Do All Power-Crazed Leaders Think Similarly?

"Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it" - Adolf Hitler

“Politics is when you say you are going to do one thing while intending to do another. Then you do neither what you said nor what you intended.” - Saddam Hussein

“I know that fewer people are won over by the written word than by the spoken word and that every great movement on this earth owes its growth to great speakers and not to great writers.”― Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

“Ideas are more powerful than guns. We would not let our enemies have guns, why should we let them have ideas.” – Josef Stalin

"I am the object of criticism around the world. But I think that since I am being discussed, then I am on the right track." - Kim Jong-Il

“The American president increasingly used his influence to create conflicts, intensify existing conflicts, and, above all, to keep conflicts from being resolved peacefully. For years this man looked for a dispute anywhere in the world, but preferably in Europe, that he could use to create political entanglements with American economic obligations to one of the contending sides, which would then steadily involve America in the conflict and thus divert attention from his own confused domestic economic policies.”― Adolf Hitler

A Traumatic Diagnosis Called Perpetual Trump Stress Disorder

"Qin Shi Huang

Reign: 247-210 B.C.

Qin, also called Qin Shihuangdi, also called Qin Shihuangdi, united China in 221 B.C. 
and ruled as the first emperor 
of the Qin dynasty. He was known to order 
the killing of scholars whose ideas he disagreed
 with and the burning of "critical" books. During
his reign, he ordered the construction of a great wall."  -Brittanica

Sound familiar? These are incredibly unsettled times. Those of us shocked and appalled by our President's undignified speech, intimidating manner, and unmitigated disdain for anything beyond his seemingly ADD fixations (ie, the size of his crowds, how he would have won the popular vote, & how adored he is). Other than the president for the people, he is the avaricious monarch for those with the requisite fortune to secure a plum presidential appointment. Though I thought Donald Rumsfeld, Carl Rove, and the Bush thugs were ghastly, this new Trump gaggle of clueless millionaires and billionaires are ladróns tortuoso. Every day I hold my breath waiting for his administration to enact another frightening edict.

Watching the past few weeks of this administration's machinations has awakened fairy tale memories from childhood about tyrant kings, machiavellian court politicos, and ruthless royalty, all scurrying for the king's favor as they amass more power. As scary as they were, there was always a happily ever after ending. No such luck with this reality. My lugubrious mood has me seeking solace from self-help books offering coping mechanisms for my dour adjustment disorder. I decided to research my symptoms hoping there might be an appropriate anti-psychotic that might ease my free floating anxiety.

The bible of mental health diagnoses is called the DSM-5. Though there is no diagnosis called Perpetual Trump Stress Disorder, I would like to propose one. Like PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) the definition from the National Institute of Mental Health is quite similar: "PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event." Isn't that what daily life has been like since the
Trump minions have lorded over us with their nonstop assault on our intellect and humanity?  

The National Institute of Mental Health did have some other suggestions:

'Some resilience factors that may reduce the risk of PTSD include:

• Seeking out support from other people, such as friends and family
• Finding a support group after a traumatic event
• Learning to feel good about one’s own actions in the face of danger
• Having a positive coping strategy, or a way of getting through the bad event and learning from it
• Being able to act and respond effectively despite feeling fear.'

• Together we can overcome.
• 
  

"20 Minutes of Action"

 Portrait of an All American Rapist

This week shined a light of how our judicial system is skewed when it comes to white, economically advantaged young men who commit rape. The case of Brock Turner, a Stanford swimmer, jarred us with the reality of how celebrity looks, a winning smile, and a Stanford education can earn you a get out of jail free card. He was convicted of raping a an intoxicated 23 year old woman. Two graduate students happened upon the sexual assault in progress and apprehended him when he attempted a cowardly escape. In a sentence which can only leave one speechless, he received six months in prison with only three months if he behaves himself. Judge Aaron Persky handed down the sentence saying, "a long sentence would have a severe impact on him." Wake up judge, jail has a severe impact on everyone sentenced.

According to Judge Aaron Persky, if I am unconscious or do something stupid and voluntarily lose control of my sensorium, white men of privilege are entitled to rape me. After all, boys will be boys-it happens at frat parties everywhere. The message here is I automatically consent to being brutalized for not being a good girl. I wonder if Judge Persky, a self-proclaimed defender of violated women, even knows the extent of trauma rape victims endure. Did the fact that Judge Persky also went Stanford bias his decision?

The slap on the wrist sentencing of a 20 year old blond, blue-eyed American swimmer from Stanford illustrates what women have known for centuries:  rape is in the eye of the beholder. There is always a plausible excuse to rape a woman. And, even if there isn’t, most women deserve it when the engage in slut-like behavior. A clear message has been sent that men should not be punished for predatory sexual behavior when the victim is making herself 'available'. His father said it well when he wrote to the judge proclaiming such his phenomenal athletic son should not be punished for “20 minutes of action”. He went on to say his son "has never been violent to anyone" including the night of the witnessed attack. Unbelievably, the senior Mr. Turner felt his son could pay his karmic debt for necrophiliac-like horsing around with his obtunded prey by warning fellow college students of the dangers of promiscuity and drinking. He was referring to his son's victim here. The apple, evidently, does not fall far from the tree. Now we know where his son got his respect for incapacitated women. 

The rapist, Brock Turner, has never expressed remorse for his actions. His defense was he was drunk and the sex was consensual. The witnesses at his trial testified his victim was unconscious and could not have given consent. As a child of wealth, Mr. Turner believes he is above the law as does his father. Neither have insight on the makings of a predator. He really is a good kid who made a minor mistake-getting caught. For God’s sake this is a 20 year old blond, blue-eyed all-star athlete from Stanford. This will teach Mr. Turner to be more careful the next time.

The trues heroes of this story are the victim and the grad students who intervened by catching Mr. Turner as he fled the scene. This victim showed tremendous courage coming forward when most when most women would have felt overwhelmed by the odds this rarified trophy cake eater would ever see justice. Until you’ve been there, it is impossible to describe the humiliation of having your degradation paraded in court and in the media.

The grad students who interceded by capturing the assailant also deserve tremendous praise for their valorous actions. They had the emotional wits to stop the attack, ensuring Mr. Turner would face the consequences for his predation. Unlike Mr. Turner and his father, these young men were taught to respect and value women. They deserve a medal for rescuing the victim, intercepting the perpetrator, and bravely testifying in court. The actions of these two grad students has given me hope that a generation of men who delight in violent video games depicting women as folly for their pent up aggression can rise above the prevailing misogynist attitudes being spoon fed to boys and men.

Mr. Turner's Aryan looks and steely denial will not serve him well in prison. My guess is his fellow minority inmates won't be impressed with his collegiate prowess nor his cries of being the real victim. They may, however, enjoy his warnings about the dangers of sexual promiscuity and intoxication. 

A movement is under way to recall Judge Aaron Persky. To sign a petition for his recall, go to:

http://cjp.ca.gov/res/docs/appendix/complaintform%20fillable.pdf

WHEN DEATH DOES NOT TAKE A HOLIDAY

The Dregs of January in Minnesota

 

Growing up in Minnesota, one learns the cruelest month is January. However, Minnesotans operate under a high level of denial and find amusing ways to delude themselves as a way of surviving the subzero weather. 

Minnesotans do not let winter in January dampen their spirits. They

 cleverly have adapted to everyday life in the frozen tundra.

   Who needs warm weather in January, when the suns rays

 are so close to the earth at this time of year!

The hardiness of Minnesotans is well respected by

 our fellow Americans.

Don't worry, Minnesota, soon it will be February.

January adds to the allure of Minnesotans. Who knew

 this makes us international sex symbols.

Au Revoir Alan Rickman

The first time I saw Alan Rickman I fell in love with him. In 1992 he starred in the marvelous movie, "Truly, Madly, Deeply". He was simply spellbinding as a ghost lover of a woman named Nina, who is in the depths of despair after months of dealing with his character's sudden death. Her gut-wrenching grief brought him back from the netherworld. This movie came out as the same time as "Ghost" but unlike this sentimental shallow tripe, "Truly, Madly, Deeply" was riveting in its intensity pondering what would it be like to have a second chance with a lost love. Alan Rickman was sophisticated enough to let Juliet Stephenson as Nina steal the show; only a confident and sentient actor would be so generous. Mr. Rickman showed this kind of mettle in all his performances. 

Many remember his fierce performances as Hans Gruber in "Die Hard", Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series, Harry in "Love Actually", and as the Sheriff of Nottingham in "Robin Hood". His presence on screen hypnotized me. Even in a bad movie he was excellent. He had a way of drawing me in, mesmerizing me with his brilliance regardless of the role. 

That voice. Who will ever forget that mellifluous voice? Here's to Alan Rickman. Thank you for bringing to life such an astounding range of characters. There are not enough adjectives to describe your immense talent. Rest in Peace.

JUROR #3

I was called Juror #3. Like most people, I had hoped some of the facts of my background would disqualify from jury duty but my fellow jury prospects had more baggage than an airplane. Along with twelve other jurors, I won this lottery and was selected foreperson because of my past trial experience. 

It was a circumstantial case involving a convicted felon who had been  arrested in a big narcotics raid for possession of crack cocaine, a loaded gun, and a box of ammunition. Initially I thought this to be a slam dunk case of not guilty due to overzealous narc squad wanting to bust a man who was most probably involved with distribution of drugs. All they got was a man with a loaded weapon and a gram of crack. Even though the defendant was previously caught doing illegal activities, I wanted to follow to follow the letter of the law and make the prosecutor convince me the evidence showed this beyond a reasonable doubt. 

For anyone who has not served on a jury, it is a daunting task. You are charged to sit in judgment of another person's life, deciding their fate. It is not like the legal shows one sees on TV. Conceptually, it is easy to think you can be fair but the gravity hits you when you are escorted to the jury room for deliberations. 

We had an good cross-section from our County of jurors who took their duty seriously. None of them walked in thinking or wanting this man to be guilty until everything had been dissected and carefully reviewed. I was elected foreperson due to my previous experience on a jury trial. All of my fellow jurors agreed with my proposed structure at how we can breakdown and discuss this case logically to more likely reach a unanimous verdict on all counts. It was of the utmost importance to me personally that each juror left there feeling their voice was heard and there opinion was crucial in reaching a consensus. This was this thoughtful jury who combed through every piece of evidence, reviewed the facts and discrepancies, and civilly discussed our conclusions as instructed by the judge according to law. Though I and another juror remained the most skeptical of the state's case was beyond a reasonable doubt case, when we had the testimony of a witness re-read back to us by the court reporter, my fellow juror and I discussed our shadow of a doubt suddenly was illuminated by refreshed testimony. The verdict was guilty.

This was my first guilty verdict trial. As I looked at the defendant and his family's dejected faces, I felt incredibly sad for all the suffering they had been through, especially for the elderly grandmother who raised him. Afterwards, I wondered about the story behind this story. At the very end, before we were dismissed, the judge advised us it would be best for us to lay this to rest and not explore this case further. I will never know the full story but believe twelve people did their best in determining a fair and impartial verdict. 

As I walked away, several jurors stopped to tell me what a good job I did as foreperson. This being their first trial, they thanked me for how thoughtful and adept I was at maneuvering them through the legal process to draw their own conclusions. They voiced being surprised that they felt more confidence in the judicial system after being part of it and were impressed that their participation was key. Knowing how seriously every one of the jurors took this responsibility, I share their confidence and believe the fundamental right to a fair trial by one's peers is the cornerstone of our democracy. It is a small price to pay to ensure justice for all.