Elmer's Glue

[H2O Man]

"It seems so very hard to maintain detachment of mind in the midst of raging fire." -- Gandhi


In the past two weeks, I have spoken with a number of relatives and friends who are feeling exhausted by the harsh atmosphere of our times. The Trump presidency, Covid 19 and the vaccine, environmental disasters, and more have definitely taken a toll on society. Individuals are aware of it, not only every time they leave their homes for work or shopping. It seems non-stop, because we are exposed to it on the television and internet.

As bad as things seem -- and are -- we are going to win this struggle. This is a big one, to be sure. It's a once-in-a-few-generations type of struggle. Today, we witness some of the same dynamics from those of the past gurgling to the surface.. It is beyond politics -- it is social, it is the rule of law, the national mental health. Those last two are on our side.

My favorite phone call was from my daughter in Boston. She is now working with a state-wide program that provides support to "at risk" children. She had just come from a staff meeting complete with raised voices and finger-pointing. Being relatively new, she was quiet through most of it. Then she spoke up, saying that they were all working in a stressful environment, as all work places are currently that way. She said that to start to change the environment, people needed to be thanked for the work they are doing. More, she added, this includes thanking the cashier at the store, the nurse, the school teacher, and others one encounters.

Two days later, she called to say that she had secured the largest grant they have ever gotten, and will be responsible for how it is spent. Thus, she noted, even very good things can be stressful. I think this holds true for individuals and groups. It is often how we deal with that stress, as individuals and groups, that determines eventual outcomes.

We have some good things. Even really good things. The US Supreme Court refused to help Trump hide records involving the insurrection. This was a good thing, though the USSC has made some unacceptable decisions. It is important that we get larger majorities in both houses of Congress, not only to be sure the House Committee investigating the January 6 insurrection, but to deal with a number of important issues. We need people to put in their best efforts in this election cycle. If we control two branches of the federal government, we can deal with the horrible USSC decisions.

Some people work best in the setting of their Democratic Party headquarters. Other prefer working from their homes on the internet. Still others like going door-to-door. Some people are able to reach registered (or former) republicans, upset with the direction the Trump cult is taking that party. Others are best at getting the reliable and somewhat reliable Democrats to the polls. Still others can reach progressives who are registered independent, often to the left of our party. We need everyone's contributions this year. It's how we beat them in 2018 and 2020. It's how we will in 2022.

Now, a word about our opposition. Right now, as you read this, somewhere Ivanka Trump is worrying about the legal issues currently confronting her. If she is fretting, then you know the other satillites in the gravitational force of the Trump cult are shitting. Over 24 who have left his crashing orbit have joined to prevent Trump from becomming the republican nominee. Two republicans are planning to enter the republican primary, even if Trump runs.

Trump has lost some of the radical right, too. It's not just those who boo him when he speaks about the vaccine. Many of those arrested for their crimes during the insurrection believe Trump has betrayed them. The pardons that were promised never arrived. Those who planned the insurrection -- and not just those with the sedition charges, but those who know they may be arrested soon -- will recognize that the first one that sings gets the best deal. Do not mistake these puddles of weakness for the guys in the mafia honor their code of silence when facing a long incarceration.

And how about those members of the groups that participated in the insurrection? As we speak, they are sitting in their living rooms, in the darkness, slamming beer and wondering who within their ranks are undercover FBI agents? Informants? They are like wild canines sick with hydrophobia, still dangerous, but by mid-summer, they will be biting their own tails, and gnawing on their own legs and paws.

A suggestion: If you encounter a republican foaming at the mouth, do not engage with them. For the pack of rabid fools led by a one-eyed dog named Elmer are being sent to the pound.

I would like to thank my former co-worker, Anna Kathryn, for her message today that inspired me to write this.

H2O Man

[AbnerBunny]

1. Thank you.

Your wise words are always soothing 😊

[H2O Man]

4. Thank you!

It's funny, in a strange way ..... I've had a few close encounters with Trump cult members who want to argue. Two made things up and attempted to attribute their nonsense to me. Yet it only exists between their ears. I don't have time for their foolishness.

I am confident that we will make positive gains in November. In large part, this will be because the House Committee will inspire us to be active, and at the same time, convince people of the importance of voting for the Democratic Party.

[The Roux Comes First]

2. Greatly Appreciated! No Time for Heads in the Sand. It is Critical That We Continue to be Engaged

And upbeat, even if a bit less of the flammable and catalytic components from the boob tube might be in order.

This is going to be a long pull and all are needed!

[H2O Man]

6. Exactly!

You nailed it!

[Karadeniz]

3. Thanks! I needed that!!!!!!

[H2O Man]

7. Thanks!

After hearing from my former co-worker, I was thinking that I haven't communicated with anyone recently who does not mention how the stress of the day is impacting their lives, both in and out of work. It is the strangest period in my lifetime, surpassing 1968. We have a dangerous, but flawed opposition. I am confident that we will expose those flaws in a manner that will lead to the essential-for-democracy victories we need in November. Let's fight hard between now and then!

[SWBTATTReg]

5. Timely and also, very wise words. We needed the 'cheer me up' pep talk, so my very grateful thanks

to you. I do get tired of the doom and gloom that sometimes pervades DU, it does get a little old.

[H2O Man]

8. Thank you!

Sometimes, I'm reminded of my own thought processes when I have a medical appointment. No matter how routine, I tend to go to worst case scenario in the days and hours before the appointment. "What if they find something terribly wrong?" But that has only been true in a couple of times! (grin) Yet, that is a very real part of human behavior. However, it is one that can be overcome with rational thought. For example: they are sick, we are not. They are weak, we are strong. We are capable of making that our first nature, since it is absolutely true.

[Easterncedar]

25. Scanxiety

Because of you, H2Oman, I have now been introduced to the writing of Dr. Sandra Steingraber, (more thanks!) and she mentions medical staff using the term "scanxiety," which she allows is clever, but she says that the experience is more properly called trauma. That feels apt for what we are all going through now - we need to be not only rational, but brave, which the unrelenting and all-encompassing nature of these threats makes very hard. It's so difficult to focus on what to do. Flight isn't an option, appealing though it is - there's nowhere to run. We have to fight, on many fronts.

[H2O Man]

30. Oh, she's great!

I haven't seen her since Covid arrived, but keep up to date on face book.

Unlike Sandra, I'm not very smart. But I do know from close to 60 years of boxing and training boxers, what Cus D'Amato said was true beyond the ring. Cus taught that both the coward and the hero experience the same fear -- for anyone who does not fear fighting in the ring is lying to themselves, just as anyone not un-nerved by the current social-political reality is lying to themselves. The fear is like fire: the coward is consumed by its flames, while the hero finds it heats the house when used safely.

And I fully agree we have many fronts to fight on. As Malcolm X used to say, we need to fight on every front!

[LoisB]

9. Thank you. Inspirational and much needed.

[H2O Man]

15. Thanks!

I appreciate that. I tend to think of myself as a realist, and I think it is realistic that we achieve some large -- and much needed -- victories in 2022. I'm an old man, who has watched various Congressional committees since the Senate Watergate hearings. Read about them, reports by them, etc. And I think the January 6 Committee is the best I've seen. They need us (the grass roots) to do our part. We coordinate efforts with them and the White House. And win!

[LoisB]

22. Yes! I, too, think the Jan. 6 Committee is the best I've seen and I am old too.

They are committed.

[H2O Man]

31. It's curious .....

I don't like Dick Cheney There's nothing about him post 9/11 that I do not view as other than evil in the psychological context. And I never cared for his daughter. Yet I remember Chief Waterman telling me that someone who is your opposition on some issues, may be ally on another. I think of that when I find myself respecting her work on this issue.

[LoisB]

34. Yes, I do too. Not much else but on this she is doing a great job. She's not afraid. I don't

understand why more members of the so-called law and order party haven't followed her lead. They all know Jan. 6 was wrong and illegal. I guess they are all too afraid of tRump to speak out.

[Jack-o-Lantern]

10. ...sigh, I wish I had the optimisum of others here.

[H2O Man]

18. A few years back,

when my late friend Rubin spoke to audiences, he would say that Good People need to replace "No" with "Yes!" He'd say that if anyone had had reason to give up, it would be him in the two decades he was incarcerated for a crime he didn't commit. But he focused upon "Yes!"

I know that sounds simplistic. But there is a lot of truth in it. And I recognize the differences between life in a Democratic Party area, versus a republican area. Heck, in my district, there are more republicans and independents than there are registered Democrats. That's a reality I am aware of, as I organize for the Josh Riley campaign to remove Claudia Tenney in Congress. But I like a good fight, and know it is the coordination between the candidate, campaign, and grass roots activists that brings about victory. And I am 100% confident that we'll defeat Tenney come November. Yes, we will!

[kimbutgar]

11. Thank you I needed this !

It’s getting so hard to turn on TV and hear how unpopular President Biden is after the terrorist criminal we had in the white from 2017 to 2021. I don’t worry that President Biden will nuke another country or hurt Americans.

We just have to work hard to fight back those who want to destroy our democracy. And I believe that they are becoming more demoralized and waking up ( hopefully the real wokeness) that they have been duped by a conman.

[H2O Man]

19. Well said!

Very well said, indeed. I agree.

I take days off from watching the news on television. At times, it reminds me of the local radio station here. Every time snow is predicted, the fuel company and grocery store -- located next to each other -- provide the weather forecast. Up to two inches of snow predicted! Fuel up on gasoline! Get bread and milk! This may be your last chance before this storm! And people respond to that every time. "There's a HUGE storm coming! Up to two inches!"

I lived through enough winters that I remember a time when no one thought snow was cause to panic. Stay off the roads, if necessary. But other than that, get outside and engage in fun activities.

2022 is bound to be a stormy year. Let's get out, have some fun campaigning, and even shovel the republicans off the sidewalks of Congress.

[Hekate]

12. Thanks -- I also needed that. You take care of yourself.

When I think of you, sometimes I am walking those trails in my imagination as well.

[H2O Man]

21. I have been out

walking every day. Now that deer season is over, I can walk the dog out in the fields and woods safely. Trying to get where I can walk through neighborhoods rather than "the sticks" come spring, summer, and fall. Going door-to-door, so long as the Corona virus is more under control. (If not, I have a phone and the internet, and will adjust as needed!)

In the summer, the dog liked swimming in the pond. As it got colder, she enjoyed wading. The ice on it confused her at first, leading to extended barking. Now she likes walking on the ice! Deer still seem to confuse her, as she seems certain they would make great friends if they would follow us inside.

I love looking at the animal tracks outside, including on the ice on the pond. The spring that feeds the pond doesn't freeze over, so everything heads to it for a drink of water. The warmth from the spring keeps the snow and ice melted offa section of the stone wall my son built around it.

[Easterncedar]

13. Just what I needed

Thank you, H2Oman. I'm a long-time lurker, and this is only the second reply I've ever felt compelled to write. The first time I logged in it was also just to say thank you to you. I have family in your legislative district whose path you have probably crossed, even if you have never met, as they volunteered for your preferred candidate last time. I admire your writing greatly, and I have shared this post with a number of my friends who have likewise been feeling down and in need of encouragement. It's a simple truth, there's more courage going around because of you! Again and again, thank you.

[H2O Man]

33. Thank you so much!

I really appreciate that! That is so nice!

It is likely that I did encounter your family members. Do you know if they were in Utica when Trump came to raise funds for Tenney? That was an interesting day!

[malaise]

14. Another great post

Keep up the great work
The party's over!

[H2O Man]

35. Thanks!

I will be partying after Josh wins in November! Of course, what counts as "partying" for me these days is distinct in nature from what I did half a century ago. That's true for a lot of old friends and associates that are assisting me on the campaign.

Tenney and her campaign have proven to be prone to paranoid thinking. It was ugly when in 2018 she accused her opponent, an Italian-American from Utica, of being mob-connected. Seriously. 2018 ad. Tell me, my Sister, do you think that rumors alone will convince her and her ugly campaign that we have infiltrated? I mean, bad enough she is being investigated by law enforcement for some financial dealings. Perhaps a political documentary could be made of what Abbie Hoffman called "monkey warfare" when I partied with him.

[malaise]

39. I should have been more specific

The Slobfather and his goons' party is over!
Consequences are coming

[DENVERPOPS]

16. A masterpiece H20 NC

[H2O Man]

37. Thank you!

Much appreciated!

[Nevilledog]

17. Missed you...

Glad to see you back with another grand essay.

[H2O Man]

40. Thanks, my Friend!

I've been busy laying a foundation for campaigning here in NYS's 22 district, and have neglected posting here as much as I normally enjoy doing. But I've taken time most days to read DU:GD.

I heard from an old friend this morning. We were co-workers, and she and her husband are among my favorite people. She is a mental health therapist, and a mighty good one. And her job has been becoming incressingly stressful ..... which tires one faster. And I've heard very similar stories from a number of family & friends. So I wrote that up, and am very pleased with the response.

[PufPuf23]

20. I needed that. So tired too. Thank you.

On the rare times find myself out and about for necessities, I thank everyone encountered and am deliberately kind and / or make notice of something beautiful about the time and place. Sobering that there are so many in our communities that wish others harm.

We need to get the mess cleaned up to prepare for other cascading challenges.

[H2O Man]

41. Thank you!

I leave my property on average 1.5 times per month. I've encountered three cult members this week alone, though on the internet. They want to argue despite having no argument. I've had to discipline myself, as it would be easy to debate them. And possibly fun. But meaningless in that context.

My son recently got me to watch a movie titled "Don't Look Up." I might be the last person to see it. It is a work of art. Kind of like something a Mark Twain would come up with. I was laughing hard during parts of it, and troubled by how accurate it is.

And you are so right: after we clean up this mess, there are some difficult challenges ahead.

[ShazzieB]

23. Thanks for the encouragement.

I, too, believe we can win this struggle, and I have little patience with the negativity that is often expressed at DU. I understand why people get discouraged, but giving in to that discouragement is a CHOICE, and it's one of the most destructive ones we could make, because it can sap our energy and make us feel like there's no point in even trying. It can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy, and is that is the last thing we need right now!

To those who feel there's nothing left to hope for, remember this: It's not over until it's over. I know that's a cliché, but things become clichés because they contain an element of truth. This struggle we're engaged in is NOWHERE NEAR OVER. Not only has the fat lady not sung; she's still in her dressing room, in her bathrobe, doing her makeup.

It drives me nuts when people want to give up on something important prematurely. My parents did a lot of things wrong, but one thing my dad harped on that he got right was to never assume ahead of time that something is going to be terrible. If you expect bad things to happen, they almost certainly will. Keep an open mind, give things a chance, wait and see, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Assuming that all is lost is about the most counterproductive thing we can do. That state of mind almost guarantees failure, because it provides no motivation to fight. If we believe we've already lost, why even try? If we are thoroughly convinced that there's no hope, why put in any effort at all? It's a lot easier to just lie here, moaning about how terrible it's going to be, while we wait for the end to come.

That mindset drives me absolutely nuts. Thanks for pointing out how much there is that we can do that can make a REAL difference. We need more posts like this around here, and a lot fewer Chicken Littles running around screaming about how the sky is falling.

[Collimator]

28. And thanks for your words of encouragement, too.

You are completely right about the self-fulfillment of the "all is lost" thought process. It's not unlike the belief systems of a certain stripe of right-wing religious types.

They've been taught all their lives that this world that we live in is essentially a lost cause. They actually want to live in "The End Times" not only because they think the next world is the only one that counts, but also because they think that their position as believers makes them the heroes of this end-of-the-world drama.

The events written about in the book of Revelation can be interpreted thousands of different ways and none of those things actually has to happen. But if people keep imposing certain policies, funding different governments and groups and pushing certain political agendas, then we will find ourselves in some version of "End Times".

Let's all take a deep breath and remind ourselves that it doesn't have to be this way and that people all over the world have pushed through some terrible times. World War II was a crisis point for humanity and we shouldered through. To paraphrase Captain America, there were things that we lost, but can you imagine a world where the Allies actually lost the war?

The Civil War in this country was devastating. But, as a massive armed conflict, it did end with our country intact and now we have to pick up the pieces of the unfinished conflict and continue the fight in the political and social realms.

Our revolution was an incredible long shot. I'm sure that most well-read students of history living in that day and age would not have bet on the rebellious colonials.

Going even further back in time, there is genetic evidence that during a certain period of pre-history there were fewer than 2000 human beings on this planet. However, we are a very scrappy, very clever, and possibly very horny species. We managed to survive.

We can survive this crisis in human history. In fact, failing an actual killer asteroid, we will survive. The real question is what sort of world do we want to construct from our current instability?

[H2O Man]

43. Outstanding post!

Thank you for stating this so well!

I can appreciate that people are tired out. And that there are discouraging things going on. People were tired in 2018, and even more so in 2020. But we put the work in and won. I remember going into the 2020 season I posted that we could take the Senate, and several friends said that was unrealistic. But it happened, though we have two reasons why we need a bigger lead. 2022 is our opportunity.

In the sport of boxing, which I have a great deal of experience in, a good trainer will always tell their fighter in between rounds, "They are more tired than you." I heard it a lot, and have said it a lot. As tired as Democrats are right now, the truth is that our opposition is more tired. We can exploit that this year.

[sheshe2]

24. Thank you, H2O Man.

I needed to hear/read this right now.

I would also like to congratulate you for the child you raised and the success she has won. She lives in my neck of the woods and "at risk" children are plentiful and in vital need. You must be very proud of her.

[H2O Man]

45. Thank you!

I find my role changes as I age. While I can't do everything that I used to, I can do some of it, plus other things that I didn't do in the past.

And many thanks -- yes, I am proud of my daughter! She averages a couple calls or texts per week. I get a kick out of it when she asks for my advice, and remind her that she has far surpassed me. Then she notes I have more experience, before running things by me. I ask what options she sees, and she lists them. I ask what she thinks is best, and she tells me. Then I say what I've said to her since she was little: trust your own judgement. She laughs and says she knows that, but just wanted me to remind her!

I will not be surprised if she runs for office in the near future. She has a lot of experience, and very good judgement.

[sheshe2]

54. If she runs for office you will have to tell me her name.

If I am in her district I would vote for her. Her words in the meeting touched me. It is something I do and did long before the pandemic. A simple thank you, how hard is that for anyone to say. During the pandemic we did take out periodically we always over tipped as they were on the front line. One time two young girls were there when I picked up our order….as I was leaving one said don’t you want your change, I said no, that is for you. They both said Thank you!!!!

Best, she.

[H2O Man]

57. I definitely will!

I am happy that she is not interested in boxing competitively now ...... just the training to stay in shape. She's concentrated that time in finishing her CD for release. I so much prefer that to her boxing! . She was at the last gym that Rubin ever visited, and my kids grew up thinking of him as an uncle.

At risk of being an overly-obnoxiously proud father (I am), two stories you might enjoy. When she was a pre-teen, we went to a rural church I had just got on the state & national historical register. During the sermon, she kept raising her hand, though she was ignored by the pastor. Finally, she got up and expressed her opinion that people really didn't seem to understand what Jesus was saying, or we'd be out helping those in the town that didn't have enough food or good clothes.

I took her to listen to former federal prosecutor Elizabeth de la Vega when she was 14. During the Q&A, my daughter said what she thought about VP Cheney. Elizabeth said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you've just met your next Senator." Oh yes, I am mighty proud of her. And I tell her that every time we speak.

She is supposed to get here this evening, for a week. I am really excited.

[sheshe2]

58. Ha!

Nothing obnoxious about being proud of the girl/now woman. She sure has spunk. Now, if she makes it to the Hill as Senator or Rep. perhaps she can spar with Sharice Davids to keep in shape.

You two have a wonderful week together. I am sure your chats will be interesting.

[lindalou65]

26. Thanks for this!

Well done and what I needed to hear! I watched 'Darkest Hour' last night and something Churchill really stressed in his speeches was that the British were winning (even though things were at their worst) and the British people would never give up the fight against the tyranny of Hitler. His inspirational words really hit home with me and now reading your words of encouragement adds to that.

[H2O Man]

46. Nice!

I like that. Though imperfect -- for Churchill was human -- he stepped up when it was time. I like the saying that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. That includes people who might believe there is very little they can do. They have been lied to, because there are things that each of us can do. And when we do them together, that's powerful.

[spanone]

27. Thank You H2O Man

...K&R...

[H2O Man]

47. Thanks!

[bucolic_frolic]

29. Fabulous construct

Love it

[H2O Man]

48. Thank you!

Much appreciated!

[LAS14]

32. Sorry. I don't understand the point of the title?? nt

[H2O Man]

49. Well I live

near where Bordon's "Elmer's Glue was invented and produced. And our beast fiend Elmer Rhodes is stuck. When one reaches my advanced age, such things come to mind.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

36. Love the whole post but who's 'Elmer'?

[H2O Man]

50. Elmer Rhodes is

the head of the "oath keepers," facing the sedition charge.

[MustLoveBeagles]

42. K&R

[H2O Man]

51. Thanks!

[Wednesdays]

44. K&R. nt

[H2O Man]

52. Thank you!

[NBachers]

53. I just made a $20.00 donation to Josh Riley, in gratitude for your post. And that's how we do it.

[H2O Man]

60. Thank you!

That is so nice of you!

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

55. "We need everyone's contributions this year"

Yep.

[H2O Man]

61. Yes!

Thank you!

[malthaussen]

56. Black humor works best for me.

I have noted that people on the cutting edge of a conflict, whether they be soldiers, health care workers, or disaster workers, often adopt what would seem on the surface to be callous, insensitive, and usually very dark slogans and jokes to get them through the next bit of difficulty. In Vietnam, it was "don't mean nothin.'" In George MacDonald Fraser's section in Burma, one of the men was always saying "You're all gonna die!" Or, there is the famous "March or die" of the Legion Etrangere. Though not familiar with the customs of the Sweet Science, I'd be willing to bet practitioners have their own vocabulary of dark encouragement.

Why this is so is an interesting question. I know that the sort of things that are usually meant to be encouraging seem fatuous and vacant to me, but "You're all gonna die" causes me to immediately resolve that I need to do all I can to make sure we don't all die. From the outside, this sort of language seems innately discouraging, depressing, and de-motivating. On the inside, it seems realistic, but is not meant to imply that the job won't be done -- just that it is not going to be much fun. It seems futile to try to assert that something that does suck, does not suck, but that suckage is not really relevant to the job at hand, which has to be gotten on with. I understand the military have a new slogan, "Embrace the suckage," which addresses this reality.

-- Mal

[H2O Man]

62. Interesting!

Thank you for this.

There is indeed a saying common in boxing ..... both the good and not-so-good trainers use it in between rounds of a tough fight. I've used it myself, though I hesitate to say if I'm a good or bad trainer. My son and I refer to it for a joke while watching fights on television.
"He's more tired than you!" can often be heard, from ringside at a fight, or in a living room when the camera covers the corners between rounds.

In a very real sense, it is an empty, deperate form of cheerleading in some cases, yet important information in others. As Rubin used to say, it is the difference between shit and sugar. For if, for example, both cornermen say it at the same time between the rounds of a tough fight, one fighter knows he is being lied to. It comes down to trust.

[Saoirse9]

59. I have a lot of hope

I think we can prevail in 2022.

So many repubs are dying of Covid.

McConnell pissed off Black Americans -- bad.

Michelle Obama will register 1 million people.

Biden will seat a Black woman on the Supreme Court.

We’ve reduced child poverty in this country by 40 percent.

We passed infrastructure.

There will be 34 Senate seats up for grabs; 20 are Republican. We have so many opportunities to flip seats, keep the majority and make Sinema and Manchin irrelevant.

This is not the time to grouse about the current political climate. It’s time to act. So let’s talk about real life issues, in plain language, to real people. We can still save our country. All hands on deck.

It will be hard. Really fucking hard. But we have to prevail. We did it in 2018. When we all vote we win.

[H2O Man]

63. Right.

It will be hard. Really fucking hard. But not nearly as hard as if we don't do our best.