I Want MY Piece of the American Dream

It's understandable if you missed it during that incredibly boring State of the Union address last night, hidden among the list of 'grocery' items which have gone done in price:

"Eggs, cereal, bread, rent, fruit, blah, blah, blah."

Did he really slip RENT in there?  Will he talk about it a bit more?

I heard about mortgage rates going down while keeping homeowner's equity safe and the construction of housing, but what kind of housing?  Single-family?  Condos?  Retirement Villages?

Nothing about Low-Income Housing, which I keep screaming is NOT the same as Affordable Housing.

My stress-level is pretty low, all things considered.  I suppose I've been so far down the ladder, close to living on the streets, that not much scares me anymore. I've learned to be Scrappy the hard way.

My ONE concern is my unstable housing condition:  If my current situation evaporates for any reason, where am I going to find a place to live which isn't a total dump?  It's reassuring and I'm grateful to know a half-dozen friends who've told me that should anything happen, I'm welcome to show up on their doorstep.

But I don't WANT to have to show up on someone's doorstep like a stray dog in the rain, would you?  Neither do I want to 'hook up' with someone just to make ends meet, man or woman.  What I want is what everyone else wants - my piece of the American Dream, preferably not on wheels.  A small loft or one-bedroom apartment I can comfortably afford.  It's unfortunate that for various reasons I've not fared as well financially as most people I know; but I don't think that should prevent me from having a safe place to call my own for the remainder of my life.

I didn't hear Trump talk about the plight of the poor; but he's too busy blasting Somalis and encouraging White Suprememacy.  The SAVE Act is biased, and I don't mean towards illegal aliens (who, despite claims, have NOT voted in past elections in droves).  No more mail-in balloting?  That's up to individual states, Trump cannot arbitrarily change that; but once he demands something from a Red State it invariably capitulates to his will.  No, he's not trying to fix the elections.

Trump promised not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - did you notice how he fumbled and Medicaid as if he didn't understand what he was saying, let alone the difference?  My annual Social Security is too little to be taxed so I'm not impressed by, No more taxes on Social Security.  Talk about unfair - once I receive the annual Social Security Cost of Living increase, I shortly receive notice that my SNAP benefits have been reduced almost in kind.  How about doing something to prevent that?

During the past year, I haven't heard a thing about solving homelessness except to approve running them off the streets and out of parks.  And go where?  There's SO MUCH good which can be done with the $175 billion from tariffs if only they gave a damn.  Here's one example:  the tiny-home village Community First in Texas.  One man with an idea...began the village with 25 acres which houses 200 of the formerly homeless in Austin.  They got another 25 acres after I left, and are currently developing 100 acres willed by some childless widow.

Low-income people aren't meant to get ahead.  As in other autocracies, the Government prefers the population to remain poor and ignorant so to prevent opposition.  That is, except for their own class.  You know, the Epstein Class.

If I sound like I'm griping too much, then you haven't been on my side of the fence, so to speak.  Relatively speaking I'm doing alright at the moment, no thanks to Trump but because I've long ago learned to economize and do without; but there are so many people out there who aren't OK and feel invisible...for few look at them let alone listen.  Everything worthwhile seems to be valued against the stock market and 401K plans.

All this while the Trump family, et al, rakes in billions over crypto-deals.  We're paying his old legal fees, since the decisions have been reversed so he feels exonerated.  

"Trump, who is estimated to have wealth between $5 and $7 billion, now demands that American taxpayers give him $10 billion to compensate him for not being allowed to keep his tax avoidance a secret from them."

He claims the money will go to charity, uh-huh.  In Dubai or some such place; or renovating his gifted-plane so he can claim he paid for renovations so he can keep it for himself once he's out of office.  Just like he can do what he wants architecturally to the White House because it's not taxpayer money.

I'll bet they try to overturn the decision and money awarded to the mother and daughter election workers who were absolutely vilified by Guliani - don't take my word - Search "mother and daughter Guliani case" and see what comes up.  That's coming down the pike.  I hope they can quick-hide it like the Epstein Class does.

I don't think I've ever heard Trump admit that poverty exists.  And I don't believe for a MINUTE that AI companies will create their own energy so that none of us will suffer.  Uh-huh.

And WHY do we need so much AI in our lives anyway?  It seems it's trouble designed to f___ with our heads.  And whose jobs will be lost?  I watched an ad this morning for HOMES-AI and yes, it was amazing how you can speak to your computer and it'll take you in to any home anywhere, show you any feature and then TELL you about the advantages so then all you need do is contact the Realtor.

I'll bet that's going to screw lots of Realtors who rely on their personality to sell a home.  I watched an AI-Artist whose works are all over the world.  Sure, it's nice, but I agree with one viewer who said it's like staring at a huge Lava Lamp.

AI can't create the kind of work I produced, but people aren't really interested in craftsmanship anymore.  Maybe it'll come back like bell-bottom jeans, vinly records and (now) DVD's.

No taxes on Overtime or Tips.  That's great, but why should that woman in the audience have to work two jobs to support her kids?  Where's the time to properly rear and protect said children from the perils of Social Media?  I'm sure she's doing her best, but did her RENT go down, Mr. President?

Let's Donate the $175 Billion to Charities

What to do with all that money already collected and paid by, ultimately, us?  Forget any dream about receiving a check - it would be next to impossible to do that equitably.  I didn't buy a car or stereo or facelift (I'm sure doctors raised their rates, too); nor did I shop at Whole Foods or Neiman Marcus.

It stands to reason I didn't lose as much $$ as others (because I don't shop for much more than food), so how can I be reimbursed an equal amount?  That may sound like the opposite of what I'm usually griping about (the uber-wealthy), but it's a matter of what's fair.

Every state and company not already out of business will be filing lawsuits, which will create nothing but trouble and expense.  Small businesses can't afford the legal fees.  As it is, we've just lost $10 Billion promised by Trump to his Board of Peace, who voted for that?

It's a crock created by crooks.

Just wait and see...Trump will take back all of his monetary promises and blame it on the Supreme Court, and not the fact that he's a rotten administrator.

So here's a relatively simple solution:  Ask everyone to submit the names of their top five charities, and then take the top ten and dole out the money.  There must be guidelines - for instance, I'd love to donate to tiny home communities but that's something the GOVERNMENT should be working to fix.

Here's mine, in no particular order:

World Wildlife Fund
ASPCA
Save the Children
St. Jude's
Make a Wish Foundation

What's wrong with that idea?  As long as the money's already out of our pockets, let's all be magnanimous for a change.  It'll come back to us in other ways, you know that's how it works.

Jeffrey-Thanos and Other Unprecedented Things

Am I the only one who sees a resemblance?  Marvel moviegoers will recognize this quote:  "Or I'll blow that nut____ of a chin right off!"  An unprecedented feature, wouldn't you say?

Nowadays everything's unprecedented; everyone who suddenly passed  lit up the room; and simple acts of doing the right thing garners the title Hero.  Those words have been so overused they lost their punch long ago.

That might sound harsh so let me explain:  for one thing, at 38 I returned home to discover my husband dead on the floor, so I'm not numb to such trauma. Two:  Firefighters, first responders, police officers, the military and teachers are Heroes for choosing such occupations to begin with, but every cat rescued from a tree or dog from a drain pipe does not constitute being a 

Hero: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

In order to make someone really really special, there must be higher standards than using a long pole.  I don't mean people haven't done heroic acts, but I tend to agree more with this depiction:

"A single heroic act does not automatically make someone a hero in the long-term, although it defines them as having performed a "heroic act" at that moment. True heroism is often considered a combination of selfless, risky, and voluntary actions, sometimes requiring a consistent pattern of behavior rather than just one impulsive incident."

How about "Mary the Lionhearted," or "Farmer Bill - the Man of the Hour".  THOSE would cause me to pause and take notice.  Don't judge - you know what I mean.

Which brings me to UNPRECEDENTED.  Everything the White House does is unprecedented, in a bad way it seems.  I was about to cite a few examples, but it's impossible to choose.

The most recent is particularly disturbing: the way we're tossing aside tried-and-true allies in favor of autocrats like Hungary's Viktor Orban, one of Putin's stooges; so what does that make us?  European leaders (among others) are looking for new buddies, and who can blame them?

Who can count on America any longer? Not even the American people. Another No Kings protest is planned for March, and those of us participating are, at least in the back of our minds, hoping no one gets thrown to the ground or shot in the face by law enforcement; not a stretch of the imagination.

I'm tired of their whining and blaming anything bad that happens during this administration on past Presidents other than the 45th; and how supportive #47 has been to Blacks, Hispanics, Women, Christians and World Peace. UNPRECEDENTED!  How many times have you heard from Trump's Team,

"...has done more than any President has done, ever!"

Trump doesn't care about the Iranian people he promised to support any more than he does the Ukrainians or Gazans, or us.  He demands something in return, for everything's a DEAL to him.  He wants beachfront property in Gaza and oil from Iran, this from his first administration:

"U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman blamed Iran for tanker attacks. In May 2019, tensions between Iran and the U.S. escalated after four ships were attacked near the UAE port of Fujairah, with Iran or its proxies suspected of involvement."  Wikipedia

Add that to all the Venezuelan oil we're getting now, does that mean we can hold off drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? That seems fair.

As for the Ukranians?  Pffft, says Trump. The only thing he wants is for Putin to play nice while Trump's in office, so he and his followers can forever claim that ONLY HE kept Putin at bay.  For years I've said that Putin's got pictures, which explains Donald's obsequious behavior to Vladimir; and within today's climate of what is now being called the Epstein Class, who knows?

From us he demands unconditional obeyance, or else he'll take away our rights. The latest attempt:  the SAVE Act, which will require, at the polling booth, the name on your ID match your birth certificate, too bad for women who've changed their names at marriage. Or a passport.

Not everyone can afford a passoport at $167, so as long as Trump's throwing money at building triumphal arches and new ICE recruits, how about offering to waive the passport fee for every eligible citizen who doesn't have one? Why not?  Whose vote are they trying to suppress?

Talk about suppressed, the other day I went to the Cultural Arts Center, where Tibetan Monks were visiting and offering various activities for five days.  They're traveling up and down the coast representing their Gaden Shartse Phukhang Monastery.

At each stop they create a different mandala, and watching that was fascinating.  The space is filled with a color; then one monk (left photo, upper right) draws the design with a fine-tipped tool; then another takes a tool shaped like a long, thin funnel, pours in some sand, then uses a second tool to gently scrape back and forth on the sand-filled tool to slowly dispense the sand. Kuh-kuh-kuh-kuh, all day long. They had more than a dozen funnels with different sized tips, I thought of cake decorating.  They can dispense a single grain of sand, imagine.  All colors are natural dyes.

I kept thinking of their poor backs, but commented to my companion that they're probably "Ummm-ing along silently."  Plus they all wore sturdy tennies.  They create a different mandala at each stop, working all day as people pass through.

A volunteer came up and began a lengthy explanation I couldn't really follow.  Our particular mandala was called the Green Tara, which in Tibetan Buddhism embodies compassion, wisdom, and protection from fear, obstacles, and dangers (I looked that up).  But there was something else I caught about the deity not 'ascending' or whatever until all the baddies are vanquished by death, and he made a slice across his neck. 

"Oh, that sounds like something a co-worker said after someone had done something unethical: Sooner or later, they all get it in the neck!"  The volunteer liked that one, asked if I was from New York then joshed about another volunteer, a New Yorker, who makes cracks like that all the time; of course he does.  

And then, after days of toiling, the Monks brush away the mandala, from the flyer:

"They ritaully dissolve the mandala back into emptiness by carefully sweeping it up, signifying the impermanence of all compounded things. Small packets of sand will be distributed to those on hand as keepsake blessing, and the rest of the sand carried to the D River, where it will be offered to the water as a blessing to all beings."

I didn't go to that, it would be too hard to watch.  I feel the same about sand castles, ice sculptures and sidewalk art.  Besides, I don't really like incense; which is why I also passed on the meditation workshop.  But I donated a twenty then purchased a couple of keychains, which they need more than my enlightenment.  Tuchi che! (thank you).

Nothing from Trump's administration really seems to get finished or fixed, just demolished; and the things that are supposedly locked-in get bushwhacked (the Gordie Howe Bridge opening and the Gateway Tunnel project).  At least anything which might benefit us.  How's your grocery bill?  How's your electric?  How's your health insurance?  He throws us a bone with TrumpRX and expects we'll be grateful - God help us if we're not!

Incomprehensible is throwing out a dictator (Maduro) but keeping his administration in power rather than installing the duly-elected candidate.  That's what Trump's hoping will happen in 2028.  Unfathonable is considering the return of the Shah of Iran's SON as what, the rightful ruler?  How far did that apple fall from the tree?

Unprecedented is the level of prid-pro-quo going on at the top.  Unprecedented is the growing strong-arm tactics, killing then covering up dead Americans on our streets.

What a Team

RFK Jr says germs aren't too bad, citing his experiences snorting Cocaine on toilet seats as definitive proof.  Pete Hegseth wants to hang retired Naval officer, former Astronaut, husband of shooting victim Gabby Giffords and now-Senator Mark Kelly from the yardarms for speaking the truth about unlawful orders (and which Hegseth himself spoke years ago).

Border Czar Tom Homan was filmed accepting a $50,000 bribe; and Kristi Noem's boyfriend/assistant fired her pilot for forgetting her blankie.  Noem's lack of empathy for shooting victims should surprise no one, after she shot her own dog with ease.  Imagine, all she had to do for a job was keep a straight face while an elephant danced onstage to YMCA. 

Pam Bondi's legacy will forever be blackened by this image of her NOT turning to address Epstein survivors when given the opportunity.  Our 'People's Lawyer' acted embarassingly undignified during her performance-for-one; repeatedly blaming former admins for not doing anything so why should Trump's?  Everyone will agree that there's plenty of blame to go around for decades of administrations, but neither did she do anything to Epstein when she was the AG for Florida.  She could have prevented so much damage.

Sec. of Commerce Howard Lutnick can't keep his lies straight - how old were his children when he took them to Epstein's Island and for what purpose?  That was seven years after his encounter at his next door neighbor's townhouse, during which he and the Mrs. swore they'd never see him again. Uh-huh.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has absolutely no qualifications for the position, everyone agrees; but he does have an expensive collection of erotic art and a mirrored floor in his mansion to titillate voyeuristic guests.  No wonder he was hired.

Why are Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff making deals with Middle East potentates and a Russian autocrat supposedly on our behalf?  Then what's Secretary of State Marco Rubio doing besides reassuring Europeans that we really do care about them; regardless of what the Chief Neanderthal says and does?  I doubt Marco's getting the same financial incentives as the other guys, maybe that's why he looks unhappy all the time.

And those are just a few.  What a team.

What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been!

I wish I could say that to Ex-Man #1, but he passed away in 2020.  We'd been married a scant 3-1/2 months, and Walter, 5 yrs my senior, introduced 18-yr-old-me to hitherto unknowns, notably Army life, drinking-and-smoking, and my now preferred rock genre, including:

"The Grateful Dead played a legendary concert in New Jersey on August 6, 1974, at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, featuring their massive "Wall of Sound" and an iconic second set with a massive "Playing in the Band" jam, "He's Gone," "Truckin'," and "Sugar Magnolia," with notable commentary about Nixon's impending resignation. This high-energy show is considered a highlight of their 1974 tour, just before their hiatus." (an AI synopsis)

We were there.  One day Walter, a Military Policeman, came home after a swing shift and announced he had tickets to the concert - for that night.  The first Dead concert had been a rainout, so we got the tickets from someone who had to work and couldn't go to the new date; for less than $10 apiece.  I didn't appreciate our good fortune at the time, but at least some of their songs were familiar to me, for it was one of Walter's favorite bands.

We were living in Asbury Park, on the Jersey Shore, in a run-down-but-cheap Victorian divided up into 6 or so apartments. (Photo:  now all fancy B&B's and such).

Local boy Bruce Springsteen was becoming 'known,' and the Stone Pony had recently opened up the street from where we lived.  Something else I didn't appreciate at the time.  Too busy learning how to cook.

Everyone called my husband Wally except me - I felt like The Beaver when I tried.  Walter was stationed at Ft. Monmouth, about 1/2-hour from my parent's home. He'd already been stationed in Okinawa at the tail-end of Vietnam, and he and his buddies would debate the B.S. of the war; the latest strain of pot; and music.  I was way out of my element but took it all in.

Who Steals an 84-Year Old Woman?!

Someone who needs to be put down.  Euthanized.  Yes, I'm for that.  There are unspeakable crimes committed in this country by people who oughtta be.  Christ, we put down animals for less.

Hearing the news of Nancy Guthrie shocks everyone, and we're likely thinking similar thoughts.  Haven't you considered what your own mother would be going through?  The poor woman.  Not to mention the anxiety of her loved ones.  I can't imagine how Savannah Guthrie is feeling, but I suspect her unwarranted guilt will tear at her forever.  Now, because of idiot copycats, every celebrity will need to beef up security - on their parents?

What the hell has happened to this country?  So yes, I think it's about time people be euthanized.  We might as well get the jump on it before the President begins mandating it for certain groups.

Yes, prayers, prayers, prayers for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.

That's my opening, but I've been jotting down a list of other topics worthy of comment, including:

1.  Sending ICE to the Winter Olympics.  Isn't that like Carrying Coal to Newcastle?  I don't believe it's for any other reason than President Trump wishing to intimidate European leaders.  It hasn't been so very long since Europe experienced similar horrors, how thoughtless.  But that's our guy.

2.  Part of Elon Musk's deal with his Board included him producing human replacements:

Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion 10-year compensation package for Elon Musk in November 2025 that is conditional on achieving significant AI and robotic milestones. The deal requires the production of 1 million Optimus humanoid robots.

Kinda makes you wonder what Elon and his Doge-ites were really doing by gathering all that information about US?  It's only a matter of time before the robots have realistic features like the Stepford Wives.  But people my age don't need to worry.  Nobody's going to replace a bunch of septuagenarians-plus.  They'll just use us for food, like Soylent Green, since there won't be anyone to grow or pick our sustenence.

3.  Any woman who isn't outraged over the Epstein files debacle might already BE a Stepford Wife.  They're making sexual assault a legit game managed by the Uber-Zillionnaires.  Am I the only one worried about our increasingly close ties with men who wear drapes and treat women as property? Did you happen to hear Melinda Gates?  Is no one listening?

I walked out of the supermarket the other day and had to pause to examine my slip for one bag's worth of groceries:  $34.00, and it wasn't exactly stuffed.  Remember when you could average $10 a brown bag?  Of course I'm not alone, but I sometimes think so while hearing about yet another gilded renovation - on the Kennedy Center, it's not called anything else except by Trump-o-files.

Maybe if they gild the new Air Force One it'll drop out of the sky.

It's called Pennies from Heaven.