Today's MOZEN: It's Time to DUMP TRUMP

Words and photo by F LoBuono

If you are a follower of this blog it is no secret that I find the GOP field of Presidential Candidates atrocious and its front runner, Donald Trump, abhorrent.

Simply put, I not only strongly disagree with them politically, I found that none of them have any socially redeeming value either. None. They lack ANY of the qualities I find essential in a leader:

• Superior intellect.
• Experience. 
• Political Savvy.
• Honesty. 
• Intuition. 
• Vision. 
• Compassion. 
• Empathy.

And, surprisingly, the man who works the hardest to appeal to the lowest common denominator, i.e. fear and loathing, Mr. Trump, leads by a wide margin. I said surprisingly because at the beginning of the campaign season no one thought him to be more than a showman looking to make a quick buck off of the notorariety. Well, that still may be the case but no one is taking him for granted anymore! If he performs as well as he is predicted to on Super Tuesday he is virtually assured the nomination.

No shit.

The P. T. Barnum of our time will be nominated to represent his party for the position of the most powerful person on the planet. It's sad and pathetic that a man who drips of narcissism, reeks of self promotion, panders to bigots and racists, fosters fear and loathing, and promotes greed as a virtue, would even be CONSIDERED to fill a such a lofty and powerful position.

In fact, it's more than sad and pathetic - it's DANGEROUS.

This man cannot be allowed to represent American values - our values of inclusion, opportunity, choice, respect, and REAL freedom.

I was going to write some happy horseshit about baseball and the rights of Spring. But, that can wait. This shit is just too important to ignore.

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED. DUMP TRUMP!!!

Today's MOZEN: Persephone's Promise.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

She is close. Very close.

I can smell her in the morning air. I can hear her in the cacophony of the song birds. I can feel her in the sun's warm embrace.

Persephone will soon be here.

Returning from her long stay in the underworld, she will delight us with her warm breath. She will extend her loving embrace to bring us longer days and softer nights. Her smile will reflect the warming rays of the sun. She will kiss us with her Spring rains, fresh and clean, to impregnate mother earth with new life.

Persephone has kept her promise.

Spring returns.

Today's MOZEN: Don't Get Trumped

Words and photo by F LoBuono

One of the things that I have always appreciated most about Stella is her ability to cut through the bull shit to get to the heart of any matter. She has that uncanny maternal ability to see through lies with laser-like clarity.

It happened again just the other day.

We were having a conversation about politics and how particularly lame this year's crop of GOP candidates seem to be. Of course, the conversation wound around to discussing the current front runner, Donald Trump. I went on to an elaborate dissertation on why I believed that he was leading the field. I explained that he's managed to tap into the dissatisfaction that the public has with the way the government is being run by both political parties and are looking for someone with a different way of "doing business". I understood why that seems to be the case. However, I also added that I didn't get why people saw HIS particular way of changing things as a viable alternative. After all, what he says seems so mean-spirited as to be absurd.

Stella replied, "not so fast, Frankie! That may be true, but you're missing the key point. Trump is getting traction because he says things that many people have in their heart but are afraid to say in public".

The proverbial light bulb went off in my head. Of course, Stella's analysis was right on! Trump is the mouthpiece for every petty, deeply rooted, unsubstantiated fear that, unfortunately, too many people harbor deep within themselves. In other words, he gives voice to the fear and loathing that most of us keep suppressed - and for good reason. They are the darker angels of our nature. We all struggle with preconceived notions about race, culture, and how they affect our lives. It is impossible to be without some form of prejudice. It is to be human. How we react to those feelings is what makes the difference. Do we give voice to them, alla The Donald? Do we rage against those less fortunate than us, or look different from us, or speak with an accent, or were born elsewhere? Do we look for scapegoats to blame for OUR problems? Or, do we make an effort to understand WHY we feel this way and WHY it is wrong to give those feelings expression?  And, make no mistake, it does take effort to overcome these feelings. They can be strong. Trump knows that and he makes every effort to not only acknowledge them but to exacerbate them. That's his job - at least as he sees it. Our job is to resist, secure in the knowledge that might does not make right - a compassionate society does.

If you need someone to express your anger for you, please vote for this guy -

Today's MOZEN: Take a Stand!

Words and photo by F LoBuono

In the past, I have always tried to distinguish between my roles as a journalist and essayist. Being a journalist requires attention to detail, accuracy, and balance, i.e. an implied impartiality. It is not always easy, but it is a goal that every good journalist aspires to. Writing essays shares both similarities and differences. It is similar in that it also requires attention to detail and accuracy. However, it is also different in that impartiality is not as important. In fact, since essays can be seen as one's own opinion, being balanced is optional. These are the times when it is more important to take a stand than it is to be fair.

This is one of those times.

There isn't a single Republican Presidential Candidate with the skill, the temperament, or strength of character required to lead this Nation. Not one. I would gladly vote for my dog Rex before I would for one of these reprobates. The fringe characters who started the campaign have already been exposed for the shams that they were. The rest are soon to be. Donald Trump, the leader of the pack, is a mean-spirited megalomaniac that appeals to the reality show mentality he has fostered his entire life. The more outrageous he gets, the more his minions love him. Ted Cruz, a man who may not even be eligible to HOLD the office of President because of his Canadian birth, is a religious fanatic whose wife has said publicly said "god has chosen him to become President". And, worse than that, HE believes it! Marco Rubio is a stuffed suit who is all style and no substance. His pitiful debate performance is evidence of that. John Kasich appears the most reasonable of the bunch - until you dig deeper. His union busting policies as governor of Ohio speak of his disdain for the working man. And, Dr. Ben Carson is a man of science who doesn't believe in evolution. Really.

Collective they are long on Big Business, Big Military, and Big Religion (Christian, that is). They are short on compassion, social services, choice, and education. Perhaps, Sarah Palin said it best in her endorsement of Trump: "We're all about god, guns, and Country". You betcha'!

Now, no candidate from any party is going to be perfect. We tend not to think of them as such, but they ARE human beings and, as such, are subject to the same frailties we all suffer with. The Democrats, in this sense, are no different. Hillary Clinton is "untrustworthy" and "out of touch" with the common man. Bernie Sanders is "too old" and "too radical". These things may be true. Still, overall, their vision of the future is more in line with my own. I want to see a Nation that leads in compassion, respects the environment, offers its citizens choices, and provides universal education and healthcare. If it needs a refocus of our priorities to accomplish these things, so be it. It's high time that we did anyway.

So, there, I said it. I cannot, I will not, stand by while my Country is in danger of  being hijacked by a bunch of sycophantic (think of Sandy Alderson or the Kochs) reality show contestants posing as legitimate contenders for the position of the most powerful person on the planet!

The choice is ours!!!

Today's Mostly True Story. Strength of Character.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

They happen each and every day. And, they hardly get noticed. But, in the end, it's the little things that make all the difference.

It happened to me, again, the other day.My friends and I had had gotten together on a Thursday night to share a little dinner and catch up with one another. They're kind of my posse (in the current vernacular) and we meet regularly, usually on Sundays. But, there was a period of time when we all seemed to have other things to do and, so, we hadn't met in quite a few weeks. For some unknown reason, this particular Thursday fit into every one's schedule - and, off we went.

After dinner and drinks at one of our favorite local establishments, we divided the bill equitably. We all went home satisfied. The next day, I got a phone message from one of my friends (we'll call him Pete) asking me to return his call, which I did in a timely fashion. When I did reach him he explained that he was calling because when he checked his pockets in the morning, he found an extra $20 that he could not account for and he wanted to know if it could be mine.

Now, this is a little thing. After all, it was $20, not $200. Still, it's the THOUGHT that makes it special. Pete didn't have to make an effort at all, Remember, it was $20, not $200. But, that did not matter to him. In his mind, it was not right and he was going to at least make an attempt to make it so. And, it should be noted that Pete is not a man of means. An extra $20 in his pocket could go a long way. Besides, who would notice? Well, he would, and that was enough for him to try to make it right.

This, my friends, is called Strength of Character.

It is the stuff that makes the World Go 'Round.

Today's MOZEN: Saving the World, One Smile at a Time.

Words and photo by F LoBuono

Trying to save the world can be a most difficult job. It's really impossible for mere mortals to accomplish. Only gods need apply. But, does that mean we needn't even try? I think not. In fact, I believe that it is imperative we make every effort to do so. However, we need not attempt only great things to save the world. Little, everyday things, done cumulatively, will work just as well. Every effort we put forth to make every life a little bit better, even in the smallest, simplest ways, does something to improve the lot of all.

Here's an example.

During the Iowa Caucus, we worked with a crew from Japanese television. They are regular clients and I have worked with different crews many times in the past. Most of the them speak at least a little English. But, of course, they usually converse with one another in their native tongue. As is the cultural reputation of the Japanese, they are hardworking and efficient. They usually show up early to make sure that they get things right. And, they do. This crew was no different.

One of the them, the camera operator, was very tall and thin. In fact, his height made him stand out from the others. He dressed in a hip, young way and his hair was tousled and unkempt. I would estimate that he was in his mid-thirties. His English was halting but he was not afraid to speak it. We learned that he was enjoying the cold weather we were experienced because he was from the south of Japan where it is rare. In fact, he seemed to enjoy just about everything! He told us about his life and asked about ours. He had an easy smile and a ready laugh. Simply put, he was a joy and he spread that joy around. One very early morning, as we were preparing to leave the hotel, we found him already in the parking lot, cleaning the night's snow off of our cars. When we asked why he would do such a thing, he responded with a big smile saying that he just liked "playing" with it. He was a pleasure not only to work with, but to be around. We had little in common - language, culture, appearance - but, it seemed to matter little. We shared something more import: laughter.

Now, this was a small thing. He made no great contribution to mankind. He did not rescue hundreds of children. He did not feed the masses. He did not save the whales! Still, I will remember him. I will think of his kindness and his easy way. And, when I do, I will smile. I will pass it on with the same conviction as he. Then, perhaps, someone will think think of me in the same way and pass IT on - saving the world - one smile at a time.

Today's MOZEN: A Valentine's Day Reflection

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Words and photo by F LoBuono

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone. It's not one of my favorite holidays. Like most, it has become overly commercial, only more so. I suppose that may be because it was a manufactured one in the first place. A Hallmark executive came up with a brilliant marketing idea to sell greeting cards during the lull between Christmas and Easter. So, they took an obscure Christian holiday and turned it into a confectioners wet dream. Besides, I simply detest commercial crap. Plus, I've always hated the idea that someone should tell me when I HAVE to tell someone that I love them.

However, like fine wine and good cheese, I've mellowed with age. I've reassessed my attitude toward certain behaviors. I still hate over-commercialized crap. And, I eschew being told what to do - always. But, I've eased my condemnation of Valentine's Day. I suppose that any day dedicated to love and lovers can't be all that bad.

Still, for many, it's not all chocolate, wine, and roses. Like any holiday that is made more poignant when shared with a loved one, a Valentine's Day spent alone can prove quite the opposite, i.e. a very lonely experience. Instead of basking in the light of love, a person can wallow in the depths of despair. They are reminded of a love lost, rather than one gained. There is no celebration - only melancholy.

But, it need not be this way. It's all in the way we view life, love, and loss.

The Buddhists may provide the clearest path to this type of enlightenment. I consider myself a closet Buddhist - that is, I've studied just enough of it to form a dangerous opinion as to what it may mean and how it may work. You may look at my approach as Buddhism for Dummies. I study as much of it as I can absorb and use what works best for me. With that in mind, there is one concept that I am most fond of and refer to more than any other. And, that is mindfulness. I understand it to mean an intense awareness of everything that surrounds us and how all things are connected. When we become mindful to the point that ALL things are equal we will have become enlightened, i.e. we will have achieved salvation. In this state of being, pleasure and pain are the same - they just ARE. It brings an acceptance that sets us free - totally. There is no more longing, no more of the "wishing that things were different" that causes us conflict and, therefore pain. It's a hard concept to understand, much less practice. But, I believe, it can work.

How does mindfulness help us cope with the longing that comes with loneliness? It cannot bring back someone who has been lost to us. So, how can it ease the aching within our hearts? How can it possibly help? It can if we ACCEPT life on its terms rather than on the terms we create for ourselves. Then, we will become free. We accept that our lives on earth are finite. We accept that our physical relationships with everyone and everything are finite. We accept that life IS impermanent. And, when we are mindful, when we achieve enlightenment, we have understood that concept in totality. We LET GO in a way that is completely liberating. Pain disappears. Longing disappears. Clinging disappears. Only clean, pure thought remains.

And, it is beautiful.

Today's Mostly True Story: Ramblin' Man

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It had been a very long and grueling remote – at least in terms of hours. Aren’t they always? But, we had been very successful at our assignment. We provided “live” coverage of the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire Primary for our audience around the Country and the World. And, we did it well.

As stressful and difficult as it is to do from time to time, it also provides me with a great sense of accomplishment. It’s an important job and not everyone could, or would, do it. And, like most difficult jobs it creates an intense bounding among the participants. I simply LOVE the camaraderie. Besides, it pays very well.

But, at some point, you just hanker to get home. Your job is done and you’ve given it everything that you have. I know that yesterday, after the last light went dark, I went back to the hotel to grab a bit of rest and a shower. Once in the shower, I let my mind wandered as that hot water cascaded over me. It felt so very good that I broke into a broad, prolonged smile that led to a giggle and then an outright belly laugh. The night was now mine. I would eat a good meal with my companions and sleep like a normal human being for the night. These are the simple things that give me great pleasure.

After a good night’s sleep (for me), it was time to pack and head to the airport. The drive would only take about 10 minutes and I had plenty of time to make my flight. So, I preceded at a leisurely pace. In the car the radio was tuned to a local rock-n-roll station. It seemed to be a decent mix of music, but I wasn’t really paying attention. I’m not sure why my focus changed to what was actually playing on but, suddenly, it did. It was the Allman Brothers and Ramblin’ Man.

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man – tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best that I can.

Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man.

Kismet? Perhaps.

Volume now blasting, I pulled into the airport parking lot for the final leg of my trip home.

The song ended. I turned the key, shut off the car, grabbed my bags and headed into the terminal.

It just doesn’t get any better.

Epilogue: We made it to NY safely - 4 and half hours after we were supposed to! LOL I guess all's well that ends well. But, damn, my worst fear was realized - I missed my date with Rexie! Well, they'll be others. Peace. Out.
And, a Manhattan with Pete is the next best thing.

 

Notes from the Campaign Trial IV. Final Thoughts

F LoBuono

1. You can fool some of the people some of the time. Trump wins BIG.
2. Hillary feigns confidence but she's worried. Or, at least should be. Bernie wins BIG.
3. Kasich, the only moderate Republican that makes even a modicum of sense, finishes a solid second.
4. Rubio exposed for the hollow suit he actually IS.
5. Cruz better keep praying.
6. Bush needs to be comforted by his mommy.
7. Carson needs more sleep time.
8. Christie can finally head home and eat some more of that delicious Jersey pizza. Or, he can mop up the mess he created for himself.
9. Carly who?

And, it's just beginning folks. Stay tuned to TalkFrank for more!

Epilogue: The clerk at our hotel voted for Trump. He bought the Trump rhetoric hook, line, and sinker. When we asked his reasons he gave the standard reply: "He's and outsider who is not afraid to speak his mind". We said: "Anyone can speak their mind. But, HOW is he going to accomplish the things he promised"? The clerk: "he's going to hire the right 'people'". Oh. And, what about his statements concerning banning certain cultures from our society"? Clerk: "well, I'm not crazy about ALL of what he says. But, look what's happening in Europe. He'll keep that from happening here". Right. Now, this young man was seemingly of reasonable intelligence and very polite. His final comment? "Anyone in the White House but Hillary". Most interesting and telling.

Also, if you look at my thoughts #'s 8 and 9, please take note that I predicted the two would leave the campaign hours before it actually happened.


See youse in New York!!!

Notes from the Campaign Trail III. The Cult of Celebrity

Photo: The Examiner. Words: F LoBuono

The Cult of Celebrity is pervasive in our society. It's ubiquitous. And, it's perverse.

A few years back, one of my regular assignments was to cover the almost nightly red carpet movie premieres in New York City. And, they always told me a lot about how most Americans feel about celebrity. First, the fact that we did virtually EVERY red carpet movie premiere was previously unheard of. The news may have covered a huge premiere in the past but, now, we do EVERY SINGLE ONE. And, the more we did, the more they seemed to appear.

Why?

Well, it's a two-way street. News organizations regularly do focus groups to ascertain what type of programming people prefer. From my experience the answer is invariably: ENTERTAINMENT. That's right. The average American is not so much interested in so-called hard news. Rather, they want to know about celebrities. So, in their infinite wisdom, news executive are going to give it to the public in waves. The more people got, the more they seemed to want. And, of course, since it serves their own best interests, the entertainment industry is more than willing to provide the broadcasters with plenty of self-serving events, designed to keep their "clients" in the public eye. In other words, the news organizations are more than happy to provide free advertising to movies and television. It's absurd.

However, the cult of celebrity is NOT new. I've seen newsreel footage of thousands of young women and girls screaming hysterically at a Frank Sinatra  concert. Elvis Presley elicited a similar reaction. It continues today, and in an even bigger, more spectacular way. I was covering the world premiere of the movie "Dream Girls". Beyonce hit the red carpet and I watched a young girl faint at the very sight of her! I saw her eyes roll back in her head, her knees get weak, and then someone grab her before she hit the ground!

Today, in the era of the 24 hour news cycle and omnipresent cameras (EVERY cell phone has one), it goes beyond just entertainers and the entertainment industry. The Cult of Celebrity has invaded every aspect of society. So-called Realty Shows have even made  "stars" of ordinary people who, under other circumstances would not rate another mention (think "The Housewives of Just About Anywhere!). In fact, it has reached the very pinnacle of the political process - our Presidential candidates. Campaign appearances and debates take on the same atmosphere as a reality show or a rock concert with the candidates as the stars.

Of course, the presence of a "real" realty TV star, The Donald, Donald Trump, has turned the whole campaign into one Giant Reality Show. All (well, most) of the candidates get the so-called "star treatment". But, only one gets the Superstar treatment. Only one gets wildly enthusiastic crowds who look enraptured at their candidate - no matter what he says or does. It doesn't matter to them, he's a star and that's all that counts. It's a matter of style over substance and Trump, pompadoured hair glued in place, is the King of Reality - his reality.

So, if bluster, bombast, and bull shit is your reality, look no further - you've found your man.