When You Think About It: Not Too Much To Ask

 

Many people are screaming bloody murder over President Joe Biden's latest attempt at reducing the crushing student debt incurred by millions of Americans, both young and old, while receiving their college educations. The plan calls for forgiving up to $10,000 for people making less than $125,000/year and $20,000 for disadvantaged students who received so-called Pell grants.

Of course, the majority of people expressing the most outrage seem to come from the party of NO, i.e. the Republicans. However, there are many other, fair minded Americans who also believe that the measure goes too far.

Their argument generally goes something like this:

I worked 96+ hours a week while I was going to school just to pay my own tuition.

or

No one ever gave me anything! I paid my loans back. Why should I pay for anyone else's?

or

Poor financial planning on their part does not constitute a crisis on mine. They should have planned better.

Of course, there is some validity as to what they are saying. After all, speaking very personally, that's EXACTLY how I managed to go to college.

First, I worked regularly while I was attending Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. And, I commuted, mostly because it was cheaper. I so desperately wanted to go away to school but I realized that it was beyond my financial means. Also, the cost of my education was incredibly reasonable. When I started there in 1973, if my memory serves me correctly, I was paying about $40/credit. At the 15 credits/semester required to receive a degree that's $600/semester!

That's right, not including commuting costs, books, and other expenses, that's $1200/year.

$1200!!

I would challenge anyone in America to provide the quality of education I received at Rutgers-Newark for $1200 year.

I still had to take out small loans to get by - and paid them back, with interest.

But, that's ancient history.

Here are the numbers today: The average cost/year for a college student, including tuition, books, supplies and daily living expenses = $35, 551 (private and public institutions). Considering student loan interest and loss of income, the ultimate cost of a bachelor's degree = more than $500,000*.

$500,000!

So, what was very doable for me has become virtually impossible for most.

Still, the question remains, why should I pay for someone else's education?

Well, I look it from 2 points of view. First, I don't have school aged children or grandchildren, yet I pay school taxes - gladly - which brings me to my second point. We do these things because they are the right things to do. In order to have a great society we need to take care of one another - and that includes the opportunity for EVERYONE to receive as much education as they are suited for.

It's also in our best interest to facilitate this because a highly educated society benefits ALL of us. And, this is not to take away from those who pursue a different vocation. They also provide valuable services for our society and should be rewarded accordingly. And, generally speaking, they ARE. But the pursuit of a career as a mechanic cannot be compared to those who pursue a career in medicine.

I know that this can leave us feeling cheated. I understand. Why should these people have advantages that no one gave us? Well, look at this way - because they are disadvantaged in ways that we could never even imagine.

And, let's deal with the situation at the source, i.e. why has the cost of a college education increased 179.2% over the last 20 years?!**Also, we need to address the interest rates charged on these loans which can be as much as 14.99%.***

Remember, we are all in the same ocean but not necessarily in the same boat. Some have ships, others canoes. Some are simply swimming. Let's give everyone the tools they need to handle the storm. 

* https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college

** https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college-by-year

*** https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/student-loan-interest-rates

Today's MOZEN: FLORI-DUH!

In response to the Draconian policy initiated by Florida's cretinous Governor, Ron DeSantis, of banning books in schools that might evoke feelings of so-called woke culture I would say this:

ALL books should be read by EVERYONE (or at least as many as possible), even those we might find objectionable. True freedom of thought, by definition, includes exposure to different ways of thinking and points of view that we might find repulsive or even disturbing.

Why?

Because they expand our minds by our attempting to understand those who may think (very) differently than we do, thereby expanding our ability to fathom (if not agree or totally accept) others.

The same goes for school children - with a certain caveat: they need to read under the guidance of others, particular those trained to mentor them through the entire experience, i.e. TEACHERS.

And, this is why Florida is hemorrhaging teachers!

Why would any eligible educator wish to work under such debilitating conditions? I know that I certainly wouldn't.

As for the Governor's prideful boast that "woke culture comes to Florida to die" - seriously?

Asking your constituents to deliberately dumb themselves down so as to not accept the concepts of fairness, equity, peace, love, acceptance, intelligence, and curiosity because it does not fit HIS vision of America is simply deplorable.

Stand up. Be heard. Say NO to Ron DeSantis and Florida - they have finally earned the moniker, FLORI-DUH!!!!    

Today's MOZEN: The Cult of Trump

One of the definitions of a cult is as follows:

an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:

Of course, by definition, this applies to the followers of Donald J. Trump. Even after a virtual mountain of evidence continues to pile up against the object of their great veneration, they steadfastly refuse to see the fact that Mr. Trump was never about them, never about America. He throws them red meat and they cobble it up like starving wolves - even if that meat is rotten. He could come into their homes, shoot their dog, and they would blame the dog!

Because they are part of his Cult of Personality, they have become incapable of even considering the truth - that he is a thief and a grifter who's only goal is to enrich himself and his family.

And, always has been.

Once a person becomes a member of a cult their return to normal society can be difficult and often requires professional mental health intervention. Some never recover and, if fact, would rather die than desert their so-called savior (see Jim Jones).

So, with that in mind, the only way to defeat them (him) is through our shear strength in numbers and vote out anyone and everyone who continues to support him and his war chest of lies! Remember, despite his totally unfounded claims to the contrary, Mr. Trump NEVER won the popular vote, i.e. not matter how loud or violent they may become, there are simply not enough of them!

DON'T BE AFRAID! WE HAVE THE NUMBERS! The solution to this mess lies within our reach. We just need use the power that has been given us. Exercise it.

VOTE!!!

Today's MOZEN: The End

Many years ago, when I was still married, I had a nightly sleeping routine with my then wife.

When we went to bed, no matter how the day went, I would rap my foot around hers. Of course, there were times when we engaged in a more complete embrace. But, at the very least, I always maintained that little connection. Even if we had a rough day with each other (which was probably more times than we would both care to admit), I always practiced that ritual; my foot rapped around hers.

Well, near the end of our marriage, that little physical connection, like our emotional one, became more and more tenuous. Still, I managed to hang onto that little bit of contact, even if it was barely by a toe.

Then, one day, she simply took her foot away. Not even a toe could be found to touch. The connection was broken - in every way.

And, it was over . . . 

Today's WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Ruling In Hell

Beyond the fact that I feel like I can actual smell stale cigarettes and cheap booze emanating from his photo, whenever I see Steve Bannon I am curious about how he feels about what he is doing to this Country (and the world) - I mean how he truly feels.

Obviously he must take satisfaction in the fact millions follow the  movement he created, despite the fact that it is inspired by fear, loathing, and paranoia - all based on lies and propaganda. Logic is not a noun one would associate with his followers. Still, he advised the most powerful man in the world and travels in the exclusive circles of the rich and powerful. In contrast, I will be most fortunate if I have a handful of readers of this post. So, in some twisted sense, he must be doing something right.

Beyond the other bag of foul wind, former President Donald J. Trump, he is unequivocally the Champion of the Bat Shit Crazies like Louie Gomert of Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene of North Carolina and a host of others whose grip on reality is tenuous at best. You know - the Stop The Steal Bunch.

Bannon's mantra, his raison d'etre, is to divide and conquer. He thrives on creating an atmosphere of chaos where he can take advantage of the distrust generated by his lies, exaggerations, and phobias. Ultra-white Nationalism is his ultimate goal and he will stop at nothing to achieve that end. Unfortunately, he found the perfect driver for his bus of hate in the former President and plenty of passengers willing to go along for the ride!

Now, what may disturb me most is the fact that Bannon is an extremely intelligent man. He KNOWS the truth. He simply does not care. Truth has nothing to do with his agenda. Making America a fascist state with a white elite (including himself, Trump, Stephen Miller, Michael Flynn and the like) in charge IS. And he is willing to do anything - lie, steal, cheat - to achieve that end.

So, I often wonder why someone with so many obvious gifts uses those gifts for such nefarious purposes.

Beyond what experiences he had as a developing young man that pushed him to champion these unscrupulous tactics and adopt such a bitter and ugly vision for America, I wonder what is his ultimate motivation may be. He made the choice to use his talents to sow fear and hate to achieve his end rather than the true American ideals of inclusion and tolerance.

Why?

When I think of it, I am reminded of the passage in Milton's classic Paradise Lost. When speaking of his cataclysmic fall from heaven the archangel formerly known as Lucifer and now called Satan rails against what he sees as God's tyranny and declares:

Better to rule in hell than serve in heaven!

But this is only PART of the entire quote. Here is the FULL one:

Here we may reign secure, and in my choyce

To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:

Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n

It's all about AMBITION and POWER. Satan is saying that even suffering in hell is a price worth paying when you lust for power.

Well, Mr. Bannon, have a good time ruling, in HELL!

 

Today's MOZEN: Working Man's Hands

When I was a young boy of about 10 or 11, I remember watching a movie that had a great impact on me. I don't recall the name of the film or who the players were. However, I can clearly recollect the plot:

There had been a mining collapse and there was a desperate race against time to rescue the miners. So a call was sent out to the surrounding area for all men to report to the mine to begin the long, dangerous process of digging the survivors out - by hand.

The men were asked to line up to be questioned by the foreman of the operation so that he might judge their fitness for the arduous task ahead. As the men lined up, the foreman warned them of the difficulties and said that because of the physical nature of the work, no one who didn't use there hands (i.e. businessmen) for a living should not waste their own or his time with getting in line.

He then preceded to ask each man as they came forward to show him the palms of their hands. If he did not see callouses on them, proving their ability to do hard labor, they were turned away.

Man after man came forward to be inspected.  While inspecting one man's hands, the foreman looked up and into the man's face. He began to angrily chastise the man saying; "I thought I said no businessmen!" As the foreman's gaze met the other man's he realized that the man in question was a priest. He softened his tone and uttered: "I'm sorry, father, but you wouldn't last more than 5 minutes down there." The priest smiled innocently and quietly turned away.

That one scene left such an impression of me than and still does today, over 50 years later.

Here's what I took from it: each person has something to contribute in their own way and, at times, that service can be invaluable. In this case, the spirit of simple, working men were so honored. Their daily labors, so largely unnoticed in real time, contribute so much to not only the lives of their families, but to the world as a whole. They build our roads, bridges, and tunnels. They dig the ditches to make repairs to our water pipes. They take away our garbage. They clean our streets when it snows. They mine the earth to provide us with the materials we need to exist. They farm the land to grow the food we eat. Simply put, without the efforts of the common working man (and woman) our society would collapse.

So, from that day on I allows wanted to associate myself with the so-called Working Man. Even though I went on to an advanced education, teach at a major Northeast University, and have held many management positions commensurate with that education and experience, I have always felt that I had more in common with them then the more educated elite.

My father, a working man himself, always wanted me to have a life better than his so he encouraged me (insisted, really) that I educate myself to the fullest so that I would use my head instead of my hands.

And, so I did.

However, I never forgot that movie and the impact it had on me. So, as a young man, for every summer without school in session, I made sure that I took jobs that were very physical like construction laborer or truck driver.

And, I never regretted it.

To this day, I still do as much physical labor around my place as I can. For example, I do all of my own gardening, including tilling the soil every Spring and preparing it for Winter. When I owned my own place I did most of the landscaping (almost 2 acres) myself. I still shovel the snow for myself and my nearest neighbors. I try to make basic repairs to my apartment. And, even though I can afford to do otherwise, I even clean my own place. I see it as good for the soul.

My gnarly, callused hands, ones that I am still particularly proud of, remain a testament to my love and respect for Working People.

But, there is room for all kinds of hands; those with long fingers, perfect for playing the piano. Or soft ones, good for gently caressing an ailing friend. And, yes, those that show the marks of good, honest, hard work.

Today's MOZEN: We Have Met The Enemy

The United States is writhing under the scourge of violence. I would mention the latest mass murder but fear that by the time I finished writing this post another one will have already happened.

Unfortunately, this is not my first post condemning what seems to be endemic in American society. In fact, I tire of writing about it - over and over again. And, judging from the number of people who actually read my posts, no one seems to be taking notice, anyway.

Still, silence will not bring us to a possible understanding as to why this near orgy of violence is plaguing ALL Americans.

One of the most important things to consider is that all gun violence is not the same. In fact, the only common denominator is the gun itself. Gun violence seems to be in response to a number of motivating factors including: socio-economic, ideology, and mental health.

First, let's review the socio-economic factors that impact guns and violence. These are statistics from The Alliance for Gun Safety. They clearly indicate that communities of color (i.e. predominantly black) suffer disproportionately from gun violence *:  

• Each day on average, 30 Black Americans are killed by guns and more than 110 experience non-fatal injuries. 
• Black Americans experience 10 times the gun homicides of white Americans. 
• Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to be shot and killed by police as white Americans.
• Black Americans experience 18 times the gun assault injuries of white Americans.
• 68 percent of Black Americans or someone they care for has experienced gun violence.

What's important to remember here, and is accurately pointed out in the website, the reasons for these frightening numbers have nothing to do with their race and everything to do with racism and centuries of neglect, oppression, and disenfranchisement. Some will say, "come on now, this is the 21st Century. That's a copout". But they will have entirely missed the point. As long as racism in this Country continues to prevent communities of color from the real opportunities afforded more white, and therefore affluent communities, the violence will continue.

The type of sensational gun violence, however, that grabs most of the headlines are usually committed by young, angry, disaffected white men. A Mother Jones article and supported by PolitiFact claim that 63% of all mass murderers are white men. + Some of these follow a hate filled, racist ideology that drives their heinous acts. The recent attack on a supermarket in Buffalo, NY is the latest example of this type of killer, i.e. an angry white man out to kill as many blacks as he could. 

Others are clearly disturbed in various ways and use their pent up anger at the world to inflict as much damage on it as possible. In fact, they choose targets that will cause as much pain to the community at large as possible. When studying their backgrounds, in hindsight, many warning signs as to their decaying mental health are clearly missed. The latest culprit in the Highland Park, Il massacre, is just the most recent example. He seemed to hate himself and, so, took that hate out on everyone else around him.

Very different scenarios, yes. But, as I wrote previously, there is a common denominator: GUNS

In the case of minority communities the overwhelming majority of the guns used in the commitment of crimes are obtained illegally. Even in states with strict gun laws, weapons can be easily purchased in other states with much more lax laws and then brought back to their communities.

However, as in the case with most white, mass murderers their guns were obtained legally. Despite so-called Red Flag Laws designed to prevent those considered inappropriate from gun ownership, these young men have managed to acquire virtual arsenals anyway.

Despite finger pointing at various, minor contributing factors, this Country seems incapable - or unwilling - to look the culprit right in the face, i.e. access to weapons, especially powerful ones, is ENTIRELY too easy. Under the guise of freedom we prioritize the will of the minority over the pain of the majority. Innocent people, children, are dying in record numbers every day. And, still, we seem paralyzed at taking even the most basic steps to stem the flow of weapons that have been proven to work.

We have met the enemy, and they are us . . . 

*https://gunresponsibility.org/blog/gun-violence-in-the-black-community-myths-and-facts/?fbclid=IwAR0AVVVvXhkSJu2NK5E3JRqqWOLdo4zaQHN26gaC0zFVYLbhWHC3vtkSkiE

+https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2017/oct/06/newsweek/are-white-males-responsible-more-mass-shootings-an/

Today's MOZEN: America, A Flawed Idea.

All words and photo by F LoBuono

I had originally planned on writing a post about the simple pleasures in life that I grow more found of with each passing year - and, how fortunate I am to be having those years.

I'm sure that I'll be returning to that theme at some point.

However, upon further introspection, I felt that the significance of this day and date, Independence Day - July 4th, was too great to not reflect upon, especially with what is happening to America today.

The United States, at its core, was supposed to be so much more than a place. It was meant to be an idea made real. Despite the fact that the framers of our independence from Great Britain borrowed much from other great minds, it was a truly revolutionary document - even with its many flaws. And, it still is - or is supposed to be.

Dedicated to the principal that all men are created equal . . .

I believe that statement from the Declaration of Independence tells us a lot about the true American persona. It is both bold AND flawed.

The principal of equality is the bold part. At that time in history, a statement like that could mean a death sentence. We still strive for a society that is fair and equitable and yet fail far to often to achieve that goal. But, we certainly keep trying - or, at least many of us still do. That can do mentality has always been associated with the American persona. And, at key times, we have risen to the challenge of defending freedom, here and around the world. Yet, the challenge of equity among our own population still remains daunting, hence the great flaw.

The all men part has once again reared its ugly head with the latest ruling from the US Supreme Court effectively removing Constitutional protection for a woman's right to choose an abortion. How can we use the word equal when we deny half of our population the so called unalienable right to make decisions for their own bodies?

And, this is only one of many divisive issues that have brought America virtually to its breaking point - add guns, race, sex, etc.

I believe that this happening because we've forgotten about who we  ARE SUPPOSED TO BE.

When I think of that, I recall an incident that I had with a Portuguese reporter during the 2016 GOP Convention in Cleveland. I was scheduled to be her camera person for a live shot to be broadcast from the convention hall to Portugal. We had a few minutes to kill and, speaking perfect English, she stuck up a conversation. She expressed her concern with the fact that a person like Donald Trump might be elected President of the US and the direction he might take the Country. At one point she became almost emotional when she said this:

What is Portugal on the world stage? Nothing. Sure, we have great beaches, history, food and wine. But, world influence?

Realistically, we are not "players". We COUNT on the United States to be that shining City on a Hill - a bastion of freedom and liberty. You guys may laugh at that and cry "bull shit". But we don't. We believe it and NEED you to live up to that promise."

It struck me then and still does. It is an enormous responsib

ility. But it is a worthy one to accept. It was in 1776 and still is today - perhaps even more so.

It is apparent to me that Democracy is not for the faint of heart, lazy, or cruel. To make it work, to be THE SHINING CITY ON A HILL, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that created America in the first place: FREEDOM, JUSTICE, EQUALITY, COMPASSION.

Today's MOZEN: Like Your Life Depended On It

While watching a CNN interview this morning being conducted with a so-called Right to Life representative (it doesn't really matter which organization because they all use pretty much the same rhetoric), it occurred to me that they really don't understand the true crux of the Roe v Wade decision - neither when it was implemented nor now, at its repeal.

Paraphrasing, the woman claimed that the repeal of Roe finally restores choice to the people by returning the decision on such matters to our most directly representative legislators, i.e. the individual States.

OK, here's what dropped my jaw immediately upon hearing that statement. The key word is CHOICE. It's not really about abortion and it's NEVER been about abortion. It's about a woman's choice to control her own body! There is no group think here. It's about EACH woman's ability to make the choices that she believes are in her own best interests - for whatever reason - we are not to judge!

No legislation on ANY level can or should deny this unalienable right to every living human being - which if you haven't noticed includes women.

And people have to understand that the latest actions of this Supreme Court are just the tip of the spear of an ultra-rightwing Conservative Christian movement, headed by the GOP and the likes of Mitch McConnel, et al. They have been pointing this Country in that direction for decades. And, mostly due to ineptitude by the opposing Democrats, have seized the momentum.

Many people have laid the blame squarely on the shoulders of former President Donald J. Trump. He certainly is a prime instigator. But, do you REALLY believe that an inept personality like Mr. Trump could have hatched this scheme on his own? Really?

Oh no, my friends. DJT did not come up with Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett all by himself?

Mr. Trump knew as much about them as I know of the President of Latvia, i.e. never heard of him!

He was fed those names by a cabal of ultra-Christian Conservatives who will do everything within their rather considerable power to MAKE (AND KEEP) AMERICA WHITE and CHRISITAN AGAIN. And, like the good puppet he REALLY was, Trump gave them what they (he) wanted.

And, shame on us for letting it happen. Registered Democrats far outnumber Republicans. Women outnumber men and vote in greater numbers. Yet, the GOP continues to win seats of power all over the Country.

So, we got what we paid for!

Ultimately, the fate of America, and this IS a battle for its soul, rests with the people who remain dedicated to their cause. Talk is cheap. Action counts. If you want to see changed then you must make change.

Vote like you life depends on it - 'cause it does.

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Never Be Afraid To Do The Right Thing

It was such a long time ago that you'll have to forgive me if some the details have become a bit fuzzy. However, the message is as clear to me as if it happened today.

It was a blistering hot summer day. I must have been about 13. I had just pitched a 5 inning Little League game at the old School #4 field on Anderson Avenue in the town in which I was raised; Fort Lee, NJ. I can't remember if we won the game or not. What I do recall was being totally spent from the effort I had put forth on such a hot day.

As was his custom, my father was in attendance. He did his utmost to support me in all my endeavors, particularly the athletic ones. So there he was, clapping and yelling, "let's go Frankie!"

After the game we walked to the car for the short ride to our home. At the first intersection we came to a traffic light that guided the flow of vehicles between Anderson Avenue and State Route 5, both busy roads. As we approached the light, there was a startling BOOM that jarred me out of my state of exhaustion.

I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but a car driven by an older gentleman had basically T-boned another car driven by a younger man. There must have been a child in the back seat as the man I assumed was his father, came storming out of the driver's seat to remove the boy from the wreckage.

My father, who had witnessed the accident too, immediately sprang into action, using our car to shield the others. He told me stay in the car and then approached the wreckage. He made sure that the young boy was placed in a secure spot off to the side of the road while we waited for the police and EMT's to arrive. Now remember, this was in the 1960's and cell phones had not even been thought of yet. So someone had to use a house phone to call the authorities. And, then you simply waited.

While we waited and I watched from my father's car, the younger man became enraged with what had transpired. He started after the older man who was still behind the wheel of his car and appeared to be in some kind of daze.

As the angry man approached, I noticed how large he seemed to be - he must have been about 6'4", muscular, with dirty-blonde hair. He reminded me of a Viking - and he was RAGING! He grabbed the old man and attempted to rip him out of his car. The old man looked up with terror in his eyes.

While I watched, I remember an overwhelming feeling of nausea. It was probably a combination of exhaustion from the game, the heat, and stress caused by what I had just witnessed. And, quite frankly, I was also afraid that a raving lunatic would not only attack the other driver but me and my father too.

Then without a moment's hesitation, my father was in the younger man's face! Now, my father was not a big man - about the same size that I am today - 5'9" and 180lbs. - and that other guy was HUGE. Still displaying no fear at all, my father pulled the big man off the other and told him in no uncertain terms, "YOU get over there by your son and wait for the police!"

And, you know what? That's exactly what the man did. My father's determination to do the right thing was so powerful even the larger man knew he was no match for a man who had right on his side.

After the police and EMT's arrived, my father turned the scene over to the them and we got back in the car for the short ride home. I remember looking at my old man with an entirely new found
admiration! He must have seen me beaming at him and said, "Frankie, never hesitate to do the right thing. Never."

With that in mind, I can't even begin to express my outrage with the response of the local Uvalde, Texas police in their feeble efforts to save the children of the Robb Elementary School. Beyond what tactics they may have felt necessary to end the situation, they hesitated for NEARLY AN HOUR while innocent lives were taken. What they needed to do was the right thing - even at the cost of their own lives!

Some might say it's easy to judge from a far. I was not there and blah, blah, blah. All I DO know is that my father would not have hesitated - and neither would have I.