seems that if any of them had any principals at all, they were to be used to advance their own fortunes and that of their boss. If they once did have any type of moral code they seemed to have abandoned it with their appointments to the current Administration.

But, then again, they were working for a man who apparently lacks any type of moral compass himself. He is a womanizer, evidenced by the infamous Access Hollywood tapes and a host of accusations from multiple women. He mocks the disabled as we saw him attacking a reporter with a physical deformity. He makes absurd, racist statements with no evidence to back up his claims. And, he flat out LIES - constantly.

And, he does it all with a smile. No. Check that. It's more of shit-eating grin.

We count on our leaders to be people of high moral fiber, i.e. of the HIGHEST integrity. They may be flawed for, after all, aren't we all? We may even vehemently disagree with them politically. However, they must display the intangibles that, despite those differences, we ultimately respect them. It is one of the core principals of what it means to be American - to have the integrity to, despite political differences, always do the right thing. It has helped us to keep a smooth transition of power for over 240 years.

However, the mean-spirited nature of this President and those in his Administration has relegated things like morals and scruples to the back-burner. They have been replaced with a belligerent, bellicose, banal rhetoric that, for some reason, some find refreshing. I see it more as, perhaps, Shakespeare did in Macbeth:

It is a tale told by and idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.