GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.

~Viktor E. Frankl

I WONDER

 I wonder if the fences surrounding the Capitol will be removed?

INAGURATION-THOUGHTS

I watched the inauguration this morning. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th President and Vice-President, respectively. I was impressed with Lady Gaga's rendition of the National Anthem. Amanda Gorman's poem was simply beautiful. 

I didn't vote for Biden but I wish him well. I said the same for Trump when he was president. Now the real work begins. Right now the country is divided. People of all political persuasions will need to come together talk and listen to each other. There are people of goodwill who have solutions to the ills that presently trouble us. Now's the time to come together and heal as a nation.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to only by other human beings.

~Elie Wiesel, Novelist (1928-2016) 

BIG FAN OF NFL

 The pro football playoffs are going on now. However, I want to recap the 2020 season. There were surprises, disappointments, and some downright awful play by some teams.

SURPRISES

Miaimi- Dolphins are rebuilding but have a promising future. Vet QB Fitzpatrick was a steady influence.

Cleveland- didn't see them making the playoffs. Was I fooled! Physical team; Good QB in Mayfield

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Las Vegas- Gruden's teams tend to falter late in the season; defense not good. Raiders need improvement on D line.

Philadelphia- Eagles were really bad. Unsettled at QB. Need more talent at skill positions.

Chicago- Bears unsettled at QB; 

Minnesota- Vikings were inconsistent. 

REALLY BAD

Jacksonville, NY Jets- nothing more to be said. 

COMMENTARY

Over the past four years, I have witnessed the extremes of the left and the right. Violence is violence and I don't care what kind of ribbon they try to put on it. People have been hurt, harassed, and sadly lost their lives. What have we become? 

People are fearful, lost, confused, and angry. If one is not part of a particular tribe then they consider you the enemy. The so-called 'leaders' of the nation have failed to bring peace and direction. Whatever happened to the time when people can agree to disagree without having their character ripped to shreds? 

I am praying for America. The country needs a spiritual renewal of minds and hearts. Yes, there are many concerns that do need to be dealt with. Solutions need to be found. I am an optimist because I believe that the good will prevail. I believe the majority of people want to see and help resolve climate change, hunger, homelessness, racism, sexism, and hopelessness. It has to start in each person's heart and mind. Something to think about in the coming days.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

~Alexander the Great 

INSURRECTION

 What happened yesterday at the Capitol was horrible but hardly surprising. President foments much of this with the rhetoric he spews.  What is sad is that a woman was shot and later died.  Does Trump care about her?

In the past four years, I have seen the extremes of the left and right in full display and it's not a pretty picture. Also on full display was how the protestors were treated. There were police in full regalia at the Black Live Matter protest. They were prepared for the worst.  When Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, where was the show of force? If this was black or brown people there would be injuries and death, for sure.  Many were concerned that this would happen but were ignored. 

Right now, the country is so divided. The extremes on both sides are fueling this. One side won't talk with the other about anything. There are much fear and loathing. Perhaps in a future post, I will share my thoughts about the drive for nationalism and patriotism and why we are at this point. Stay tuned.

TRANSFORMATION

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR