The crescendo of voices of protest rising against Trump policies reminds me I am not alone in wanting America to continue this journey to build a human community that works for all citizens. Join me this November in choosing leaders who want to make America great by unifying the country, not by tearing it apart!Quoting former President Obama, “VOTE!”

From finding a motel, making it to dinner, getting the last spots on the morning’s sold-out ferry, seeing a finback whale on the trip back, and having fantastic weather, we felt like winners . . . an all too rare feeling since the 2024 elections.

Is America also in decline? It certainly feels like it. I want to feel about America the way I did
today—enjoying the community joining together to cheer their children on, rooting for each
to win, and all of us just Americans celebrating our country’s birthday.

Friends in Israel cheered Trump; my friends in Iran cursed him and us. All of them are held hostage to heinous governments, just like we are. When are they innocent victims? When will we be?

This is the tale of mamma bird’s first nest, “A nest, a nest—I must build a nest. For my eggs, it must be the best.”

I tried to convince Ella not to get her nose pierced, but knew I would lose the battle. Her mom and dad had already consented. I have other grandkids with nose rings, which I really find abhorrent. Water buffalo have nose rings! I guess it’s a generational thing. I’d be so much happier if they were protesting Trump.

This account is from 2012, a time when the US was actively engaged in the welfare of the world. I watch in horror as I see Trump dismantling the NGO’s and agencies struggling to continue this unfinished work.

Will we wake from our slumber? Will it be soon enough?

It took a few days after being touted as a superwoman to return home, where I was treated more like a bit of furniture. My daughters love me, but to them I’m old hat. Maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be; otherwise, none of us could live with me.

We are not wealthy, but we are not poor. Education has allowed us to be fully contributing
members of society, independent and aware. Curse this president and the dark future he is
leading this country into. He has no servant’s heart.