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. 

Profanity FTW

Apparently, profanity is no longer considered socially offensive language. It's everywhere. This departure from once revered tenets of communication seems to be gaining popularity among politicians, celebrities and media platforms. A sure tactic for gaining public notoriety, undignified language, submits to the old adage of "bad publicity is better than no publicity." While curse words may have a shock value to some, others may embrace the pop culture trend of vulgarity as an insignificant and meaningful emphasis on point. As society evolves so does decorum; so it seems. FTW or WTF, it's here to stay.

More Time for Writing, Less Time for Facebook

Back in the day, I used to be a fairly active writer. Time and inclination changed my writing activity to a focus primarily related to travel on The Blogagerie. I'd like to rekindle my joy for writing and communication. So, from time to time, I will curate my blog to include a little more than travel adventures. And, now that I have weened myself from Facebook, the extra time available can be put to better use: reading and writing. Speaking of Facebook, here's an article that makes me so happy to be a former Facebook addict user:

I Mentored Mark Zuckerberg. I Loved Facebook. But I Can't Stay Silent About What's Happening.