WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Wasted Time

F LoBuono

For me, writing is a lot like regular physical exercise. There are days when I simply don't feel like doing either. I'm either too tired, too bored, too distracted, or too whatever to get involved. The bottom line is those are the times I'd rather be doing just about anything else.

However, these are the times when it's most important NOT to quit. Even though we may not be at our best, by pushing through and accomplishing something, we are still laying the ground work for the time in the future when our gears are greased, the machinery is humming, the heart is pumping, and the words and ideas are flowing freely.

SO, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, no time spent in the pursuit of a worthy goal is ever truly wasted.

Today's MOZEN: Whale Tales

F loBuono

Moby Dick; or, The Whale (as it is actually titled), written by Herman Melville in 1851, is considered a classic of American literature. The characters who hunt the massive beasts and inhabit its pages have become familiar names to most of us: Ismael, Queequeg, Starbuck, Tashetego, Daggoo. and, of course, the mysterious  Ahab, captain of the whaling ship, Pequod.

Melville felt he had written a masterpiece. However, it was not a success at the time of its publishing. In fact, it was a miserable failure (only 3,200 copies were actually sold in his lifetime). After his repeated attempts to hawk his novel, he had to leave his writing (and whaling adventures) behind to earn a living as a patent clerk. But, he was never shaken from his belief that a story about the will of man vs. the awesome power of nature (as represented by Ahab vs. Moby Dick) was one that is immortal. It was not until the 20th Century that it was recognized as a masterpiece.

Still, take it from me, it's a TOUGH read. It's written in a style popular in the middle of the 19th Century and features archaic language not used any more. And, the pace of the writing matches the tedium those sailors must have experienced in the endless hours at sea. I have to admit that I slogged through most of it, but not all! However, it you can hang with it, there are some real gems within.

Loosely based on a true story (see the whaling ship Essex), it follows the crew from Nantucket to the South Pacific as they pursue the ocean's great whales for the the oil that lights most of the Western world. And, they hunt one species of whale in particular: the awesome Sperm whale, whose massive head contains the spermacetti oil, from which they derive their names.

However, their is only one whale that Captain Ahab is interested in; The Great White Whale, known as Moby Dick. The awesome beast has more than wounded Ahab's body by taking his leg in a previous encounter but, by escaping, crippled his very soul. And, only the great whale's death can quench Ahab's thirst for revenge.

Most people who are familiar with the story are so from the 1956 film directed by John Houston and in which Gregory Peck stars as Ahab. I was one of those who saw the movie before I read the novel. And, as brilliant as Peck is in the role, after reading the book, I felt it a rather one-side portrayal. Peck's Ahab is a fearsome man who inspires dread in his crew. They fear him more than they respect him. He accepts no quarter nor does he give it. His iron will drives him and vicariously, his men.

However, even though Ahab is defined by his iron will, in the novel, he is more human, if you will. Yes, he says things that establish his unshakable contitution like: what I've dared, I've willed; and, what I've willed, I'll do. But, at the same time, he has this wonderful sense of his place in the world by also saying; I try all things. I achieve what I can. He encourages us to be bold in our dreams and unwavering in our pursuit of them while, at the same time, acknowledging that failure is also a part of life. In other words, it's the effort, the dogged pursuit of our goals, whether we achieve them or not, that is most important.

Interestingly, we all know how the story ends; mans' will may be indomitable but the power of nature is inexorable - Moby Dick drags Ahab to a watery grave. We can not defeat nature. We can only live within it.

Today's MOZEN: Refuse To Be Bullied!

F LoBuono

People who knew me as a young man might find this hard to believe, but I was bullied - a lot. The reason I say many might be surprised by that fact is because I was one of the so-called popular kids. I was an excellent athlete and Captain of the Fort Lee High football team. As a junior, I was the only player on the baseball team to log every inning of every game. I was Class President both my sophomore and senior years. Academically, I was ranked 40th in a class of over 200 students.

In other words, I was a high-achiever.

I also came from a loving and supportive family. However, that does not make one immune from bullies. In fact, I suffered at their hands frequently. You see, as a kid, I was terribly skinny - and, I hated it. Despite being a good athlete, I detested the idea of not being robust. Other athletes made fun of me mercilessly. They also mocked my name - hey, FRANCIS, is that a boy's or a girl's name? We were not wealthy, so they insulted my family. They ridiculed my clothes and did whatever was in their power to taunt me in every cruel way possible. They scorned my teeth, my hair, my skin, etc.

So, what did I do about it to survive?

Well, I fought back in every way possible - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

As taught by both of my parents, I only used violence as a last resort. And, that was probably best anyway - because, simply, I'm not that tough. But, I am incredibly resilient and persistent. So, I let them know that I would fight them - today, tomorrow, or a week from now. They knew that they could count on me to offer resistance. They might bloody my face and kick my ass, but not before I created a little mayhem of my own. Through this impassioned defiance I earned the right to be left alone, if not their damned respect. It was if it was just easier to just leave me alone.

Therefore, to deal with a bully, a physical or emotional one, you have to let them know that their behavior will not be tolerated. Period. And, that goes for ANY bully - even one with the greatest BULLY PULPIT in the world.

It is no secret that our President, Donald J. Trump is one of the world's most inveterate bullies. In fact, calling him one does not shame him but, rather, emboldens him even further. I think he even likes being called one. He has virtually admitted as much. It certainly is no secret that he rules by chaos created by intimidation - you are either with him, or you are against him. There is no middle ground. And, if you are in opposition, there is no quarter against his rage.

Well, I don't know about you but I don't do well with bullies. Never have. And, I'll be damned before I let one who is supposed to working for ME.

Respect is earned, not given.

Today's MOZEN: Where Have You Gone Rudy Giuliani.

F LoBuono

If you are timid or easily insulted by course language, please read no further.

Because it's time to get blunt!

What the fuck happened to Rudy Giuliani????????

When he burst on the scene as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in the 1980's, he quickly became one of my personal heroes. He was an Italian-American whose main crime fighting focus was to eliminate Organized Crime, particularly the Mafia. He was articulate and fearless, often laughing in the face of danger. As a member of a Sicilian-American family, I have frequently experienced the sting of the stereotypical comments like: what Mafia Clan do you belong to? So, he was a role model of sorts.

Then everything changed.

His decline into a caricature of his former crime-fighting self has been long and precipitous. 

Once lauded as America's Mayor for his deft leadership as the Mayor of New York in the dark days after 9/11, he was even named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for 2001. However, his moral decline began when his scurrilous affair with Judy Nathan while still married to Donna Hanover became public. Giuliani went so far as to have the NYPD charges associated with protecting Ms. Nathan covered by other obscure City agencies. His support of disgraced former NYPD Commissioner, Bernard Kerick was also seen as a political disaster caused by suspect loyalties. His character has been called into question ever since. After his term as mayor, he ran unsuccessful campaigns as a Republican for both Congress and the Presidency.

After leaving public life, Giuliani made millions in private practice forming a security consulting business, Giuliani Partners, LLC. Subsequently, he has been very active in Republican campaigns, often acting as a surrogate for President Donald J Trump. Recently, he was named as Chief Legal Consul to the President.

And, it's been even faster DOWNHILL EVER SINCE!

In his efforts to shield Mr. Trump from Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential campaign, Mr. Giuliani has issued some statements that border on buffoonery, if not downright insanity. His performance as a speaker at the GOP National Convention in Cleveland was described by many as unhinged. His appearances on the National News outlets have left others fearing for his sanity. Most of the time he simply makes NO SENSE. It might actually even be funny if it were not so tragic.

Now, perhaps, he has reached a new low. This is a description from The Guardian* of his appearance with Chuck Todd of NBC's Meet The Press:

Truth isn’t truth. The seismic shock of the remark was so forceful it had Chuck Todd, host of NBC’s Meet the Press, struggling to contain his giggling.

“Truth isn’t truth? Mr Mayor, do you realize … I mean, this is going to become a bad meme.”

The Mr Mayor to whom he was referring, creator of the bad meme, was Rudy Giuliani, legendary New York mayor on 9/11. Now Trump’s attorney on the Russia investigation, he was trying to justify why the White House has been dragging its feet over granting an interview between the president and special counsel Robert Mueller.

Giuliani said: “When you tell me [Trump] should testify because he’s going to tell the truth so he shouldn’t worry, well that’s so silly because it’s somebody’s version of the truth, not the truth.”

“I don’t mean to…” Todd spluttered, his face contorted with disbelief.

And then it came, like manna from heaven, the glorious mantra for which Trump’s White House has been waiting so long.

“No, it isn’t truth!” Giuliani roared. “Truth isn’t truth.”

Really? Really.

Will these people say ANYTHING to support their man - ANYTHING? Obviously, we have our answer. But, there MUST be a tipping point - a mark that they simply will not got past. Reason and logic must prevail. The alternative courts disaster.

And, to Rudy Giuliani, in our native tongue: vergognatevi! SHAME ON YOU!


*https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/19/truth-isnt-truth-rudy-giuliani-trump-alternative-facts-orwellian

TODAY'S MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Honoring My Father

Photo: Joseph LoBuono/Words: F LoBuono

Today is the 100th anniversary of my father's birth, 8-18-1918. Generally, I'm not given to sentimentality and today is no exception. I know EXACTLY what my father meant to me and I need no special occasion to remember that. I live it everyday.

However, considering that the century mark is one worth noting, I feel it important that I share some thoughts with those who knew him and those who might come to a bit after reading this.

My father, Joseph, could be a complex man. He was incredibly gentle in his soul. He loved animals and babies. I've seen few men enjoy (or, were better at) holding an infant more than my he. My father also dotted after his animals, often to my mother's chagrin, feeding them half of his own dinner from his plate! Perhaps, to us, his greatest asset was his ability to express his love for his children. Nothing was more important to him.

But, he also had an intense temper and, if he didn't like someone, the ability to cut them out of his life completely. He was not a vulgar man but I did hear him once say about someone he didn't care for: "if he was on fire, I wouldn't piss on him to put it out!" And, he meant it.

In these, and so many other ways, I resemble my father greatly.

When I think about how many life lessons he imparted to me, there are too many to count. However, there is one story that always come to me when I think of him and the valuable legacy he left me.

It was summer. I must have been about 13. At that time, one of my passions was playing league baseball in my hometown of Fort Lee, NJ. I played for Horizon House, so named for our sponsor; one of the new luxury apartment complexes that where reshaping the town. As I recall, we were not a great team but a decent one and I was their star pitcher. I had little control but could throw hard. So, if I wasn't walking batters I was striking them out.

I had just pitched a complete game in very hot and humid conditions. I remember being totally spent after the game. My father, as was his custom, was at there. In an effort to show his support, he came to as many as he could possibly make. In fact, I think he rather enjoyed it. If my memory serves me correctly, my younger brother, also named Joseph, was with him. After a few congratulatory pats on the back, we all loaded into my father's car for the trip home.

We were waiting at a traffic light a few blocks from the field when someone tried to beat the changing light and broadsided another vehicle. The impact was sudden and violent. It shook me - both literally and figuratively. The driver of the impacted car immediately jumped out and ran to the crushed rear door and ripped it open, revealing a dazed passenger. It appeared to be his son and he was about the same age as me. My father yelled to my brother and I, "STAY HERE!", while he ran to the accident scene.

My brother and I watched wide-eyed as my father approached the 2 men. The man whose vehicle was struck was very large - much bigger than my father. In my mind's eye I see him with red hair and a face angry enough to match the color. He was raging and heading straight for the man who hit him. Now, in contrast to the rampaging redhead, the man in the other car was much older and appeared to be in shock. The much larger man reached him before my father got to the scene and started to grab him by his lapels to drag him out of the car.

I remember being terrified - so much so that I started to hyperventilate. The scene was so violent and was apparently about to escalate when my father reached the potential combatants. As he reached the two men, he grabbed the larger man from behind and pulled him forcibly away from the other man. Then, without hesitation, he got right in the big guy's face and said, "YOU, back off! Get back to your car and take care of your son."

The man towered over my father and was in a fit of rage. I was sure that he would simply toss my father aside and continue attacking the other man. But, much to my surprise, that didn't happen. In fact, the man followed my father's commands completely. Within minutes the situation had been diffused and the police arrived to take control. After giving a statement to the police, my old man walked back to the car as if nothing had happened. I regained my composure and we resumed our journey home without incident.

That was 50 years ago and I remember the details like it was yesterday. My father taught me so many valuable lessons that day: never shirk your responsibility, wherever you may find it. - never be afraid to do the right thing - keep your head about you when everyone else is losing theirs. If you can LIVE these things, you'll be just fine.

Well, I do and I am. Thanks, Dad - you are not forgotten . . .

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Makes No Sense!

F LoBuono

I know, I know, I'm preaching to the choir. But, it has to be said. No. It MUST be said. Slowly, but very surely, this Administration, led by our bulbous, bilious President, continues to push us to the brink of Fascism on a daily basis. Some might claim that as hyperbole but I disagree. Yes, we have been through crises before and have emerged sound. The Nixon Administration and the debacle that was Watergate come immediately to mind. However, it was only through great vigilance, particularly by the Press (see Woodward and Bernstein) that we were able to overcome a looming despot.

And, so it is today.

We MUST remain vigilant to prevent a narcissistic megalomaniac from having his warped vision of America, and its place in the world, realized.

Among the plethora of missteps Mr. Trump has taken in the last few days, the most egregious may be his revocation of the security clearance of former CIA Director, John Brennan. And, he is threatening even more security suspensions. It is simply, absolutely, outrageous!

On the surface, some (his SUPPORTERS, of course) will claim that the President, as he himself claims, is simply acting in the best interest of the Country's security. The President has stated that Mr. Brennan's comments make him sound "erratic" with "increasingly frenzied commentary" and has "made a series of unfounded and outrageous allegations." However, that's just the President's legendary Bluster of Bull Shit that his base eats with large spoons. Mr. Brennan is, and always has been, a valued and respected member of this Nation's security apparatus. They may also claim "what's the big deal? After all, the guy is retired anyway. He doesn't really NEED it. In the end, it doesn't mean all that much."

Well, that's absurd! It means a whole hell of a lot!!!

The REAL reason is that the President, much like he has attempted to do with the legitimate Press, is attempting to SILENCE A HARSH CRITIC - ALL of them, stridulous or facile. It is no secret that Mr. Brennan has slammed the President and his policies with regularity. And, Mr. Trump, as he sees his role as more than a mere "President" but as an unapologetic, autocratic tyrant, has no issue with disregarding one of the most important tenets of a democratic society, i.e. FREE SPEECH!!! It is so important to America it is enshrined in the Constitution as the very 1st Amendment, i.e. #1!

And, it is NOT TO BE TOLERATED!!

Don't you get it, folks?! Yes, we have weathered weak Administrations before. But, in my opinion, NONE have shown the unhealthy disregard for all the things we hold dear (or used to!) as Americans. And, none are more important than FREEDOM OF SPEECH. It was one of the things that, for decades (literally), made us unique in the world - with the exception of yelling FIRE in a crowded theater, hate speech that incites violence against others, and making false accusations (ala Alex Jones) it is not to be halted:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

So let me ask the Trump supporters - what part of this amendment don't you understand? Most of you will rave about your sense of patriotism as represented by Mr. Trump. Really? This Country was built on the freedom to express ourselves - without reservation, to bring truth to power and, thereby, balance the power of OUR government. Why, then, would you support a man who would take that away simply to serve his own ego? So, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, it simply does not make sense.

For the good of OUR Country, PLEASE WAKE UP!

Today's MOZEN: I'm Working on It

F LoBuono

These are, to say the least, contentious times. Our Country seems to be divided by ideologies that know no compromise. I have said it before and it bears utterance again; we are in a battle for the very heart and soul of America. It is also no secret where my sentiments lie: I see little, if any, redeeming value in the current Administration.

I have made my call to action - vigorously at times. And, always with the same message: inclusion over exclusion, generosity over greed, compassion over intolerance.

But, the challenge, for me, is to present my thoughts with passion and conviction, while at the same time attempting not be guilty of the same sins I so want to condemn my opposition for!

One of the ways I'm trying to accomplish this is to acknowledge that we all have a story to tell. Every single one of us have experienced both exhilarating joy and crushing sorrow. It is this vast range of emotion that makes us unique in the animal kingdom. I believe that other animals also experience emotion but none with the magnitude nor diversity as those of human beings.

When we are angry, it's easy to label. In fact, I do it all of the time. But, that doesn't make it right! In fact, I know that it's downright wrong. If we have no foundation built on respect - for one another - there can be no path forward- only endless bickering. So, I have to WORK at it. And, it ain't easy - especially for someone as volatile as me.

I suppose the conundrum reads: is being intolerant of intolerance make you also intolerant?

This brings us to the debate of moral equivalence.

All things in the Moral Universe are NOT created equal. Men may be, but moral concepts are not. Robbing a store at gun point is not the same as lifting a candy bar - they both may be stealing but the degree of the crimes cannot be weighed equally. Also, just because someone did something in the past doesn't mean it's right for you today. That's like saying to your mom when you get caught red-handed doing something wrong, "but, mom, sis does it all of the time!"

Some things are simply irrefutable AND non-negotiable. Bigotry is not to be tolerated. Racism is not to be accepted. Cruelty is to be avoided. Wanton ignorance will not to be abided. Violence will not be condoned. And, freedom of speech is not to be abridged.

The key is to find a way to reach the common ground that brings resolution to conflict. Perhaps, it's listening more and judging less. Still, it's so damned difficult when someone spews the type of narrow-mindedness that has become the hallmark of this President and his followers. I just hope that I can suppress (figuratively, of course) the overwhelming urge to grab them by the lapels and speed slap them. I'm working on it!

When You Think About It: FIND the Truth.

F LoBuono

We have, shall we say, an accurate information epidemic going on in our Country. Even those with the best of intentions are often led down the path of mis and disinformation.

And, it's getting worse.

Led by the Liar-In-Chief, we are barraged with messages from those who would bend the truth, if not shatter it, to suit their own needs and line their pockets. Some of it is so outrageous that it boggles the mind to think that anyone could possible find ANY truth in it. I give the rumor that Hillary Clinton and John Podesta were running a child pornography ring out of a DC pizzeria as my evidence. Yes, I'm talking about the legendary Pizzagate. Still, there are many who still actually believe this!

But, there are others fabrications that are much more subtle.

The example that comes to mind here is the current Facebook meme concerning how it uses an algorithm to determine the flow of information coming from your circle of friends. It goes on to claim (with a form letter) that it has worked incredibly well. But, everyone who reads it needs to leave a "hello" or other brief message to continue to be connected.

Harmless enough, right?

Well, the problem is, IT'S SIMPLY NOT TRUE. There is no such algorithm. Some entity (perhaps a Russian bot) made it up. And, it proves that if you say something enough, i.e. over and over again, people will believe it - and, that can be dangerous.

Now, my intention is not to insult those who participated. Some of my best friends did :). Rather, it is to bring to light that we live in a new era of massive amounts of information being disseminated at a rate that can be crippling. Alvin Tolver's Future Shock comes to mind here. Technology, and the flow of information that comes with it, is simply overwhelming us. It's understandable.

But, on the other hand, there is no excuse not to use the very tool that gives us the wrong information to find the right. The stakes are too high not to.

It was so simple to find out whether it was true or not.

Typing the information into an Internet search engine, in this case the omnipresent Google, I found a number of websites that I consider reliable who debunked that meme as completely false. You can also find some information as to where it began and how it began to spread. I suppose the bottom line, is that it is simply false.

People will say that, "it's harmless".

But, is it?

Do you know the real purpose as to why someone would post something that seemed so real but was actually so false? If you're like me, I would question that person's intention. Are they using it to track me for more information? I would rather err on the side of caution and NOT participate.

Besides, there are the ethics of participating in something that is intentionally, for whatever reason, false. I simply refuse.

So, do Frankie a favor and stop posting The Algorithm from Hell. If you need to find me, you know how to. Send me a personal message and I'll do the same when I think of you.

That is all . . .

TODAY'S MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Coconuts

By F LoBuono

Anyone who knows me understands that one of my most important credos is: Life is too short to wait on line. So, you'd better have a pretty damned good reason for making this hyper cowboy waste time standing around playing pocket pool.

But, there are exceptions. I will wait a short period for a Sicilian slice at L and B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn, an audience with the Pope, a Carvel vanilla twist ice cream cone with chocolate sprinkles, and little else.

That's why it was so remarkable that I actually waited for hours - willingly - just to see a movie. But, this was no ordinary movie. No. It was the world premiere of Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the Paris Theater in New York.

It was the Spring of 1975 and the English based sketch comedy troupe that invaded the States the year before was set to launch an entirely new madcap venture with a movie loosely (and, I do mean LOOSELY) based on the Arthurian Legend of Camelot, the Knights of the Round Table, and their search for the Holy Grail.

I was in college and hooked and their series Monty Python's Flying Circus from the very first time I saw it. In my mind, their comedy was so much more than just zany. It was socially aware, timely, and outrageous in scope and execution. It may not have been for everybody but it certainly was for me. I remember rushing home from my part-time job every Sunday to be glued to WNET in New York at 11 pm for the latest 30 minute episode.

And, they never disappointed. Some of their sketches are the stuff of comedy legend.

So, when I heard that not only would the American premiere be in New York, ALL the members of the troupe would be appearing in the lobby of the theater chosen: The Paris Theater at 58th and 5th. One of my best college buddies was also a huge fan so we decided to make the trek together from where we lived in Fort Lee, NJ to the Big Apple.

As I recollect, the day was chilly and the lines around the theater long. But, that could not dampen our enthusiasm. We were committed to being there. After all, we had an opportunity to meet the men who made us laugh uncontrollably. We also understood that Monty Python can be an acquired taste. Their brand of comedy could be so outlandish that many people simply did not get it. In fact, their largest demographic were college-aged men (like us). Most women simply hated them! We didn't care. They were OUR guys.

After what seemed like an eternity (and, may have actually been as long as 2 hours), we were let into the lobby. And, just like OUR Holy Grail, there they were in all their Pythonesque glory. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam all stood there ready to greet their legion of adoring fans.

As I surveyed the theater lobby, I noticed that the Pythoners were all positioned in front of large wooden crates of - coconuts. Yes, coconuts. As Graham Chapman was my personal favorite, I cued up on his line to meet him. When I finally got to the head of the line, I marveled at how tall Chapman was (6'5") and just how "British" his manner was. Then, he reached back into the grate, pulled a coconut out, and placed in my hand saying, "Enjoy the show!"

I was flummoxed.

What the hell did a coconut have to do with the search for the Holy Grail?

There was nothing left to do at the point but take my nut, find a seat, and hope the meaning for it would be revealed during the course of the movie. Little did I know just how important a role coconuts would play in a film about ancient England. But, then again, perhaps, I should have known. After all, this was what Monty Python humor was all about - expect the unexpected. Or, as they made famous in one of their legendary sketches, "No one expects the Spanish Inquisition"!

Monty Python and the Holy Grail went on to both critical and commercial success. In fact, in time, the movie took on an almost legendary status, cementing the Pythoners' image in the Pantheon of Eternal Comedy. Despite losing Graham Chapman, they continue to practice their unique and still outrageous brand of humor.

As for my coconut, I kept that thing as a souvenir for YEARS. In fact, I kept it until I simply could not any more - it rotted away! So, that coconut is gone as is Mr. Chapman and the friend I went to see him with that day (he passed of a heart attack some years ago). But, those memories cannot be erased. AND, I'm reminded of them every time that I see a coconut.

When You Think About It: TRUTH

F LoBuono

One of the things that, in my mind, makes life and living it to the fullest joyful, is the endless variety it provides, especially in the range of human emotion we exhibit. Homo Sapiens run the gamut of behavior from sublime generosity to viscious cruelty. It is an endless source of fascination to me.

However, within that near endless variety, as a society, we view some tenets to be absolute. Our very Constitution enshrines them with the words, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, etc. i.e. they are not to be questioned. If they are not based in truth, their meaning becomes hollow.

Therefore, the key word here is truth. It is, or SHOULD be, the very basis of ALL human interpersonal interaction. Without the truth there is no foundation on which to build a relationship. Because only through TRUTH can we earn the trust necessary to both give and take without reservation. When we establish that type of cooperation we can create great things.

And, unfortunately, When You Think About It, this is what this Administration sorely lacks - simply telling the TRUTH.  In fact, when it comes to disseminating it, led by the President himself, veracity is completely missing. Therefore, because there is NO honesty, no bond is created through TRUST.

There is simply no other way to couch it: Mr. Trump lies - constantly. In just over a year and a half in office, the amount of lies he fabricates mount up like the digital counter when you're pumping gas! And, it's dangerous because so many people believe him. And, of his other minions, even if they don't believe him, don't care.

So, once again, I challenge anyone who may still read this blog and supports Mr. Trump to answer this simple question. For me, it is beyond politics:

If you do not wantonly lie or tolerate those who do, why are you still willing to accept it in the President?

PLEASE help me to understand.