End of Democracy as we know it - part II

Another End to Democracy Blog Post

https://www.ozy.com/presidential-daily-brief/pdb-297754/speak-softly-297797/

In the linked article we have this paragraph:

“As authorities enact a raft of restrictions around the world to stem the spread of COVID-19, some are wondering whether those strict measures could end up stifling democracy. From Chile to Israel to Hungary, governments are deploying tools like military troops, mass surveillance and rule-by-decree to enforce order in these dark times. The U.N. rights chief says "a parallel epidemic" of abusive rule could be underway.”

Government “Rule-by-decree” is an interesting term.  In the Bill of Rights, in the first amendment, we have “Freedom of Religion”, Freedom of Assembly” and “Freedom of Speech”.

In effect, all of these have been trounced upon in the recent move to ‘survival mode’ in the United States.  In less than a week, my Jewish friends would be celebrating Passover, one of the most important events in their year.  Likewise, my Christian friends soon after that will be celebrating Good Friday and Easter.  

But, the government has limited gatherings to at most ten (unless there is a new update).  The church I attend would be full on Good Friday, and again on Holy Saturday and again on Easter.  But, in effect, the government is not letting me practice my religion.  

Yes, we have a major, world-wide crisis; and governments have (wisely) decreed that for the health of the nation and world, we should not practice our faith (except in isolation).

But, my faith “expects’ people to gather for these special events.  Worship is a community action.  Yes, there are televised services, but I will not be able to say “Happy Easter” in person to my friends.  

So, Freedom of Assembly has also been thwarted as we are not to have large group meetings. I can’t assemble with my fellow believers.

And, therefore Freedom of Speech is harmed, although not as much as Freedom of Religion or Freedom of Speech.  

Could I go to my county courthouse tomorrow with a sign “Government is stepping on my rights as a citizen”?  If there were people around, I could hand out flyers about freedom of religion and freedom of assembly.  Could the police come around and arrest me for (what) violating government-issued rulings?  

Okay, my understanding is that as soon as possible, governments will lift the rules.  We don’t know when that will be.  Can we celebrate Passover and Easter at different times than the historically set times for those observations?  

Yes, there are too many complications and unknowns.  If we lift all rules and sanctions and then the Coronavirus acts up and spreads again, will we be through back into isolation?  What if, to be on the safe side, the rules and sanctions are extended to (say) July 1st.  Hopefully, by then, the virus will be almost nil.  There are many issues with that - a country where many people will not have worked for four months (March, April, May, and June) will be in the midst of a terrible financial crisis.  Will banks repossess houses for lack of payment?  Or cars?  Can credit card companies keep extending us credit (to buy groceries and necessities) if we can’t pay it off?  

I have written about optimism, and about being positive - and I believe it.  But, on the other side of this will be many hurting people - in this country and abroad.

Let’s touch again on Freedom of Speech. Our technologies to protect us from terrorists have allowed some wire-taps and observation - even if a real crime is suspected - but not seen.  We have facial recognition that could tell the government who did gather for Passover or Easter worship.  Can a representative of the government stop by my apartment because of my writing this blog today?  Who knows.  I am not advocating violence or overthrow, but I do want the United States (and most of the world) to remember human rights (such as Freedom of Religion, Assembly and Speech) when this is all over - and fairly promptly.  

Will shall see - 

Hugs!!!

Karen 

The End of Democracy as We know it??

The End of Democracy as We Know It?

Many years ago, I heard a speaker describe this situation:

Two teenage couples are on what appeared to be a double date and the two couples were in a convenience store of some nature (if I remember correctly, a 7-11 store).  The two guys were at some kind of game machine and the two girls were off on the side talking to each other.

In this speaker’s analysis, two couples on a double date should be doing something as a ‘couple’, not as boys playing video games and the girls idling chatting.  The speaker used the statement “this could be the end of democracy as we know it”.  

I have wondered about that statement casually over the years.  What did he mean? That “red-blooded American boys” should be at the theater making out with their girlfriends?  That electronic and video games were causing the new generation to stop talking to each other, and that open and honest discussion and communication is the backbone of democracy.  In effect, we are becoming isolated by technology.

Here we are in 2020 in the midst of a crisis and maybe the communications channels aren’t working.  In the past two years, I have relied on texting more than email - and less than face-to-face meetings.  Yes, that might be because I am retired and not going into work, and not having those “water-cooler” talks or short meetings in the halls.  

But, in this COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis, isolation is being pushed.  It almost is a mandate to separation. Don’t talk to anybody, stay away from all people.  Don’t even trust your spouse (or friends), they could be carriers of the virus. Don’t go to work, you could be spreading the virus; don’t go to school, you could get the virus.  Learn online. Learn with technology.  

Let’s talk about the common lunch (let's say before the virus - maybe six weeks ago).   You might have a couple sitting at the same table - and neither one talking to the other as they are both texting, checking out webpages, and other activities - without talking to each other - in fact not even looking at each other.  No looking dreamily in each other’s eyes. No thinking, “wow I married a great person’. Nope, If there is conversation, it might be something like “CNN just announced that <something” followed by “But ABC just said something else”.  

I’ve heard of having a table of four friends at lunch and the ground rules are that they stack their phones in the middle of the table and the one who picks up her phone first (that is before they are finished), has to pay the whole check. 

Conversing is part of our culture, part of a democracy.  And, being able to converse without becoming disagreeable or becoming so rigid and dogmatic that we can’t even exchange alternate opinions on topics.  Pleasant conversation is part of what makes us human.  

I’m not sure when it happened and how it happened.  We got comics - like Don Rickles, who made a livelihood out of insulting people and cutting them down.  Maybe we knew that it was just an ‘act’ - but maybe not. Then we got celebrity “Roasts” - not just “toasts” - so-and-so is a great person, but throwing mud and “roasting” the person in public.  

Maybe we’ve lost something - something small and precious - like toleration and respect. I think there is also a gender thing going on there.  Guys who respect a friend, but it would be inappropriate to say “Bill, I love you”, instead say little jabs and ‘snarky’ remarks. The expression “If you can be anything, but nice” comes up more and more.  Is it wrong to be nice to fellow travelers on this planet? As a woman, I don’t see this snarkiness as much. I’ve actually said “I love you” to more people in the past year - because I do love them, and because I wanted to tell them and let them know they are respected and appreciated.

Can the breakdown of communication, the use of technologies more and more instead of human speech, and the physical separation of people take us away from a democratic principle of free and open communication?

Just my bias!!!

Hugs!!!

Karen

Breaking News (Coronavirus Solution)

Breaking News - Coronavirus to end today (if we follow these directions)

https://singapore.medicalresearch.gov/

Many of you know (especially RP) that I write these blog posts a couple of days in advance and I can post them with a timestamp to make them visible.

But, I was restless this morning (I’m writing at 2:00 a.m.) - and woke up about an hour ago.  I have spent the last hour reading the amazing news out of Singapore.

Now, I know of Singapore as a modern city-state in Southeast Asia that has very strong businesses and is one of the two “hot spots” for commerce in Southeast Asia (the other being Hong Kong - which, of course, has had some bumps in the road recently).

But, I didn’t know of Singapore’s modern and high tech medical research facilities until this morning.  Seemingly (although the articles seem to be very legitimate), these Singapore research facilities have a CURE for COVID-19 (or coronavirus).  Seemingly last Thursday, the SCRI (Singapore Critical Research Institute) had isolated a compound and process to stop the virus and even reverse ALL effects within a couple of hours.  Immediately, the SCRI shared this with the CDC (United States Center for Disease Control), the German AFD (Anzeige

Föderativ Rampe), the British RMI (Royal Medical Institute) and other significant medical research groups throughout the world - including the Chinese, Italian, French, and others.

Quietly and in secret, these major medical research agencies have been testing the Singapore compound and process - and, except for one isolated incident - see later notes) observed 100% complete reversal and recovery.  Some patients who had been hospitalized on respirators and near-death were sitting up and eating normally, (although weak from their situation).

As I understand it, this process, which was leaked to a former colleague of mine in Kazakhstan - who secretly passed it on to me, is fairly direct and simple.  My friend is KuandykNurlanov.  We became friends when I did an accreditation visit at their campus (aside - great program).  His wife is the director of health for the Kazakhstan Republic.  Over the years we have kept in touch.  With the Coronavirus, we have been emailing back and forth with discussions of online courses, program delivery and approaches to social isolation.  With my background in distance education, I've been serving as an advisor for them.

The process is called the AFD (from the German medical research society (Anzeige Föderativ Dignostik Kranken ).  

The process (as I understand it - and realize that I am not quite at liberty to give the full details of the process) involved some special air treatments (common to most societies) and mental processes that numb the cerebral cortex - (which handles the various ‘flight or fight’ responses to the body).

Again, this is somewhat public although limited currently.  After my colleague in Kazakhstan sent me the information, I started digging and did find public documents relating to this in bits and pieces.  As I understand, the President of the United States and other such dignitaries have agreed to a 1000 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to announce this solution jointly.  

Many of you know my son is a TV reporter in Nebraska.  I asked him late last night, and while he didn’t know the details, he knew that all stations were to stream a report from the President and CDC at 5:00 Central Time this morning.

Stay tuned to this blog at 10:00 GMT (or 5:00 a.m. Central Time - United States; or 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time) - or check out the newscast at that time. 

I am excited.  

Karen

(No, even though it is 3:00 as this gets posted, I am NOT at liberty to disclose what I know about this - just wait until 5:00 - it won’t be long!!!)

(But, if you do read all the way to the end of this message, you understand that today is the First Day of April 2020, it is also known in my world as “Academic Apparel Day”, and to the rest of the world, it is “April Fool’s Day”.  The so-called solution is to have patients and/or staff smoke marijuana in the rooms of inflicted people, and then force them to watch an hour of hip-hop or rap music.  The marijuana smoke is toxic to the virus cells.  In a closed room, the patients (and staff) have to inhale the smoke, which gets the smoke into the lungs - killing the virus in the lungs as well as on the skin and in the air. The Hip Hop music combined with the marijuana smoke confuses the brain so much, that the reasoning part of the brain, 'turns off'' under the onslaught.  The pain is ignored.  When they are 'stoned' out of their minds, a Three Stooges video is shown and the body rejects the virus completely)

Doom and Gloom - part II

FEAR!!! ANXIETY!!!  CORONAVIRUS!!!! (Oh No!!!) -  Part II

https://www.success.com/7-tips-for-dealing-with-your-coronavirus-anxiety/

DOOM / GLOOM / FEAR / IT IS THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT!!!

We started looking at this article from Success.Com yesterday.  Let’s finish it off today!!!

The points are:

-1 Lower your stress

-2 Realize that you are NOT helpless

-3 Be logical and not emotional in the fear

-4 Change from negative WHAT IF to a positive WHAT IF

Let’s finish!!

-5 The obvious - don’t follow the panic!!

Many of you know that I don’t have a television.   That can be a problem for many times. I can’t watch football games, I can’t guess the final Jeopardy question, and I can’t incessantly follow the ups and downs of the coronavirus problem!!  

I do have my computer - and I do get WAY-TOO-MANY notes and comments - most of which I don’t read.  

Keep out of the hype of the media and from your friends!!!

(Did you know the Coronavirus was intentionally developed by Chinese to devastate the American commerce and to weaken the United States so badly we become a backward country?  NO - that is false news - turn it off!!!)

-6 Differentiate between possible and probable

It is possible that this virus will kill but 50 people in the entire world in the next six months.  (That might be “possible” but not probable).  

If anything is probable, then whatever I do will have little consequence on the outcome.  If I am such a pessimist to believe some of the stories, then, why am I washing hands and keeping a social distance?  

It is possible that Jesus will come back; it is possible that dinosaurs will roam the earth, it is possible that aliens will attack (think “Independence Day”) - but NOT very probable.

-7 Take advantage of this time!!

Most of us have computers and/or electronic devices (and if you don’t, how are you reading this blog anyway?)

Have you ever said “I wish I could spend more time with my family” or “I wish I had time to read the next great novel by <your favorite author>.”, “I wish I could learn German (or Spanish or physics)”.  DO IT!!!!

I have a friend that hands out wooden ‘coins’ that say “TU IT”.  It is a “round to it” - if you get ‘around to it”, you can learn, you can change, you can spend time in prayer or contemplation.  You can spend time with your family - you can get “around to it” will all those things you have been putting off.!!!

******

So, don’t let DOOM and GLOOM get in your way - “Gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face” and “So spread sunshine all over the place And put on a happy, happy face”

Hugs to all / love you all / love one another / forgive one another / show mercy!!

Karen

Fear, anxiety, doom and gloom!!! (NO NO NO!!!)

FEAR!!! ANXIETY!!!  CORONAVIRUS!!!! (Oh No!!!)

https://www.success.com/7-tips-for-dealing-with-your-coronavirus-anxiety/

DOOM / GLOOM / FEAR / IT IS THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT!!!

Okay, turn off the TV.  You have enough doom and gloom.  Today, from Success.com we have seven tips for dealing with your coronavirus anxiety!!!  Let’s get our heads on straight (including mine)

Point #1 Be proactive on lowering your stress level

The suggestion is to LOWER your stress:

“Then, whenever you notice your stress level rise, do something healthy and helpful to reduce that stress. Jump on your bed, go for a walk, put on a favorite tune and dance around, watch a funny video to make you laugh—whatever makes you feel lighter.”

I become a conductor. I put Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite on and conduct the finale. Note there is one note where the tuba comes in before the rest - I make sure the tuba player (on YouTube) is cued appropriately!!  Or I become the tympani player on the finale to Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony!! (Someday I’m going to pound the tympani head so hard I’m going to break through!!) Or lately, the Saint Saens third symphony finale - (the “organ” symphony) - where I have the organ at full stops (volume).  

And, I do go outside for a walk.  

(And, something that I do that I shouldn’t do - is eating.  Peanut butter is my choice!!)

*****

Point #2 Remember you are NOT helpless

The article reminds us of the day that the serviceman has an appointment at your house between 8:00 and noon, and it is now 2:00 p.m. and the person hasn’t shown up yet.  Maybe that is the time to mow the grass, or mop the floor or take the entrance mats outside to really get them clean.  

With the virus, set a timer (on your phone or in the kitchen for an hour) and after than hour vigorously wash your hand (even if you haven’t really touched anything in the past hour).  Yell, “TAKE THAT YOU UGLY VIRUS” as you firmly and enthusiastically pummel your hands in the hand washing!!!  

You are bigger than this lowly virus - you ARE NOT helpless!!!  Take on the world!!! Play a computer game where you can beat the clock.  I’ve been doing the USA Today Crossword Puzzles or playing Kenken. I am a WINNER - not a whiner!!!~

*****

Point #3 Act from a place of logic rather than a place of emotion

Worry / doom and gloom / can devastate us.  “What if we run out of toilet paper?” “What if this goes on for months?” “What if I can’t find a job?” “What if my parents get sick and die?”

WHAT IF statements put doubt, doom, and gloom in our mind.  Stay away from doom and gloom people.  

Aside, I went walking with two friends yesterday and I had brought some lunch.  There was a gentleman in the picnic pavilion who we said “hi” to, and he came over by our table with such doom and gloom stories that put my friends and me in a negative mood.  We DON’T know what will happen with this virus!! I’ve heard things such as when it gets warm, it will kill off this virus. I’ve heard that researchers are working on cures and vaccinations.  The reality is that we don’t know!! I’m going to use logic and not let my emotions get caught up in a “WHAT IF” scenario”.  

Point #4 -  Change your WHAT IFs statements into positive statements

What positives can come from this?  We might learn to be socially stronger, our families might become close again, we might learn our resilience and learn our real strength.  

One positive already in my life - I’ve walked about 42 miles (averaging six miles) of walking in the last week.  I’ve learned not to believe all that you hear!!!  

And, guess what, I can’t change the virus, I can’t change the world, I can only change me - to be even more positive and upbeat!!!  LOVE ONE ANOTHER!!!!

*****

As FDR (Franklin Roosevelt) said: “The only thing to fear is fear itself”.  Don’t fear the WHAT MIGHT happen scenarios. Who knows what tomorrow might bring?

*****

This article had seven points, so more from this article tomorrow!!

Hugs to all / love you all / love one another / forgive one another / show mercy!!

Karen

Optimism in a time of crisis - part II

Optimism is a time of Crisis - Part II

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-reasons-to-add-optimism-to-your-life_n_5ceffc90e4b0888f89d295fa

Our attitude controls our altitude.  Being positive and optimistic overcomes being negative and pessimistic!!!

Let’s look at the rest of this article:

-6 Optimism is good for your heart

The article says:

“Having a positive outlook seemed to be linked to less inflammation and healthier habits, meaning the optimistic patients were more likely to exercise and not smoke, among other factors that could contribute to heart disease.”

-7 Optimism will help you age better 

If all we have is grumbling and angst, we are building a negative wall in our body!!!  Various studies have shown optimistic people do live longer.

-8 Optimism can help you in your job search

The article also adds this:

“As it turns out, the secret to succeeding in your career might just be believing you can. One study showed that while optimists don’t necessarily earn more money than their less optimistic peers, their post-graduate job hunts were less intense, and they were more likely to have been promoted two years after graduation.”

Optimism is really a belief system - I can do it, I can do it, I can get this job, I can get promoted, I can beat cancer, I can be happy!!!

-9 Optimism can help you form healthier habits

Again, studies have shown that optimistic people exercise more, eat better, stick to good habits easier than pessimistic folks.

-10 AND!!  Optimism is contagious!!!

You can catch it!!  (And, catching optimism is a lot better than catching the coronavirus!!!)

From the article:

“Mary Lou Retton once said, “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” Research has found that people with happy friends are more likely to be happy themselves — an effect dubbed “emotional contagion,” the idea that individual mood and outlook can influence a group. The saying goes that a rising tide lifts all boats, and science would seem to back that up. “

A song from the1940’s:

“You've got to accentuate the positive

Eliminate the negative

And latch on to the affirmative

Don't mess with Mister In-Between

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum

Bring gloom down to the minimum

Have faith or pandemonium's

Liable to walk upon the scene”

Don’t give up, keep positive, avoid the doom and gloom that the media is spreading!!   (Can I gloat a bit - at times like this COVID-19/coronavirus, that it is SO good NOT to have television.  I’m pretty sure there are a lot of negative reports.  

Let’s throw in a scripture verse (good for all people):

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I’m putting positive thoughts in my brain!!!  How about you?

We (the United States, and the World) can beat this virus and come out stronger on the other side.  

Hugs!!

Karen

Optimism in a time of crisis

Optimism is a time of Crisis

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/10-reasons-to-add-optimism-to-your-life_n_5ceffc90e4b0888f89d295fa

Okay, I understand, we are in an awkward and difficult situation.  The world is sick (with COVID-19 or coronavirus), we’re stuck in quarantine mode, the economy is tanking, and we are pretty much helpful (or so it seems).

So, I thought I would do a couple of days of hope, optimism, coping, attitude adjustment and related topics.

So, today, Optimism!!

*****

How can you be optimistic when your world is falling apart.

I found the linked article and we’ll look at it - 10 reasons to add optimism to your life!!!

-1 Optimism can help you change your life!!

If you are in a rut, you can’t go out, you aren’t working, your retirement account is way down, our minds can join that downward spiral.  Think of good things - think of things you can do to help others - even now!!!  Yesterday I sent encouragement notes to my bridge group and to several of my friends.  I’ve posted funny stuff on Facebook - to put smiles on people’s faces (and my own too!!!) 

The article ends this point with this statement: “If you can believe it, you can achieve it.”.  You person who sees a CAN change your life - you can be the encourager, the optimist, the person who sees a bright tomorrow!!!  Get a vision of health or a prospering economy, of abundance.  Don’t despair, this too shall pass!!!

-2 Optimism can strengthen immunity and defend against stress.

The article says it quite well.  

“Having a positive attitude can help you keep from getting sick, especially when dealing with stress. In one study, researchers found that optimistic people generated more antibodies and were better able to reduce inflammation. In another landmark study, researchers followed a group of law students over time and found that those who were more optimistic had a stronger immune response than those who were more pessimistic. When the same students were feeling less optimistic, their immune response was weaker, showing that our outlooks might influence our body’s ability to respond to illness.”  

Yes, your attitude (and my attitude) can help you from getting sick!!!  

-3 Optimism is good for your relationships.

Various studies point to having an optimist (this is going to get better) in a marriage/relationship really does keep the couple together.  

In this time of a pandemic virus, it is easy to be thinking “doom and gloom”.  Again, this too shall pass.  

In the past, I have described myself as a Pollyanna and as a “disgusting morning person” (that is, one spread too much love and joy for the average person).  That is just optimism oozing out of me!!!

-4 Optimism can help you be an better innovator

If you are trying to make something new (even a better meal), if you mess up, the pessimist says “I never do anything good”, while the optimist says “Well, I learned what not to do on the next try.”  

As an inventor, Edison made 1000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. Once a reporter asked. "How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?" 

Edison replied..."I didn't fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps."

-5 Optimism can make you a better leader!!

Although it isn’t quite the same, I like motivational quotes:  “An army of rabbits led by a lion will defeat an army of lions led by a rabbit.”  Optimistic leaders say “We can do this!!!  

**********

My friends keep going!!!  Let’s sing the old civil rights ballad:  We shall overcome:

We shall overcome We shall overcome We shall overcome some day Deep in my heart, I do believe That we shall overcome some day

As I wrote before:  “This too shall pass”

More tomorrow on optimism!!

Hugs!!

Karen