Sadly, no meme can cover the full horror, no words the extent of the insanity, greed, corruption, and plunge-into-Authoritarian-government that our country has experienced during the Trump administration. Let's face it, even a Mid-term Blue Wave isn't going to restore our Democracy, But, hopefully, a Blue Wave can stem the carnage, wall-in the Fascist contingent of the Republican Party until 2028, when we can vote-in a government truly "of the people, by the people, and for the people." In short, a government that cares about ALL of its people.
Grace Note (non-political):
An odd thing happened this week. I decided to re-read a book by a favorite author, a book I'd read twice before. But it had been so long, I had to search all the author's works to find the title. And then . . . my fond memories were rudely shattered. The main characters, particularly the heroine, now seemed like idiots, their reasoning so convoluted I wanted to slap them both upside the head. I had to force myself to finish the book. The plot, setting, and action scenes were outstanding, but the characterizations of the h/h . . . Ugh! The heroine, in particular, was WAY beyond the accepted "suspended disbelief" allowed authors of Fiction.
I asked myself, Is it me? Is it that I am now older and wiser? Or maybe I'm judging this early work against the author's later books, a brilliant series of books with much more believable characterizations? Or have I just gotten old and crotchety, using a too-picky judgment scale?
Whatever the reason . . . New thoughts, new reactions? Don't be afraid to accept that our tastes can change, a fresh, or wiser, outlook on life transforming our opinion of what we read.
I finished the book about an hour ago, and the ending was even more fantastical. Really weird in a book so strong on historical events, setting, and general atmosphere. So, authors, take care. If you're writing Fantasy, go for it. If you're writing Historical Romance, there's a limit to how far you can challenge "suspended disbelief."
A POLITICAL RAMBLE
A couple of weeks ago, before Ramaswamy's horrifically tasteless campaign ad against his opponent, I posted to Facebook my disgusted reaction to the extreme negativity of the Republican ads here in Florida. Almost none mentioning issues or accomplishment, just nasty, mean, predominately false accusations against their opponents. Is this what politics has come to? No issues, no promises, nothing but vitriol?
As far as I'm concerned, it's the Trump effect. Lie like a rug, the louder the better. Say perfectly awful things about anyone who doesn't agree with you (even if they're your closest allies). Embrace mean, violent, "get out my way" politics. Avoid issues. Just tell voters, "Don't worry, all will be well," and the suckers will fall for it every time.
Snatch hard-working immigrants and genuine American citizens off the street, imprison them, deport them, just because Trump Republicans don't like their color, their hair, their height, their presence in what should be a lily-white MAGA America.
Sneer at women, even the white ones. Woman are good for only two things, after all. (Well, maybe three or four when you add Cleaning and Cooking.) Women of all colors are there solely for men's pleasure. They are pretty toys. No one should be prosecuted for treating them that way. And yes, a slap or two is okay when they get out of line.
WAKE UP, PEOPLE! This is Trump's America. An autocracy where only White Good Ol' Boys reign. Where Violence, such as the Capital Riots, is okay. As is Rape and Mass Deportation. Ruining our many Pride and Joys, from our forests to the Rose Garden, the East Wing to the Kennedy Center, etc., etc.
BUT . . .
Despite Trump's efforts to emulate his autocratic heros (dictators all), This is a country founded as a DEMOCRACY. Trump and Company have done their best to take your voting rights away; are, in fact, still at it. It's time to FOIL THE VILLAIN. Take the first step in getting our Democracy back.
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!
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Book of the Week
My only Steampunk novel—and definite Fantasy.
Miss Araminta Galsworthy encounters a number of surprises at the home of her new guardian, an inventor like her father. In addition to a host of strange machines and attacks by people who think her guardian's invention, the airship Aurora, is the work of the devil, she is expected to play hostess to a bevy of guests, all of whom seem to be engaged in treason. And, oh yes, she is expected to marry her guardian. Immediately.
Minta struggles to adjust to a new husband, new enemies, and new friends—one a princess who must rise above her rivals for the throne of England. When the day of revolution arrives, Minta plays a vital role, but comes perilously close to losing her chance to live a life where she, not the airship Aurora, is the center of her husband's life.
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