When You Think About It: Wrong In Every Way

F LoBuono

Forgive me for sounding like the proverbial broken record, but the situation simply gets worse and worse everyday. It's gotten to the point that even the sight of President Donald J. Trump fills me with so much disgust as to make me nauseous. I mean even hearing his voice makes me ill - literally.

For the life of me, not only do I not see ANY redeeming values in this man, the converse is true - he is a poor excuse for a human being. He is not physically appealing on ANY level. His relative fitness is atrocious, evidenced by his triple chin and enormous beer gut, refined by a steady diet of fast food and sugary soft drinks. His complexion is ruddy at best and his pallor mimics that of a box of Cheetos. His hair is tinted the phoniest shade of gold and apparently styled by someone who uses the same skills for weaving Indian blankets.

And, that's just his appearance!

Mr. Trump does not speak well. He uses superlatives so often that the words no longer have validity. He mispronounces the names of Countries that should be known by a common man, much less the most powerful person on the planet. And, he doesn't write well, either. His ubiquitous tweets are filled with Malaprop and misspelled words. Some of them might actually be funny if they were not coming from the President of the United States. He forgets the names of world leaders and other dignitaries - shamefully so.

Beyond these obvious physical and mental shortcomings, he is also simply a terrible human being. Our President is a bully and a braggart. He deals in confusion and bluster to make his points. If you have the audacity to disagree with him, he will attack you in the most brutal ways possible. And, perhaps, worst of all of these deplorable traits is his penchant for lying. Mr. Trump actually seems incapable of uttering a truthful word. Each day brings a stream of non-truths flowing from his rather ample pie hole. In his defense, I think he has become so delusional that he simply cannot differentiate between the fantasies floating in his bulbous head and the hardcore realities of running the Country. It's almost as if he is back hosting his lame reality TV show where lying, intimidation and bullying were part of his appeal (I never saw an single, entire episode).

Of course, I may be preaching to the choir with this post. The few people who actually read my blog are usually like minded. In other words, they can't stand the Son of a Bitch either! However, in the slight chance that a Trump supporter is actually reading this (assuming that they CAN read- pun intended), I would like to ask this: What in the world can you possibly see in this man? And, if you say: well, he acts and talks just like us, I feel sorry for you. I really do - because you need help, too. Perhaps, if you really try, you can be better. In fact, you can BE BEST (another pun intended).

Today's MOZEN: Time to Move On

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It was a beautiful place. It still is. A great, big, shinning house on a hill - literally. Located at the base of the magnificent Palisades, it had a spectacular garden and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. We had all manor of wildlife visit our yard including deer and a family of fox. Eagles and hawks regularly soared above. The house itself, a Center Hall Colonial built in 1931, had many unique architectural elements like arched doorways, built-in glass and wood cabinets, and a huge fireplace.

For a time, I called it home. And, I was happy there. It was the center of activity for our extended family and friends. Many a meal was grilled in our back yard and countless gallons of beer, wine, and other libations were consumed. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and a myriad of other holidays where celebrated within its walls. The large house buzzed with life from so many visitors. Big sporting events were just another excuse to cook and spread good cheer. And, we had dogs and cats too, live their entire lives there and whose bones now lie in that sacred ground

To live in such an impressive house with such beautiful surroundings was the culmination of a lifetime of hopes and dreams. I was not born a child of means and worked hard for everything in my life. So, to have achieved something so spectacular was a source on pride, joy, and family.

There was laughter and tears. We experienced life to its fullest in so many ways.

But, then, as it so often does, life changed.

There were challenges in our marriage that proved insurmountable and, eventually, we went our separate ways, signaling the end for us, and the house as we knew it.

I moved into my apartment while my wife stayed behind to run the house. That was 7 years ago.

But, it proved impractical to maintain such a large place for basically one person and we looked to sell it. After nearly a year on the market, the house finally found a buyer. We are now confronted with the difficult task of emptying years of accumulated "stuff" - some of it full of nostalgia, but most simply crap. My aching back from days of hauling the "crap" is a testament to just how much of it there was!

However, it is not only physically challenging but emotionally, as well. Every time that I am there now, I look around and breath deeply, drinking in the surroundings, knowing full well that, shortly, it will be for the last time. And, I cry. I weep deeply, even bitterly, sometimes from a sense of loss and failure. At other times, the tears are warm and tender, harking to a happier time. In the end, they're just different sides of the same coin called LIFE. And, I more than accept it - I embrace it.

Here's to the new owners. May they be as happy and fulfilled as I once was in that magical place. As for me, it's time to move on . . .

A Life in Balance

Remember, in life, as in nature, flowers need the sun AND the rain to grow. THIS is a life in balance . . . 

When You Think About It: The American Way

F LoBuono

You can often tell a lot about social trends simply by watching the commercials on television. Studies have shown the symbiotic relationship between television advertising and social norms; TV frequently influences the way people think. But, the converse is also true - society effects what is shown on TV.

With that in mind, perhaps, you've notice that virtually every commercial break contains at least one spot for a  pharmaceutical (i.e. drugs), one for an automobile, and one for insurance for that automobile. Late night breaks usually throw in some type of sex ad, as well.

Therefore, we may extrapolate that these are indicators of a sex-crazed, ailing society that loves to drive safe vehicles. There can be no other explanation. This is TV telling us what we need most.

However, as I mentioned in my first paragraph, what is currently trending in society is often reflected in what is being sold on television, as well. With that in mind, a new series of commercials are being added to the mix: 1-800 phone numbers that connect the callers to some type of addiction counseling. Of course, this is in response the horrible scourge of opioid addiction that is sweeping certain areas of the Country.

I'm sure that you have seen them - one young person (usually an actor portrayal) after another delineates their various addictions, i.e. crack cocaine, heroin, etc. They are usually followed by someone representing a doctor (you can tell because they are wearing a lab coat and have their stethoscopes draped over their necks) who say, "you can't do it alone. Come to us. We can help."

Now, I'm all for doing everything we can to take on the scourge of addiction. It is a blight on our youth. However, at the same time, these entities are in the business of addiction. If you read the fine print at the beginning of each commercial you will notice that the people making the adds are NOT the people treating the disease but, rather, a marketing firm that will put you in touch with a medical professional who will. They in turn, are paid for every referral that they make, either by the doctor, the insurer, or the patient themselves. In other words, they profit on the misery. Perhaps, you remember the term used for lawyers who only handled accident cases, i.e. ambulance chasers. Yes, they help AND they make a lot of money doing so. This is the same scenario.

Again, I'm for anything that helps alleviate suffering. And, if they do help, more power to them. However, it's a matter of perspective. They like to present themselves as a solution to the problem. They are not. Some people even see them as not-for-profit agencies. That is far from the case. Let's face it, they are not in the fight simply because it is the right thing to do. They are in it for the $$$. If people are actually helped, that's great. But, they're making their profit no-matter-what.

Well, When You Think About It, it IS the American Way . . .

Today's MOZEN: Are You DEPLORABLE?

F LoBuono

Unfortunately for Hillary Rodham Clinton, it became one of the defining moments of her campaign for President in 2016 and could have conceivably cost Clinton that election - calling her opponent Donald J. Trump's most hardcore followers "a basket of deplorables".

Never a big fan of the Clintons for various reasons, I was still supporting Ms. Clinton over a candidate I saw not only as woefully inadequate for the position, but morally bankrupt, as well. Certainly, Ms. Clinton's qualifications and over-all approach to governing were far more satisfactory to me than Mr. Trump's. In my mind, I saw the choice between a supremely qualified woman vs a Reality TV show host as a no-brainer.

However, I also was aware that Mr. Trump was gaining traction, particularly with a certain segment of the population. At the same time, I had to acknowledge that Ms. Clinton was NOT connecting to many people in ways that her experience in government should have. In other words, Mr. Trump was firing up his base by telling them what they wanted to hear while Ms. Clinton was still struggling to elicit the same type of fanatical loyalty, particularly with those who had not yet committed to either candidate, i.e. Independent Voters.

Then it happened.

Ms. Clinton uttered the ill-advised comment: "basket of "deplorables."

I remember cringing when I heard it and thinking, she's referring to his hardcore minions, those who care little for his lack of experience, lying and moral failings. But, NOT all of the people thinking about voting for him are deplorable.  They are just looking for someone different. This will cost her with those people.

Those who struggled with connecting with Ms. Clinton would find even less in common with her now. It may have been true in the crux of its meaning but, was it politically expedient?

No, it was not. And, yes, it did cost her.

Even though Ms. Clinton won the popular vote, she lost the election. Perhaps, many of the people she alienated (and, she DID) with that comment provided the margin of victory to Mr. Trump. Certainly, it is debatable if they would have provided an insurmountable lead that even the Electoral College could not have erased.

Well, now I have to marvel how prescient her comment actually was.

After nearly 2 years in office, Mr. Trump's performance has lived down to my expectations. He is a bigoted, bellicose, bilious bore. He lies CONSTANTLY. His grasp on reality seems to be tenuous at best. His constantly erratic behavior has thrown the Federal Government into a state of chaos. His Foreign Policy has largely failed. His fight for a needless border wall has caused the Government to actually shut down. And, now, his attacks on a dead war hero (see John McCain) have exposed him to be the petty despot I always knew him to be.

So, I suppose that Ms. Clinton's description was ACCURATE. After everything I mentioned in the previous paragraph means nothing to you, than you are indeed DEPLORABLE. There is no other explanation or word to describe it.

In a recent CNN interview, I saw former Senator, Rick Santorum, parrot the GOP company line - well, he does say some crazy things like his criticism of John McCain, but you shouldn't listen to just what he says, we should support what he DOES.

REALLY?

What Mr. Santorum said, echoed by millions, is that what he said is MEANINGLESS. When he mocks a war hero (or, a disabled reporter - as he DID) or anyone that DARES oppose him, we should simply ignore it. Well, you are asking me to suspend my INTEGRITY for a PACK OF LIES and a BARRAGE OF INSULTS.

If you STILL think that way, my friends, then you earned the title: DEPLORABLE. You've sacrificed your soul for a good economy. If you continue to support this megalomaniac who doesn't have an authentic bone his body (his hair is fake, his teeth are fake, his very skin is fake), then you must take responsibility for the mess this President has created.

Today's MOZEN: WE Are the World!

Words F LoBuono. Photo CNN

Along with most of the world, I am horrified by the events that recently transpired in Christchurch, New Zealand. However, what haunts me as much as that terrible act of violence is the fact that I have to use the word MOST instead of ALL. In fact, there will be those who do not care at all about this unspeakable crime, and will even laud the perpetrator as a HERO. Sadly, there will be MILLIONS who feel that way.

As part of my duties at a major TV news outlet, I have to edit footage of all kinds that come in from all over the world. It comes to us as so-called raw footage, i.e. what you see is what you get. We then, in turn, chop it down to clips for time and content that is suitable for the average viewer. Because it is indeed raw, I've seen just about every kind of violence imaginable, included beheadings. Someone has to do it and that's my job. So, of course, I got to see the entire 17+ minute video of the massacre as streamed LIVE by the man committing this heinous act. Two things struck me most:

First - just how cool, calm, and collected the murderer was. He parked his car calmly next to the mosque, music blasting an English army marching tune, opened the trunk of his small SUV, and exposed a cache of weapons. He then preceded to grab a a high powered rifle and casually walk into the Mosque.

Second - As he entered the Mosque, with some type of video camera affixed to his helmet, he began shooting at anything that moved, including the man who came to greet him reportedly saying "welcome brother". And, because of the unusual vantage point coming directly from the killer, it looked like a god damned video game - shoot a burst, watch people fall. Move through the mosque, find more people, shoot them down. There was a shocking sense of purpose and no hesitation at all. He was a trained killer doing what he saw himself as born to do.

All of this leads me to believe that this man was not crazy at all. He had a sense of purpose. He believed deeply in what he was doing. So, he murdered without hesitation, remorse, pity, or  guilt of any kind. And, he is just the latest in a long line of cold-blooded killers who murder in the name of some perverse sense of duty. We can draw a direct line from the KKK to the Nazis to the Alt Right and the New Zealand killer. He even had the names of some the most notorious white supremacist killers written on his weapons for inspiration!

This type of maniacal hate is not new. In reality, it has been with us since the dawn of civilization. Homicide, patricide, fratricide, infanticide, domestic violence and more all play BIG roles in the Bible. It's obviously part of the human ethos. However, the point of ANY type of spirituality is to counter these negatives and replace them with the higher ideals of mercy and compassion. Well, it doesn't seem to working in too many cases.

As the rate of hate crimes seems to rising not only in this Country but around the globe, something is terribly wrong. The most recent FBI report states that hate crimes increased by 17% in 2017*. And, they seem to be getting even worse.

It is not difficult to extrapolate the rise in hate crimes with the election of Donald J. Trump as President. His hate filled rhetoric, especially against migrants in general and Muslims in particular fuels a smoldering fire of bigotry. He has called the mostly families at our borders, rapists and drug lords. He attempted to issue a Muslim ban on allowing people of that faith from entering the Country. And, in response to a question that, in light of the Christchurch massacre,did he feel the White Supremacist movement was a global threat, he answered negatively. And, as leader of the free world, his words MATTER. Furthermore, he is not saying these things simply to distract from his own legal issues (see Robert Mueller) but, rather as a coordinated policy of White Power. In my mind, Make America Great Again can easily be interpreted as make America White and Christian Again. It's the very antithesis of what America is supposed to be. And, this policy is supported by the likes of Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, Mike Pompeo, and others within the administration.

If you're like me, you can get very frustrated by the fact that there are so many people in the world who espouse this perverted doctrine - Facebook is full of these miscreants praising the attack. And, they are relentless and persistent. So much so, that it can be easier to just turn away and look for excuses to not be involved. But, that spells disaster. That's letting the hateful bastards win.  We must be as fanatical and dedicated to our cause of peace, inclusion, and compassion as they are to hate, division, and mayhem. WE are the world. Let's take control of it and condemn HATE wherever it is found and those who practice its evil intent.


*https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/11/13/18091646/fbi-hate-crimes-2017

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: The Yellow Lab

With Rexie

It's magic, really. But, it only works if you believe.

I do.

Do you?

I was in my car, running a few errands when I approached a 4-way stop sign at an intersection near my apartment. As I stopped to check the crossing, I noticed an elderly women walking a dog who, at least in so-called dog years, seemed even older than she. It was a yellow Labrador Retriever with the lumpy appearance that is typical of that breed as they age. I know because I recently lost my own, cherished yellow Lab, Rexie, at the ripe old age of 13+.

As I stopped at the intersection, I looked over at the couple and smiled broadly at the dog. And, I'll be damned if that dog didn't stare right back at me and smile, too! And, I mean STARE. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds, but it seemed much longer. That dog wouldn't take his eyes off me. Even when I started to pull away and the dog's owner began tugging on the leash to get him to move, he never let his eyes drift away from mine.

Eventually, we went our separate ways. But, I could not help but make the pleasant assumption that, somehow, that dog knew about Rexie and was sending me a signal that all is well with him. Or, stranger still, perhaps it WAS Rexie for at least that brief period of time. One way or the other, it was a special moment that stayed with me for the entire day.

Yes, it is a type of magic - the type of which happens most frequently when we least expect it. And, it can only be felt if you allow yourself the freedom to believe in things that can't be explained through ordinary means. Sure, the entire encounter may have been a simple case of happenstance. Or, it could have been much more. I choose to believe the latter.

Today's MOZEN: Left Laners

F LoBuono

There is a remarkable similarity to those people who continue to support this President and his administration and those who drive too slowly in the left lane. They do both for one of two reasons, neither of which is truly logical or equitable:

1. They don't know any better. To these people, driving in one lane is the same as driving in any other. It makes no difference to them. They put the car in drive and head out on the highway. Whatever lane they're in is the lane they're supposed to be because that's the way it is. They are ignorant of the fact that the law designates the left lane for high speed, i.e. passing other vehicles.

And, it causes more than just inconvenience. It forces other drivers to also BREAK THE LAW by doing things like illegally passing their vehicles on the right. This can cause mayhem on the roads.

2. They DO know and simply don't give a shit. They are entitled to be there and that's where they're going to stay - screw you and anyone who even looks like you. Your safety and convenience is none of their concern.

We've all experienced these people on virtually a daily basis. And, it can be infuriating.

So, it is with Mr. Trump's supporters. There are those that simply do not have the mental faculties to truly understand the consequences of this man's actions. He is an expert at telling the uninformed EXACTLY what they want to hear thereby relieving them of any responsibility to actually THINK. Remember the coal miners? Mr. Trump PROMISED them, despite massive amounts of research to the contrary, that coal would rise again. And, that's ALL they needed to know. Searching for truth beyond the rhetoric was simply not necessary OR welcome.

Then there are those who just don't care. Not at all. He is their man, right or wrong. And, that faith in him seems unshakable. Mr. Trump's tenuous relationship with the truth matters little, if at all, to these minions. They are the embodiment of his campaign statement: I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shot someone and not lose any voters.

Think about that - the arrogance and insolence of the man making that statement that AND the ignorance and insouciance of the people who accept it.

Well, I'm not a very good follower - either behind people going too slowly in the left lane OR or in line with a man who treats lying as an art form.

Are YOU?

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Is Violence ALWAYS Wrong?

It came to me in the most bizarre way. I'm not even sure how I found it.  While researching some music, I came across the theme from the movie, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Most of us are familiar with the movie and it's leading man, Clint Eastwood. Filmed in Spain, directed by an Italian, starring and international cast and, despite its enormous popularity, derided in its day as a Spaghetti Western, the film has finally been recognized for the masterpiece it truly is.

The direction, cinematography, acting, and, especially, the music, are the best that film-making has to offer. In my mind, the music, composed and conducted by the legendary Ennio Morricone, reaches epic proportions. Morricone manages to capture the ethos of the savage, Wild West while at the same time honoring his Italian operatic roots. The result is a sound track that is both spare and extravagant.

The rendition I was listening to was a full orchestral version by the Danish Symphony and it was spectacular - soaring, moving, and so full of drama and emotion. As strange as it sounds, it was so powerful that it actually made me cry a bit. THAT'S good music!

It also made me emotional because it conveys the embodiment of a man with so many of the traits that I admire: a virtually anonymous, indomitable free-spirit, incorruptible, alone in the pursuit of his vision of justice. He lives by his wits and his weapons. Tall, his gaze is unflinching,. He has 2, .36 caliber Navy Colt pistols strapped to his hips and a Bowie knife hidden in his boot. He is the master of his fate. He needs not fame, fortune, nor comfort - only justice. And, he is not only willing to die for honor, but to kill for it, too. He is not a perfect man - far from it. In fact, he is often taciturn, bilious and bellicose. But, at the same time, he is brave and honest. In other words, he is the classic American anti-hero.

But, the fact that I admire men that possess these qualities vexes me at the same time.

I have done my best to commit to non-violence. If we are ever to reach a higher level of consciousness, we have to evolve past the use of violence to solve our problems. We can't keep repeating the endless cycle of bloodshed. Remember, an eye for an eye simply leaves the whole world blind. However, at the same time, it is right to fight for justice and against tyranny. And, sometimes, that fight is literal - we must take arms against a sea of trouble and by opposing, end them. In my experience, the best way to stop a bully is literally to give him a taste of his own medicine, i.e. a good punch in the nose. Often, it is the only solution.

Most animals are also willing to fight for many reasons; not only for their very survival, but for dominance, territory, and breading rights, too. It is nature's way. So, is it fantasy to think that we can live in a world that is absent of ANY violence? Perhaps, it is.  Even Gandhi, one of the world's greatest proponents of non-violent revolution, said he would  prefer violence over cowardice*. In other words, at times, it is unfortunate, but may be completely unavoidable.

So, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, I suppose that it is in the application of violence that makes the difference. If we inflict pain and suffering on others willfully for reasons like rage, anger, jealousy, greed, avarice, fear, and ignorance, then we are fulfilling a self-defeating cycle where hate simply begets more hate. However, there are times when we need the Clint Eastwoods of the world, guns blazing, to send the bad guys to their doom before riding off into the sunset. . .




*https://www.mkgandhi.org/nonviolence/phil8.htm

Today's MOZEN: The Power of Compassion

F LoBuono

Because of the proliferation of Social Media (it is estimated that in 2019, nearly 2.8 billion people will use it*), we are exposed to the almost endless variety of emotions that make up the human condition. From the sublime to the absurd and everything in between, we observe ALL of the things that make us different while at the same time experiencing the core values that make us the same. We bear witness to wanton cruelty AND transcendent grace - usually with one immediately following the other as we scroll through any one of the social media platforms we choose to use.

And, it never ceases to amaze me that both traits can be attributed to the same species!

Most of us, but not all, are shocked by some of the deviant and abhorrent behavior that we see on the Internet. If it truly shocked ALL of us, it wouldn't happen. But, it does - most of us cannot conceive of hurting an innocent child or helpless animal, yet we see it every single day. It is virtually impossible to peruse Facebook or Instagram and not be exposed to some horror. I can only rationalize that people who perpetrate these deplorable acts have themselves been abused to the point of completely losing their moral compass.

So, for the great majority of us who receive no sick pleasure from posting such vitriol, what are we to do when we encounter such depravity? Most of us feel powerless to effect direct change for what we are witnessing. After all, how can we change a horrible situation that may have happened thousands of miles away and if not for the miracle of the Internet, we would not even have knowledge of? We can shake out fists all we like. We can even access a little angry "emoji" to express our outrage. Or, we can simply hide our heads in the sand and ignore the reality of what is happening.

But, what can we do practically to fight back?

Well, because of time and distance, our response may not be direct. Still, that doesn't mean we don't have any options.

So, the best way that I know how to counter the effects of cruelty is to practice copious amounts of compassion.

Of all of the positive human emotions, compassion, in my mind, is the most effective in combating malice because it does not judge - it enables us to move forward with kindness and without prejudice. It does not force us to ask WHY? - it compels us to ACT. We do the right thing simply because it IS the right thing to do. As basic as this sounds, it can be a difficult concept to master because it is countered with other, also human emotions like anger, greed, jealousy, and, in particular, fear.

Perhaps, the so-called crisis at our Southern Border is the best example. The President has created a climate of fear: rapists are coming. Gangs are crossing into your neighborhoods. Drugs are flowing in with them. Now, none of these claims have been proven to be true. But, it has been an effective policy for this Administration. Even though it may not be accurate many believe it to be so. Capitalizing on the fear created, our Government's response has been draconian at its best with the separation of innocent children from their families being its worst.

Those who support the policy shout "blame the parents, they are the ones who put their children at risk". And, "they know the rules. They got what they deserved." And, here within lies the judgment that I spoke of - they must suffer because they broke the rules.

Those who practice compassion are, in a sense, blind to the causes of the migration and, instead, focus on what can be done to alleviate the suffering of those caught in the maelstrom. They don't question WHY they are there but, rather, focus their energy and efforts on what can be done to make the situation better for ALL.

This is the power of compassion. It raises us to a higher level of awareness - one in which the path to true enlightenment is clearly marked.

However, just like magic and faith, you have to believe for it to work. You have to trust that your compassion serves a higher purpose. The reward may not be direct, but you must accept the concept that ALL of the deeds that you do, no matter how small, contribute to the greater good for ALL. And, that my friends, is enough.



*https://www.statista.com/statistics/278414/number-of-worldwide-social-network-users/