Monarchs and Memories

By Darlene Mitchell August 14, 2026 August 14, 2026 #Honeybees, Animal Rights, Arts & Entertainment, Birds & Water Fowl, bumblebees, butterflies, Climate Crisis, D. S. Mitchell, Donald J. Trump, Fossil Fuel, Positive Vibes, Wildlife

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

By Darlene Mitchell August 13, 2026 August 13, 2026 2026 Election, Disease, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Facebook, Health Care, Human Rights, Israel, Medical, Public Health, Race/Ethnicity, Social Issues

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

Editorial: Foot Stomping Mad

By Darlene Mitchell August 10, 2026 August 15, 2026 2026 Election, Abortion, anti-MAGA, Asian Issues, Bill of Rights, Black and Brown Issues, Climate Crisis, Demonstrations and Protests, Donald J. Trump, Elon Musk, Ethics, Freedom of the Press, Human Rights, ICE, Immigration, Journalism, Neo-Nazis, Progressivism, Race/Ethnicity, Second Amendment, Social Issues, Trumpism, U.S. Supreme Court, Voter Suppression, White Supremacy Movement, Women's Rights

Editorial:

Stomping My Feet and Screaming Profanities

Editorial:

Stomping My Feet, and Screaming Profanities

By D. S. Mitchell

What the Hell?

What the hell is going on in this country? From the moment I open my eyes in the morning till I close them at night, I am besieged by anger and hate; from every direction. It comes via my cell phone, Facebook and Tik-Tok, texts and emails, the cable TV pundits, from family, neighbors, and co-workers. It never stops. Truthfully, it has me all amped up, like most of the country, I guess; consumed with outrage at one group or another. All the vitriol has me in a bat swinging mood, and it’s an ‘effen big bat.

Makes no Sense

The mindless call for civil war is however, unsettling. Anyone with a high school education understands that war, civil or otherwise, destroys economies and communities. The American civil war killed 620,000 men, some believe the death toll might have been as high as 850,000 and lasted four devastating years, before slavery was formally abolished in the United States. My God, is that something anybody in their right mind wants. I know; I don’t. Countries currently experiencing active civil wars or major internal armed conflicts include Myanmar, Yemen, Sudan, Syria and Somalia. Each of these conflicts have different origins, but the commonality is they are fighting for political control. People die, all because the political forces in the country were so desperate for total power they chose to pick up guns and in some cases support one man rule, no matter how flawed the man.

Orange Blimp

A couple of nights ago, August 7, 2026, MS-NOW was showing clips from a recent Trump interview. ‘The Boss’ was in typical form, ranting and haranguing, taking full control of the interview. The language was reminiscent of the 1930’s and Nazi Germany, using recycled slurs but instead of Jews and Gypsies, Trump’s modern day “undesirables” are Blacks, Muslims, and Latinos. Tomorrow it could be you. In Trump’s mind, “undesirables” is anyone, anywhere, at any time, who opposes him. Ask Comey, Jack Smith, and others who “dear leader” has designated for prosecution. Watch out, any of us could be next.

Trump’s Promises Can’t Be Ignored

Trump’s promise to institutionalize judges and prosecutors, imprison migrants, execute generals, eliminate the civil service, and suspend the Constitution; should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. ‘Cuz he’s working real hard at all of it. The activity of ICE on the streets of American cities is alarming. Killing American citizens without investigation or prosecution. Trump’s future SS? The Justice Department is in shambles, led by a corrupt AG who will prosecute a house fly if the melon head tells him to. Conditions at ICE prisons for undocumented aliens and their American born children is alarming. Where does it stop? That’s a good question; because the way it looks right now the orange demagogue is tightening his grip on all the levers of power. The band of crack pots and corrupt grifters that have filled Trump’s second administration, have only one necessary qualification for employment and that is they say ‘yes’ to whatever ‘The Boss’ demands, no matter how crazy or illegal.

Outrageous

Every ethical journalist in this country is calling out Trump for his outrageous conduct and disgusting recent rhetoric. Free speech be damned, this demented extremist is firing up his followers to violence. The mango menace is no longer just a bad joke, but rather a clear and present danger to the Republic. This man is an immediate threat to our already Donnie disabled democracy. Trump and Mitch McConnell packed the Supreme Court, creating a dangerous situation at the top of the Judicial Branch. With an autocrat at the top of the Executive Branch, Trump would have control of 2/3rds of the government. With the Insurrection Act to back his authority, Trump would assume control of the military. Coup complete. This is a total possibility folks, I know many folks have put January 6th, 2021, behind them but that was just a test run, I believe.

What Say You?

Do you want control of your own body?

Do you want religious freedom?

Do you want the right to read anything you choose?

Do you want the right to marry who you love?

Do you support ease of voting?

Do you support reasonable gun laws?

Do you support universal health care?

Do you support the overturning of Citizens United (taking dark money out of politics)?

Do you support a minimum living wage?

Do you support term limits and ethics rules for the Supreme Court?

Do you support family leave?

Do you support affordable federal housing programs?

So, Now What?

If your answer was yes, to any of the above questions, please support Democrats up and down the ballot in 2026-28 and forward. Don’t listen to the PAC lies from Musk and the big money interests. Reach in your pocket and start sending in money; $5, $20, $50, anything you can spare. Next, and this is really important also, pick up the phone and call the Democratic Party office in your town and find out how you can help. Just because you’ve voted Republican since Nixon doesn’t mean you need to continue to support a political party that now supports, a national ban on abortion, a white Christian national government, book banning, voter suppression, and an originalist interpretation of the 2nd amendment, tax support for billionaires and endless wars . The view of the future can be bright, but Trump’s view of our future is dark and desperate. I choose bright, not dark. How about you?

First they Came for…

By Darlene Mitchell July 21, 2026 July 21, 2026 D. S. Mitchell, Germany, Human Rights, ICE, Immigration, Poetry, Quotes, Social Issues

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.

Independence Day Prayers

By Darlene Mitchell July 5, 2026 July 5, 2026 History, Social Issues

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:

Make a flag cake using blueberries and cherries or strawberries with vanilla frosting
Wear patriotic attire, my favorite is my Made in America Tee.
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.
Grill some corn on the cob and unprocessed hot dogs
Leave fireworks to the professionals like the fabulous Zambelli Fireworks. Home fireworks are unsafe and responsible for numerous Independence Day injuries and fires.
Watch a patriotic film or read a patriotic book. I suggest the American Revolution documentary by Ken Burns.
Play baseball, or if you are fortunate to have a MLB team go out and cheer on the hometown boys.
Attend a patriotic concert or play.
Enjoy a parade.
Envision a beautiful blue wave while at the pool or beach
Plan a picnic in the park.
Take a drive in the country
Check your local museums, libraries, and municipalities for special events to commemorate our nation’s 250 year history.
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.
Find fifty year old photos or souvenirs from our bicentennial to display and look over, sweet memories.
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.
Eat warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream and pray for our country.

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

Dumb & Ugly Josh Hokit

By Darlene Mitchell June 16, 2026 June 17, 2026 #sports, Bigotry, Calamity Politics, Conspiracy Theories, Culture, D. S. Mitchell, Defamation, Distractions, Disturbing, First Ladies, Michelle Obama, Opinion, Outrageous, Scandals, Social Issues, Trumpism

Dumb & Ugly Josh Hokit

By D.S. Mitchell

Michelle Obama target of UFC fighter

Josh Hokit, also known as “no class Hokit,” in a post fight interview with Joe Rogan Sunday night thanked Donald Trump for hosting the UFC event before insulting the mother of one of his rivals, praising the Lord Jesus and ending the rant with an old far right wing conspiracy theory attack on former first lady Michelle Obama with the following disgusting comments, “And lastly — Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?” To his credit, Rogan did not follow up on Hokit’s comment.

The fact that these comments were made on White House grounds shocked me; but why should I be shocked? Trump posted a video clip on his Truth Social account earlier this year that showed the Obamas as apes. After a heated response from the public Trump tried to defend the offensive post before finally taking it down. Trump has yet to denounce Hokit’s comments. Many in the community have come out against Hokit’s racist and misogynistic dialogue, which I must say reflects poorly even on scandal ridden Donald Trump and his UFC event.

Robert Griffin III, a black former NFL quarterback and a UFC fan slammed Hokit’s postgame interview. “What a disgrace. It takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man. Especially with the history behind calling black women men,” Griffin said on X.

Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-New Mexico) called Hokit’s remarks “disturbing”.

The often controversial Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, said Monday that he thought Hokit’s insult was inappropriate and Trump should have spoken up immediately condemning the remarks. “When on the White House lawn… I don’t care what you think about the Obamas or anything, that has to be an immediate denounce,” Portnoy said.

UFC CEO Dana White in a later interview told Time magazine that he disliked Hokit’s comments, “I understand that the Obama’s are public figures but I’m completely against saying nasty and false things about people’s families,” White told the magazine in a text message. “Everyone knows my position on free speech but I hate that kind of nonsense.”

Michelle Obama is beautiful, dignified, talented, and a down right sensational person. I thank her and her lovely family for the eight years that they shared themselves with us. Thank you, Michelle, Malia, and Sasha (Natasha) and Barack. We were so lucky to have had you as our first family, and I for one, miss you.

Flag Day 2026

By Darlene Mitchell June 14, 2026 June 14, 2026 Abortion, Calamity Politics, Cate Rees-Hessel, Culture, Social Issues, Transgender Issues, Trumpism

Flag Day 2026

What the Stars and Stripes Mean to Me

Editor: Flag Day, celebrated on June 14th, commemorates the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777. While the day was first observed nationally in 1877 and celebrated by various communities during the Civil War to support the union troops, it wasn’t until 1949 that President Harry Truman signed a congressional resolution officially designating June 14th as Flag Day.

Over the last decade it has seemed as if the MAGA crowd had hi-jacked our flag; but that is only a fact if we allow it. I will not hide my flag, I will fly it proudly. My flag will not adorn the back of a pick up truck flapping and shredded from the wind. No I will honor that red, white, and blue symbol. of our bond as a country under l

Ways to Celebrate the American Flag

By Cate Rees-Hessel

June 14th, Flag Day, is not a day for fake kings, it is a day to honor our flag, which stands for freedom and those who fought for it. Trump is a 35 count convicted felon. He incited the January 6th, insurrection. He is a traitor to everything our flag stands for. Here are ways to celebrate Flag Day, un-MAGA style:

June 14th – celebrate our nation’s flag-not Trump’s birthday.
Include Juneteenth in your celebrations.
June is LGBTQ month – let’s celebrate.
Show your colors. Fly your stars and stripes right next to the Pride flag, the Breast Cancer Awareness flag, My Body My Choice flag, or how about a blue and yellow Ukraine flag. I support them all.
Have your Father’s Day celebration include at least one same-sex couples that are dads, like Pete and Chasten Buttigieg.
Cookouts, picnics, and celebrations that honor diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Have a vegetarian cookout or party.
Support our military.
Plant a tree in honor of a vet.
Pray for our troops in the Middle East
Teach a class about “Liberty for All.”
A day at the water park or pool can be a learning experience with books written by progressive authors or your favorite website on your tablet, perhaps Calamity News and Politics….
Teach the truth about Francis Scott Key and the song that became our National Anthem. I respect the song but the attorney that wrote the words had a serious racist streak that troubles me. I feel much the same about Christopher Columbus.
Advocate for “God Bless America” to become our National Anthem and Leif Ericsson as the first European in the Americas.
Boycott Tesla and Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire, better known as one of the oligarchs who bought the 2024 election for “The Donald.”
Support NATO. Fly NATO’s dark blue flag with it’s centered white compass next to the red, white and blue.
Visit your library for information on democracy and how we are supposed to do it here. I love my library.
Offer to teach a class at the local community college on significant black women that shaped America, like Shirley Chisholm, Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll · Harriet Tubman · Maya Angelou · Rosa Parks · Misty Copeland, to name just a few
Know before you speak; teach Black history with accuracy and respect to those around you.
Denounce any parade for Trump’s birthday. America has no king and money should not be wasted on this foolishness when there is a threat to necessary federal programs that many of our nations citizens rely on.
Do a video training, teach teens how to read and write cursive so they can read historical documents.
Be woke.
Stand up against tariffs that are a tax on Americans.
Stand against ICE murders and ICE prisons.
Stand firm in your convictions against tyranny and greed.

“God bless America, my home sweet home.”

Stand for right. Join the Resistance.

Wandering Thoughts

By Darlene Mitchell June 12, 2026 June 13, 2026 Home, Humor, Ruminations, Social Issues, Useless Information

Wandering Thoughts

D. S. Mitchell

Thinking Aloud

I’ve spent most of the afternoon potting plants. I’m putting my beloved lake house up for sale and I noticed the deck needs a bright summer look so I went on a buying spree in Home Depot’s garden section. LOL. My dear neighbor came over with his wheel barrel when he saw me struggling with my blooming treasure and made quick work of the unloading. Brilliant blue Witches Hat, a dozen baskets of gorgeous red petunias, and 8 giant pots of amazing white Snow Thimble.

Getting the picture; red, white, and blue; the 250th anniversary? Anyway, none of this matters except that I do very little on Sunday, except play in the garden, eat gummies, canvas the internet for conspiracy theories, and write for Calamity Politics. The Calamity Politics part of it is where I am right now. Some days focusing on a particular topic is easier said than done, so please bear with me as random thoughts bounce around the page as I play with what’s hopefully going to be an article for Calamity Politics.

Misfiring Electrons In My Brain

Mom Said

My Mom used to say, “People will ignore facts, dismiss science, and argue the unarguable; if it’s in the interest of their wallet.” I thought for years that she had come up with that on her own, but then one day I saw a version of the quote attributed to New York Yankee catcher, Yogi Berra. Whoever the source I think it is particularly astute. I wonder what Mom or Yogi would say about Donald Trump making at least 8 billion dollars in the first 19 months of his second term? I won’t mention his kids cuz they seem to be everywhere snagging US government contracts, causing protest rallies as far away as Albania. Since when is this alright? Mom? Yogi?

Yogi Berra

When Yogi Berra left this world we lost the greatest baseball comedian-philosopher of all time. I didn’t say that, I read it somewhere. In addition to the first quote noted above he had a million more; such as, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” “Nobody goes there any more, it’s too crowded.” “You can observe a lot, by watching.” “The future ain’t what it used to be.” “Never answer an anonymous letter.” “It’s like deja vu all over again.” “He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.” When queried about where he wanted to be buried, he said, “Surprise me.” Yogi Berra had a zest for life that even death couldn’t stop. While men like Yogi Berra continue to bring smiles to our faces men like Donald Trump and his cronies are literally trying to break the American spirit.

Start Writing

What about encouraging some blowback? I don’t believe it’s right for Trump to run a mafia operation out of the White House without some kicking and screaming from the American people.. If you haven’t written a letter to your Mayor, your local newspaper Editor, your State Legislators, or one of your Federal Legislators, you should do it immediately. It’s a great way to get what’s bothering you off your chest. The Letter to the Editor is especially rewarding because you can present your beef to the community and garner a few minutes in the spotlight. While you’re fired up, make some poster board signs for the next NO Kings protests, get your drum, your voice amplifier, your comfy shoes and be ready for the biggest protest in US history.

Courage

By Darlene Mitchell May 29, 2026 May 29, 2026 Bill of Rights, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Opinion, Quotes, Social Issues

Courage

D. S. Mitchell

As part of my job at Calamity Politics I get to do research. Research can be lots of fun. This week, I decided to look up courage. I am beginning to believe that we are going to need strength and courage to see this political battle to it’s satisfactory progressive conclusion.

People say some pretty inspiring things. Here’s a brief collection of some pretty smart comments by some pretty smart people.

1,) “Courage leads starward, fear toward death,” Seneca

2.)”Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen,” Winston Churchill

3.)”Courage conquers all things,” Ovid

4.) “The strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is courage,” Michel De Montaigne

5.) “Fate loves the fearless,” James Russell Lowell

6.) “Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties,” Erich Fromm

I’m inspired. How about you? If you are even a little inspired, do something to fight the corrupt Trump administration. Be brave. Be courageous. Write a letter to the local newspaper, make a phone call to your congressperson, march in that NO KINGS protest on July 4th, 2026, donate to Democratic candidates, talk to your friends and neighbors-even those who have been on the other side of the aisle; reconnect if you can. Don’t force the issue but let them talk about their current thoughts on Trump; a lot of folks are evolving as Donnie Boy destroys the economy and every friendly relationship this country has ever had.

Join the New Resistance