Some thoughts

 Some thoughts from Sam Conti

Prologue -- by way of saying -- who gives a hoot what SDC thinks .  If that is where you are:  STOP READING THIS RIGHT NOW!!!  SDC

I wish that I could have greater knowledge, more empathy, better reasoning, and persuasive skills.  I would truly like to be able to help family members and friends who remain supporters of the former occupant of our Oval Office remove rhe scales from their eyes.  It is an especially onerous task I've set for myself for several reasons.  Among them: many of the folks with whom I disagree are relatives and lifelong friends; most were raised in  circumstances similar to mine, with common ethical and moral roots; most with the same work ethic by which I'm driven; many whom attended the same schools, colleges, universities, institutes; some who've worked shoulder to shoulder with me: building fences around playgrounds, trying to make courts work better, raising money for charitable purposes, consulting around the world to help achieve more just societies; most share similar burdens of family and economic and health lives; all would reach down to help a child, a wounded creature, an alien in a strange land; most are dedicated to the founding principles of our nation; many share common roots in the  Abrahamic faiths, some share world views tempered by faiths little known to me; all, I think, want to pass on to future generations a world of beauty, peace, and viability; most are curious and want the freedom to learn, read, experiment, teach.  

With a substrate of elements in common, what are the forces that challenge our abilities to act civilly and reasonably and with united accord as we try to build a better world and nation.  This incomplete catalog of like elements ought, when we act with good will, bring us together.  

Those who know me well are aware of some basic principles, lodestars, by which I try to live my life. I believe that: 

1.) No one has the corner on truth (of course that first principle undercuts all that follows if not understood generoslly.) 

2.) Life gives enough sorrow to us individually, we should not make life even harder for others 

3.) We must regularly examine and, if necessary, recalibrate our inner moral compasses 

4.) We ought to identify model individuals whose actions are worth emulating. 

5.) It is wise to decide upon a body of guideposts for your thinking and acting in the world.  (Mine were rooted in my mind and spirit and remain alive in me: they are summarized as faith, hope, and charity. Some tools useful to me have been the virtues taught to me as a child.  The fact is, I regularly miss the mark, but I have a standard against which to measure where I stand  

6.) We must do everything possible to dispel ignorance, further understanding, and render kindness.  

7.) Try to be decent folks.

8.) Value learning, critical thinking, the search for truth, reading, sweep away all efforts to limit the scope of inquiry and study. 

9.) Be humble and don't think you are always right and know all the answers 

10.) Go back to point 1 and try again in a spirit of good will.

I think that the former occupant of our Oval Office has acted corruptly and imperiled the future of our Republic. I believe he has conspired with media and entrenched monied interests to advance his own economic interests.  He continues to pollute core principles of democratic governance.  He has committed crimes and breeched ethical boundaries long respected by decent people. He has cynically adopted a mantle of faux Christianity to lure unwary believers into his folk.  He deploys tools and attitudes of despots throughout history to advance his malign agenda.  He whips crowds of his "believers" into frenzied and uncritical mob action aimed at sedition in our nation.

This abbreviated retailing of the awful misdeeds of tRump can be checked against accurate and truthful accounts of his deeds.  Only open-mindedness and patience are needed.  I hope the reader will marshal those talents.  

As always, civil and reasonable comments on the thoughts are welcomed.

Be well, stay safe each and all.  SDC 

04012023