Against All Odds

It is six days before the general election and the country is fragile and divided. If President Trump is reelected, it will be nothing short of a miracle. With old and new media working double time for Vice President Biden’s election campaign, Trump has been managing a grassroots-style operation to secure four more years in the White House. Video coverage around the Internet shows enthusiastic supporters and well-attended rallies for President Trump. If lawn signage is any indication, I can first-handedly report, after driving 5,000 miles cross-country this month, the 2020 winner will be Trump by a landslide. But, despite an impressive list of domestic and foreign policy accomplishments and an exhausting schedule of appearances, the president has a near insurmountable task of overcoming perceptions relating to:

• incessant media attacks 
• impeachment
• Covid-19 ineptitude and a resulting failed economy
• riots, unrest, BLM, ANTIFA
• disgruntled minority on SCOTUS appointments
• voter fraud accusations 
• inauspicious political polls 

After Mr. Biden’s 47 years in DC, most supporters can’t articulate a notable accomplishment or legislation attributed to the longterm politician. Biden looks increasingly unfit for office by frequently exhibiting incoherent speech, bewilderment and grievous gaffes. However, Joe is largely protected by the media and securely sheltered from unscripted events during this critical lead-up to November 3rd. In fact, Twitter and Facebook are in the hot seat for censoring and suppressing a major and consequential news story. On October 14th, the New York Post headlined what turned out to be the October surprise: Hunter and Joe Biden’s alleged illegal and profitable business relationships with foreign countries. Going forward, there will probably be legislation regarding social media’s editorial role, but for now, the platforms continue to support their liberal bias while silencing conservative voices. This does seem to give Mr. Biden a strong advantage at the polls. 

Regardless of who wins the general election, the campaign has been divisive. Over the next few months, we can be assured of special investigations, appointed attorneys, major mayhem and general upheaval. It will take a very special leader to bring the country together. Perhaps the prominent signage witnessed in the the Bible Belt this month is most telling. 

Highlight Photos from Colorado

 Yeah, so this is what I mean about the Blogger platform. So old school with pictures. Wouldn't it be nice to have a neat grid-like page to display photos? Anyway, here's some of the standouts on our Colorado adventure.

Mesa Verde NP

Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP

Lake Sylvan SP

Great Sand Dunes NP

Garlic Mike's on the Gunnison River 

Sweet Baby James

Great Sand Dunes NP

Aspen trees in Aspen

Rocky Mountain NP

To Blog or Not to Blog

With technology changing as rapidly as the sky on a September afternoon in Florida, I keep holding out for the optimal blogging platform. I've been on Blogger since 2008 and have muddled through the deficiencies of mobile uploads, photo formats, video capabilities and other limitations in hopes of moving on to a simple and better option. There are plenty of other blogging solutions but they require an investment of time and money. I don't want to be that committed. Add traveling to remote destinations, where internet is weak or nonexistent, and I struggle with the idea of keeping my blog current.

I feel that I have to make a decision on my blogging future soon. After all, maintaining a blog requires more frequent posting to be relevant. But for now, I'm happy to report we are safe and sound in Missouri. After three weeks in Colorado, we are working our way back to Florida. Once again, hurricane activity is determining our route southeast.