Wednesday, December 28, 2022

“Have you no sense of decency, Sir?”

Was the question asked by Joseph Nye Welch to Senator Joe McCarthy on June 9, 1954. 

The confrontation happened on Day 30 on what would become known as the US Army-McCarthy hearings. The dialogue took place during the heady times of “McCarthyism.” The Red Scare was everywhere. In McCarthy’s hard drinking inspired imagination Commies were deeply imbedded within the Federal Government  Finger pointing and waving sheets of paper was his purported evidence. 



Many historians consider this Joseph vs. Joe slap down to have been the demise of McCarthyism. Joe M. was later censured by his fellow Senators. 

On December 6th, 2022 the midterm elections have finally been concluded. Once again Georgia came through in a Senatorial runoff election. Mr Walker (A Trump endorsed candidate) can now ponder the benefits of being a werewolf instead of a vampire. 



Trump’s  “Red Wave” never materialized. For the GOP it was similar to an oozing paper cut. A tiny trickle of blood easily stanched.



Since the dawn of Trumpism, our Nation has been flooded by flawed Republican candidates. Many hitched their wagons to the runaway Trump train where reality takes a back seat to Q’Anon theories, so-called rigged elections, gun rights over human rights, White Supremacy and the opportunity to undermine democracy itself. 






George Santos with other Republican officials after Election Day in November.




When it comes to alleged widespread election fraud there’s no need of proof or evidence. Just click those ruby colored slippers three times and repeat. “I do believe in Trump. I do believe in Trump…” All the while wearing a “Lions not Sheep” T-shirt. Just like McCarthyism but more dangerous.



For the sake of blog brevity, I’ll nuke the 2020 rigged election notion. A few of you may recall the February 3rd, 2020 Iowa Democrat Caucus. To put it bluntly it was a fiddle f—k. The caucus results dribbled in. It took an inordinate amount of days (in a state where potential pork products outnumber Democrats) for the final tallies to be announced.

Of course, Trump the Tweeter King texted.

“The Democrat Caucus is an unmitigated disaster. Nothing works, just like they ran the Country,” 

Isn’t it amazing nine months later, the same screwball Democratic Party was able to steal the election results in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Nevada and Georgia. Of course that didn’t happen. Yet, it doesn’t matter. Delusion and Fake News are so much more exciting than reality and truth. Facts are real coup/party poopers.



For the record, approximately 200 Republican election deniers were recently voted into office. Source NY Times.

Speaking of coups. In many countries, POTUS 45 and his traitorous sheep would have been corralled into a pen. Then led blindfolded against a wall. There the last thing they would have heard would be “Ready! Aim! Fire! Not the ceremonial 21 gun salute they were hoping for. 



The Constitution they seemingly disdain (and want “terminated”) saved their sorry asses.

By now you’re aware of Trump’s pitching his MAGA hat into the ring. Many of you might be thinking, “He can’t win.” Bullshit! This was what the pundits said in 2016. If there’s anything anyone who has been paying attention to this fat sycophant is this. Trump is slipperier than snot on a banana peel. He doesn’t go away. Rule of Law doesn’t apply to this shameless excuse for a human. The old system of checks and balances has been derailed. Since the advent of Trumpism, we’re in a fine mess.


So where’s the present day Republican version of Joseph Nye Welch? Answer. He/She doesn’t exist. The Republican moderates have gone into severe hibernation since 2016. Now the Crazies are calling the shots.





Please don’t  count on any repercussions from the final report of the January 6th investigation either. (Bummer. I was hoping for a worldwide televised, “Ready! Aim! Fire! moment.)




There’s really only one end to Trumpism. It’ll happen when the Demon of Death makes a house call at Mar-a-Lago. A true final solution.

Last thought to the 30% JINO sheeple (Jews In Name Only) Republicans. 





Cheers to the continuation of democracy in 2023 and beyond.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

“Jeffie! Be a Mensch.



Do the right thing.” was Sid’s (my father) admonishment whenever my personal performance was less than stellar. (For those who need a Yiddish refresher: Mensch. A person of integrity and honor). 

Honestly, screwing up in the Sambur household wasn’t worth it. Sid had no qualms of issuing severe punishment. Jewish Guilt. One transgression was worth a billion verbal tuneups. There was never a pardon for our “crime.” I learned quickly to do the right thing. OR! When I was doing the wrong thing, (like smoking pot in the house), don’t get caught. There’s a reason incense sticks were so popular in the 70’s. 



As I age, I realize the unstated purpose of Jewish Guilt was to get me to consider friends, family and stranger’s needs and feelings. To look outward instead of always inward. That simple gestures count. Empathy, generosity and kindness can go a long way in a world which seems to be growing more impersonal, uncaring, and chaotic by the day. 

Now I believe trying to make a difference carries more weight than ever before.

Tikkun Olam is a beautiful Jewish concept. Although I’m sure all religions sport versions of it. Here’s the definition: 

Few Hebrew idioms are so well known in the American Jewish community as “Tikkun Olam”, “repair of the world.” The term is understood in modern America as the idea that Jews are called upon to make the world more just, peaceful, tolerant, and equal, through acts of charity, kindness, and political action.

Source Jewish Funders Network. 

Being a Mensch or Mensch-ette is a calling. 

I heard the call awhile ago. Fortunately I have the time, energy and finances to look beyond myself. Being a minimalist with little baggage doesn’t hurt either. 

When an acquaintance is sick/injured or going through a rough time. Bring him/her a meal or run errands for them. 

When someone is keen on fundraising for a non-profit charity, hand them a check.

If replacing a stolen Buddha can make a neighbor happy. Do it! 






Are you an advocate for literacy? Become a member of the Friends of the Library. Help spread the gospel of reading. 






Perform gigs as a Trail Angel. Distribute sandwiches to hungry CDT and CO Trail hikers. Listen to their stories of perseverance and battling through the hardships. You will get inspired by the simple act of handing over a simple PB&BOYSENBERRY sandwich.




Right now my passion/crusade is collecting food and or check donations for our Durango Food Bank. Of course there’s an old blog as to the why:




BTW. There’s hungry folks in La Plata County! When I stopped at the Food Bank to get signage for the Parkside Terrace Food Drive. This is what I saw. People queuing to pick up boxes of food. The need is there.





This Holiday Season do the right thing. Give whatever you can. It can make a difference. 

Sid and Clara would be proud of you.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Jeff



Monday, October 31, 2022

It’s Rut Season.

It’s Rut Season.

No! No! No! I’m not blogging about bugling bull elk. Nor am I referring to  Rocky Mountain or Desert Ram’s horn smashing battles to ascertain who wins the affections of the neighborhood ewes. (Because as we all know, there will never be another ewe.) 

I’m speaking personally. I’ve fallen into a rut. An unexciting routine. I’m now officially a restless Home Body. 



Camping season is over. Sniff. Sniff. Sanctuary Too is hopefully winterized and ready to handle the onslaught of below freezing temperatures. Brrr. 



Me? I’m methodically transitioning to temperature reductions and early dark-thirty hour. No more camping means staying in place in Durango. It means going from an outdoor lifestyle of crowd avoidance to a mostly indoor lifestyle of attempting  to mingle with my fellow locals. 



A definite sea change for a guy who gets sea sick.

To be honest,  socially I’ve been on reduced rations. It’s not like I’m not trying! Just not succeeding. Much.



Since January 2022, I’ve slept in Sanctuary Too more often than at Basecamp Durango. The reason is simple. When I go camping, I’m making things happen. I’m engaged in the planning, preparation, anticipation and finally the early dawn departures. My campsites generally have big views, the sounds of silence and plenty of solitude. When I’m reading at Happy Hour (with an IPA cradled in my left arm), I’m practically purring. Now that’s  happiness and contentment. 



Out there, I’m not noticing all the couples, cliques and the too many folks who have substituted canine companionship for Homo Sapiens.

I’m performing a classic example of out of sight out of mind. 



During my time in Durango, I’m waiting for things to happen. Whether it’s a volunteer gig, a community event or a rare social engagement I’m impatiently in Stand By mode for the date to arrive. In between those appointments theirs just-me Happy Hours, solo hikes and too many hours spent alone between these four walls of my home. 


Don’t get me wrong! I’ve been to many fun local events and gatherings. Yet I still come away with a sense of being socially unsatiated. All that being said, I’ll continue to plug away in my efforts to become more involved in my newish community. 

See? I’m trying!



Bottom line: When I’m camping, I’m feeling quite alive. Here in Durango, so far I’m going through the motions. That’s a big difference. 

Do what makes you happy. Just so you don’t hurt anybody. 


Cheers,
Jeff

Final Photo: A rare social engagement. Another Happy Hour schmoozing with Colorado Senator Michael Bennett. He’s got my vote.