Once I ever knew that I was a pacifist, I began to wonder just how I would ever deal with an enemy on the shores of "my country." Well, sir, here we are. The fact that I'm living in another country keeps me relatively calm but it certainly doesn't provide any real measure of peace of mind. Right wing, xenophobic, psychopathic, opportunistic narcissists are coming into their own here, too.
Boris Johnson is to Donald Trump as Billy Fury was to Elvis. Now, Nigel Farage is so unpleasant in every way that if I had not personally watched the USA skid to this level of ignominy, no one could convince me that he might very well end up as prime minister.
Oh, I can still vote in the States, and I will. I want, more than ever, environmental protection, fair, free elections, and good healthcare. I long for a better tax system and topnotch education available to everybody. I'm hoping that legislation and law enforcement will soon deal with the immigration problems and gun control that have multiplied for profit. I'm waiting for a legal system that is blind to status and wealth and justice served for offenders focusing on rehabilitation. Please bring back science and competence. A fine bonus would be a government that tells us the truth. All of us. All of the truth.
Yeah, that's my list. Somehow, I always seem to get what I wish for. I may be pushing it this time.
I've lived through sack dresses and Edsels. I remember pet rocks and Khrushchev.
On Sunday afternoons in Tampa, WALT radio, "1110, My Friend,"would have a Battle of the Crooners. Listeners could call and vote for their favourite. I would dial over and over to register votes for Elvis. On some weird, sad Sundays Pat Boone would win and I would be sure that the world was ending. It didn't.
I realize that now we're dealing with world peace, divided families, hantavirus, terrorism and just pure meanness. Love may have limits and shortcomings but it beats stealth bombers, drones and aircraft carriers.
Give us peace on earth and end this dreadful, dreadful war.
