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Monarchs and Memories

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Monarchs and Memories

Monarch Butterfly

Monarchs and Memories

D. S. Mitchell

 

A Public Warning

Across his two terms, President Trump is responsible for removing protections from more than 100 million acres of public lands.  He has abolished safeguards on more than 86 million acres less than two years into his second term. Trump has slashed conservation agencies’ funding while purging land management jobs. Trump is putting beloved public lands and waterways across the country—and America’s conservation legacy—at risk of being permanently altered or destroyed. Do we really want oil rigs springing up around Yellowstone and Yosemite? I don’t think so, and if you agree, it is imperative we get this guy hog tied with congressional oversight. Please vote blue in the mid-terms.

Sharing Something Beautiful

With all that said, you might think today I would stoke up the fires on that story, but instead I’m going to discuss a lovely short essay, by Jennifer S. Kushnier. I originally saw it printed in one of those little books you see at Hallmark card stores. You know, the kind. They are usually really small and are filled with cool art, quotes, short stories or essays. Anyway, this little essay by Ms. Kushnier  reminded me of my childhood. When I was a kid, even in city neighborhoods there were plenty of vacant lots, some were quite big, really open undeveloped fields where beautiful things happened. Thank you Jennifer, your piece was lovely and brought back beautiful memories.

Butterflies by Jennifer S. Kushnier

Jennifer began her essay with the lines, “All kinds of wildflowers prospered there, from ivory Queen Anne’s lace and purple Clover, to yellow Buttercups and Black-eyed Susan’s, to burnt orange Indian Paintbrushes and those light-blue flowers that seem to be so rare these days. To this field came dozens of butterflies.”

Island Life

That little essay takes me to another time, a distant point in my childhood. When I too was very young. At that time my father managed a dairy farm on a picturesque island. Sauvie’s Island is an amazing piece of land caught between the Willamette River and the Columbia River in NW Oregon, about 20 miles west of Portland, Oregon. Most of the island is a designated wildlife refuge with a few farms, even today, in this busy industrialized time.

Protect What We Love

I can remember when the birds would take to the air, a sunny day went black. Today, on this protected island the sky will never again be so full of birds that the sky is black with their bounty. How long before the Monarch’s will be gone forever, and the Wood Duck a mere memory? I think it is imperative that we challenge the Trump Administration at every turn as they push their backward thinking fossil fuel agenda. It is dangerous for the environment. A threat to wildlife, a risk to our water supply. The gutting of the EPA could potentially poison everything we know and love. If you love the sight of a Monarch butterfly in flight, if you love the sound of a woodpecker, if you love the beauty of a Wood Duck floating on a pond, if you love the sight of an Eagle on the wing, you are not alone. Please, stand up, speak out, and stop the threat to all the wild places by the fossil fuel pushing madman.

***Thank you Jennifer S. Kushnier. I have tried to find you but I have not seen anything else you have written, but your little piece was just perfect.

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Meet Dr. Abdul El-Sayed

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Meet Dr. Abdul El-Sayed 

Meet Dr. Abdul El-Sayed 

By William Jones

 

From Public Health Official to Candidate  Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has carved out a career that has moved in and out of medicine, public health, and politics. Now at 41, the handsome and articulate Michigan doctor and former public health practitioner is center stage in a pivotal moment in U. S. politics. El-Sayed has defeated a popular moderate Democratic challenger in the primary, and will face former U.S. Representative, Mike Rogers, a Republican, in the November. general election. El-Sayed’s progressive message is being tested in one of the nation’s most closely watched swing states. Personally he is already facing bigoted slurs from the political right. Islamophobia, is alive and well, in the good ‘ol US of A. The vehement attacks by the GOP, have some Democrats worried that El-Sayed may cost them their dream of taking back both the House and the Senate in November.

Michigan Roots and a Public-Service Path  Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed was born October 31, 1984, in Rochester Hills, a suburb of Detroit, MI.  His parents were Egyptian immigrants. His mother, Fatten Elkomy, a nurse practitioner, his father, Mohamed, was a PhD candidate at Wayne State University. After his parents divorce, Abdul was raised by his father and his stepmother, Jackie, both engineers.  El-Sayed grew up going to public schools where he was socially active and played sports. According to his campaign bio his family was deeply connected to public service. After high school, Abdul, went on to study at the University of Michigan, graduating with high honors in biology and political science.

Family Life  Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is married to Dr. Sarah Jukaku, a psychiatrist. They met at the University of Michigan and married in 2006 and have shared the last 20 years together. The couple have two beautiful and talented daughters. He jokingly refers to himself as “girl dad.”

Impressive Credentials  After graduation from the University of Michigan he was accepted to Columbia University’s Medical School. In his second year at Columbia he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and attended Oxford where he received a Doctorate in Public Health. When his time at Oxford was finished he returned to Columbia and completed his medical training. As time passed, he grew more interested in how communities are affected by sickness and disease, rather than the individual response. This change in perspective led him into epidemiology, public health policy, and government.

Building a Career in Public Health    El-Sayed garnered nation wide recognition when he was named Executive Director of the Detroit Health Department at the youthful age of 30. His activities focused on improving health initiatives, the environment’s threat to health, and the intervention of health programs for children and families. While Executive Director of the Detroit Health Department he learned that the health of the community is much more than doctors and hospitals. He soon came to understand how conditions in the home, family income, clean water and air, are all factors that affect the overall health of the community. Dr. El-Sayed left the Detroit Health Department in February of 2017. During his tenure he was designated ‘Public Official of the Year’ by the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and ‘Policy Innovator’ by the Carnegie Council.

Keeping Busy    After leaving the Detroit Health Department Dr. El-Sayed launched an unsuccessful campaign for Governor of Michigan in 2018, finishing second in the Democratic primary, losing to powerhouse and future governor, Gretchen Whitmer. After his primary loss he refocused; writing several books on public health,  hosting the podcast America Dissected, and serving as the director of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human, and Veteran Services from 2023 until 2025. The themes from his first campaign remained largely unchanged as he persisted in his call for a bigger government role in health care and economic security for all.

A Senate Campaign Built From the Ground Up  Dr. El-Sayed had decided to run for the U.S. Senate in April 2025 when Democratic Sen. Gary Peters announced that he would not seek re-election and then immediately threw his support behind centrist Democrat, Haley Stevens, the U.S. Rep. from Michigan’s 11th District.  Dr. El-Sayed’s campaign had started out small but with Peter’s decision not to run for re-election, Dr. El-Sayed began an  aggressive campaign against the “establishment” and went on an all out statewide push for the nomination. El-Sayed visited 110 cities, held over 500 events, and developed a volunteer network of more than 12,000. He campaigned on a progressive platform of Medicare for All, economic affordability, campaign-finance reform; and notably, loud and clear opposition to the seemingly unlimited U.S. military aid to Israel. Dr. El-Sayed is identified with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is identified as a moderate. Reuters described the battle as one for the party’s “ideological direction.”

The General Election Test   Winning the primary gave El-Sayed an opportunity, but it also means that he now faces a far greater challenge. There’s still plenty of political room left in Michigan, and Republican Mike Rogers has solid national support, and a huge bank balance as he readies for the general election. Now El-Sayed must win over voters who are unlikely to be in the progressive camp who might not see their everyday concerns addressed by his ideas. Cost of health care, wages, housing, and government trust are likely to continue to be key topics with voters. He will also continue to be a figure of interest in Israeli politics here in the United States as the Muslim voice against the genocide in Gaza.

Building Bridges  El-Sayed immediately after his victory went to work to show party unity; assuring the public that after the  contentious primary campaign the Democrats were united against Trump and his billionaire allies; understanding that all of the voters who had supported Stevens now had to be shown his was a winning candidacy. The AP reported that El-Sayed spoke by phone with former President Barack Obama and hoped he would campaign with him. The defeated Stevens embraced El-Sayed in her concession speech and encouraged all Democrats, Independents, and disillusioned Republicans to support him. The action was a clear sign that the Democrats want to show a united front to the Republicans and their massive financial war chest. As for the Republicans they are already declaring the good doctor to be everything from a “communist” to a “9-11 advocate.”

A Career Reaching Its Biggest Test   As you can see it’s been no straight trajectory to the top of the political ranks for Dr. El-Sayed. His backers find a man who understands that policy decisions impact the lives of ordinary families and who won’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Some prognosticators think his progressive views in a multi-racial battleground state may not be what is needed. The next stage of the campaign will be influenced by these opposing perspectives. November will reveal the direction this country is headed. The Senate race is wide open. It is likely to be a barometer for what we can expect in 2028.

References: The internet

Photo from Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Facebook website

Let’s Talk Alexa

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Let’s Talk Alexa

"A metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection." Wikipedia

Let’s Talk Alexa

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Well, I went online to make a reservation for our 35th wedding anniversary vacay this month, and got to chat with a bot. I did not enjoy my conversation with this robot in the least – it was impersonal and annoying. This non-human could not answer a single question that I asked. Don’t get me wrong, I know people can be annoying to deal with, too.

Some “robotics” are fine by me – who doesn’t like Rosie on “The Jetsons”? I do love my girl Alexa, but she is family. She wakes us up in the morning with music, sets our cooking timers, tells corny jokes, and even can give us the time of day in Tibet. I must admit the AI cat videos on social media are adorable, and the AI assistant Margot at my dentist’s office is far more pleasant to deal with than the human assistant Diane.

I truthfully don’t care for other forms of artificial intelligence. Unless it’s eyelashes or fingernails, I do not like artificial anything. I certainly don’t want a robot diagnosing anything to do with my health, or giving me financial advice. I have never liked knock off accessories, they are unfair to the designer, not to mention illegal. Artificial people that are insincere, selfish, back stabbers, and two-faced, make my blood run cold. Artificial ingredients in my food, like fake colors or flavors – I don’t eat those, either.

I like genuine, God created, natural things. As much as I do like to use technology, I long for a time when telephones, TV’s, and appliances were not smart, but people were. Authentic and the real deal, now that has style…

But Alexa, on the other hand – we’ve ordered so much from the online store that has “everything”, our local driver calls in a wellness check if he doesn’t have a stop at our house every day.  That guy’s become like family, and so is Alexa.

She can do many things: tell the circumference of the equator, find a recipe for lemon poppy seed muffins or homemade stain remover.  Taking after the cats, she listens to my husband more than me.  But alas, Alexa, doesn’t do windows, sort the laundry, walk the dog, clean the kitchen, give pedicures, or prepare lunch; she’s not pulling her weight around here.  But she has a pleasant voice and of course, Alexa has style…

 

First they Came for…

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First They Came for…

First They Came for…

 

By D. S. Mitchell

One of the most poignant and powerful pieces of prose ever written about silence, apathy and the end result of such inaction in the face of injustice was written by Luthern pastor, Martin Niemoller.  The piece was created from a collection of speeches written by Niemöller (1892–1984). In the 1920s and early 1930s, Niemoller supported many Nazi ideas and the right-wing political movement. But after Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, Niemöller became an outspoken critic of Hitler’s interference in the Protestant Church. Niemoller spent the last eight years of Nazi rule, from 1937 to 1945, in a Nazi concentration camp.

The central message is that silence in the face of injustice makes us complicit. The words remind us of the importance of collective responsibility, emphasizing that an attack on any group’s rights is a threat to us all. The quotation expresses Niemöller’s belief that most Germans had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people. He felt this was especially true of the leaders of the Protestant churches.
First They Came
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
Silence is easy. Speaking out is tough. Do the right thing. Stand up for your neighbors and your community. People are being shot on the streets of America, by ICE.  The only thing that will stop Trump and Stephen Miller’s right wing agenda is us.

Invisible

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Invisible

Invisible

By John Curran

 

Invisible? They used to make fun of me a lot, mis amigos. Since yesterday they don’t make fun of me at all. Yeah, they used to call me ‘no mucho macho, amigo’ ‘cause whenever something heavy was happening ‘n maybe it was happening around us, I would go into my survival mode. I would just close my eyes, be real still, and as quietly as I could I would slide myself over and out the nearest damn exit. No matter what they want to call me it has worked so far and it worked yesterday ‘n got me through the heaviest go down I’ve seen yet, in all my days, which continue on, no thanks to this place where I hope to just survive long enough to get the hell ‘outa here.

See, we was just going to work, ‘Bossman’ Jake had just picked us up. ‘Bossman’ Jake  who’s real name is Jose would always say that Jake is just what it takes to get him thru until one day he can be Jose again; back in that little fishing village where he was born down in Veracruz. To one day pack up this so called American dream, leave it for the next sucker, and take his wife ‘n 3 kids back on down to that little grass shack where he was born and where once he says, he was truly happy. So, Jake picks us all up, the four of us and we’re heading to the first job site. We got three of them today ‘n it looks like it’s gonna be hot. And if you know Houston, a hot day here you don’t take light, it’s brutal here, worse than Mexico ever was.

Money, that’s the only damn reason I’m here. Like I say to Jake, I hope to be right behind ya’, one day soon. Well… that day won’t never come for Jake ‘cause of right before we got to the first jobsite we come on some kind of roadblock manned by these pretty heavily gunned-up soldier type guys. Someone says, “it’s fucking ICE”.

As we come to a stop, Jake rolls down his window and the closest goon yells something, then one of the others behind him yells something else; and so that’s when Jake starts his car, slowly going forward until another one ‘a these guys yells something else  and so Jake turns to the left and that’s when they shot him.

The car continues to roll, finally coming to a stop at the side of the road.  That’s when I closed  my eyes and became very still and in all the ensuing screaming yelling and general commotion it was not hard for me; especially as I was seated  in the back by the door, facing away from all that,  I just slipped right on outa’ there sight unseen the way I have always done. So… call me anything you want but I am still here, unlike Jake who was a good man, a hardworking father and husband. A good man.

Maria is shattered, I ain’t gotta be told. She loved him more than the rest of us did, and that was a whole lot, right there.

25 Years Of My Elle Woods Obsession

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25 Years Of My Elle Woods Obsession…

25 Years Of My Elle Wood Obsession…

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Woods, Elle…

Twenty-five years ago, July 13th (yes, it was a Friday, the 13th, but lucky for us) the world was introduced to Elle Woods, a seemingly unlikely feminist played by serious dramatic actress Reese Witherspoon. She has said, she had qualms about the part, but was encouraged to take it by none other than feminista extraordinaire Gloria Steinem – this breakout movie role catapulted her to film fame. “Legally Blonde” is a romantic comedy with a very strong message of women’s empowerment, and a cult classic all over the world.

Pink Focused

It positively affected my life; some might say I am “Legally Blonde” obsessed – I consider it blonde ambition. I own props and jewelry from the film, and our Mini Cooper has an Elle Woods personality plate. My adorable Chihuahua, who crossed Rainbow Bridge some years ago, has been succeeded by my precious pug. I dyed my hair platinum blonde, and I am seriously looking into law school; I was also vice president of my Delta Nu sorority chapter. My husband calls me a plus-size senior real-life Elle Woods.

Giving Girly-Girl with Grit and Gumption

Why does Legally Blonde have such a huge impact on the general public, not just fans of the film? Because it’s about feminism, self determination, and supporting others while taking care of yourself. Like Ms. Woods, I am a staunch feminist girly-girl that believes in social justice. In our world today, more than ever, we must stand firm as women with a clear sisterhood.

A Film Phenomenon

I encourage everyone to see the original classic, check out “Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde”, “Legally Blondes”, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, and Amazon Prime Video’s new prequel series “Elle”, executive produced by Reese herself. The film’s profound societal impact is all about the strength of us ladies – it’s all about Elle. Let’s give ‘em Elle, using the intelligence God gave us while looking good and doing good. Here are 25 iconic moments from “Legally Blonde”:

  1. “What, like it’s hard?”
  2. After getting into Harvard Law, Elle arrives with her caravan of decor, clothes, and cosmetics. She carries her precious pooch Bruiser, telling him not to be afraid, a boost of confidence she herself needs but her determination wins out.
  3. Her playboy bunny outfit at the party she was tricked into believing was a costume party. After leaving the event she finds herself in line to purchase a new computer because once again she is more than determined to kick some Harvard booty.
  4. Having followed to Harvard the ex-boyfriend Warner who broke up with her because he felt she was not serious enough in hopes of winning him back, at the aforementioned party, she comes to a realization, saying to him, “I’ll never be good enough for you, will I?” That moment is when she decides that, of course, she is more than good enough, she is awesome. We all need to live our lives as Elle after she realizes Warner is not worth her trouble.
  5. Pink is my favorite color, just like Elle who wears it well.
  6. The moment Elle and Vivian bond together over the years Bruiser (?)
  7. The relationship between Paulette and Elle.
  8. Getting Paulette’s dog back from her ex
  9. The infamous “Bend and Snap”.
  10. Elle finding out that she got one of the coveted internships with her Harvard professor.
  11. The famous slap when Elle helps her friend get dates.
  12. Slap number 2 when Callahan when her law professor makes a pass and finds out what Ms. Woods is made of.
  13. When she discovers her true love, Emmett.
  14. Brooke Windham’s alibi is safe with her sorority sister because a pinky swear between friends is sacred.
  15. A wolf whistle gets an “I object” from Elle.
  16. Harvard female Professor Stromwell sees Elle for the fabulous woman she is, encouraging her to stay at Harvard and finish her degree.
  17. Elle defends Brooke Windham and the truth about the murder comes out.
  18. Emmett encourages Elle in court, and her fellow students show her respect and support.
  19. Elle and Emmett get engaged.
  20. Paulette bends and snaps, breaking the UPS driver’s nose.
  21. Paulette marries the UPS guy and is pregnant by film’s end.
  22. Emmit and Professor Callahan are impressed by Elle’s pretty scented resume.
  23. Elle teams up with Emmett to get an alibi for Delta Nu sister and workout star Brooke Windham, falsely accused of murder.
  24. Elle tries to join Warner and Vivian’s study group, bringing sustenance muffins with her. Her hurt at being rejected does not stop her from being kind.
  25. Elle, “a woman, a blonde woman”, is Harvard Law valedictorian…

 

What Would Elle Do?

Wear pink, watch “Legally Blonde”, bend and snap, get your nails done, use toilet paper that doesn’t chafe, put on your big girl faux fur panties, don’t buy last year’s dress at this year’s prices, read your horoscope, and be empowered, be an Elle…

Volunteerism; The Art of Giving Back

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Volunteerism; The Art of Giving Back

Volunteerism; The Art of Giving Back

Editor: “Volunteering is an optional and freely chosen act of an individual or group giving their time and labor, for community service.” Wikipedia

D.S. Mitchell

Down Home
I smiled as I pulled a copy of the Daily Courier, our hometown newspaper, from its delivery tube at the curbside. On the front page was a great picture of four volunteers and a terrific article titled, “Volunteers clear 7 mile Taylor Creek Trail West of Grants Pass.” According to the report more than 30 volunteers mobilized by SOTA (Southern Oregon Trail Alliance), Motorcycle Riders Association, the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association and the Siskiyou Mountain Club, worked from January to May” of  2026, to clear the entirety of the 7 mile trail. The trail is a key link to more than 40 miles of single track trails that make up the Briggs Valley Trail network.
Chainsaw  in Hand
After the Klondike and Taylor Creek wildfires in 2018 devastated the much beloved Briggs Valley Trail system many area folks wrote off  the area, but volunteers said, a loud ‘Hell, NO!’ For the Trail restoration project funding was obtained largely from Travel Oregon, a group that promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in the state. A total of 560 volunteer hours were enlisted for the project. The volunteers converged over four work days with crews ranging from 14 to 25 people each day chain-sawing through downed trees, cutting back vegetation with hedge trimmers and loppers, reshaping trails with shovels, and raking rocks and debris off the path. The volunteers restored this beautiful area to a “better than before” condition, despite difficult weather and dense regrowth. This is the power of volunteerism in dramatic action.
The Foundation
Volunteerism is the foundation of civic involvement a driving force in social action. You can become part of something bigger than yourself by volunteering your time, energy, and  knowledge to help your friends, neighbors and community.  I know many people are working two jobs to keep gas in the rig, but so are a lot of other people. “Give and ye shall receive,” was a mantra at my childhood home. My dad helped neighbors with handy man assistance when he wasn’t working, his real job. My mom owned a popular diner on N.W. St. Helens Rd, in Portland, OR. So, as you can imagine, she was busy. She played fry cook 4 days a week and manager/bookkeeper/entrepreneur the other three days of the week. But, mom; just like my dad freely gave their time, energy, and skills to improve the condition of their neighbors, community, and the city at large. Understanding the scope and impact of giving back involves examining several key aspects of volunteerism.
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Types of Volunteerism:
  • The Informal Volunteer: Unorganized random acts of kindness that help friends and neighbors to improve the local environment. Can be as simple as cleaning up a neighbors driveway, mowing a lawn, or cutting back some brush. Better yet, organize a neighborhood cleanup and get everybody to join in the effort. For the disabled Vietnam vet living down the street, get a crew together and go down (with permission, of course) and fix what needs fixing, or find someone that can fix it. Informal volunteering has a lot of networking that goes with it. You find out fast who to call for most any task. 
  • The Formal Volunteer: Individual people performing tasks through established nonprofits, schools, or government agencies such as mentoring students or hospital reception. I volunteered one school year as school nurse for my local elementary school when I was pregnant with my son.
  • The Corporate Volunteer: Staff are supported by the employer, usually by providing VTO (paid time off) or organizing public service group days.
  • The Skill-Based Volunteer: A professional, such as an attorney; providing legal support for non-profits, pro bono for those in financial distress, and related services.

Experts Describe Three Tangible Reasons People Volunteer:
  • Local Impact: Volunteers enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor close up-solving community needs, ending food insecurity, housing the homeless, making strides in environmental conservation. Instant gratification or at least the possibility of it.
  • Personal Growth: Volunteers learn new skills, develop networking strategies, great experience for any resume.
  • Health Benefits: According to research “volunteering can reduce stress, foster social connections, and promote overall mental and physical well-being.”

Be a Bernie or an AOC 

Now that I ‘ve pointed out the huge impact volunteerism can have on a neighborhood, on a country, and the individual volunteers themselves; I’m issuing a call for volunteers. This democracy needs the energetic, the smart, and those committed to small d democracy and the progressivism of Bernie Sanders, AOC, Elizabeth Warren, and Zohran Mamdani if we are going to save ourselves from the oligarchs. There was a time when the government taxed these high income earners. There was a time when immigrants were welcome It wasn’t that long ago when labor unions delivered good wages and health and dental insurance coverage to their members. But, those were different times.

Robert’s Supreme Court and Donald Trump

Today we have a Supreme Court that is purely partisan. No doubt about it. The Roberts court is no longer a court, but an unelected legislative body, making up laws on some imagined redrawing of American justice. We need to bring a halt to this untethered Supreme court that has given Donald Trump unparalleled power. power that he is abusing every single day. The Trump administration and this supreme court are trying to end our democracy and set up a dictatorship and We need ethics reform, term limits, expansion of the court and prosecution of those justices found to be taking bribes and favors.

  • The Political Volunteer (activist): Figure out what you stand for and volunteer for the candidate that best reflects your needs. Knock on doors,  help the local Democratic party with donated money, manual labor, the gamut-‘a where you are most needed situation’. Volunteer to help at the local election office. Hell, if you think you can bring change; run for office.

Be A Political Activist

It is important for a tsunami of progressive reps and senators to be elected in the 2026 midterms. We need to flip the House and the Senate if we are going to bring this court to heel and Trump removed or squashed until removed. We need Democrats to defend and expand  social security, Medicaid, Medicare, voting rights, vote by mail, income equality, fair housing, child care, maternity leave, and a host of issues that make life livable.

 

 

 

 

Independence Day Prayers

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Independence Day Prayers

25 things to love about America

Independence Day Prayers

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

I recall as a very young teen wearing a red white and blue satin scarf top while having a picture taken with Senator John Heinz when America turned 200. We had to use an actual camera with a flash bulb back then.

This year I added special decor to my patriotic decorations, planning on watching fireworks, and standing for our National Anthem at the water park. A concert might be nice, too. As much as I love celebrating our nation, I am very disturbed by the fact Donald Trump is in the Oval Office – that puts a damper on the festivities. During the bicentennial we had a real president, James Earl Carter Jr.

Is it wrong to want to celebrate presidential impeachment or 25th Amendment invocation for our nation’s birthday party? Nope, it is not, because I love my country and our military. I want the felon imbecile out of office before we can’t celebrate 251 years of freedom. We must, however, endure, try to make the most of the 250 years, and continue to pray our freedoms are not taken away along with our Social Security.

Will ICE agents ruin events this Independence Day? Will “The Donald” embarrass our country even more than he already has? Will there be a social media rant on the Fourth of July from Trump wrongly blaming Presidents Obama and Biden for everything that has gone wrong for the orange monster? Can we expect a surprise military dictator parade?

Let’s try our best to enjoy ourselves on this patriotic holiday. Here are a few things we can do to have some fun for our nation’s birthday. There should not be any Trump MAGA rally when we need to be celebrating our 250 year old democracy. As Pride Month comes to a close, we stand with the LGBTQ community. As we continue to celebrate the birth of our nation this month, let’s not let the Republicans ruin our holiday. Here are 17 cute ideas to remember 1776:

  1. Make a flag cake using blueberries and cherries or strawberries with vanilla frosting
  2. Wear patriotic attire, my favorite is my Made in America Tee.
  3. Listen to Lee Greenwood sing “God Bless the USA” and try not to cry. I respect Mr. Greenwood’s refusal to sing at the 2024 Republican convention.
  4. Grill some corn on the cob and unprocessed hot dogs
  5. Leave fireworks to the professionals like the fabulous Zambelli Fireworks. Home fireworks are unsafe and responsible for numerous Independence Day injuries and fires.
  6. Watch a patriotic film or read a patriotic book. I suggest the American Revolution documentary by Ken Burns.
  7. Play baseball, or if you are fortunate to have a MLB team go out and cheer on the hometown boys.
  8. Attend a patriotic concert or play.
  9. Enjoy a parade.
  10. Envision a beautiful blue wave while at the pool or beach
  11. Plan a picnic in the park.
  12. Take a drive in the country
  13. Check your local museums, libraries, and municipalities for special events to commemorate our nation’s 250 year history.
  14. Check your cable or streaming service for shows celebrating the birth of our nation. For example, The Disney Channel will have 24 hours of special programming on July 4th.
  15. Find fifty year old photos or souvenirs from our bicentennial to display and look over, sweet memories.
  16. The Washington DC History and Culture organization had a special two night virtual program featuring the music from 1976. Play those old tunes on a turntable and dance like everyone is watching.
  17. Eat warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream and pray for our country.

That blue wave is coming soon…but only if you vote.